Rumsfeld taps 92,000 GIs for Iraq rotation
(AP)
Updated: 2005-11-08 23:46

The troop rotation announcement identified only six combat brigades, including one from the National Guard, that will deploy over a two-year period beginning in mid-2006. Currently there are about 17 brigades in Iraq. Monday's announcement did not include any Marine Corps units, although they apparently will be added later.

The forces "as presently envisioned" number 92,000 soldiers, the Pentagon said.

Rumsfeld, appearing before reporters with British Defense Minister John Reid prior to announcing the troop rotation details, stressed that conditions on the ground in the months ahead will determine any changes in U.S. force levels.

"We're aware of the interest in the press in the mid-to-longer-term levels of U.S. forces and coalition forces in Iraq, but I would caution that it would be a mistake to draw conclusions about such matters when reviewing the force rotation announcements that will be made later today," Rumsfeld said.

"We continue to transition and transfer additional responsibilities to the Iraqi security forces, and the people of Iraq continue to meet the political milestones that they have established," he added. "As these and other conditions are met, Gen. (George) Casey will continue to assess the capabilities that he believes he will need and make recommendations as to the levels he believes will be needed in the period over the coming months."

The Pentagon said the following major units will deploy as part of the 2006-2008 rotation:

1st Brigade, 34th Infantry Division, Minnesota Army National Guard.

2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfert, Germany.

3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.

3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

2nd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

13th Corps Support Command, Fort Hood, Texas.

Division headquarters, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

The announcement said, without elaboration, that Rumsfeld decisions "may result in changes to this rotation and may affect units now being identified and advised to prepare to deploy.