Improved security aiding local Iraq forces

BAGHDAD, March 6 (UPI) -- The improved security situation in Iraq led by the U.S. troop surge created an opportunity for Iraqi security forces to grow in rank and number.

"(Iraqi security forces) have made significant progress in size, quantity and in quality, and some of the things that were on the table, in terms of difficulties, are now off the table," said Army Lt. Gen. James Dubik.

Dubik leads the U.S. military program responsible for training, organizing and mentoring Iraqi security forces.

The Iraqi army added more than 60,000 servicemen to its ranks in 2007, and the national police force enlisted an additional 8,000 officers as well, Dubik said.

The Iraqi armed forces have 12 divisions and nearly 150 battalions, but Dubik noted the security forces lack mid- and senior-grade officers, the American Forces Press Service said.

There are twice as many pilots in the Iraqi service and they fly 10 times the number of missions per week than last year.

Dubik said plans are to integrate some of the members of the grassroots security force Sons of Iraq into the local security and police units this year. Dubik said about 25 percent of the 80,000 members of the unit are expected to be serving in the police force by the end of 2008.

The Iraqi military also purchased more than $1 billion in military equipment in 2008 alone.