Small wars focus has undermined the U.S. Army’s readiness for major conflicts

Chasing endless amounts of terrorists across the world has done exactly what America’s adversaries, Russia and China, want: America can no longer fight a conventional war and succeed against either or both. Decades of diversions have changed the focus of America’s military while the enemy behind the enemy has sharpened its focus. This was predicted in a previous post from last July.

 

Since the terror attacks of September 11, 2001, the U.S. military has been engaged in a series of “small wars,” conducting low level combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

This style of warfare has been focused on close combat and small unit operations, often supported by air support.

Iraq again abandons major U.S. weapons platforms fleeing Ramadi

The Iraqi military abandoned more that  100 vehicles and weapons systems as it fled Ramadi, including several U.S.-origin platforms.

Keeping the military vehicles out of Islamic State of Iraq and Levant’s (ISIL’s) hands is vital, Pentagon spokesman Col. Steve Warren said.

Iran reportedly sent military advisers, head of Quds Force to Iraq

Iran reportedly has sent military advisers into Iraq and dispatched the head of its infamous Quds Force to help Baghdad strategize in its fight against Sunni militants, as the United States takes similar steps despite concern about Tehran’s involvement.

While not in lockstep, Tehran and Washington are now taking a similar approach in helping the beleaguered government in Baghdad.

Fox News confirms that Iran is flying surveillance drones over Iraq, something the U.S. also is doing.

The New York Times reported that Iran, in addition, is sending tons of military equipment to the fellow Shiite-led government in Iraq and is dispatching military advisers. According to the Times, about a dozen officers from Iran’s Quds Force have been sent into the country. 

Report: Iraq’s Maliki purged military of top U.S.-trained officers

WASHINGTON — Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki has neutralized Iraq’s U.S.-trained and -equipped military, a report said.

The Brookings Institution said Al Maliki purged the Iraqi military of commanders suspected of disloyalty. In a report, the institution said those forced out by the Shi’ite Al Maliki included some of the most professional Sunni officers trained by the United States.

“Unfortunately, despite the boost it gave him, Prime Minister Al Maliki saw this largely apolitical and professional military as a threat to himself,” the report, titled “Iraq Military Situation Report,” said.

More Arms For Baghdad: Iraq Buys $4.2 Billion In Russian Weapons

As with most of the dictatorial-run nations in the middle east, this one is sure to turn on the United States in the future. What’s more is that the entire middle east is becoming a radical Islamic caliphate, nation by nation. Iraq looks to be aligning with this bloc.

According to RIA Novosti, a state-controlled Russian news agency, the contract is for 50 Pantsir systems, not 42 – but regardless of that number, it is Russia’s largest arms deal since 2009 and is a huge victory for Russia on the international weapons market, according to the Center for Analysis of Strategy and Technologies, a Moscow-based think tank. The deal may be expanded to include MiG-29 fighter-bombers and other heavy weaponry.