Top generals tell Congress surge won't end soon; Conway says it's now a 'plus-up'

WASHINGTON — Top military commanders told Congress this week they don’t know when or if troop levels will go back down under the president’s new plan to stabilize Iraq.

Earlier this month Multi-National Force-Iraq Commander Gen. George Casey suggested the 21,500 soldiers and Marines being sent to Iraq could be returned home as early as this summer if conditions improve.

But on Tuesday, Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James Conway said for planning purposes, he must assume the time line for having an extra 4,000 Marines in Anbar province is open-ended.

“A surge implies there is a payback at some future date: We’re not calling it that, we’re calling it a plus-up,” he told members of the House Armed Services Committee.

“This is the latest in a series of steps and operations in Iraq. This is not a Hail Mary. That comes at the end of the game. This is just another step.”

Those comments were echoed by Gen. Peter Schoomaker, Army chief of staff, who declined to give lawmakers any clear time lines for when the influx of 17,500 soldiers to Baghdad could be reduced again to current troop levels.

Read the rest at Stars and Stripes

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