Pentagon Update

By Wendy Wang
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Peter Pace briefed Pentagon Press Corps, addressing a number of speculations about the Pentagon, and its strategies for Iraq.

Pace addressed the recent speculation that a group of ranked military officials recently returned from Iraq and Afghanistan currently working with members of the Joint Chiefs office are doing more than just advising and putting ideas on the table. Pace says that the dozen or so individuals offer fresh perspective to the war strategy to craft the best recommendations, but will not produce an independent end result or product. He says that the Iraqi panel comprising of James Baker and Lee Hamilton in no way undermines the authority or input of military leaders. All ideas and strategies are welcome in the discussion.

Pace states that there are considerations for shifting troops around in Iraq, but refutes the report that the Pentagon plans to forfeit Al Anbar providence to the insurgents. He used the example of Washington D.C., saying that while crime exists in DC, there is a capable police force to contain the criminal element. Therefore, it is not practical to think that terrorism will be eliminated entirely but that it’s not a sign of ineffectiveness.

Asked if he agreed with recent characterization of Iraq being in a state of civil war by former Chair of the Joint Chiefs, Colin Powell and others, including news agencies, Pace maintains that the situation in Iraq does not meet the definition of civil war. He did admit that the insurgents designed their violent tactics to create a condition of civil war, but it is "important to understand the situation rather than dance on a pin of terminology."

Asked about reports of a depleted military, Pace disagrees with that assessment. In terms of expanding the existing force, Pace says that the work and sacrifice of the existing force needs to be respected by asking them to serve in missions "worthy of this country and worthy of their efforts." He says that should the US be required to enter into conflicts elsewhere, the existing forces in regions of conflict will stay, and the reserve forces still at home will be deployed to meet the challenges in the new regions of conflict as there are enough troops in the existing military. His message to the enemy is that the US military is prepared to face any and all challenges with its existing troops. He has no intention of expanding the forces.