Security Assistance; and Logistics - Federation of American Scientists

Observation 8. Use of Iraq Security Forces Funds forJoint Iraqi and U.S. ProjectsThe funds available to MNSTC-I through the ISFF for training and equipping, to includedeveloping a sustainable logistics capacity for ISF, are diminishing.Over the past 2-3 years, the Government of Iraq (GoI) has increased its revenues with theresult that budget allocations for both the Iraqi Ministry of Defense and Ministry ofInterior have increased. As a consequence of the GoI’s improved ability to fund its ownsecurity operations, U.S. lawmakers have reduced ISFF appropriations available toMNSTC-I for development of ISF.MNSTC-I’s application of ISFF resources to execute ISF “train and equip” missionrequirements has proven to be essential to rapid ISF development. In addition, usingISFF funding as Coalition leverage with the GoI has had a multiplier effect on GoIfunding for this key goal, increased GoI commitments to purchasing U.S. equipment viaFMS, and remains critical to influencing the pace and priority of joint U.S.-ISF efforts tobuild a self-sustaining Iraqi logistics capacity.Significantly reducing U.S. ISFF resource support for our effort in Iraq would diminishU.S. influence with the GoI, in particular with respect to gaining its commitment topriority U.S. objectives in the “train and equip” mission, including that of enabling thedevelopment of the Iraqi logistics sustainment capacity. It would also reduce the returnon investment gained when ISFF financing is matched with a multiple of GoI funding inmaking purchases of U.S. equipment and in achieving other ISF development objectives.Applicable CriteriaPublic Laws 109-13, 109-234, 109-289, 110-028, and 110-161. Provisionsin these U.S. laws provide for in excess of $15.7 billion for the ISFF, which “shall beavailable to the Secretary of Defense, notwithstanding any other provision of law, for thepurpose of allowing the Commander, MNSTC-I, or the Secretary’s designee, to provideassistance, with the concurrence of the Secretary of State, to the security forces of Iraq,including the provision of equipments, supplies, services, training, facility andinfrastructure repair, renovation, and construction and funding.”DoD Directive 3000.05. DoDD 3000.05, “Military Support for Stability, Security,Transition, and Reconstruction (SSTR) Operations,” November 28, 2005, providesguidance on stability operations that will evolve over time as joint operating concepts,mission sets, and lessons learned develop and establishes DoD policy and assignsresponsibilities within the DoD for planning, training, and preparing to conduct andsupport stability operations. The Directive also states it is DoD policy that:Stability operations are a core U.S. military mission that theDepartment of Defense shall be prepared to conduct and support. Theyshall be given priority comparable to combat operations and be75