Since 2001, Congress has appropriated about $640 billion for the global war on terrorism, the majority of this for operations in Iraq. In Jan. 2007, the Pres. announced ¿The New Way Forward¿ to stem violence in Iraq and enable the Iraqi gov¿t. to foster national reconciliation. This new strategy established goals and objectives to achieve over 12 to 18 months, or by July 2008. This report discusses progress in meeting key goals in ¿The New Way Forward¿: (1) improve security conditions; (2) develop capable Iraqi security forces and help the Iraqi gov¿t.; (3) enact key legislation; (4) spend capital budgets; and (5) provide essential services. Also discusses U.S. strategies for Iraq. Includes recommendations. Charts and tables.

In Oct. '07, a Munitions Assessment Team (MAT) was assembled to evaluate the control and accountability of Arms, Ammunition, and Explosives in Iraq and Afghanistan. The results of that assessment were published in a classified report. The MAT team reassembled in April and May 2008 to determine the status of corrective actions that were to be implemented in response to that report. This report is divided into five parts: (1) Follow-up Assessment on the Accountability of Arms and Ammunition Provided to the Security Forces of Iraq; (2) Additional Arms, Ammunition, and Explosives Issues; (3) Foreign Military Sales; (4) Logistics Sustainability; and (5) Medical Sustainability. Charts and tables. This is a print on demand report.

As Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) evolved, so, too, did the Marine Corps' cultural-training efforts. Initially, cultural sensitivity training (i.e., cursory etiquette instruction) was employed in 2003, to prepare Marines for the Invasion of Baghdad during OIF I. By 2004, when the 1st Marine Division returned to Iraq for OIF II, training had evolved into culture awareness classes (i.e., introductory history, politics, religion overview). It was not until 2005 that training progressed into today's operational culture learning.

"Operational Culture for the Warfighter: Principles and Applications" is a comprehensive planning tool and reference. It addresses the critical need of the Marine Corps to provide operationally relevant cultural teaching, training, and analysis. This book links social science paradigms to the needs of Marines using an applied anthropology approach. The text explains how fundamental features of culture (environment, economy, social structure, political structure, and belief systems) can present challenges for military operations in different cultures around the globe. Drawing on the research and field experiences of Marines themselves, "Operational Culture for the Warfighter" uses case studies from past and present cross-cultural problems to illustrate the application of cultural principles to the broad expeditionary spectrum of today's and tomorrow's Marine Corps. This new and expanded second edition of "Operational Culture for the Warfighter" extends the concepts of the original edition to the Marine Corps Planning Process. New sections on transportation and communication, law and ethics, and culture and planning will assist both military planners and operators with the practical aspects of incorporating culture into military decision-making.

Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), the U.S.-led coalition military operation in Iraq, was launched on March 20, 2003, with the goal of removing Saddam Hussein¿s regime and destroying its ability to use weapons of mass destruction. The focus of OIF has shifted from regime removal to helping the Gov¿t. of Iraq improve security, establish a system of governance, and foster economic development. This report addresses these policy issues: Identifying how U.S. national interests and strategic objectives, in Iraq and the region, should guide further U.S. engagement; Monitoring and evaluating the impact of the changes in the U.S. presence and role in Iraq; and Laying the groundwork for a traditional bilateral relationship. Map. A print on demand report.

Operation Iraqi Freedom: DOD Assessment of Iraqi Security Forces' Units as Independent Not Clear Because ISF Support Capabilities Are Not Fully Developed