WAR: Army plans to keep 120,000 troops in Iraq for years, page 1

A top U.S. Army official has been quoted as saying that the number of troops in Iraq will remain at the 120,000 level for at least two years. That number could change based on the security situation within the country. The statement from Lt. Gen. James J. Lovelace Jr. assumes little change through 2006.

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The U.S. Army expects to keep its troop strength in Iraq at the current level of about 120,000 for at least two more years, according to the Army's top operations officer.
While allowing for the possibility that the levels could decrease or increase depending on security conditions and other factors, Lt. Gen. James J. Lovelace Jr. told reporters yesterday that the assumption of little change through 2006 represents "the most probable case."

Recent disclosures that the Pentagon plans to beef up training of Iraqi security forces and press them into action more quickly has fueled speculation that the Bush administration could be preparing to reduce the number of U.S. troops significantly this year. As more Iraqi troops join the fight, the thinking goes, U.S. troops could begin to withdraw.

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Its an interesting issue. The article further points to the Army looking to use the reserves at an even deeper level when all sign are pointing to a mass exodus in the reserves in the future. In fact a recent article has pointed to the reserves offering a $15,000 cash bonus to army regulars that sign up for the reserve when they leave. The reserves as we know it may never be the same.