Sending about 600 more U.S. troops into Iraq is the “absolute minimum” and could leave American forces not fully supported in dangerous situations, according to a former Navy SEAL and member of Congress.
Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont., said the 600 troops are just the latest addition in a slow trickle of forces into Iraq and that it’s not enough to fight and win decisively while supporting troops in battle.
“I think we’re adding the absolute minimum force,” Zinke told the Washington Examiner. “I don’t think that force is sufficient to look at the contingencies that could happen … if we get into a situation where we have wounded [forces], where are they going to go? Is it within an hour’s flight? Is that hospital protected?”
The Pentagon on Wednesday announced that 615 additional U.S. troops would deploy to Iraq to help retake Mosul from the Islamic State, an operation that could begin early next month. The additional deployment will bring the total U.S. force cap in Iraq to 5,262.
But Zinke said that is “still short” of the number needed to fight, including having troops in supporting roles for things like medical evacuation, care for wounded troops at nearby hospitals, protection for those support structures and an American quick reaction force to help troops under pressure.
The lack of these support systems is a source of frustration for troops who are in danger, despite Pentagon assertions that they are not on the front lines, Zinke said.
“On the troop level, the concern is that it’s always the bare minimum,” he said. “I don’t think the troops deserve the bare minimum, they deserve the full power and strength of a nation that’s willing to commit troops. We have an obligation to deliver on that promise.”
Zinke said about 10,000 U.S. troops would allow for a decisive victory against the Islamic State and support for those doing the fighting, but stressed that even that size force must be backed up by a coalition that includes local forces like Sunnis, Shias and Kurds.
The former SEAL argued that Congress should also debate a new authorization for the use of military force against the Islamic State instead of relying on those passed in 2001 and 2002 that many say are at their legal limits in covering the current conflict.
“I think if we’re going to commit troops, we need to have the debate on the level of support, the conditions, and have transparency to make sure the American people support the effort,” he said. “Because we’re asking Americans to send sons and daughters, we’re asking taxpayers to pay for it.”
