Concern grows over Defense-to-State transition in Iraq

A congressionally chartered commission said the State Department does not have the training or expertise to take over security operation in Iraq when the milita...

The Commission on Wartime Contracting in Iraq and Afghanistan said the State Department does not have the training or expertise to take over security operations in Iraq when the military departs at the end of 2011, Gov Exec reports.

“We are now entering into an unprecedented phase of contingency transitioning between Defense and State, and there is no clear guiding policy,” said Michael Thibault, the commission’s co-chairman.

State has acknowledged it will have to rely on contractors to conduct emergency medical evacuations, remove explosive devices, and to lead convoy security.

State said it will increase its contractor workforce from 2,700 to between 6,000 and 7,000.

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