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From Pentagon Requests $1.8 Billion for Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Operations (2017)

How does 2017 budget requests for counter-ISIS efforts affect CTS?

CTS set for major restructuring and funding boost from U.S. budget The 2018 budget request proposed a substantial, three-year U.S. commitment to overhaul the Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service (CTS). This plan allocates $193 million for vehicles, guns, and personnel equipment to rebuild the force. The goal is to transform the CTS into a 20,000-strong unit capable of operating as both an elite infantry force and a special operations force. This shift would move the CTS away from its previous infantry role in Mosul toward a specialized counterterrorism function.

Reported by 1 independent outlet Written Sep 26
Effect
Strong positive
How direct
Stated in the reporting
When
Over the long term
The story
Gone quiet

How it reaches CTS

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The facts so far

As reported. Each one links to where it comes from.

  • The Pentagon requested $1.3 billion in fiscal 2018 to back Iraqi forces against the Islamic State.defensenews.com
  • The budget request proposes a three-year U.S. commitment to build a more effective CTS.defensenews.com
  • The CTS restructuring request includes $193 million for vehicles, guns, and personnel equipment.defensenews.com
  • The plan aims to create a restructured 20,000-strong CTS.defensenews.com

Why it matters

The CTS is envisioned by the Department of Defense as a core security force for Iraq's future, designed to help contain post-Islamic State ethnic and sectarian conflicts. By investing in the CTS, the U.S. aims to support national stability and unity in Iraq, acting as a counterweight to external influences like Iran and Russia.

This support is critical because the CTS, which was created by coalition forces after the 2003 U.S. invasion, has already suffered 40 percent combat losses. The Pentagon warns that insufficient funding risks Iraqi instability, exacerbating sectarian divisions, and contributing to extremism.

What we don't know yet

  • How will the CTS's shift from an infantry role to a counterterrorism function impact its operational effectiveness in Mosul?
  • What specific conditions must be met for the CTS to receive the full $193 million commitment?

What would change this answer

Congress reduces the proposed $1.3 billion budget for Iraqi forcesThe CTS restructuring and equipment replacement plans may be scaled back or delayed, increasing the risk of instability.
The CTS is formally integrated into the Ministry of Defense chain of commandThe security assistance monitor program's concerns regarding the unit's independent reporting structure may be alleviated.

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Questions worth asking

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  • About ISIL

    Since the CTS is being rebuilt to counter the Islamic State, how does the current threat level of ISIL remnants influence the scope of the new CTS mission?

  • About Daesh

    Given that the CTS is being restructured to counter the Islamic State, how might the operational tactics of Daesh influence the specialized training required for the new CTS unit?

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The full eventPentagon Requests $1.8 Billion for Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Operations (2017) Everything aboutCTS

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