Iraq Drawdown: Opportunities Exist to Improve Equipment Visibility, Contractor Demobilization, and Clarity of Post-2011 DOD Role

Abstract : The drawdown of U.S. forces in Iraq and the transition from a U.S. military to a civilian-led presence after December 2011 continue amid an uncertain security and political environment. This report is one in a series of reviews regarding the planning and execution of the drawdown. Specifically, this report assesses the extent to which DoD has planned for, begun to execute, and mitigated risk associated with the following: (1) transferring and removing personnel and equipment from remaining bases in Iraq; (2) curtailing unneeded contract services, transitioning expiring contracts, and providing adequate contract oversight; and (3) facilitating and supporting the transition to a civilian-led presence in Iraq. GAO examined relevant DoD planning documents; attended drawdown-related conferences; interviewed State officials and DoD officials throughout the chain of command in the United States, Kuwait, and Iraq; and visited several locations in Kuwait and Iraq to observe drawdown operations. GAO recommends that DoD take further action to do the following: (1) acquire and maintain real-time visibility over contractor-managed government-owned equipment; (2) collect data on unaccounted-for equipment found during base transitions; (3) work with contractors to gather and distribute information needed to demobilize their workforces; and (4) officially clarify the scope of DoD's role in post-2011 Iraq, to include the privileges and immunities to be afforded all DoD government personnel. DoD concurred with all of GAO's recommendations.