The number of US troops inside Iraq has dipped below 50,000 for the first time since the US invasion in March 2003. Reuters reported Tuesday that there are now 49,700 military personnel there, beating by one week the end-of-the-month deadline set by President Obama for reducing troops levels to 50,000. Of the current total, approximately 7,000 are airmen. Speaking last week at a conference in Atlanta, Air Force Secretary Michael Donley pegged that number at 7,300, down from about 9,800 one year ago. Come Sept. 1, the US military mission in Iraq will formally change from a combat role to an advise-and-assist presence. By the end of 2011, the Obama Administration wants all US military personnel out of Iraq. (Includes Atlanta release by TSgt. Amaani Lyle) (See also Associated Press report)
Pentagon Releases Cost of Living, BAH Rates for 2026
Dec. 30, 2025
The Pentagon will pay cost of living allowances to 127,000 service members in the continental U.S. in 2026, an increase of 66,000 members in 2025. Airmen and Guardians across the U.S. will also receive an average increase of 4.2 percent for their Basic Housing Allowance, compared to the 5.4 percent…
