In one of the most low—key change of command ceremonies in memory, DoD announced that four—star General George Casey assumed command of Multinational Force, Iraq on July 1st.  Casey takes over from Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez, who, according to the DoD news article, will be assigned to his previous command, the US Army's V Corps in Germany.

The concept of reorganizing the command structure in Iraq has been considered for some time.  The reasoning behind the restructuring was to have the four—star concentrate on strategic goals and objectives, while the three—star corps commander would focus on the day—to—day tactical fight.  This post is currently held by Lt. Gen. Thomas Metz and Headquarters III Corps from Fort Hood, Texas.

At the time the restructuring plan was revealed early this year, it was reported that Lt. Gen. Sanchez was under consideration to get the job along with his fourth star.  However, the Abu Ghraib investigation  may have made that a remote possibility, since Senate approval is required for promotion.  It was later learned that Sanchez could possibly take command of US Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) in Miami.  It would appear that this will also not occur, given this latest DoD announcement of Sanchez's impending return to Germany.

While questions certainly remain about Sanchez's role in the Abu Ghraib mess, his overall leadership and his headquarters seeming inability to synchronize the efforts of the divisions and regiments in the field are without a doubt the most important aspects of his tenure in command.  Some mainstream press reports have vaguely referred to these deficiencies, and in all likelihood the situation will only be fully known in the following months, or perhaps, years.

We wish Gen. Casey and his new command Good Luck and Godspeed in their task of establishing security and democracy in Iraq, the free world's survival depends upon it.

Posted by Doug  07 11 04