United States Forces – Iraq was the military component of the American and Iraqi bilateral relationship, responsible for defense and security cooperation.

The U.S.–Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement reads:[5] In order to strengthen security and stability in Iraq, and thereby contribute to international peace and stability, and to enhance the ability of the Republic of Iraq to deter all threats against its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity, the Parties shall continue to foster close cooperation concerning defense and security arrangements without prejudice to Iraqi sovereignty over its land, sea, and air territory.

The United States occupied Iraq between the toppling of the Ba'athist Iraqi government and the dissolution of the Coalition Provisional Authority on 28 June 2004.

The United States decided after negotiations to cease combat operations, that is, patrolling, serving arrest warrants, route clearance, etc., within Iraq by 1 September 2010, and to transition to an advisory, training and assistance role.

The streamlining reduced the total number of staff positions by 41%,[6] and serves the new advise, train and assist role of the U.S. forces under the U.S.–Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement.

The reduced number of staff positions decreased the personnel requirements on the United States armed forces.

(This reconstitution may include, for example, longer leave for many personnel, enhanced space for psychological counselling, equipment repair and maintenance, transport of enormous amounts of equipment, supplies, and materiel south to Kuwait and onward, reconsideration of requirements, etc.).