All US troops serving in Iraq will be “home for the holidays,” announced President Obama Friday. “Today, I can report that, as promised, the rest of our troops in Iraq will come home by the end of the year. After nearly nine years, America’s war in Iraq will be over,” said Obama following a discussion with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki Friday morning. Obama said, “The last American soldiers will cross the border out of Iraq with their heads held high, proud of their success, and knowing that the American people stand united in our support for our troops. That is how America’s military efforts in Iraq will end.” More than one million US troops have deployed to Iraq at least once since Operation Iraqi Freedom began in March 2003. More than 32,200 US military personnel have been wounded and 4,482 have lost their lives there, according to the Pentagon. The United States will continue to offer training and assistance to the Iraqi forces, just as it does to its other allies around the world, said Obama. “This will be a strong and enduring partnership, with our diplomats and civilian advisers in the lead,” he said. (Obama remarks) (AFPS report by Jim Garamone)
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…
