Third Army leads the Responsible Drawdown Enterprise

KUWAIT (September 8, 2009) - Since May 2009, Third Army distributed more than 14,000 pieces of equipment, ranging from tanks to antennas, out of Iraq directly to Afghanistan, as part of its role in the Responsible Drawdown.

Third Army's Responsible Drawdown mission is to move forces and excess equipment out of Iraq, determine the material condition of the equipment, refurbish the equipment as needed, and reposition the equipment in accordance with Department of the Army and U.S. Central Command guidance.

"Third Army moves equipment and forces to where it best supports Department of the Army and CENTCOM requirements," said Brig. Gen. John F. Wharton, Director of Logistics at Third Army. "We are setting the stage by restoring balance and setting conditions for the Army's strategic readiness for current and emerging security challenges," Wharton said.

To date a total of 44,000 pieces of equipment have been processed for movement out of Iraq.

For the last eight years, Third Army has been moving equipment and forces throughout the CENTCOM area of operations in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

For further information please contact the press office at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait at 011 965 9988 1372; or (DSN) 318-430-5931; or at Ft. McPherson, Ga at (404) 464 4692; or email @PAOMediaRelations2@kuwait.swa.army.mil.