Combined Joint Task Force 7
The stated mission of Combined Joint Task Force 7 CJTF-7 is to conduct "offensive operations to defeat remaining noncompliant forces and neutralize destabilizing influences in the Area of Operations (AO) to create a secure environment in direct support of the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA). Concurrently, [the Task Force] conducts stability operations which support the establishment of government and economic development to set the conditions for a transfer of operations to designated follow on military or civilian authorities." last updated May 16, 2004
On May 14, 2004, John D. Banusiewicz reported from Washington, D.C., for the American Forces Press Service that Two new military commands will stand up in Iraq May 15, replacing the current coalition military organization.
- "Multi-National Corps-Iraq and Multi-National Force-Iraq will replace Combined Joint Task Force 7.
- "Coalition military spokesman Army Brig. Gen. Mark Kimmitt, at a Baghdad news conference today, said the change addresses a concern that a combined joint task force headquarters was not sufficient to handle the military workload in Iraq efficiently.
- "'It's certainly more than a formality,' he said. 'It is trying to get the proper command structure for the days, weeks and months ahead.'"
- "Multinational Corps Iraq will focus on the tactical fight -- the day-to-day military operations and the maneuvering of the six multinational divisions on the ground. Army Lt. Gen. Thomas F. Metz will command the corps.
- "Meanwhile, Multinational Force Iraq will focus on more strategic aspects of the military presence in Iraq, such as talking with sheiks and political leaders, and on training, equipping and fielding Iraqi security forces. ... Army Lt. Gen. Ricardo S. Sanchez, current CJTF 7 commander who will head MNF Iraq, already has been working the strategic issues, and the new command structure will enable him to focus more of his time and energy in that direction, Kimmitt said."
