Adviser Model

Interesting piece in Slate on using the Adviser model for a smaller military footprint while remaining effective.

How can U.S. soldiers stay in Iraq and accomplish what needs to be done? Our best hope is the Adviser Model. With the surge still under way, Gen. David Petraeus obviously cannot discuss a Plan B. But given U.S. public opinion, a Plan B for 2008 and beyond is a certainty. Its central feature is likely to be the buildup of a combat-advisory corps as our combat units are drawn down.

I'm not sure I think it is time for this just now, but maybe next year. Frankly, I think that they need to have a higher level of stability before they can implement such a plan. Though, this does sound like how a lot insurgencies that were successful ended.