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“[America] goes not abroad in search of monsters to destroy…. She well knows that by once enlisting under other banners than her own, were they even the banners of foreign independence, she would involve herself, beyond the power of extrication, in all the wars of interest and intrigue, of individual avarice, envy, and ambition, which assume the colors and usurp the standard of freedom. The fundamental maxims of her policy would insensibly change from liberty to force. The frontlet upon her brows would no longer beam with the ineffable splendor of freedom and independence; but in its stead would soon be substituted an imperial diadem, flashing in false and tarnished lustre the murky radiance of dominion and power. She might become the dictatress of the world: she would be no longer the ruler of her own spirit.”^[1]
– John Quincy Adams, July 4, 1821

“…we can have just our usual flag, with the white stripes painted black and the stars replaced with the skull and cross-bones.”^[2]
– Mark Twain, regarding the U.S. conquest of the Philippines in 1899

The following list was compiled by the Congressional Research Service, and published under the title Instances of Use of United States Forces Abroad, 1798-2015. (It’s updated every few years.) Richard F. Grimmett, retired CRS specialist in International Security, was the original author of this report. The report has since been updated by the current author, Barbara Salazar Torreon, Analyst in Defense Budget and Military Manpower.^[3]

As this list shows, the United States has invaded other countries hundreds of times. It’s interesting to note, however, that it has declared war only 11 times.

From the Summary:

“Eleven times in its history, the United States has formally declared war against foreign nations. These 11 U.S. war declarations encompassed five separate wars: the war with Great Britain declared in 1812; the war with Mexico declared in 1846; the war with Spain declared in 1898; the First World War, during which the United States declared war with Germany and with Austria-Hungary during 1917; and World War II, during which the United States declared war against Japan, Germany, and Italy in 1941, and against Bulgaria, Hungary, and Rumania in 1942.”

Here’s a list of the invasions (so far) during the 2000s, copied verbatim from the Congressional Research Service report, which is in the public domain. Remember, this is an official U.S. government history, so naturally every invasion is described as a benevolent venture to “protect American interests,” etc.

To see Part I of this series, click here.

1999-2000 Iraq. At various times during 1999, and continuing throughout 2000 the United States, together with forces of the coalition enforcing the “no-fly” zones over Iraq, conducted military operations against the Iraqi air defense system on numerous occasions in response to actual or potential threats against aircraft enforcing the “no-fly” zones in northern and southern Iraq.

2000 Bosnia. On January 25, 2000, President Clinton reported to Congress “consistent with the War Powers Resolution” that the U.S. continued to provide combat-equipped U.S. Armed Forces to Bosnia-Herzegovina and other states in the region as part of the NATO led Stabilization Force (SFOR). The President noted that the U.S. force contribution was being reduced from “approximately 6,200 to 4,600 personnel,” with the U.S. forces assigned to Multinational Division, North, centered around the city of Tuzla. He added that approximately 1,500 U.S. military personnel were deployed to Hungary, Croatia, and Italy to provide “logistical and other support to SFOR,” and that U.S. forces continue to support SFOR in “efforts to apprehend persons indicted for war crimes.”

2000 East Timor. On February 25, 2000, President Clinton reported to Congress “consistent with the War Powers Resolution” that he had authorized the participation of a small number of U.S. military personnel in support of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET), which has a mandate to maintain law and order throughout East Timor, and to facilitate establishment of an effective administration there, delivery of humanitarian assistance and support the building of self-government. The President reported that the U.S. contingent was small: three military observers, and one judge advocate. To facilitate and coordinate U.S. military activities in East Timor, the President also authorized the deployment of a support group (USGET), consisting of 30 U.S. personnel. U.S. personnel would be temporarily deployed to East Timor, on a rotational basis, and through periodic ship visits, during which U.S. forces would conduct “humanitarian and assistance activities throughout East Timor.” Rotational activities should continue through the summer of 2000.

2000 Sierra Leone. On May 12, 2000, President Clinton, “consistent with the War Powers Resolution” reported to Congress that he had ordered a U.S. Navy patrol craft to deploy to Sierra Leone to be ready to support evacuation operations from that country if needed. He also authorized a U.S. C-17 aircraft to deliver “ammunition, and other supplies and equipment” to Sierra Leone in support of United Nations peacekeeping operations there.

2000 Yugoslavia/Kosovo. On June 16, 2000, President Clinton reported to Congress, “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” that the U.S. was continuing to provide military personnel to the NATO-led KFOR security force in Kosovo. U.S. forces were numbered at 7,500, but were scheduled to be reduced to 6,000 when ongoing troop rotations were completed. U.S. forces in Kosovo are assigned to a sector centered near Gnjilane in eastern Kosovo. Other U.S. military personnel are deployed to other countries serving in administrative and logistics support roles, with approximately 1,000 U.S. personnel in Macedonia, Albania and Greece.

2000 Bosnia. On July 25, 2000, President Clinton reported to Congress, “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” that combat-equipped U.S. military personnel continued to participate in the NATO-led Stabilization Force (SFOR) in Bosnia-Herzegovina, being deployed to Bosnia, and other states in the region in support of peacekeeping efforts in former Yugoslavia. U.S. military personnel levels have been reduced from 6,200 to 4,600. Apart from the forces in Bosnia, approximately 1,000 U.S. personnel continue to be deployed in support roles in Hungary, Croatia, and Italy.

2000 East Timor. On August 25, 2000, President Clinton reported to Congress, “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” that the United States was currently contributing three military observers to the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) that is charged by the U.N. with restoring and maintaining peace and security there. He also noted that the U.S. was maintaining a military presence in East Timor separate from UNTAET, comprised of about 30 U.S. personnel who facilitate and coordinate U.S. military activities in East Timor and rotational operations of U.S. forces there. U.S. forces currently conduct humanitarian and civic assistance activities for East Timor’s citizens. U.S. rotational presence operations in East Timor are presently expected, the President said, to continue through December 2000.

2000 Yemen. On October 14, 2000, President Clinton reported to Congress, “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” that on October 12, 2000, in the wake of an attack on the USS COLE in the port of Aden, Yemen, he had authorized deployment of about 45 military personnel from U.S. Naval Forces Central Command to Aden to provide “medical, security, and disaster response assistance.” The President further reported that on October 13, 2000 about 50 U.S. military security personnel arrived in Aden, and that additional “security elements” may be deployed to the area, to enhance the ability of the U.S. to ensure the security of the USS COLE and the personnel responding to the incident. In addition, two U.S. Navy surface combatant vessels are operating in or near Yemeni territorial waters to provide communications and other support, as required.

2000 Yugoslavia/Kosovo. On December 18, 2000, President Clinton reported to Congress, “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” that the United States was continuing to provide approximately 5,600 U.S. military personnel in support of peacekeeping efforts in Kosovo as part of the NATO-led international security force in Kosovo (KFOR). An additional 500 U.S. military personnel are deployed as the National Support Element in Macedonia, with an occasional presence in Albania and Greece. U.S. forces are assigned to a sector centered around Gnjilane in the eastern portion of Kosovo. The President noted that the mission for these U.S. military forces is maintaining a safe and secure environment through conducting
“security patrols in urban areas and in the countryside throughout their sector.”

2001 East Timor. On March 2, 2001, President George W. Bush reported to Congress, “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” that U. S. armed forces were continuing to support the United Nations peacekeeping effort in East Timor aimed at providing security and maintaining law and order in East Timor, coordinating delivery of humanitarian assistance, and helping establish the basis for self-government in East Timor. The U.S. currently has three military observers attached to the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET). The United States also has a separate military presence, the U.S. Support Group East Timor (USGET), of approximately 12 U.S. personnel, including a security detachment, which “facilitates and coordinates” U.S. military activities in East Timor.

2001 Yugoslavia/Kosovo. On May 18, 2001, President George W. Bush reported to Congress, “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” that the United States was continuing to provide approximately 6,000 U.S. military personnel in support of peacekeeping efforts in Kosovo as part of the NATO-led international security force in Kosovo (KFOR). An additional 500 U.S. military personnel are deployed as the National Support Element in Macedonia, with an occasional presence in Greece and Albania. U.S. forces in Kosovo are assigned to a sector centered around Gnjilane in the eastern portion. President Bush noted that the mission for these U.S. military forces is maintaining a safe and secure environment through conducting security patrols in urban areas and in the countryside through their sector.

2001 Bosnia. On July 25, 2001, President George W. Bush reported to Congress, “consistent with the War Powers Resolution, about 3,800 combat-equipped U.S. Armed Forces continued to be deployed in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and other regional states as part of the NATO-led Stabilization Force (SFOR). Most were based at Tuzla in Bosnia. About 500 others were based in Hungary, Croatia, and Italy, providing logistical and other support.

2001 Iraq. At various times throughout 2001, the United States, together with forces of the coalition enforcing the “no-fly” zones over Iraq, conducted military operations against the Iraqi air defense system on numerous occasions in response to actual or potential threats against aircraft enforcing the “no-fly” zones in northern and southern Iraq.

2001 East Timor. On August 31, 2001, President George W. Bush reported to Congress, “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” that U. S. armed forces were continuing to support the United Nations peacekeeping effort in East Timor aimed at providing security and maintaining law and order in East Timor, coordinating delivery of humanitarian assistance, and helping establish the basis for self-government in East Timor. The U.S. currently has three military observers attached to the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET). The United States also has a separate military presence, the U.S. Support Group East Timor (USGET), of approximately 20 U.S. personnel, including a security detachment, which “facilitates and coordinates” U.S. military activities in East Timor, as well as a rotational presence of U.S. forces through temporary deployments to East Timor. The President stated that U.S. forces would continue a presence through December 2001, while options for a U.S. presence in 2002 are being reviewed, with the President’s objective being redeployment of USGET personnel, as circumstances permit.

2001 Various Nations. On September 24, 2001, President George W. Bush reported to Congress, “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” and “Senate Joint Resolution 23” that in response to terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon he had ordered the “deployment of various combat-equipped and combat support forces to a number of foreign nations in the Central and Pacific Command areas of operations.” The President noted in efforts to “prevent and deter terrorism” he might find it necessary to order additional forces into these and other areas of the world….” He stated that he could not now predict “the scope and duration of these deployments,” or the “actions necessary to counter the terrorist threat to the United States.”

2001 Afghanistan. On October 9, 2001, President George W. Bush reported to Congress, “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” and “Senate Joint Resolution 23” that on October 7, 2001, U.S. Armed Forces “began combat action in Afghanistan against Al Qaida terrorists and their Taliban supporters.” The President stated that he had directed this military action in response to the September 11, 2001 attacks on U.S. “territory, our citizens, and our way of life, and to the continuing threat of terrorist acts against the United States and our friends and allies.” This military action was “part of our campaign against terrorism” and was “designed to disrupt the use of Afghanistan as a terrorist base of operations.”

2001 Yugoslavia/Kosovo. On November 19, 2001, President George W. Bush reported to Congress, “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” that the United States was continuing to provide approximately 5,500 U.S. military personnel in support of peacekeeping efforts in Kosovo as part of the NATO-led international security force in Kosovo (KFOR). An additional 500 U.S. military personnel are deployed as the National Support Element in Macedonia, with an occasional presence in Greece and Albania. U.S. forces in Kosovo are assigned to a sector centered around Gnjilane in the eastern portion. President Bush noted that the mission for these U.S. military forces is maintaining a safe and secure environment through conducting security patrols in urban areas and in the countryside through their sector.

2002 Bosnia. On January 21, 2002, President George W. Bush reported to Congress, “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” that about 3,100 combat-equipped U.S. Armed Forces continued to be deployed in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and other regional states as part of the NATO-led Stabilization Force (SFOR). Most American forces were based at Tuzla in Bosnia. About 500 others were based in Hungary, Croatia, and Italy, providing logistical and other support.

2002 East Timor. On February 28, 2002, President George W. Bush reported to Congress, “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” that U. S. Armed Forces were continuing to support the United Nations peacekeeping effort in East Timor aimed at providing security and maintaining law and order in East Timor, coordinating delivery of humanitarian assistance, and helping establish the basis for self-government in East Timor. The United States currently has three military observers attached to the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET). The United States also has a separate military presence, the U.S. Support Group East Timor (USGET), comprised of approximately 10 U.S. personnel, including a security detachment, which “facilitates and coordinates” U.S. military activities in East Timor, as well as a rotational presence of U.S. forces through temporary deployments to East Timor. The President stated that U.S. forces would continue a presence through 2002. The President noted his objective was to gradually reduce the “rotational presence operations,” and to redeploy USGET personnel, as circumstances permitted.

2002 Various Nations. On March 20, 2002, President George W. Bush reported to Congress, “consistent with the War Powers
Resolution,” on U.S. efforts in the “global war on Terrorism.” He noted that the “heart of the al-Qaeda training capability” had been “seriously degraded,” and that the remainder of the Taliban and the al-Qaeda fighters were being “actively pursued and engaged by the U.S., coalition and Afghan forces.” The U.S. was also conducting “maritime interception operations…to locate and detain suspected al-Qaeda or Taliban leadership fleeing Afghanistan by sea.” At the Philippine Government’s invitation, the President had ordered deployed “combat-equipped and combat support forces to train with, advise, and assist” the Philippines’ Armed Forces in enhancing their “existing counterterrorist capabilities.” The strength of U.S. military forces working with the Philippines was projected to be 600 personnel. The President noted that he was “assessing options” for assisting other nations, including Georgia and Yemen, in enhancing their “counterterrorism capabilities, including training and equipping their armed forces.” He stated that U.S.combat-equipped and combat support forces would be necessary for these efforts, if undertaken.

2002 Yugoslavia/Kosovo. On May 17, 2002, President George W. Bush reported to Congress, “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” that the U.S. military was continuing to support peacekeeping efforts of the NATO-led international security force in Kosovo (KFOR). He noted that the current U.S. contribution was about 5,100 military personnel, and an additional 468 personnel in Macedonia; with an occasional presence in Albania and Greece.

2002 Bosnia. On July 22, 2002, President George W. Bush reported to Congress, “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” that the U.S. military was continuing to support peacekeeping efforts of the NATO-led Stabilization Force (SFOR) in Bosnia-Herzegovina and other regional states. He noted that the current U.S. contribution was “approximately 2,400 personnel.” Most U.S. forces in Bosnia-Herzegovina are assigned to the Multinational Division, North headquartered in Tuzla. An additional 60 U.S. military personnel are deployed to Hungary and Croatia to provide logistical and other support.

2002 Various Nations. On September 20, 2002, President Bush reported to Congress “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” that U.S. “combat-equipped and combat support forces” have been deployed to the Philippines since January 2002 to train with, assist and advise the Philippines’ Armed Forces in enhancing their “counterterrorist capabilities.” He added that U.S. forces were conducting maritime interception operations in the Central and European Command areas to combat movement, arming or financing of “international terrorists.” He also noted that U.S. combat personnel had been deployed to Georgia and Yemen to help enhance the “counterterrorist capabilities” of their armed forces.

2002 Cote d’Ivoire. On September 26, 2002, President Bush reported to Congress “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” that in response to a rebellion in Cote d’Ivoire that he had on September 25, 2002 sent U.S. military personnel into Cote d’Ivoire to assist in the evacuation of American citizens and third country nationals from the city of Bouake; and otherwise assist in other evacuations as necessary.

2002 Yugoslavia/Kosovo. On November 15, 2002, the President reported to Congress “consistent with the War Powers Resolution” that the U.S. was continuing to deploy combat equipped military personnel as part of the NATO-led international security force in Kosovo (KFOR). Currently there are approximately 4,350 U.S. military personnel in Kosovo, with an additional 266 military personnel in Macedonia. The United States also has an occasional presence in Albania and Greece, associated with the KFOR mission.

2003 Bosnia. On January21, 2003, President George W. Bush reported to Congress, “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” that about 1,800 U.S. Armed Forces personnel continued to be deployed in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and other regional states as part of the NATO-led Stabilization Force (SFOR). Most were based at Tuzla in Bosnia. About 80 others were based in Hungary and Croatia, providing logistical and other support.

2003 Various Nations. On March 20, 2003, President Bush reported to Congress, “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” as well as P.L.107-40, and “pursuant to” his authority as Commander-in-Chief, that he had continued a number of U.S. military operations globally in the war against terrorism. These military operations included ongoing U.S. actions against al-Qaeda fighters in Afghanistan; collaborative anti-terror operations with forces of Pakistan in the Pakistan/Afghanistan border area; “maritime interception operations on the high seas” in areas of responsibility of the Central and European Commands to prevent terrorist movement and other activities; and military support for the armed forces of Georgia and Yemen in counter-terrorism operations.

2003 Iraq War. On March 21, 2003, President Bush reported to Congress, “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” as well as P.L. 102-1 and P.L. 107-243, and “pursuant to” his authority as Commander-in-Chief, that he had “directed U.S. Armed Forces,
operating with other coalition forces, to commence operations on March 19, 2003, against Iraq.” He further stated that it was not possible to know at present the duration of active combat operations or the scope necessary to accomplish the goals of the operation “to disarm Iraq in pursuit of peace, stability, and security both in the Gulf region and in the United States.”

2003 Yugoslavia/Kosovo. On May 14, 2003, President Bush reported to Congress, “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” that combat-equipped U.S. military personnel continued to be deployed as part of the NATO-led international security force in Kosovo (KFOR). He noted that about 2,250 U.S. military personnel were deployed in Kosovo, and additional military personnel operated, on occasion, from Macedonia, Albania, and Greece in support of KFOR operations.

2003 Liberia. On June 9, 2003, President Bush reported to Congress, “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” that on June 8 he had sent about 35 combat-equipped U.S. military personnel into Monrovia, Liberia, to augment U.S. Embassy security forces, to aid in the possible evacuation of U.S. citizens if necessary. The President also noted that he had sent about 34 combat-equipped U.S. military personnel to help secure the U.S. Embassy in Nouakchott, Mauritania, and to assist in evacuation of American citizens if required. They were expected to arrive at the U.S. embassy by June 10, 2003. Back-up and support personnel were sent to Dakar, Senegal, to aid in any necessary evacuation from either Liberia or Mauritania.

2003 Bosnia. On July 22, 2003, President Bush reported to Congress, “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” that the United States continued to provide about 1,800 combat-equipped military personnel in Bosnia-Herzegovina in support of NATO’s Stabilization Force (SFOR) and its peacekeeping efforts in this country.

2003 Liberia. On August 13, 2003, President Bush reported to Congress, “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” that in response to conditions in Liberia, on August 11, 2003, he had authorized about 4,350 U.S. combat-equipped military personnel to enter Liberian territorial waters in support of U.N. and West African States efforts to restore order and provide humanitarian assistance in Liberia.

2003 Various Nations. On September 19, 2003, President Bush reported to Congress “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” that U.S. “combat-equipped and combat support forces” continue to be deployed at a number of locations around the
world as part of U.S. anti-terrorism efforts. American forces support anti-terrorism efforts in the Philippines, and maritime interception operations continue on the high seas in the Central, European, and Pacific Command areas of responsibility, to “prevent the movement, arming, or financing of international terrorists.” He also noted that “U.S. combat equipped and support forces” had been deployed to Georgia and Djibouti to help in enhancing their “counterterrorist capabilities.” 2003 Yugoslavia/Kosovo. On November 14, 2003, the President reported to Congress “consistent with the War Powers Resolution” that the United States was continuing to deploy combat equipped military personnel as part of the NATO-led international security force in Kosovo (KFOR). Currently there are approximately 2,100 U.S. military personnel in Kosovo, with additional American military personnel operating out of Macedonia, Albania and Greece, in support of KFOR operations. 2004 Bosnia. On January 22, 2004, the President reported to Congress “consistent with the War Powers Resolution” that the United States was continuing to deploy combat equipped military personnel Bosnia and Herzegovina in support of NATO’s Stabilization Force (SFOR) and its peacekeeping efforts in this country. About 1,800 U.S. personnel are participating.

2004 Haiti. On February 25, 2004, the President reported to Congress “consistent with the War Powers Resolution” that, on February 23, he had sent a combat-equipped “security force” of about “55 U.S. military personnel from the U.S. Joint Forces Command” to Port-au-Prince, Haiti to augment the U.S. Embassy security forces there and to protect American citizens and property in light of the instability created by the armed rebellion in Haiti.

2004 Haiti. On March 2, 2004, the President reported to Congress “consistent with the War Powers Resolution” that on February 29 he had sent about “200 additional U.S. combat-equipped, military personnel from the U.S. Joint Forces Command” to Portau-Prince, Haiti for a variety of purposes, including preparing the way for a U.N. Multinational Interim Force, and otherwise supporting U.N. Security Council Resolution 1529 (2004).

2004 Bosnia and Haiti. On March 20, 2004, the President reported to Congress “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” a consolidated report giving details of multiple on-going United States military deployments and operations “in support of the global war on terrorism (including in Afghanistan),” as well as operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and Haiti. In this report, the President noted that U.S. antiterror related activities were underway in Georgia, Djibouti, Kenya, Ethiopia, Yemen, and Eritrea. He further noted that U.S. combat-equipped military personnel continued to be deployed in Kosovo as part of the NATO-led KFOR (1,900 personnel); in Bosnia and Herzegovina as part of the NATO-led SFOR (about 1,100 personnel); and approximately 1,800 military personnel were deployed in Haiti as part of the U.N. Multinational Interim Force.

2004 Horn of Africa/Kosovo/Bosnia/Iraq. On November 4, 2004, the President sent to Congress, “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” a consolidated report giving details of multiple ongoing United States military deployments and operations “in support of the global war on terrorism.” These deployments, support or military operations include activities in Afghanistan, Djibouti, as well as Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo. In this report, the President noted that U.S. anti-terror related activities were underway in Djibouti, Kenya, Ethiopia, Yemen, and Eritrea. He further noted that U.S. combat equipped military personnel continued to be deployed in Kosovo as part of the NATO-led KFOR (1,800 personnel); and in Bosnia and Herzegovina as part of the NATO-led SFOR (about 1,000 personnel). Meanwhile, he stated that the United States continued to deploy more than 135,000 military personnel in Iraq.

2005 Horn of Africa/Kosovo/Bosnia. On May 20, 2005, the President sent to Congress “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” a consolidated report giving details of multiple ongoing United States military deployments and operations “in support of the global war on terrorism,” as well as operations in Iraq, where about 139,000 U.S. military personnel were deployed. U.S. forces are also deployed in Kenya, Ethiopia, Yemen, Eritrea, and Djibouti assisting in “enhancing counterterrorism capabilities” of these nations. The President further noted that U.S. combat-equipped military personnel continued to be deployed in Kosovo as part of the NATO-led KFOR (1,700 personnel). Approximately 235 U.S. personnel are also deployed in Bosnia and Herzegovina as part of the NATO Headquarters-Sarajevo who assist in defense reform and perform operational tasks, such as counter-terrorism and supporting the International Criminal Court for the Former Yugoslavia.

2005 Horn of Africa/Kosovo/Bosnia/Iraq. On December 7, 2005, the President sent to Congress “consistent” with the War Powers Resolution, a consolidated report giving details of multiple ongoing United States military deployments and operations
“in support of the global war on terrorism,” and in support of the Multinational Force in Iraq, where about 160,000 U.S. military personnel were deployed. U.S. forces were also deployed in the Horn of Africa region—Kenya, Ethiopia, Yemen, and Djibouti— assisting in “enhancing counter-terrorism capabilities” of these nations. The President further noted that U.S. combat-equipped military personnel continued to be deployed in Kosovo as part of the NATO-led KFOR (1,700 personnel). Approximately 220 U.S. personnel were also deployed in Bosnia and Herzegovina as part of the NATO Headquarters-Sarajevo who assist in defense reform and perform operational tasks, such as “counter-terrorism and supporting the International Criminal Court for the Former Yugoslavia.”

2006 Kosovo/Bosnia/Iraq. On June 15, 2006, the President sent to Congress “consistent” with the War Powers Resolution, a consolidated report giving details of multiple ongoing United States military deployments and operations “in support of the war on terror,” and in Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and as part of the Multinational Force (MNF) in Iraq. About 131,000 military personnel were deployed in Iraq. U.S. forces were also deployed in the Horn of Africa region, and in Djibouti to support necessary operations against al-Qaida and other international terrorists operating in the region. U.S. military personnel continue to support the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR). The U.S. contribution to KFOR was about 1,700 military personnel. The NATO Headquarters-Sarajevo was established in November 22, 2004 as a successor to its stabilization operations in Bosnia-Herzegovina to continue to assist in implementing the peace agreement. Approximately 250 U.S. personnel were assigned to the NATO Headquarters-Sarajevo to assist in defense reform and perform operational tasks, such as “counter-terrorism and supporting the International Criminal Court for the Former Yugoslavia.”

2006 Lebanon. On July 18, 2006, the President reported to Congress “consistent” with the War Powers Resolution, that in response to the security threat posed in Lebanon to U.S. Embassy personnel and citizens and designated third country personnel,” he had deployed combat-equipped military helicopters and military personnel to Beirut to assist in the departure of the persons under threat from Lebanon. The President noted that additional combat-equipped U.S. military forces may be deployed “to Lebanon, Cyprus and other locations, as necessary.” to assist further departures of persons from Lebanon and to provide security. He further stated that once the threat to U.S. citizens and property has ended, the U.S. military forces would redeploy. 2006 Terrorism threat/Horn of Africa/Kosovo/Bosnia. On December 15, 2006, the President sent to Congress “consistent” with the War Powers Resolution, a consolidated report giving details of multiple ongoing United States military deployments and operations “in support of the war on terror,” in Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and as part of the Multinational Force (MNF) in Iraq. About 134,000 military personnel are deployed in Iraq. U.S. forces were also deployed in the Horn of Africa region, and in Djibouti to support necessary operations against al-Qaida and other international terrorists operating in the region, including Yemen. U.S. military personnel continue to support the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR). The U.S. contribution to KFOR was about 1,700 military personnel. The NATO Headquarters-Sarajevo was established in November 22, 2004 as a successor to its stabilization operations in Bosnia- Herzegovina to continue to assist in implementing the peace agreement. Approximately 100 U.S. personnel were assigned to the NATO Headquarters-Sarajevo to assist in defense reform and perform operational tasks, such as “counterterrorism and supporting the International Criminal Court for the Former Yugoslavia.”

2007 Kosovo/Afghanistan. On June 15, 2007, the President sent to Congress “consistent” with the War Powers Resolution, a consolidated report giving details of ongoing United States military deployments and operations “in support of the war on terror,” and in support of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR). The President reported that various U.S. “combat-equipped and combat-support forces” were deployed to “a number of locations in the Central, Pacific, European (KFOR), and Southern Command areas of operation” and were engaged in combat operations against al-Qaida terrorists and their supporters. The U.S. is currently “pursuing and engaging remnant al-Qaida and Taliban fighters in Afghanistan.” U.S. forces in Afghanistan currently total approximately 25,945. Of this total, “approximately 14,340 are assigned to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan.” The U.S. military continues to support peacekeeping operations in Kosovo, specifically, the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR). Currently, the U.S. contribution to KFOR in Kosovo is approximately 1,584 military personnel.

2007 Kosovo/Afghanistan. On December 14, 2007, the President sent to Congress “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” a consolidated report giving details of ongoing United States military deployments and operations “in support of the war on terror,” and in support of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR). The President reported that various U.S. “combat-equipped and combat-support forces” were deployed to “a number of locations in the Central, Pacific, European, and Southern Command areas of operation” and were engaged in combat operations against al-Qaida terrorists and their supporters. The U.S. is currently “pursuing and engaging remnant al-Qaida and Taliban fighters in Afghanistan.” U.S. forces in Afghanistan currently total approximately 25,900. Of this total, “approximately 15,180 are assigned to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan.” The U.S. military continues to support peacekeeping operations in Kosovo, specifically, the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR). Currently, the U.S. contribution to KFOR in Kosovo is approximately 1,498 military personnel.

2008 Kosovo/Afghanistan. On June 13, 2008, the President sent to Congress “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” a consolidated report giving details of ongoing United States military deployments and operations “in support of the war on terror,” and in support of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR). The President reported that various U.S. “combat-equipped and combat-support forces” were deployed to “a number of locations in the Central, Pacific, European, and Southern Command areas of operation” and were engaged in combat operations against al- Qaida terrorists and their supporters. The U.S. is actively “pursuing and engaging remnant al-Qaida and Taliban fighters in Afghanistan.” U.S. forces in Afghanistan currently total approximately 31122. Of this total, “approximately 14,275 are assigned to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan.” The U.S. military continues to support peacekeeping operations in Kosovo, specifically, the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR). Currently, the U.S. contribution to KFOR in Kosovo is approximately 1,500 military personnel.

2008 Kosovo/Afghanistan. On December 16, 2008, the President sent to Congress “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” a consolidated report giving details of ongoing United States military deployments and operations “in support of the war on terror,” and in support of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR). The President reported that various U.S. “combat-equipped and combat-support forces” were deployed to “a number of locations in the Central, Pacific, European, Southern, and Africa Command areas of operation” and were engaged in combat operations against al-Qaida and their supporters. The United States is “actively pursuing and engaging remnant al-Qaida and Taliban fighters in Afghanistan.” U.S. forces in Afghanistan total approximately 31, 000. Of this total, “approximately 13, 000 are assigned to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan.” The U.S. military continues to support peacekeeping operations in Kosovo, specifically the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR). The current U.S. contribution to KFOR in Kosovo is about 1,500 military personnel.

2009 Afghanistan/Iraq/Kosovo. On June 15, 2009, the President sent to Congress “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” a supplemental consolidated report, giving details of “ongoing contingency operations overseas.” The report noted that the total number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan was “approximately 58,000,” of which approximately 20,000 are assigned to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan.” The United States continues to pursue and engage “remaining al-Qa’ida and Taliban forces in Afghanistan.” The U.S. also continues to deploy military forces in support of the Multinational Force (MNF) in Iraq. The current U.S. contribution to this effort is “approximately 138,000 U.S. military personnel.” U.S. military operations continue in Kosovo, as part of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR). Presently the United States contributes approximately 1,400 U.S. military personnel to KFOR. In addition, the United states continues to deploy “U.S. combat equipped forces to help enhance the counterterrorism capabilities of our friends and allies” not only in the Horn of Africa region, but globally through “maritime interception operations on the high seas” aimed at blocking the “movement, arming and financing of international terrorists.”

2009 Afghanistan/Iraq/Kosovo. On December 5, 2009, the President sent to Congress “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” a consolidated report, giving details of “global deployments of U.S. Armed Forces equipped for combat.” The report detailed “ongoing U.S. contingency operations overseas.” The report noted that the total number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan was “approximately 68,000,” of which approximately 34,000 are assigned to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. The United States continues to pursue and engage “remaining al-Qa’ida and Taliban forces in Afghanistan.” The United States has deployed “various combat-equipped forces to a number of locations in the Central, Pacific, European, Southern and African Command areas of operation” in support of anti-terrorist and anti-al-Qa’ida actions. The United States also continues to deploy military forces in Iraq to “maintain security and stability” there. These Iraqi operations continue pursuant to the terms of a bilateral agreement between the United States and Iraq, which entered into force on January 1, 2009. The current U.S. force level in Iraq is “approximately 116,000 U.S. military personnel.” U.S. military operations continue in Kosovo, as part of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR). Presently the United States contributes approximately 1,475 U.S. military personnel to KFOR. In addition, the United States continues to deploy “U.S. combat-equipped forces to assist in enhancing the counterterrorism capabilities of our friends and allies” not only in the Horn of Africa region, but globally through “maritime interception operations on the high seas” aimed at blocking the “movement, arming and financing of international terrorists.”

2010 Afghanistan/Iraq/Kosovo. On June 15, 2010, the President sent to Congress, “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” a consolidated report giving details of “deployments of U.S. Armed Forces equipped for combat.” The report
noted that the total number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan was “approximately 87,000,” of which over 62,000 are assigned to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. The United States continues combat operations “against al-
Qa’ida terrorists and their Taliban supporters” in Afghanistan. The United States has deployed “combat-equipped forces to a number of locations in the U.S. Central, Pacific, European, Southern and African Command areas of operation” in support of anti-terrorist and anti-al-Qa’ida actions. The United States also continues to deploy military forces in Iraq to “maintain security and stability” there. These Iraqi operations continue pursuant to the terms of a bilateral agreement between the United States and Iraq, which entered into force on January 1, 2009. The current U.S. force level in Iraq is “approximately 95,000 U.S. military personnel.” U.S. military operations continue in Kosovo, as part of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR). Presently, the United States contributes approximately 1,074 U.S. military personnel to KFOR. In addition, the United States continues to “conduct maritime interception operations on the high seas” directed at “stopping the movement, arming and financing of international terrorist groups.”

2010 Afghanistan/Iraq/Kosovo. On December 15, 2010, the President submitted to Congress “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” a consolidated report, detailing “deployments of U.S. Armed Forces equipped for combat.” The report noted that the total number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan was “approximately 97,500,” of which over 81,500 were assigned to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. The United States is continuing combat operations “against al-Qa’ida terrorists and their Taliban supporters” in Afghanistan. The United States has deployed “combat-equipped forces to a number of locations in the U.S. Central, Pacific, European, Southern and African Command areas of operation” in support of anti-terrorist and anti-al-Qa’ida actions. In addition, the United States continues to conduct “maritime interception operations on the high seas in the areas of responsibility of the geographic combatant commands” directed at “stopping the movement, arming and financing of international terrorist groups.” The United States also continues to deploy military forces in Iraq in support of Iraqi efforts to “maintain security and stability” there. These Iraqi operations continue pursuant to the terms of a bilateral agreement between the United States and Iraq, which entered into force on January 1, 2009. The current U.S. force level in Iraq is “approximately 48,400 U.S. military personnel.” U.S. military operations also continue in Kosovo, as part of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR). The United States currently contributes approximately 808 U.S. military personnel to KFOR.

2011 Afghanistan/Libya/Kosovo. On June 15, 2011, the President sent to Congress, “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” a supplemental consolidated report giving details of “global deployments of U.S. Armed Forces equipped for combat.” The report detailed ongoing U.S. contingency operations overseas. The report noted that the total number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan was “approximately 99,000,” of which approximately 83,000 are assigned to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. The United States continues to pursue and engage “remaining al-Qa’ida and Taliban fighters in Afghanistan.” The United States has deployed various “combat-equipped forces” to a number of locations in the Central,
Pacific, European, Southern and African Command areas of operation in support of anti-terrorist and anti-al-Qa’ida actions. This includes the deployment of U.S. military forces globally to assist in enhancing the counterterrorism capabilities of our friends and allies through maritime interception operations on the high seas “aimed at stopping the movement, arming and financing of certain international terrorist groups.” A combat-equipped security force of about “40 U.S. military personnel from the U.S. Central Command” was deployed to Cairo, Egypt, on January 31, 2011, for the sole purpose of “protecting American citizens and property.” That force remains at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo. The United States also continues to deploy military forces in Iraq to help it “maintain security and stability” there. These Iraqi operations continue pursuant to the terms of a bilateral agreement between the United States and Iraq, which entered into force on January 1, 2009. The current U.S. force level in Iraq is “approximately 45,000 U.S. military personnel. In Libya, since April 4, 2011, the United States has transferred responsibility for military operations there to NATO, and U.S. involvement “has assumed a supporting role in the coalition’s efforts.” U.S. support in Libya has been limited to “intelligence, logistical support, and search and rescue assistance.” The U.S. military aircraft have also been used to assist in the “suppression and destruction of air defenses in support of the no-fly zone” over Libya. Since April 23, 2011, the United States has supported the coalition effort in Libya through use of “unmanned aerial vehicles against a limited set of clearly defined targets” there. Except in the case of operations to “rescue the crew of a U.S. aircraft” on March 21, 2011, “the United States has deployed no ground forces to Libya.” U.S. military operations continue in Kosovo, as part of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR). Presently the United States contributes approximately 800 U.S. military personnel to KFOR.

2011 Libya. On March 21, 2011, the President submitted to Congress “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” a report stating that at “approximately 3:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, on March 19, 2011,” he had directed U.S. military forces to commence “operations to assist an international effort authorized by the United Nations (U.N.) Security Council and undertaken with the support of European allies and Arab partners, to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe and address the threat posed to international peace and security by the crisis in Libya.” He further stated that U.S. military forces, “under the command of Commander, U.S. Africa Command, began a series of strikes against air defense systems and military airfields for the purposes of preparing a no-fly zone.” These actions were part of “the multilateral response authorized under U.N. Security Council Resolution 1973,” and the President added that “these strikes will be limited in their nature, duration, and scope. Their purpose is to support an international coalition as it takes all necessary measures to enforce the terms of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1973. These limited U.S. actions will set the stage for further action by other coalition partners.”

The President noted that United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973 authorized Member States, under Chapter VII of the U.N. Charter, to take all necessary measures to protect civilians and civilian populated areas under threat of attack in Libya, including the establishment and enforcement of a “no-fly zone” in the airspace of Libya. United States military efforts are discrete and focused on employing unique U.S. military capabilities to set the conditions for our European allies and Arab partners to carry out the measures authorized by the U.N. Security Council Resolution.

The President stated further that the “United States has not deployed ground forces into Libya. United States forces are conducting a limited and well-defined mission in support of international efforts to protect civilians and prevent a humanitarian disaster.” Accordingly, he added, “U.S. forces have targeted the Qadhafi regime’s air defense systems, command and control structures, and other capabilities of Qadhafi’s armed forces used to attack civilians and civilian populated areas.” It was the intent of the United States, he said, to “seek a rapid, but responsible, transition of operations to coalition, regional, or international organizations that are postured to continue activities as may be necessary to realize the objectives of U.N. Security Council Resolutions 1970 and 1973.” The President said that the actions he had directed were “in the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States.” He took them, the President stated, “pursuant to my constitutional authority to conduct U.S. foreign relations and as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive.”

2011 Central Africa. On October 14, 2011, the President submitted to Congress, “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” a report stating that “he had authorized a small number of combat-equipped U.S. forces to deploy to central Africa to provide assistance to regional forces that are working toward the removal of Joseph Kony,” leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), from the battlefield. For over two decades the LRA has murdered, kidnapped, and raped tens of thousands of men, women, and children throughout central Africa, and has continued to commit atrocities in South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Central African Republic. The U.S. Armed Forces, the President noted, would be a “significant contribution toward counter-LRA efforts in central Africa.” The President stated that on “October 12, 2011, the initial team of U.S. military personnel with appropriate combat equipment deployed to Uganda.” In the “next month, additional forces will deploy, including a second combat-equipped team and associated headquarters, communications, and logistics personnel.” The President further stated that the “total number of U.S. military personnel deploying for this mission is approximately 100.
These forces will act as advisors to partner forces that have the goals of removing from the battlefield Joseph Kony and other senior leadership of the LRA.” U.S. forces “will provide information, advice, and assistance to select partner nation forces.” With the approval of the respective host nations, “elements of these U.S. forces will deploy into Uganda, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The support provided by U.S. forces will enhance regional efforts against the LRA.” The President emphasized that even though the “U.S. forces are combat-equipped, they will only be providing information, advice, and assistance to partner nation forces, and they will not themselves engage LRA forces unless necessary for self-defense. All appropriate precautions have been taken to ensure the safety of U.S. military personnel during their deployment.” The President took note in his report that Congress had previously “expressed support for increased, comprehensive U.S. efforts to help mitigate and eliminate the threat posed by the LRA to civilians and regional stability” through the passage of the Lord’s Resistance Army Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act of 2009, P.L. 111-172, enacted May 24, 2010.

2011 Afghanistan/Libya/Iraq/Kosovo. On December 15, 2011, the President submitted to Congress, “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” a supplemental consolidated report, giving details of “deployments of U.S. Armed Forces equipped for combat.” The report detailed ongoing U.S. contingency operations overseas. The report noted that the total number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan was “approximately 93,000,” of which approximately 78,000 are assigned to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. The United States continues to pursue and engage “remaining al-Qa’ida and Taliban fighters in Afghanistan.” The United States has deployed various “combat-equipped forces” to a number of locations in the Central, Pacific, European, Southern, and African Command areas of operation in support of anti-terrorist and anti-al-Qa’ida actions. This includes the deployment of U.S. military forces globally: “including special operations and other forces” for “sensitive operations” in various places, as well as forces to assist in enhancing the counterterrorism capabilities of our friends and allies. U.S. forces also have engaged in maritime interception operations on the high seas “aimed at stopping the movement, arming and financing of certain international terrorist groups.” The United States continued to deploy military forces in Iraq to help it “maintain security and stability” there. These Iraqi operations were undertaken pursuant to the terms of a bilateral agreement between the United States and Iraq, which entered into force on January 1, 2009. The U.S. force level in Iraq on October 28, 2011, was “36,001 U.S. military personnel.” The United States was committed to withdraw U.S. forces from Iraq by December 31, 2011. (This occurred, as scheduled, after this report was submitted.) In Libya, after April 4, 2011, the United States transferred responsibility for military operations there to NATO, and U.S. involvement “assumed a supporting role in the coalition’s efforts.” U.S. support in Libya was limited to “intelligence, logistical support, and search and rescue assistance.” The U.S. military aircraft were also used to assist in the “suppression and destruction of air defenses in support of the no-fly zone” over Libya. After April 23, 2011, the United States supported the coalition effort in Libya through use of “unmanned aerial vehicles against a limited set of clearly defined targets” there. Except in the case of operations to “rescue the crew of a U.S. aircraft” on March 21, 2011, and deploying 16 U.S. military personnel to aid in re-establishing the U.S. Embassy in Tripoli in September 2011, “the U.S. deployed no ground forces to Libya.” On October 27, 2011, the United Nations terminated the “no-fly zone” effective October 31, 2011. NATO terminated its mission during this same time. U.S. military operations continue in Kosovo, as part of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR). Presently the United States contributes approximately 800 U.S. military personnel to KFOR.

2012 Somalia. On January 26, 2012, the President submitted to Congress, “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” a report detailing a successful U.S. Special Operations Forces operation in Somalia of January 24, 2012, to rescue Ms. Jessica Buchanan, a U.S. citizen who had been kidnapped by a group linked to Somali pirates and financiers. This operation was undertaken “by a small number of joint combat-equipped U.S. forces” following receipt of reliable intelligence establishing her location in Somalia. A Danish national, Poul Hagen Thisted, kidnapped with Ms. Buchanan, was also rescued
with her.

2012 Afghanistan/Somalia/Yemen/Central Africa/Kosovo. On June 15, 2012, the President reported to Congress “consistent with” the War Powers Resolution, a consolidated report regarding various deployments of U.S. Armed Forces equipped for combat. In the efforts in support of U.S. counterterrorism (CT) objectives against al-Qa’ida, the Taliban and, associated forces, he noted that U.S. forces engaged in Afghanistan in the above effort were “approximately 90,000.” With regard to other counter-terrorism operations, the President stated that the United States had deployed “U.S. combat-equipped forces to assist in enhancing the CT capabilities of our friends and allies including special operations and other forces for sensitive operations in various locations around the world.” He noted that the “U.S. military has taken direct action in Somalia against members of al-Qa’ida, including those who are also members of al-Shabaab, who are engaged in efforts to carry out terrorist attacks against the United States and our interests.” The President further stated that the U.S. military had been “working closely with the Yemeni government to operationally and ultimately eliminate the terrorist threat posed by al-Qa-ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), the most active and dangerous affiliate of al-Qa’ida today.” He added that these “joint efforts have resulted in direct action against a limited number of AQAP operatives and senior leaders in that country who posed a terrorist threat to the United States and our interests.” The President noted that he would direct “additional measures against al-Qa’ida, the Taliban, and associated forces to protect U.S. citizens and interests.” Further information on such matters is provided in a “classified annex to this report.” Other military operations reported by the President include the “deployment of U.S. combat-equipped military personnel to Uganda to serve as advisors to regional forces that are working to apprehend or remove Joseph Kony and other senior Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) leaders from the battlefield and to protect local populations.” The total number of U.S. military personnel deployed for this mission is “approximately 90,” and elements of these U.S. forces have been sent to “forward locations in the LRA-affected areas of the Republic of South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Central African Republic.” These U.S. forces “will not engage LRA forces except in self-defense.” The President also reported that presently the United States was contributing approximately 817 military personnel to the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) in Kosovo. He also reported that the U.S. remained prepared to engage in “maritime interception operations” intended to stop the “movement, arming, and financing of certain international terrorist groups,” as well as stopping “proliferation by sea of weapons of mass destruction and related materials.” Additional details about these efforts are included in “the classified annex” to this report.

2012 Libya/Yemen. On September 14, 2012, the President reported to Congress, “consistent with” the War Powers Resolution, that on September 12, 2012, he ordered deployed to Libya “a security force from the U.S. Africa Command” to “support the security of U.S. personnel in Libya.” This action was taken in response to the attack on the U.S. “diplomatic post in Benghazi, Libya,” that had killed four America citizens, including U.S. Ambassador John Christopher Stevens. The President added on September 13, 2012, that “an additional security force arrived in Yemen in response to security threats there.” He further stated that: “Although these security forces are equipped for combat, these movements have been undertaken solely for the purpose of protecting American citizens and property.” These security forces will remain in Libya and in Yemen, he noted, “until the security situation becomes such that they are no longer needed.”

2013 Afghanistan. On January 31, 2013, DOD identified three major units to deploy as part of the ongoing rotation of forces operating in Afghanistan. The scheduled rotation involved one Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) with roughly 2,250 personnel from the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia; a Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) with roughly 2,200 personnel from the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, New York; and a corps headquarters with roughly 500 personnel from the III Corps Headquarters, Fort Hood, Texas, in spring 2013.

2013 Niger. On February 22, 2013, the President reported in a letter dated February 20 to congressional leaders, that “the last 40 of the approximately 100 military personnel had arrived in Niger and were deployed with weapons for the purpose of providing their own force protection and security.” President Obama further stated, “This deployment will provide support for intelligence collection and will also facilitate intelligence sharing with French forces conducting operations in Mali, and with other partners in the region.”

2013 Afghanistan. On April 10, 2013, DOD identified four major units to deploy as part of the upcoming rotation of forces operating in Afghanistan. The scheduled rotation is ongoing and involves one cavalry regiment, the 2nd Cavalry Regiment from Vilseck, Germany, with roughly 3,000 personnel; one armored brigade combat team (ABCT) with roughly 3,200 personnel from the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas; one infantry brigade combat team (IBCT) with roughly 2,200 personnel from the 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Knox, Kentucky; and a division headquarters with roughly 450 personnel from the 4th Infantry Division Headquarters, Fort Carson, Colorado, to rotate in summer 2013.

2013 Jordan. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel ordered the deployment of more American troops to Jordan. He announced the deployment on April 17, 2013, in a statement on Syria before the Senate Armed Services Committee. He said that U.S. troops will work alongside Jordanian forces to “improve readiness and prepare for a number of scenarios.” The troops, which number up to 200, are from the headquarters of the 1st Armored Division at Fort Bliss, Texas, according to DOD.

2013 Jordan. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel ordered the deployment of more American troops to Jordan. He announced the deployment on April 17, 2013, in a statement on Syria before the Senate Armed Services Committee. He said that U.S. troops will work alongside Jordanian forces to “improve readiness and prepare for a number of scenarios.” The troops, which number up to 200, are from the headquarters of the 1st Armored Division at Fort Bliss, Texas, according to DOD sources.

2013 Afghanistan/Somalia/Yemen/Central Africa. On June 14, 2013, President Obama sent Congress a letter “consistent with” the War Powers Resolution, on U.S. military operations against al-Qaida, the Taliban, and associated forces, and in support of related U.S. counterterrorism objectives in Afghanistan and elsewhere. There are approximately 62,000 U.S. forces in Afghanistan of which 49,000 of these forces are assigned to the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). Further directed reduction of forces will continue to the 34,000 level by February 12, 2014.

2013 Jordan. President Obama sent Congress a letter on June 21, 2013, regarding a combat-equipped detachment of 700 U.S. troops remaining in Jordan following training exercises that ended on June 20. This was at the request of the government of Jordan and in furtherance of U.S. national security and foreign policy interests.

2013 Afghanistan. On July 11, 2013, DOD identified three units to deploy as part of the upcoming rotation of forces in Afghanistan. The scheduled rotation involves elements of one infantry brigade combat team (IBCT) with roughly 2,000 personnel; and elements of two combat aviation brigades, one with roughly 1,450 personnel and one with roughly 2,100 personnel, to rotate in Fall 2013 in support of the combatant commander’s mission requirements. The deploying units include the 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, New York; the 1st Cavalry Division Combat Aviation Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas; and the 1st Infantry Division Combat Aviation Brigade, Fort Riley, Kansas.

2013 Afghanistan. On September 24, 2013, DOD identified six units to deploy as part of the upcoming rotation of forces operating in Afghanistan. The scheduled rotation involves elements of two infantry brigade combat teams (IBCT)—one with roughly 1,830 personnel (4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division) and one with roughly 2,000 personnel (2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division); elements of one armored brigade combat team (ABCT) with roughly 1,160 personnel (3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division); elements of one combat aviation brigade with roughly 1,800 personnel (159th Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division); a division headquarters element with roughly 630 personnel (10th Mountain Division Headquarters); and a corps headquarters element with roughly 560 personnel (XVIII Airborne Corps Headquarters) to rotate in winter 2013-2014 in support of the combatant commander’s mission requirements. The deploying units include Brigade Combat Teams/Combat Aviation Brigades: 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, KY; 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, CO; 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss, TX; and 159th Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, KY; Division Headquarters: 10th Mountain Division Headquarters, Fort Drum, NY; and Corps Headquarters: XVIII Airborne Corps Headquarters, Fort Bragg, NC.

2014 Ukraine. On August 6, 2014, at the request of the U.S. State Department, a dozen American troops from U.S. European Command arrived in Kiev, Ukraine, to help investigate the downing of the Malaysian airliner MH17 that killed all 298 passengers aboard.6 These specialists will assist State Department personnel in Kiev and not visit the crash site in eastern Ukraine, where there is fighting between the Ukrainian forces of the central government and separatists backed by Russia. See CRS Report RL33460, Ukraine: Current Issues and U.S. Policy, for more detail.

2014 Iraq. On August 13, 2014, Defense Secretary Hagel announced that President Obama had ordered 130 new assessors to deploy to Erbil, Iraq, to assess the scope of the humanitarian mission and develop additional humanitarian assistance options in support of displaced Iraqi civilians trapped on Sinjar Mountain by the ISIL. See CRS Report R43612, The “Islamic State” Crisis and U.S. Policy, by Kenneth Katzman et al.

2014 Poland. DOD announced on August 13, 2014, that 600 soldiers from the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, TX, will rotate to Poland as the next unit to participate in the reassurance initiative. The brigade will be the next unit to take part in ongoing land forces exercises that fall under the umbrella of Operation Atlantic Resolve. According to Pentagon officials, “the United States is demonstrating its continued commitment to collective security through a series of actions designed to reassure NATO allies and partners of America’s dedication to enduring peace and stability in the region, in light of the Russian intervention in Ukraine.” See CRS Report R43478, NATO: Response to the Crisis in Ukraine and Security Concerns in Central and Eastern Europe, coordinated by Paul Belkin.

2014 Iraq. On September 2, 2014, President Barack Obama approved an increase of 350 additional military personnel on the ground in Baghdad providing security at the U.S. embassy compound and its support facilities. On September 10, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby announced that “approximately 475 additional service members will be deployed to Iraq to conduct the following missions: advise and assist the Iraqi security forces in order to help them go on the offense against ISIL, conduct intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance flights to increase U.S. capacity to target ISIL, and coordinate the activities of the U.S. military across Iraq.”

2014 Liberia, West Africa. President Obama announced on September 16, 2014, a major increase in the U.S. response to the current Ebola outbreak in West Africa. U.S. Africa Command set up a Joint Force Command headquartered in Monrovia, Liberia, to provide regional command-and-control support to U.S. military activities and facilitate coordination with U.S. government and international relief efforts. An estimated 3,000 U.S. forces are to be involved in the upcoming months. Pentagon spokesman Army Col. Steve Warren announced that as of September 29, 2014, about 150 U.S. service members were in the Liberian capital Monrovia, conducting a range of activities in support of the U.S. Agency for International Development, as U.S. Africa Command sets up a joint force command headquarters there to support U.S. military activities. See CRS Insights IN10152, Increased Department of Defense Role in U.S. Ebola Response.

2014 Liberia and Senegal, West Africa. On October 1, 2014, Defense Secretary Hagel authorized the deployment of 700 soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division headquarters to Liberia to help with the Ebola epidemic. By October 3, there were 205 U.S. service members in Liberia, with another 26 in neighboring Senegal to establish a cargo-processing hub in support of Operation United Assistance, the international effort to battle Ebola in West Africa. On October 29, a 20-member team of Air Force medical trainers arrived in Monrovia, Liberia, to train non-U.S. medical personnel as part of Operation United Assistance. On October 31, a team of soldier-scientists who are part of an Army expeditionary laboratory unit based in Aberdeen, MD, deployed to Liberia for up to a year to establish four labs outside Monrovia and contribute to the U.S. effort to halt Ebola outbreaks in West Africa. See CRS Report R43697, The 2014 Ebola Outbreak: International and U.S. Responses, for additional information.

2014 Iraq. On November 7, 2014, the President authorized the Secretary of Defense to deploy to Iraq up to 1,500 additional U.S. personnel over the coming months, in a non-combat role. CENTCOM will establish two expeditionary advise and assist operations centers, in locations outside of Baghdad and Erbil, to provide support for the Iraqis at the brigade headquarters level and above.

2014 Dakar, Senegal. On November 10, 2014, 35 airmen and two Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft from Dyess Air Force Base, TX, joined forces with more than 70 airmen from the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group who have been operating a cargo hub at the International Airport in Dakar since October 5 as part of Operation United Assistance.

2014 Senegal and Liberia, West Africa. On November 14, 2014, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel signed an order authorizing the involuntary mobilization of approximately 2,100 Army Reserve and Army National Guard soldiers to support Operation United Assistance. These troops would replace forces in Senegal and Liberia who are supporting the U.S. response to the Ebola outbreak.

2014 Vilnius, Lithuania. On November 24, 2014, Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges, the commander of U.S. Army Europe, stated that soldiers of the 1st Cavalry Division and later replacement units would rotate to locations in Eastern Europe through the end of next year as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve. Those rotations could continue beyond 2015.

2014 Iraq. On December 19, 2014, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby announced that up to 1,300 more U.S. troops, including approximately 1,000 soldiers from the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, will deploy to Iraq in late January 2015 to “to train, advise and assist Iraqi security forces.”

2015 Liberia and Senegal, West Africa. On January 8, 2015, Pentagon spokesman Army Col. Steve Warren announced that 2,367 DOD personnel were involved in the battle to stop the spread of Ebola. Most of those personnel (2,174) are based in Liberia’s capital, Monrovia, and the remaining 193 personnel were Marine Corps members and port operations personnel operating in Dakar, Senegal. The Pentagon noted that U.S. military personnel were not involved in treating patients with Ebola. Instead, U.S. military personnel provided continuing logistical support and training for health care workers, testing medical samples, and constructing treatment units.

2015 Korea. On March 20, 2015, the Defense Secretary approved the nine-month rotation of a multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) battalion of approximately 400 soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 20th Field Artillery to the Republic of Korea (ROK) in June. They will join the 210th Field Artillery Brigade at Camp Casey, ROK.

2015 Iraq. On June 10, 2015, President Obama authorized Defense Secretary Carter to provide a small increase in additional U.S. personnel to be deployed to Iraq in a noncombat role. The President authorized up to 450 additional U.S. personnel to deploy to Iraq to expand the U.S. advise-and-assist mission at Taqaddum Air Base in support of the Iraqi government. This brings U.S. troop totals up to 3,550 authorized across Iraq. These forces are intended to provide an advisory, training, and support role and not conduct offensive ground combat operations.

2015 Iraq, Afghanistan and Middle East. On August 5, 2015, the Army announced unit rotations involving 3,000 troops in August and September. About 1,250 soldiers from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, based at Fort Drum, New York, are slated to rotate to Iraq for nine months. An additional 300 10th Mountain troops are to join another 1,000 troops from the 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 10th Mountain based at Fort Polk, Louisiana, to deploy to Afghanistan.

2015 Kuwait. On September 24, 2015, the Department of the Army announced that approximately 4,000 soldiers from the 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, will deploy in late fall. The deployment is a nine-month rotational replacement of troops.

2015 Cameroon. On October 14, 2015, President Obama sent a letter to the Speaker of the House, consistent with the War Powers Resolution, regarding the deployment of 90 U.S. troops to Cameroon, with the consent of the government of Cameroon, to help fight against the Islamist militants Boko Haram. This deployment is in advance of expected additional U.S. armed forces personnel to Cameroon to conduct airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations in the region. The total number of U.S. military personnel to be deployed is approximately 300. See CRS Report R43377, Crisis in the Central African Republic, by Alexis Arieff and Tomas F. Husted.

Sources:

[1] TheAmericanConservative.com

[2] LoC.gov 

[3] FAS.org