At the same time, new Secretary of Defense Ash Carter is making it clear he will not commit quickly to a time table, and wants assurances the Iraqi military is up to the task, a senior U.S. military official said.
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Carter wants to ensure military action is not ordered without strong indications Iraqi forces will be successful.
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“Thousands” of additional helmets and Kevlar vests are being shipped as well, in addition to 250 MRAP mine-resistant vehicles shipped in January and the 232 Hellfire missiles to Iraq sent this year. About 1,500 Hellfire missiles were shipped in 2014.
The official said the shipments were all planned, but the equipment will be in place for Iraqi forces whenever the battle for Mosul begins.
