Falintil's biggest problem today is the sheer numbers of refugees who have flocked for protection to their camps, swamping their capacity to feed them, let alone conduct military operations.

CNN: Back in the Thick of It

However, the use of privatized forces on the modern battlefield far out paces their previous employment, and the capabilities that the private security industry now brings to the table marks a watershed in the conduct of military operations.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: The Impact of Private Security on US Foreign Policy

In areas outside of the cities and towns, the U.S. military will continue to conduct combat operations and security patrols in coordination with the Iraqis.

CNN: As U.S. troop withdrawal nears, 'uptick' in violence expected

Russian media reported that the force will be used to fight military aggressors, conduct anti-terror operations, battle regional drug trafficking and respond to natural disasters.

CNN: Post-Soviet nations to form military force

More than three-quarters of Iraqi military and police units are able to conduct operations with little or no U.S. help.

CNN: Pentagon: Iraq's improvements threatened by corruption

Alexander also warned of a "mismatch between our (military's) technical capabilities to conduct operations and the governing laws and policies, " for cyber warfare.

CNN: U.S. won't militarize cyberspace, nominee says

Experience also suggests the need for the U.S. military to be prepared to conduct two major long-term operations at a time.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center for Security Policy | The Measure of a Superpower: A Two Major Regional Contingency Military for the 21st Century

After all, few, if any, competent military officers believe the United States will be able to conduct successful terrestrial operations in the future without enjoying unhampered use of space, and the ability to deny it to adversaries.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Clinton Policies Would Disarm U.S. Space Capabilit

The U.S. military will no longer be sized to conduct large-scale, prolonged stability operations.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy