President Obama outlined his plan for the end of the Iraq war.
Speaking at the Camp Lejeune Marine base today, Obama told a group of at least 2,600 Marines and their family members that the United States will remove combat brigades over the next 18 months.
"Let me say this as plainly as I can: By Aug. 31, 2010, our combat mission in Iraq will end," he said, drawing a tentative burst of applause from the Marines.
Obama said he was extending the 16-month timeline he proposed as a candidate to 18 months after a review of conditions in Iraq by his national security team.
Though the combat brigades may leave, Obama said that he would leave behind a force of 35,000 to 50,000 troops for a transitional force that would train and advise the Iraqi Security Forces, conduct targeted counter-terrorism missions and protect U.S. civilian efforts in the country.
He said he would remove all U.S. troops by the end of 2011, drawing another round of applause.
"The drawdown of our military should send a clear signal that Iraq's future is now it's own responsibility," he said.
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