At the U.S.'s largest military base in southern Iraq, Imam Ali, they are packing up, taking inventory on weapons and other sensitive items.<br/> All of this is to meet the timetable for complete withdrawal of U.S. forces by the end of this year.<br/> Nearly 40,000 U.S. forces are still in Iraq.<br/> The scale of the operation is unprecedented in history of the U.S. army.<br/> Before they leave, U.S. forces will have to transfer dozens of bases to the Iraqis, and dispose of or ship out thousands of vehicles, generators and air conditioners<br/> SOUNDBITE: Major Harold Huff, Public Affairs Officer for the for the 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division saying:<br/> "Currently we have had approximately 1,000 soldiers from our unit depart Iraq on the way back to United States, and over a thousand pieces of equipment so far."<br/> While combat duties were officially handed over to Iraqi forces last year with the U.S. sliding into a more advisory role --- U.S. forces still come under fire in the country and are anticipating an increase in attacks as their deadlines approaches.<br/> Deborah Gembara, Reuters.
