This doesn't mean keeping large numbers of troops in Iraq indefinitely; that has become impossible.
Large numbers of troops are stationed in or around major cities.
The ex-communist countries have been loyal American allies, sending large numbers of troops to Iraq.
The United Nations does not have large numbers of troops to send to Africa now for peacekeeping duties.
The Bush administration has made it clear that it has no plans to commit large numbers of troops to Haiti.
In practice, however, creating safe zones for Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds can be accomplished only with large numbers of troops.
But Putnam proved disappointing as a tactician, being unable to plan and coordinate operations involving large numbers of troops.
The Japanese needed large numbers of troops to maintain their hold on the immense Chinese territories and populations they controlled.
Counter-insurgency requires large numbers of troops and policemen (which in Afghanistan are weak, corrupt and often drug-addled).
For its part, Cuba sent large numbers of troops abroad to support Marxist revolutionary groups and governments.
"This is the first time that this president has been asked to deploy large numbers of troops overseas," Mr. Gates said Tuesday.
