Austin led our military efforts at a particularly important time, overseeing the drawdown of U.S. forces and equipment while simultaneously helping to ensure that hard-fought security gains were preserved and that Iraqis could secure and govern themselves.

WHITEHOUSE: Lloyd Austin to Lead U.S. Central Command

He said at the time that he would begin the drawdown of the surge forces in July of 2011.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

The final decision about the pace of the drawdown in Afghanistan was not made at the time the FY 2014 Budget request was developed.

WHITEHOUSE: Letter -- Fiscal Year 2014 Budget Amendments

They are now planning a drawdown of troops there in just over a year's time.

BBC: Taliban's Mullah Nazir death spells trouble for Pakistan

It's drawdown time and pretty soon we'll be out like we got out of Vietnam, like we got out of other colonial wars.

BBC: William Hague

There were skeptics who suggested at the time when the President announced his policy that the July 201 date for the beginning of a drawdown was not real.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

Time and again I am amazed at the lack of attention advisors give to the issue of portfolio drawdown.

FORBES: Variable Annuity Mini-Boom Coming