WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 (Xinhuanet) -- The United States may keep a large military presence in Iraq for another four years, the US Army's top general said Saturday.

    US Army Chief of Staff Peter Schoomaker told US media that the level of the troops could be maintained above 100,000 through 2009, although it may be cut down somewhat from the current size of 138,000.

    The US military will always prepare enough troops for the worst case scenarios in Iraq, he said.

    Schoomaker said the US Army has completed preparations of combatand support units to be rotated into Iraq over the coming year fora 12-month term.

    At present, US military planners are trying to figure out exactly how many troops will be needed in Iraq between 2007 and 2009, he said.

    The general's remarks came amid indications from both Bush administration officials and US commanders in Iraq that the US military may start reducing its troop level in that country next year.

    Meanwhile, some senior Pentagon officials also suggested that the US government may temporarily enlarge its troop in Iraq to guard the country's upcoming constitutional referendum and generalelections later this year.

    However, US Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld said the adjustment of US troop level in Iraq will rely on certain factors,including the security situation, the Iraqi political process and capabilities of the new Iraqi forces. Enditem