Reports from the White House indicated President George W. Bush will announce the drawdown of 30,000 U.S. troops from Iraq during a primetime television address Thursday. General David Petraeus told congress earlier this week that security in Iraq can be maintained with a smaller U.S. force.

"First of all, what I recommended was a very substantial withdrawal, Petraeus said. Five Army brigade combat teams, a Marine Expeditionary Unit and two Marine battalions represent a very significant force."

I think for the morale of the soldiers it will be something good, something positive, said Staff Sgt. Wayne Harris, a current Fort Bliss soldier.

Harris said he knows what soldiers in Iraq are facing, having served one tour himself. He said he doesn't understand why more troops were deployed earlier this year in the first place.

I don't think we need all the troops that are over there, he said. I think it's kind of like an overkill.

If all goes as planned by top U.S. officials, 30,000 troops could return home next summer.

But the plan will depend on continued progress on both the security and political situation in Iraq.

Billy Etheridge, a former soldier now living in El Paso said hed like to see more troops come back.

I think it's a good start, he said, and eventually within the next few years we need to up that number.

Petraeus acknowledged Iraq remains largely dysfunctional, but said violence had decreased since the additional 30,000 troops deployed this year.