Military Mobilization: 30,000 More U.S. Troops To Afghanistan By Spring
Email This Post
The chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff says up to 30,000 extra troops could be sent to Afghanistan in 2009, almost doubling the US presence. “Some 20 to 30,000 is the window of overall increase from where we are right now,” Admiral Mike Mullen said. The time-frame of deployment has also been shortened, with reinforcements set to arrive by summer at the latest.
On Friday, US Defense Secretary Robert Gates ordered the deployment of a combat aviation brigade by spring. There are currently 31,000 US troops in the country, 14,000 of whom are part of the 51,000-strong NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (Isaf).
Speaking to reporters after a visit to the Afghan capital, Admiral Mullen revealed that the US military planned to as much as double its presence by the middle of next year in order to fight the growing Taliban insurgency.
When we get additional troops here, I think the violence level is going to go up… The fight will be tougher Some 20 to 30,000 is the window of overall increase from where we are right now. I don’t have an exact number. We’ve agreed on the requirement and so it’s really clear to me we’re going to fill that requirement so it’s not a matter of if, but when. We’re looking to get them here in the spring, but certainly by the beginning of summer at the latest,” he added.
Earlier statements from the US government and military had suggested about 20,000 troops would be sent, a number which was in line with the minimum requested by the top US and Nato commander in Afghanistan, Gen David McKiernan.
And on Wednesday, Gates said that the US “should think long and hard” before sending significantly more than 20,000 additional troops so they do not become to be seen as an occupying force by Afghans. Admiral Mullen said that “this was a fight, for the future of Afghanistan.” He says most of the reinforcements were likely to be sent to southern Afghanistan to bolster British, Canadian and Dutch troops.
“That’s where the toughest fight is. When we get additional troops here, I think the violence level is going to go up. The fight will be tougher.”
Keep an eye on the FedEx man, boys. Stay safe.
Source: BBC
Related Posts on Right Soup:
- Obama Wants Troops To Pay For Own Injuries
- The Obama Tour Plays Surprise Gig In Iraq
- Al Gore Sued For Fraud By 30,000 Scientists
- R.I.P. Posse Comitatus
- Nidal Hasan’s Powerpoint On Islam, Business Card, Ignored By The Politically Correct
- Slaughtered.
- Michele Bachmann Calls For Investigation Of Obama Judicial Appointment
- Right Sightings
- Michael Savage: Turn Tea Party Into “Impeach Obama” Party
- John Brennan Panders To “Flying Imam” Ringleader
- Why Underwater Loans Are NOT Being Negotiated
- Right Sightings
- National Tea Party Convention: Breitbart Spanks The Media!
- Too Late To Apologize: A Declaration
- It’s Not Civil To Question Obama’s Citizenship
December 21st, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Alright, this —- has got to stop. Have you researched how many people are currently in the active duty? Even if there are 30,000 there now, and 30,000 more to go, thats 60,000. We have WAY more active duty members that will go then reserve.
Seriously, you guys are sad. Scaring people before christmas, telling them to look at their mail for fedex. The only thing people should be worrying about is their christmas presents being delivered. I hope you guys seriously shut the hell up about all this mobilization stuff.
Please just shut the hell up.
December 21st, 2008 at 5:35 pm
WT, you seem to be the only one discussing the Reserves.
December 21st, 2008 at 5:49 pm
“Keep an eye on the FedEx man, boys. Stay safe.”
This is a reference to receiving a recall letter, mainly, reserves/IRR.