Obama Okayed 13,000 More Afghan Troops

Washington Post: Unannounced Deployment Already Underway, Consisting Primarily of Support Forces

(Washington Post)  This story was written by Ann Scott Tyson, Washington Post Staff Writer.

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President Obama announced in March that he would be sending 21,000 additional troops to Afghanistan. But in an unannounced move, the White House has also authorized - and the Pentagon is deploying - at least 13,000 troops beyond that number, according to defense officials.

The additional troops are primarily support forces, including engineers, medical personnel, intelligence experts and military police. Their deployment has received little mention by officials at the Pentagon and the White House, who have spoken more publicly about the combat troops who have been sent to Afghanistan.

CBS News Special Report: The Road Ahead

The deployment of the support troops to Afghanistan brings the total increase approved by Obama to 34,000. The buildup has raised the number of U.S. troops deployed to the war zones of Iraq and Afghanistan above the peak during the Iraq "surge" that President George W. Bush ordered, officials said.

The deployment does not change the maximum number of service members expected to soon be in Afghanistan: 68,000, more than double the number there when Bush left office. Still, it suggests that a significant number of support troops, in addition to combat forces, would be needed to meet commanders' demands. It also underscores the growing strain on U.S. ground troops, raising practical questions about how the Army and Marine Corps would meet a request from Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, the top U.S. and NATO commander in Afghanistan.

Defense experts said the military usually requires that thousands of support troops deploy for each combat brigade of about 4,000. That, in turn, exacerbates the strain on the force, in part because support troops are some of the most heavily demanded in the military and are still needed in large numbers in Iraq.

"There are admittedly some challenges over the next 10 to 12 months as we are downsizing in Iraq, and therefore any schedule for increasing in Afghanistan might have to be more gradual," said Michael E. O'Hanlon, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution.

Pentagon and White House officials have not publicized significant deployments of support troops. For example, when Bush announced the Iraq surge, he spoke only of 20,000 combat troops and did not mention the approximately 8,000 support troops that would accompany them. When Gen. David H. Petraeus announced that the surge would end, he spoke only of the withdrawal of the combat units because he needed to retain many of the support troops in Iraq.

On Afghanistan, White House and Pentagon spokesmen differed over exactly what the president has approved.

Obama announced in a March 27 speech that he was approving 21,000 troops, and a White House spokesman said that the president did not approve any other increases before or after. Asked for more details on the troop authorizations, spokesman Tommy Vietor said the Pentagon was better suited to provide such "technical information."

Defense officials, however, acknowledge that the request for 21,000 troops has led to the authorization of more forces.

"The 21,000 are only combat forces, and when the combat forces go in, there are a certain amount of additional forces that are required," said Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, who signs the deployment orders, had military officials identify last spring the entire scope of the increase and agreed that he would consult with Obama again if the Pentagon sought to go above that, Whitman said.

"Obama authorized the whole thing. The only thing you saw announced in a press release was the 21,000," said another defense official familiar with the troop-approval process.

McChrystal's request, which the administration is considering, would be in addition to the troops Obama has approved. The request reportedly includes different options for adding troops for combat, training and support, with one option totaling about 40,000. The ability of the Army and Marine Corps to meet the request would depend on the type and number of troops McChrystal asked for, and when he wants them. A significant troop increase in Afghanistan early next year - similar to the 2007 increase in Iraq - would be difficult to sustain given the current size of the Army and Marine Corps and ongoing troop demands in Iraq, officials said.

[truth-b-toll]

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
What part do the Iraqis & Afgans not get?
WHAT PART DOES AMERICA NOT GET?

[Iamthemango]

Yes we can!

[jefleshman]

Ironically fink you must not read or understand what anyone writes because you are blinded by your own ideas and hatred toward others who do not agree with you.

When we first started dialogue I clearly stated in one of the first posts to you that same fact about the word. terrorist. How we as in the US are perceived as the same it is a matter of perception of the individual making the claim.

I do understand that fact clearly. I will try to find the article and the post to prove you wrong again!

[finkfust]

Please do try to find that post, but in the interim let's get down to basics. Who/what do you think is the enemy in your "War on Terror"? Try to give a complete answer............

My answer is of course that a war on a concept is meaningless and therefore is unwinnable, unlosable and perpetual, which was the original PNAC intention. A war against Al-Qaeda would make some kind of sense, but THAT war would have to be more about intelligence and criminal prosecutions around the world than US military offensives.

[finkfust]

jefleshman - Should I take your silence that you actually don't know who is the enemy in your "War on Terror"? Your lack of an answer doesn't say much for your integrity or intelligence....... or your choice of job!

[finkfust]

Well jefleshman....... you still don't know who the enemy is? It's lucky for the innocent people of Afghanistan that you're going home then!

[tibu987]

Generals throw troops at problems.

Politicans throw money at problems.


Seldom do either resolve the problems.

[Anti-Obama09]

Hey Obama Suck it Your so stupid.

[jefleshman]

USMC Mom

I do not know if this will go through since my internet is acting funny again. I just wanted to say it was an Honor to see your words.

Good morning. I am going to bed (its 330am) my time.

[jefleshman]

by USMC-Mom October 13, 2009 5:46 PM EDT
Fink,
Now if you can't stand behind the troops feel free to stand in front & talk our way out of it.

-------------------

I am sorry it is worth repeating!

As I see fin quickly retreats and asks now about the civil war in america.

[jefleshman]

USMC Mom

May you always find strength in God. I have seen his miracles first hand. May it give you strength and carry you through the difficult times of not knowing or worrying as your son is here.

I hope my prayer to the lord as a testament for others to read and understand. Life and freedom is precious for all mankind. If laws are broken in this earth and not found out. They will receive justice in the afterlife. But I walk proudly knowing I have done no such thing. I have treated all with dignity and respect. I agree with Fin that all mankind should always be treated with the same dignity and respect. The fog of war is present now as it was in histories past. It is easy to criticize and judge from a far or just by reading about GPS bombs and cross fire killing civilians in the news or alleged atrocities in detention facilities. War is horrible and people die. But I know we will hold ourselves accountable if human laws were broken. That is the wonderful thing that separates us from the terrorists.

I know men who defended themselves and when they got back to their bunk and wept uncontrollably for hours because a precious life was lost even though it was either theirs or the other guy. I have seen the tragedy first hand war brings and not a fan of a war with no cause. All the arguments about if the US was legal in ousting the Taliban from power is in the human courts of law. Let them argue it out for it has been eight years now and we are here with greater issues staring us in the face. I know what the Taliban did while they were in power and I assure you this. I do not know how another human could do those things to another human being. Why did it take an attack on US soil to bring freedom to this country? I am glad the international community is here. I am proud of our efforts. If I may I would like to share a prayer I typed while over here.

My prayer to you my God as I read Psalm 91 before I type this is that you understand my burden for it is heavy for me to carry but it is light for you. Help me articulate in words my inner peace in knowing what I do is righteous and not born of evil. Hate is not you for you are a god of love and mercy. Please strengthen me as I type these words. Help me reach live in your glory do not allowed bitterness and hate control my words. Thank you for your love as you have always been with me like footprints in the sand and carry me when I cannot walk. Make me full when I am hungry and give me strength when I am tired. I do not believe in forcing my beliefs on anyone as it is their choice to accept or deny. I have seen firsthand your wonder and strength as you have sheltered me from danger. All praises to you as the rockets came raining down on me landing where I should have perished. But it was not to be. As you shielded me from sure death. I do not know why that I am saved and others are sitting by your side now in heaven. But I trust oh lord in you and thank you for my life. Lord again as the suicide vehicle born IED exploded were I was once you saved me and allowed me to be far enough away that I was unharmed. Again oh lord I do not understand why I should live and they are gone. But I trust in you oh lord for again my burden is heavy as I lift it up to you because I am human and cannot bear this weight. Thank you oh lord for granting me peace.

[USMC-Mom]

Thank you,
Please remember when these people "out here" don't get what y'all are doing that some do get it, some are crying for you & on their knee's praying for your saftey, comfort, wisdom, energy, for you to keep a clear mind, for the Lord to cover you.Praying for your families ( who to me are an extension of my own) And to never forget that you can call on the Lord. HE never leaves you......
I can't say I totally understand as my son reminds me, but I can say I love you all. I don't have to know or see you to love you all. Something haapend when my son went to Parris Island. A whole new understanding came with a new family.

[finkfust]

jefleshman - Would you like to describe any of these miracles you have seen first hand? As a scientist I am very interested to hear about paranormal events that might challenge conventional wisdom.

[USMC-Mom]

Fink,
IF this war was being fought in my back yard & I died & due to our troops fighting an enemy..thats ok with me. I'd be ok with my life being over if it helped win a war.
Now if you can't stand behind the troops feel free to stand in front & talk our way out of it.

[finkfust]

So would it matter to you what the war was about? How about the American Civil War, who was the enemy then?

[jefleshman]

USMC Mom

I am speechless. One sentence. Your last one was priceless.

Thank you.

[finkfust]

jefleshman - It's a simple question, the obvious answer to which illustrates a fundamental principle of war that both you, USMC-Mom and vast numbers of Americans seem to be blind to. Can you answer? Do you want to know the answer?

Actually don't bother answering, because you obviously won't/can't. The answer is that each side thought the other was...... but they were ALL Americans. The point that can't be denied is that AMERICANS WERE THE ENEMY. Get it now?

It's about the semantics of war propaganda. In order to start or perpetuate a war some other country, religion, group or race must be labelled the "enemy". You have to look far more carefully about who the 'enemy' actually are and why...............

[finkfust]

USMC-Mom - If you think the only people with courage and principles are the ones carrying guns then you are a fool. It takes huge courage to stand unarmed before both sides of a conflict and try to help people. It also takes great courage to stay in a war zone without taking sides or taking up arms, and simply try to live your life and raise your family.

The aggression of a soldier and the protection of his fellows have been honed and trained over years to take his fear away, but it's so much harder to deal with your fear all alone, day after day and night after night with NO protection. What do you think of the courage of those people working unarmed and unprotected in war zones to help the victims?

To stand IN FRONT and act and talk for peace takes great courage....... which brings me back to Gandhi. Do you know who he was? You were asking about freedom achieved without killing (though not without death) and he is probably the best known real example, but there have been many others. Will you read about Gandhi and then tell me what you think?

[jefleshman]

USMC Mom

You may want to look into a wonderful org that holds your same beliefs and values. If I may it is called blue star mothers http://www.bluestarmothers.org/

I do not know if you know about it. But we have seen their good work supporting the troops here.

[USMC-Mom]

No, I ahdn't heard of it, but thanks a bunch for teling me I will go check it out.
Take care of yourself & blessing to you & your family

[jefleshman]

USMC Mom and for others. In 2006 when I was in Afghanistan before it was a pleasure to work alongside with the Ministry of Education as well as Afghanistan Ministry of Defense and Interior to include their Islamic Religious Affairs outreach.

I seen massive American public support to the mission of Education over here as we assisted the mission of education for boys and GIRLS in Afghanistan. Your humble donations and love was felt each and every time on missions and patrols visiting poverty striking areas of Afghanistan and PERSONALLY delivering the much needed education materials.

As I am sure the USMC along with all Coalition Forces from 42 different Nations continue the economic, development and Humanitarian Assistance missions over here. Polio almost unheard of in the US is not so unheard of here. Working with the Ministry of health during corporative medical engagements many children, men and woman who would have never received these basic immunizations have had them now.

I assure you that all the doom and gloom the media presents to the public is not even a tenth of what actually happens over here.

[finkfust]

The WHO/UNICEF polio immunization program was started in 1997 (long before you invaded) and the incidence of polio in Afghanistan was already falling by the time of the invasion. 35 million children were vaccinated in Afghanistan and Pakistan in the autumn of 2001. The invasion DELAYED the progress of the program, not enhanced it.

Attributing the vaccination program to the American invasion is disgusting hypocrisy.

www.polioeradication.org/history.asp

[USMC-Mom]

I'm blessed to go to a church that partners with Iraqi's we send them what we can & our pastor opened he's home to a family who's daugher need heart surgery at Vanderbilt Childrens Hosp. I also know a couple of folks from over there. I knew that alot of news coming from there was bull....we knew people who where very thankful to all the troops & all their hard work. I believe the same will happen with the Afghan people.
My prayers are with everyone over there fighting for them & us. I'm so proud of you all!

[jefleshman]

Fink will not agree to disagree! And loves to egg people on. I do my very best to ignore ignorance.

Instead he/she will change the question framing it in a different way to try to suit the desired end state he/she wants to cram down peoples throats (As he/she tried to coax USMC MOM in asking how does she want her son treated if captured to get her to say humanly so he can go on the American torture soap box).

How pathetic can a person be? How low can a human go? Scaring a woman who obviously cares dearly for her son. I am appalled at the so called humanitarian Fink claims to be.

As soon as you prove his point of view invalidated. Get prepared for Fink to go after you personally and use language and so on.

Others warned me as well about this individual but I always give a person the benefit of doubt and trust them until proven otherwise. Well do I need to tell you what he/she has proven to me? I think Fink just did it for me!

Just my warning. You can do as you will.

No response is the best technique but I could not sit by and watch any longer for he/she to try and lure USMC Mom and then get this wonderful Mother who is proud of her son all worked up.

I apologize if I have disrupted conversation. I had to get that off my chest.

[finkfust]

I don't think USMC-Mom needs you to defend her, and nor can anything I say scare her. You are a manipulative fool for saying so. I think she has decided exactly what she sees as the right moral course, and accepts the risk to her son. I say she is fundamentally wrong and the consequences of her philosophy would be the worse for both Afghanistan and America, but at least she (unlike you) is willing to say what she really thinks.

[USMC-Mom]

Finkfust, Do you believe that the way the Afghan people is human?
I'm very proud that my son & so many other men & women have the guts to fight for there rights. To fight for a better more free world.
Do you like the fact that the Taliban is running over people. Do you want them to get so big & out of control that they take this country over?
It is a sad fact that innocent people die in war.

[finkfust]

"Finkfust, Do you believe that the way the Afghan people is human?"

Sorry, I don't understand. Are you saying that the Afghan people are not human?

[jefleshman]

USMC Mom

Just so you know I work economic growth and development projects as well as humanitarian assistance missions which is part of the reconstruction and development mission as fall under ISAF. My internet connection is very slow being over here and it takes me a while to read REAL dialogue and filter the garbage some claim. I applaude your support and general understanding of what goes on over here.

Thank you for the love and care you have shown your son. As mine have always taught me to treat people as you would like to be treated. 49 months in total deployment I have not fired a single round and I am proud of that fact. War is horrible and that is a fact however for us to sit idle and withdrawl to the US and build walls that reach the sky living in fear is not the answer. THAT IS EXACTLY what the TERRORIST wants.

Again Thank you for your support in our mission to make Afghanistan never again a sanctuary that harbors the worst of the worst that mankind has to offer!

[finkfust]

jefleshman

You feel guilty about your role over there, don't you? That's why you incessantly post this empty cr@p, isn't it? If you really think a combat role is the right and moral thing for you to do, then go for it.

Whatever you do, first find out about what REALLY matters to some real individual people and try to put yourself in their shoes....... and then do what seems right. That's what I decided many years ago and I've lived by that philosophy ever since. I have NEVER had cause to regret it.

Perhaps you should take a personal risk and try to find out more about real Afghan people before you go home. Is that possible? Maybe you'll get into deadly trouble, or maybe you'll learn something that will change your life forever.......... it did for me.

[superdem1]

It's easy to put troops in, and impossible to get them out. They were out, just where we want them to be - but now, they are going to die, many of them. All because men in high places care about what we think of them. It will be very hard for me to ever vote for Obama again. This was a terrible mistake. We cannot change what will happen in Afghanistan through war. I thought Obama was smarter than this, but he's not. The Afghan war will still be raging when he leaves office. I'll never vote for a Republican, guess I can't vote ever again, unless some Democrat we haven't seen yet is really going to get us out of there.

[gmcnally4]

This is a banker's war. We get to foot the interest bill. The Taliban are businessmen. The religious rhetoric goes out the window when they are growing opium. MAD will work against them as well as it works everywhere else. Leave them to their own devices.

MoneyMasters.com will teach you all about how the only people to gain from prolonged wars are the bankers. Obama is no less in cahoots with them than Bush was. When 1 person owns the entire world we will have no one to blame but ourselves for letting them. Already the richest 250 people own as much wealth as the poorest 3.2 billion. That is staggering if you understand it. That is why it is getting harder and harder to live. Squeezed, sheared, whatever you want to call it. The FED creates money from nothing and then lends it back to us at interest. Why does no one care? We don't have to be broke. See Money Reform Act. Or don't. Conspiracy theories are always perpetuated by crazy paranoids. Hasn't been an actual conspiracy yet.

[jntlw]

The American people are tired of war - end it and just use special forces on an ongoing basis.

[jefleshman]

jntlw

I understand. But the Afghan citizens havent given up. The Afghan National Security Forces havent given up. The American and Coaliton Forces havent given up and we do not want war like the rest of you all. But I would rather bring the fight to the Terrorist then sit back and wait for them to attack us or our allies. Has you forgotten already about 9-11. Do not give up on us! We havent on you!

[jntlw]

The Taliban and Al Queada (sp) are smarter militarily than we are. They have fewer men, far less money, less sophisticated weapondry and yet we cannot defeat them. More troops is not the answer - I think we should employ all special forces and intel people and bring the troops home. Terrorists are all over the Mid-East and putting all our forces in Afghanistan is not the answer. Use special forces only and be more mobile, less invasive, do more with less and get more done with less manpower. Anyone else agree?

[Lawyers-Guns-n-Money-01]

by StillDespido October 13, 2009 12:19 PM EDT
RedWings_ninety_one...

I am not the one that lied to the American people and promised I could do better, Obama is.
===============================================================

Sadly, Obama DID imply he could do better. We're now eight years into our involvement in Afghanistan with a second war launched before we finished there. The plan McCrystal laid out could take as many as 10 years to resolve (his own estimation). Some of the other challenges we have to admit we're facing are inept and corrupt leadership in Afghanistan, Pakistan's inability or unwillingness to quash fundamentalist extremists within its own borders and our own public's waning support for a longer, protracted war. Not to mention some of our troops are now on their fourth rotation on that side of the world and continuing this repetition is only going to worsen morale and readiness.

Obama inherited this (along with others) stinking pile and, for better or worse, he owns it. He now needs to lead. Either make the case for continuing our involvement and lay out an end-game or make the case that staying there isn't going to produce any worthwhile tangible results.

[RedWings_ninety_one]

Thank You, exactly what I mean.

[usmc1976]

maybe the great one will fly over on his magic carpet and bring peace to the region......the great one will walk on water too