05/27/2014 Troop Levels Allow Support for Afghan Transitions, Dempsey Says

Troop Levels Allow Support for Afghan Transitions, Dempsey Says American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, May 27, 2014 – Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, issued a statement today following President Barack Obama's announcement of the post-2014 U.S. troop commitment to Afghanistan:   Here is the text of the chairman's statement: Looking ahead to 2015, it's clear that Afghanistan will be challenged with the multiple tasks of seating a new government, confronting persistent threats from those among the Taliban intent on denying Afghans basic human freedoms, and continuing the development of Afghan National Security Forces. These are significant transitions for a new government. Today's decision positions us to support these transitions. Militarily it aligns our objectives with the resources necessary to accomplish them. It builds on 12 years of effort and provides certainty so that we can continue to focus on the important work at hand in 2014 while planning for 2015 and 2016. It provides a blueprint for working regional issues with regional partners. Importantly, we expect that this decision will encourage the continued commitment of our NATO allies and partners. With the decision made, the men and women of our Armed Forces will "move out" to execute the missions assigned to us.

Contact Author Biographies: Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey Related Articles: Dempsey: President’s Troop Decision Aligns Tasks, Resources Hagel Expresses Support for Afghanistan Troop Decision Ohttp://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=122343bama: U.S. to Keep Nearly 10,000 Troops in Afghanistan in 2015