Petraeus: ‘No Guarantee’ the U.S. Will Get to 400K Afghan Soldiers and Cops « The Washington Independent
Jul 31, 20208.9K Shares1.2M Views
Sen. Richard Lugar (R-Ind.), asks: How large should the Afghan security services be?
“We have established goals by year right now for the Afghan national army and the Afghan national police,” Gen. David Petraeus replied. The army should get to 134,000 soldiers and the police to 109,000 cops by October 2010, he said. As for ultimate end strength, Petraeus demurred. “Right now, what we want to do is meet our annual goals,” he said, and “first confirm that we can in fact meet those goals” especially and retention. “The pay has just been increased, and there has been a benefits package.” A “shift in momentum,” Petraeus added, will be the “biggest recruiting tool of all” as the Taliban starts to lose.
But Petraeus doesn’t address either McChrystal’s stated new goal of 300,000 soldiers and police by July 2011; or the revelation that the Taliban pays its foot soldiers more than allies of the United States do.
Petraeus finally explained that while the 400,000-soldiers-and-cops goal remains an ideal figure, there’s “no guarantee that’s where were going.” He estimates a 400,000-strong Afghan force would cost the United States $10 billion per year.
Camilo Wood
Reviewer
Camilo Wood has over two decades of experience as a writer and journalist, specializing in finance and economics. With a degree in Economics and a background in financial research and analysis, Camilo brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his writing.
Throughout his career, Camilo has contributed to numerous publications, covering a wide range of topics such as global economic trends, investment strategies, and market analysis. His articles are recognized for their insightful analysis and clear explanations, making complex financial concepts accessible to readers.
Camilo's experience includes working in roles related to financial reporting, analysis, and commentary, allowing him to provide readers with accurate and trustworthy information. His dedication to journalistic integrity and commitment to delivering high-quality content make him a trusted voice in the fields of finance and journalism.
Latest Articles
Popular Articles