Last week, Defense Secretary Robert Gates suggested that the U.S. might withdraw an additional combat brigade in addition to the two already scheduled to leave the country at the end of the year.
An American brigade remains at a base on the edge of the city, as does an additional combat command headquarters that continues to plan contingency operations despite the declared end of American combat operations last Aug. 31.
Military officials said no additional American combat forces, warships or aircraft had moved into the region — a standard practice in many past crises, including one in 2003.
Gen. Peter Pace of the Marines, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the current thinking was that no additional reservist combat brigades, each numbering 5,000 troops, would be alerted beyond those already told they will serve.
Fort Carson, Fort Steward and Fort Bliss each will receive two additional combat brigades.
Fort Carson, Colo.; Fort Stewart, Ga.; and Fort Bliss, Tex., will each receive two additional combat brigades.
"So let me say this, without additional combat forces we will not win this war".
Mr. Gates said it was too early to decide how many additional combat forces the United States should send.
and the allies are not inclined to provide them, so we are looking at providing additional combat forces," Morrell said.
Other funding would help the Army expedite its reorganization plans, including the creation of additional combat brigades.
As president, I would pursue a new strategy, and begin by providing at least two additional combat brigades to support our effort in Afghanistan.
