Kendall: Afghan Drawdown Logistics to be 'Huge' Undertaking

By Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, July 17, 2012 – The man who oversaw the logistics of the military withdrawal from Iraq sees a greater challenge coming in the Afghan drawdown, describing it as ‘huge”.

Frank Kendall, the undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, told reporters logistics is a much bigger part of his job than he thought it would be.

“The aphorism that amateurs worry about tactics and professionals worry about logistics is very true,” Kendall said.

“We have a huge logistics challenge getting out of Afghanistan.” That challenge, he said is different than the one involved in the withdrawal from Iraq.

Kendall oversaw the Iraq effort as the principle deputy undersecretary for acquisition, technology and logistics. “That was a piece of cake compared to what we have to do in Afghanistan. This is a much more difficult job.”

Afghanistan is a land-locked country and the United States, NATO countries and coalition partners have sent mountains of equipment and supplies there since operations began in 2001. Now the coalition effort is drawing down as Afghan forces increasingly take over security. By the end of the summer, 23,000 additional American service members will leave, as well as those from many coalition nations. Combat operations are to wind down next year, and all coalition combat operations are set to conclude at the end of 2014.

The recent reopening of supply lines through Pakistan has helped, Kendall said. “Hopefully they will stay open and we will be able to use them,” he said. “We’ve gone a long way towards negotiating agreements to help in the Northern Distribution Network. There’s still some work to be done there. But that also will help.”

The U.S. military has been planning the maneuver for months, and an exercise is underway.

There are things that make the Afghan operation more difficult than the effort in Iraq and some that make it easier, Kendall said. “One of the things that made the Iraq situation easier was, of course, you could just drive in to Kuwait, park things in Kuwait and then ship them wherever you had to,” he said.

“It’s not quite as easy to get out of Afghanistan, but on the other hand, we expect to have a more enduring presence in Afghanistan,” he said. “So we will be able to move material out at a pace, which is perhaps more reasonable.”

Materiel may be shipped out past the December 2014 deadline, Kendall said. “I think because of the physical constraints we will probably do that,” he said.

“One of the reasons we are going to need overseas contingency funds beyond 2014 is that we’re going to have to do the logistics job – not just in getting the equipment we want out – but in refurbishing it when we get it back,” he added.

Obama Welcomes New Stage of Afghan Security Transition

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON  – President Barack Obama welcomed Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai’s announcement of his government’s list of areas intended for the third stage of the transition of security responsibility from NATO’s International Security Assistance Force to Afghan security forces.

“I welcome President Karzai’s announcement today of the third tranche of areas to transition to Afghan security lead, which is an important step forward in our effort to achieve our objectives in Afghanistan,” Obama said in a statement issued today.

“As transition proceeds in these areas,” Obama said, “nearly 75 percent of the population of Afghanistan will be living in provinces, districts and villages where Afghan forces are leading.”

The Afghan government will now enter the third of five tranches or stages, as they continue to move forward in the process of taking the responsibility of national security, ISAF officials said in a news release issued today.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s national security forces “are strengthening their capacity as we remain on track to meet our goal of having the Afghan government fully responsible for security across the country by the end of 2014,” Obama said in his statement.

A week from now, Obama said, world leaders will gather at the May 20-21 NATO Summit in Chicago “to discuss how we can effectively advance the transition process as our forces move from combat to a support role and demonstrate our enduring support for the Afghan government and Afghan National Security Forces.”

Obama said he “looks forward to meeting with President Karzai and my fellow leaders in Chicago to discuss these critical steps that will strengthen Afghan sovereignty while responsibly winding down the war.”

Allen to Examine Afghanistan Force Package

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON  – The starting point of analysis for the U.S.-coalition fighting force in Afghanistan in 2013 will be the withdrawal of 23,000 surge troops after this year’s fighting season, the International Security Assistance Force commander said yesterday.

“After we recover the surge, I'm going to give the President some options, with respect to the kinds of combat power that we will need in 2013,” Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen said during an interview with PBS’s Charlie Rose.

“I have to evaluate the state of the insurgency and have to look at the operational environment in 2013,” he added. “And the combination of forces ultimately will be the distinguishing dimension of the recommendation that I'll give to the president.”

Allen emphasized there will be more than just a U.S. force presence in Afghanistan following the withdrawal of the 23,000 U.S. surge forces.

“It's not just about 68,000 U.S. forces. There will still be 40,000 ISAF forces as well so the recommendation will also go up to the NATO chain,” he noted. “But there will also be an increasingly capable and increasingly numerous ANSF as well, so it isn't just a recommendation about 68,000.

“I owe the president analysis of that,” the general continued, “and ... my views on the courses of action of how much combat power will be needed in 2013.”

Allen said he wouldn't speculate as to how many troops would be necessary.

“I don't know yet exactly how much force I'm going to need among the U.S. forces in 2013,” he said. “It isn't just a single number -- it’s a composite number and that's the key point. It's the U.S. force as a component of ISAF and in partnership with the ANSF. That is the key issue.”

Allen noted there will be international discussion between ISAF partners about the remaining presence in Afghanistan beyond 2014.

“We're constantly in conversation about the strategic partnership that's coming,” he said. “We're in conversation about the future and the role of U.S. forces today, and ISAF and NATO forces over the long term.”

Allen advised the Taliban to “listen closely” to conversations unfolding between the U.S., Afghanistan and international partners.

“First of all, in the Bonn Two Conference recently, there was a very clear determination by the international community to support Afghanistan well beyond the concept of transition which ends at the end of 2014,” he said.

“It means that the international community is interested in creating stability in Afghanistan and supporting Afghanistan with development and that process is beginning to unfold,” Allen said, adding that during a Chicago conference in May, the heads of state of ISAF nations will discuss a long-term security relationship with Afghanistan.

Allen said the idea is to support Afghanistan in a security mode for a period of time beyond 2014. It would be “faulty assumption,” he said, for the Taliban to believe December 31, 2014, was the end of the international presence in Afghanistan.

“There will be an international presence in Afghanistan for a very long time,” Allen said, noting there will be government, diplomatic and economic relationships.

“But there will also be, very importantly, a security relationship between the United States and Afghanistan [and] the broader international community as well,” the general said.

Allen reaffirmed his commitment to accomplishing President Barack Obama's goals in Afghanistan and he noted that the timeline for withdraw was not a hindrance.

“I believe we can achieve this mission,” he said. “The campaign as it is unfolding, the campaign as we have developed it, and as it is being resourced right now, is a campaign which I believe can accomplish this mission based on the concept of Lisbon-based transition. And, in the aftermath of that, an enduring presence.

“And that international force will be there to continue the development of the Afghan National Security Forces,” Allen added.

Panetta Supports ISAF Personnel Recall After Kabul Murders

By Cheryl Pellerin
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON  – After learning this morning of the murders of two U.S. military officers serving in Kabul, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta backed the decision to recall International Security Assistance Force-Afghanistan personnel working in ministries there, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said today.

“This act is unacceptable and the United States condemns it in the strongest possible terms,” Little said.

Initial reports indicate that an individual turned his weapon against ISAF service members in Kabul City, Afghanistan, killing two service members, according to an ISAF Joint Command statement.

It is ISAF policy to defer casualty identification procedures to the relevant national authorities.

In Kabul, ISAF Commander Marine Corps. Gen. John R. Allen made the decision to protect forces by instituting the recall.

“I condemn today’s attack at the Afghan Ministry of Interior that killed two of our coalition officers, and my thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the brave individuals lost today,” Allen said in the statement.

Earlier today, Little said, Afghan Defense Minister Abdul Rahim Wardak offered condolences in a phone call with Panetta and apologized for the incident.

“Secretary Panetta appreciated the call and urged the Afghan government to take decisive action to protect coalition forces and curtail the violence in Afghanistan after a challenging week in the country,” Little said.

Wardak told Panetta that Afghan President Hamid Karzai was assembling religious leaders, parliamentarians, justices of the Supreme Court and other senior Afghan officials to take urgent steps to take such action, Little added.

In Kabul, Allen met with Afghan Interior Minister Bismillah Khan Mohammadi, who offered condolences to the families and apologies. The minister pledged his complete cooperation in investigating the tragedy and in taking stronger measures to protect ISAF personnel.

The general said an investigation is under way and officials will pursue all leads to find the person responsible for this attack.

“The perpetrator of this attack is a coward whose actions will not go unanswered,” he said.

In an interview today from Kabul, Pentagon spokesman Navy Capt. John Kirby said neither the attack nor the personnel recall would deter the United States from its overarching mission in Afghanistan.

“All of the partnership and the training we’re conducting with Afghan security forces continues,” he said. “The very important work we are doing throughout the country in Afghanistan continues.”

The nation remains committed to a partnership with Afghanistan, Allen said, and to reaching “our common goal of a peaceful, stable and secure Afghanistan in the near future.”

(Elaine Sanchez of American Forces Press Service contributed to this article.)

The Logistics of Leaving Iraq – Part Five: Last Convoys

This is the fifth and final post of our Leaving Iraq series, detailing the logistics involved in ending military operations in Iraq.

 Vehicles streamed by, neon blurs of yellow and red. Cars, vans, and 18-wheelers alike honked their “hellos” to the group of paratroopers walking along the dark edge of the highway. Their footfalls came quickly in an attempt to warm their feet, numbed from the cold, until they fell in cadence with the morning Call to Prayer blaring over loudspeakers.

It was barely 5 a.m. and these troopers were already on the streets, their mission to check the route for roadside bombs and ensure the security of the road for U.S. convoys passing through from Baghdad. This was the day Camp Victory was to transition to Iraqi control.

These were not infantry Soldiers, but a group of military police paratroopers who have grown familiar with the area they patrol every day.

The MPs assigned to Headquarters Company, 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, had been conducting daily missions in the area since moving to Camp Taji from Al-Asad Air Base in early October.

“We’re the only platoon that’s rolled out every day since we’ve been here,” said Pfc. Tyler Laflamme, an MP.

At Al-Asad, the MPs conducted and oversaw training exercises for local Iraqi Police. Now, their objective was to help ensure the safe passage of U.S. convoys as they travel south through Taji in preparation for the withdrawal of military forces to Kuwait.

“MPs do everything plus some,” said Sgt. Michael Drake, an MP.

During this morning’s patrol, Drake and his fellow MPs walked along for more than two hours while their armored vehicles made circuits around the area, shining floodlights into dark corners in search of possible roadside bombs. The paratroopers passed by multiple Iraqi army checkpoints during their journey; each tower was manned by one or two Iraqi soldiers, wrapped in thick clothes and huddled around small fires. The troopers waved hello, but ignored the inviting warmth and ventured further into the darkness.

As the sun began to peak over the tops of local buildings, each paratrooper took a knee and watched as dozens of U.S. military vehicles passed by, the 2/82 convoy they were there to protect. These vehicles also honked their horns in appreciation for the soldiers on the ground ensuring their safety.

Normally an infantry platoon would be sent out to conduct such a task, but Staff Sgt. Mark Garber said as paratroopers, conducting this type of mission is fundamental.

“This is a basic skill. Everyone should be able to do this,” said Garber.

However, he added that his MPs might actually have an advantage over other military specialties when it comes to ensuring the safety of a convoy.

“One of our main jobs as MPs is maneuver and mobility,” he added confidently. “Route security is our specialty.”

By Sgt. Kissta Feldner, 82nd Airborne for Army.mil.

Senior Officials Welcome Troops Home From Iraq

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
American Forces Press Service

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md., Dec. 20, 2011 – President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter and Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, welcomed the final group of U.S. troops home from Iraq here today.

As the senior leaders looked on, Carter lauded Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, the last commander of U.S. Forces Iraq, and his troops for their performance of duty.

“Today is a historic day as we commemorate the return of the colors under which our armed forces fought so ably and proudly in Iraq and mark the end of the second longest war in U.S. history,” Carter said.

“Those of you who have arrived this morning bearing the flag of U.S. Forces Iraq represent all those who have served -- active duty, reserve, National Guard and civilians.”

Carter said the returning troops’ performance and sacrifices have earned them their nation’s gratitude.

“We, who greet you here at [Joint Base] Andrews, represent a grateful nation,” he said. “We welcome you. We’re proud of you. We’re in your debt. As the president has so eloquently said, ‘Your service belongs to the ages.’”

The deputy defense secretary acknowledged the thousands of service members who died or were wounded while serving in Iraq.

“To the families of the 4,500 troops who made the ultimate sacrifice, to the more than 30,000 troops that bear the wounds of this war and to their families, we lack the words to say what you feel on this day,” Carter said.

“Because try as we may, we can never fully know it,” he continued. “But we do know what your sacrifice means to us, to this nation, and to a world that still depends so much on America for its security.”

Carter praised U.S. forces for their flexibility in accomplishing the mission in Iraq.

“This was a war that asked American troops to be great warriors and also much more,” he said. “Trainers, development experts, road builders, and ultimately, partners in helping the Iraqi people build a better and more hopeful future.”

The chairman also welcomed home the troops, noting they were just in time for the holidays.

“Today, we bring home the colors to United States’ soil,” Dempsey said. “At the same time, we embrace many of our own back into the fold, just in time for the holidays.”

“This is a time to reflect on a generational journey,” he continued, “a journey of over 20 years that took us through two wars with Iraq to a new beginning in our relationship with Iraq.”

American forces’ accomplishments in Iraq have provided the Iraqi people an “unprecedented opportunity to live in peace and prosperity inside Iraq, within the region, for their children,” Dempsey said.

“Because of the courage and resilience of our military and our partners -- those in our own government, throughout the world and in Iraq -- 30 million Iraqis are free today,” the chairman said.

“It's a time to recall what we have achieved, what we learned and how we made a difference,” he added. “And it's a time to remember those who served and those we lost. We all have our memories.”

The deputy defense secretary said the returning troops are beginning “a new chapter of their lives.”

“Some will go to college on the post-9/11 GI Bill. Many others will seek to enter or re-enter the workforce,” Carter said.

“Last week at Fort Bragg, the president underscored our commitment to help our veterans successfully make this transition home. As he said, ‘After years of rebuilding Iraq, we want to enlist our veterans in the work of rebuilding America.’”

Carter reaffirmed the Defense Department’s commitment to ensuring veterans and their families are taken care of.

“On behalf of Secretary [of Defense Leon E.] Panetta, I want you to know that this department, in partnership with agencies across the federal government, will do everything in our power to make good on that promise,” he said.

“For nearly nine years, you answered America’s call,” Carter added. “It’s now America’s turn to answer yours.”

Austin: ‘It’s Great to be Back’ From Iraq

By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 20, 2011 – A small but star-studded ceremony today at Joint Base Andrews, Md., marked the return of U.S. Forces Iraq’s last troops.

President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey and Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter joined family members of about 30 returning service members to welcome those final few troops -- including Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, the last commander of U.S. Forces-Iraq -- home.

Five days ago in Baghdad, Austin presided over the ceremony marking the end of the war in Iraq. Today, he said, “It is great to be back in the United States of America.”

Austin was part of the war in Iraq’s first wave nearly nine years ago, in March 2003, when as the 3rd Infantry Division’s assistant commander for maneuver he ordered lead elements over the Kuwaiti border into Iraq.

From September 2010 until today, he oversaw what he called “one of the most extraordinary feats in our military’s history:” the end of mission and return of U.S. troops and equipment from Iraq.

For several months, U.S. troops have worked tirelessly to reposition what were then 50,000 service members and 2 million pieces of equipment remaining in Iraq, Austin noted.

“Sunday, the last of our troops crossed the border from Iraq to Kuwait, with their equipment,” he said. “They did it in an orderly fashion, [and] they did it ahead of schedule.”

The military-led mission in Iraq has come to a successful conclusion, Austin said, and the safe return of USFI’s unit colors, “capably carried and passed on from commander to commander since 2003,” represents the commitment that “helped make this great day possible.”

“It is my privilege to represent them,” the general added. “I could not be more proud of our men and women in uniform, who are unquestionably the preeminent military force in the world.”

Austin credited Iraq veterans and their coalition partners with removing a brutal dictator, persevering through the darkest days of the insurgency, and providing the Iraqi people with opportunities for freedom “they have not seen in their lifetime.”

The general noted the team of State Department diplomats remaining in country to build on the United States’ strategic relationship with Iraq.

“Their professionalism and their spirit of teamwork were instrumental in making our interagency efforts so successful,” he added.

Austin thanked the families and friends of returning veterans for their love and support, and said the nation owes the families of the nearly 4,500 service members killed in Iraq “a debt of gratitude it can never repay.”

“Please know that we share in your loss, and that you will always be a part of our family,” he said.

Austin thanked the soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, civilians and coalition partners who served in Iraq for “a job extremely well done.”

“I am truly humbled by your service and your many, many sacrifices,” he added.

Austin saluted those wounded in the Iraq war, noting their fighting spirit “serves as a source of inspiration for us, and you will always have a place in our formation.”

Austin offered wishes for “a very joyous holiday season” to all Iraq war veterans and their loved ones.

“Please know that your sacrifices were instrumental in liberating an oppressed people, in providing them an opportunity to enjoy a better way of life,” he said. “You have set the conditions for democracy to take root in a region that is critically important to the United States of America … again, thank you for a job extremely well done.”