Request for more troops in Afghanistan likely, source says

[laststeamtrain]

Request for more troops in Afghanistan likely, source says

By Barbara Starr
CNN Pentagon Correspondent


WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan is expected to ask the Obama administration for additional troops and equipment, according to a senior U.S. military official familiar with Gen. Stanley McChrystal's thinking.

The request will be for troops and equipment for conducting intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, as well as more assets to deal with roadside bombs and explosives, said the official, who declined to be identified because McChrystal's request has not been formally transmitted to the Pentagon.

The request could be made in coming weeks after McChrystal completes a "troop-to-task review" to calculate whether there are enough U.S. troops in Afghanistan -- and the right mix of troops -- to carry out the military's war plan at an acceptable level of risk, the official said.

The review could also lead to a request for additional troops for either combat or training of Afghan forces, but the official emphasized McChrystal has not made a decision on that. The military already has tasked an additional 4,000 troops to train Afghan forces.

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http://edition.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/07/28/afghanistan.troops/

[sam sarrha]

1. get out NOW.!!!!

[tekisui]

2. Out of Afghanistan. Send no more bodies.