McChrystal: Too Many Contractors in Afghanistan; Alternative Could Be Troop Increase

[tekisui]

Source: AP

PARIS — The top U.S. and NATO commander in Afghanistan said Friday that the coalition depends too much on private-sector contractors, and insisted his forces are keeping close watch on the flow of Taliban fighters who are training in Iran.

Gen. Stanley McChrystal, during a four-day visit to France, said the coalition in Afghanistan has become too dependent on private contractors in the effort to stabilize the country.

"I think we've gone too far," McChrystal said at France's IHEDN military institute. "I actually think we would be better to reduce the number of contractors involved."

Alternatives could include increasing the number of troops "if necessary," or "using a greater number of Afghan contractors, or Afghans to help with the mission," he said.

McChrystal said the use of contractors was founded upon "good intentions," such as to limit military commitments or to save money for governments.

"I think it doesn't save money," he said. "We have created in ourselves a dependency on contractors that I think is greater than it ought to be."

He didn't specify where any cuts might come.

A Congressional Research Service report in January about the Pentagon's use of contractors in Iraq and Afghanistan said that as of September, more than 11,400 private security contractors were in Afghanistan. It cited Pentagon figures.

The report, which has been posted on the Web site of the Federation of American Scientists, said 94 percent of contractors in Afghanistan were armed — and 90 percent were local nationals.

more: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ikBQBiPMoiFwbbLVNBPhdvf9s0SAD9F4BBEO0

[elias49]

1. When is this bastard going away?

Rethinking private contractors after 8 years? Whoops. Why is he still a commander?
Covering up the friendly fire death of Pat Tillman. Why is he still a commander?
Has (to paraphrase) 'piled up lots of dead civilians, but found no bullets as yet'. And no-one cares that he's still top-dog in Afghanistan.
Hard to figure THAT one out.

[Mari333]

2. NO MORE TROOPS!!!!

IDIOTS!! GET THE HELL OUT

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

3. Soon to be followed by a whine of "More troops, More money, More Time."

And, if that doesn't work, More Bogeymen.

[tekisui]

4. We've seen this movie before.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

5. Way, way, way, too many times.

[zipplewrath]

6. Maybe not

I'm not really fond of the way Obama has handled this war. And I think he made some huge mistakes. I also think he (well the WH in general) maybe beginning to rethink this. I've noticed that there are some moves and admissions that seem to be laying the ground for getting out sooner than later. Karzai is helping by acting crazy. But I really think they believe they need to leave the impression that we are getting out, at least so that congress can run on the concept. And by 2012 I think they have begun to believe they actually have to be out. I could be wrong, but there are small signs.

[Rex]

7. What a line of bullshit, the use of contractors we because Halliburton

wanted it and the government always gets on its knees for RW big business groups like Carlyle and KBR. Gone too far? Hell, you lost before you went.

[Gman2]

8. It is honest, and more accountable. I support it. Then, GET OUT.