Afghan Troop Surge/Delayed Decisions and Thanksgiving

The New York times this week under the Asia and Pacific section had a 3 track article which published details of the proposed troop surge plans on the desk of the President and his National Security Team. In the article were the detailed plans for multiple troop increase solutions proposed by the ISAF Commander and the DOD to aid in the growing fight against the insurgency in Afghanistan. The different figures being thrown around consist of anywhere between 10,000 to 80,000 to reinforce those already there. Hundreds of units or tens of thousands of Soldiers, Marines, Sailors and Airmen are sitting on the edge of their respective seats because of the many moving parts that consists a troop deployment. When will it happen is the question of the fall and now almost winter…

Many friends downrange are asking me if there has been any news on that effect and if the President has even hinted in the news towards a decision. All I can answer is no. There has been no official response or brief given even inkling towards a possible plan for down the road in Afghanistan and it is plain frustrating. The delayed response and holding out for some months now is seen by many to be a wavering in the overall unified strength which had been behind American forces in Afghanistan.

With a number of close friends and co-workers who are currently wearing the ISAF patch on their left shoulder, I can’t help but share their frustration about the lack of any sort of news from the higher ups. And with the holiday season upon us we can’t forget that the guys and gals downrange are awaiting some good news to hopefully come their way that all their efforts, sacrifices and for those who’ve given it all haven’t been in vain.

So Mr. President while enjoying the traditional White House Thanksgiving, please make up your mind soon because there are thousands of troops awaiting some word on their lives on this holiday. For those in uniform in Afghanistan and Iraq and elsewhere around the world… Happy Thanksgiving and I hope that you get to celebrate it in whatever form possible…