ISAF

Browsing: ISAF

Marines planning for 4,400 troops in Helmand province in 2014

By Dan Lamothe on July 31, 2013 Afghanistan, Infantry, Washington

Marine commanders are planning to draw down to about 4,400 service members in southwestern Afghanistan by early 2014, as the U.S. continues to shrink its footprint across the country. That’s one of the takeaways of this new Marine Corps Times story, which was published in our print edition this week. It outlines the way the Corps continues to reshape its force in Helmand province, where tens of thousands of Marines have deployed and tangled with the Taliban since 2008. Marine officials released the proposed troop number for Helmand province to me for the story, while acknowledging it is subject to…

Dunford outlines heavy casualties to Afghan forces

By Dan Lamothe on June 6, 2013 Afghanistan, General officers, Infantry

Recent news coverage of the war in Afghanistan has zeroed in on the fact that as U.S. force draw down there and shift to advising roles, Afghan forces have been engaged in heavy combat with the Taliban. U.S. commanders have acknowledged several times that Afghan forces have taken heavy losses as a result, but rarely have provided numbers that clarify how serious the situation is. There’s no doubt after Wednesday, however: they’re losing dozens of troops each week, including 104 in one week recently, said Gen. Joseph Dunford, the top U.S. commander, to reporters in Belgium on Wednesday. “The numbers…

A look at Marine Gen. John Allen’s ISAF coin

By Dan Lamothe on July 17, 2012 Afghanistan, General officers, Leadership

Challenge coins have become a prominent part of military culture, honoring exemplary service and dedication to duty. For that reason, it seemed relevant to point out the following: That’s the coin of Marine Gen. John Allen, the top commander in Afghanistan. The photo was posted online by the military along with this story. Here’s the flip-side of the coin, if you will:

Browsing: ISAF