Posted on Jul 24, 2015
Are 9,800 troops enough to make a difference in Afghanistan?
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The Afghanistan ORBAT (PDF) describes the location and area of responsibility of all American units in Afghanistan, down to the battalion level, updated as of July 2015.
ISW derives all information in the Order of Battle from open sources that are readily available.
http://www.understandingwar.org/report/afghanistan-order-battle
ISW derives all information in the Order of Battle from open sources that are readily available.
http://www.understandingwar.org/report/afghanistan-order-battle
Politics
Institute For The Study of War
Afghanistan
Army
Security
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 8
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That is a token force. No matter where American troops are, they will fight and win. I could sleep like a baby because I knew my military family had my 6, but if 9,800 is all that politicians are allowing than it is time to go. That is like us having one secure small city secure for all of our east coast and thinking we can change thousands of years of tribal conflicts. 15 years is enough pain. True commitment involves a massive force for decades like in Germany, Korea, Japan after total war. Gloves off, killing everyone with a weapon, and having the enemy beg for peace. Our military has been forced to become an armed group of social workers, civil engineers, and humanitarians while the enemy continues to enjoy the use of total brutality and complete gloves off tactics. You don't back Conan into a corner and let him hold his sword and tell him he is free to vote and build him a well.
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SGT Bryon Sergent
If they are A bunch of BCT,s then yes. But if you figure Air Force, Marines, Army and Navy with different MOS's NO.
I mean if there is 9800 and 5000 are support and the other 4800 are combat troops, that's only 2 brigades. Not enough IMHO.
I mean if there is 9800 and 5000 are support and the other 4800 are combat troops, that's only 2 brigades. Not enough IMHO.
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PO1 Tony Holland
Not even 500,000 troops would accomplish what must be accomplished by the Afghans themselves.
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MCPO Roger Collins
SFC Mark Merino. You nailed it, we as a professional military will win any battle that is fought on a level playing field (ROEs = uneven playing field). Further, how many of the 9800 will be rifle toters. I am unsure what the ratio of fighters to support is now adays, but it used to be 7:1 in favor of the support. So what can they do but protect themselves from the continuous attacks that will be forthcoming?
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It's a nice dream to think we can bring a culture and or people into the 21st Century but Unfortunately I suspect that Afghanistan will be for us just what it was for Russia and England before them. Someplaces you just can't win.
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Depends on the ROE. Given the freedom to act, one Battalion can make a huge difference...
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