NATO: $20 billion spent in 2 years for Afghan Training

[Elmore Furth]

Source: Associated Press

By the end of the year, NATO will have spent $20 billion on developing Afghan security forces since the start of 2010 and will maintain a training presence through at least 2016, the commander of the training mission said Wednesday.

Soaring illiteracy rates among service members and a shortage of specialized trainers, however, remain major hurdles as Afghans prepare to take control of securing their nation by the 2014 deadline for NATO to withdraw combat forces, said U.S. Lt. Gen. William Caldwell.

"We have made great strides in providing the Afghan national security force with both capable and sustainable weapons, vehicles and equipment over this last year, while building a very strong and self-reliant security force," Caldwell said.

The $20 billion for 2010 and 2011 is paying for training, equipment and infrastructure. The figure is a large increase over the $20 billion spent between 2003 and 2009.



Read more: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40929861/ns/world_news-south_and_central_asia/

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Seems you could have funded an Ivy League education for each of the soldiers for that kind of money.

[old mark]

1. Given the reports last week on the total inefficiency and poor

skills and spirit of the Afghan army, this is money gone straight into in someone's pocket.
Let's get the hell out of there immediately.
K&R
mark

[Amonester]

3. Yep. And I would bet that 'someone' now lives in Dubai.

Has a private jet, a big luxurious yacht, and travels often with suitcases full of cash. :mad:

To think that cash is borrowed from China, day in, day out... :grr:

Oh my, our poor grandchildren. :cry:


END THE IMPERIAL WARS NOW

[grahamhgreen]

4. +1

[DesertDiamond]

2. This is where the money for our own police, firefighting and education services is going.

[daleo]

5. Tuition for for million university students at home

At $5000 per year.

[daleo]

6. Tuition for four million university students in NATO counties

At $5000 per year.

[Bigmack]

7. And the outrage in the US about this shit?... crickets...nt