AF Afghanistan role may grow as troops shift

[unhappycamper]

AF Afghanistan role may grow as troops shift
By Bruce Rolfsen - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Feb 13, 2009 14:45:17 EST

Air Force commanders are looking at how many airmen and aircraft they would need in Afghanistan if the Defense Department shifts 30,000 soldiers and Marines there from Iraq.

Col. Joe Justice, chief of operations plans for Air Force’s Central division, said he doesn’t expect a significant increase in the number of airmen deployed to Central Command’s region if there isn’t an increase in total troop strength across Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Air Force has about 25,000 airmen deployed to Central Command missions, with about 5,000 in Afghanistan and thousands more outside the country sending supplies and passengers into the landlocked nation.

Today, the U.S. has about 37,000 service members in Afghanistan, according to Pentagon figures. The Defense Department is looking at shifting three combat brigade teams and needed support troops from Iraq.

Justice would not discuss how specific Air Force operations for Afghanistan will change until the Pentagon settles on the number of troops to be moved and a timetable for the shift.


Rest of article at: http://airforcetimes.com/news/2009/02/airforce_afghanistan_buildup_021309/%2e