Troops hopeful Obama plan will wind down war

[unhappycamper]

Troops hopeful Obama plan will wind down war
By Denis Gray - The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Dec 2, 2009 20:53:13 EST

FORWARD OPERATING BASE AIRBORNE, Afghanistan — U.S. service members in Afghanistan said President Barack Obama’s decision to send 30,000 more troops offered hope that they can go home — if the reinforcements can build up the Afghan army to protect civilians against the Taliban.

Commanders applauded the reinforcements announced Wednesday, which they say are needed to turn the war around.

“Counter-insurgency in the state we are in now, for the enemy we face, mass matters,” said Lt. Col. Kimo Gallahue, as howitzers firing in support of a nighttime operation against the insurgents shook their camp.

The troops at this base in Wardak province, west of Kabul, learned of Obama’s decision while watching TV clips of his speech during their breakfast of sausage, eggs, hash browns, fruit and cereal. Obama said that if conditions permit, the troops could begin coming home in 18 months.

“Really, I’m truly happy,” said Air Force Tech. Sgt. Phillip M. Hauser, an explosives demolition expert from Salina, Kan., who is on his fourth tour of Afghanistan and Iraq. “As soon as the Afghans can do it on their own without our help, we can go home.”


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/12/ap_troops_hopeful_120209/