Watchdog hints at command cover up of shrinking Afghan forces
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The inspector general said that in one September-to-September time frame, 40,000 Afghan soldiers were dropped from the rolls.
On another issue, Congress provided $25 million for special programs for women in the Afghan National Security Force, which includes the army, police and other institutions. None of the money has been spent.
Gen. Campbell has acknowledge that attrition rates are growing, but chalks it up to the army taking on more combat roles and thus higher casualties.
“Even considering these higher casualties, the ANSF attrition rates, which account for all losses to the force, have not impacted combat readiness too severely,” he told the Senate Armed Services Committee. “The army and the police recruiting has not been a problem. Afghan youths continue to join the ranks of the ANSF.”
The command in Kabul issued a statement Tuesday denying wrongdoing.
“Let me assure you that we weren’t attempting to cover up the numbers,” said Lt. Col. Chris Belcher.
He explained the error this way: “The nature of the error was a double counting of civilians assigned to the ANA — civilian numbers were included in unit numbers and then also pulled out in a separate column, which was subsequently added into the end strength total.”
On attrition, he said, a number of steps are being taken to reduce casualties, such as adding more artillery and helicopter fire power.
“Casualties and attrition rates are challenges, and Afghan National Security Force leaders are taking measures to address them,” Col. Belcher said.
via NorthEast Calling http://ift.tt/1CtD4hY
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