Dempsey: Decision on Troop Levels in Afghanistan Matches Objectives with Resources Published May 27, 2014 American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON -- Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, issued the following statement today following President Barack Obama's announcement of the post-2014 U.S. troop commitment to Afghanistan: "Looking ahead to 2015, it's clear that Afghanistan will be challenged with the multiple tasks of seating a new government, confronting persistent threats from those among the Taliban intent on denying Afghans basic human freedoms, and continuing the development of Afghan National Security Forces. These are significant transitions for a new government. Today's decision positions us to support these transitions. Militarily it aligns our objectives with the resources necessary to accomplish them. It builds on 12 years of effort and provides certainty so that we can continue to focus on the important work at hand in 2014 while planning for 2015 and 2016. It provides a blueprint for working regional issues with regional partners. Importantly, we expect that this decision will encourage the continued commitment of our NATO allies and partners. With the decision made, the men and women of our Armed Forces will "move out" to execute the missions assigned to us."
