Staying in Afghanistan past 2014, your thoughts?

SFC Robert Trodahl — Fri, 24 Jan 2014 15:33:26 -0500

A unoffical poll of public (military) opinion.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2014 3:38 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Jan 2014 15:38:22 -0500

Don't

Response by SPC Christopher Morehouse made Jan 24 at 2014 3:58 PM

SPC Christopher Morehouse — Fri, 24 Jan 2014 15:58:48 -0500

War, and the use of Military Force in general, must always serve some (usually political) purpose. And so, what purpose does the War in Afghanistan serve? We originally went there because it was a breeding ground for terrorist militants, some of which struck us a hard blow. Have we succeeded in reducing the regions ability to produce potential threats to our nation and our allies? If we leave now, will we have failed, or will the threat return? Is this even still the goal of our military in Afghanistan?

I don't know the answers honestly. I never went there.
I think if it appears that the moment our troops step out, a hostile force is going to take over THAT POSES A THREAT TO US OR OUR ALLIES, then we must stay. That is not the same thing as saying if we leave the democracy we tried to build there will collapse.

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Jan 24 at 2014 4:08 PM

CW2 Joseph Evans — Fri, 24 Jan 2014 16:08:37 -0500

If we had implemented the Marshall plan in 2003, installed a dedicated Division on a three year accompanied tour based out of Herat, we wouldn't have the issues we have now and it would have been a damn sight cheaper. Not to mention, we would have had an entire DIV on the eastern side of Iran to keep them in line. Just My Opinion.<div><br></div><div>Now though... Just get out, we lost.</div>

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2014 4:55 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Jan 2014 16:55:24 -0500

Frankly, the decision depends a lot on the assigned mission, feasibility of the mission, and cost of the mission (sick, injured, wounded, burned, maimed, and dying troops).

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2014 6:03 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Jan 2014 18:03:40 -0500

Honestly I would be surprised if we do but I think it is more likely we will than when they were debating on pulling out of Iraq or staying. Maybe training their Troops in Jordan is the better way forward for not only Iraqi forces but Afghani as well.

Response by CMC Robert Young made Jan 24 at 2014 9:10 PM

CMC Robert Young — Fri, 24 Jan 2014 21:10:33 -0500

Staying or leaving must be predicated on a clearly defined desired outcome, and then fully supported politically in either case. Until somebody inside the Beltway determines exactly what should be accomplished there, and what our capacity to achieve that desired outcome is, any opinion we offer will be based on incomplete information.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2014 9:11 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Jan 2014 21:11:37 -0500

I support as long as it not just something that has become habit and symbolic on the war on terrorism. I do think every president looks at this with the bottom-line in mind and some with the needs of the individual warrior.

Was it necessary to get rid of Hitler? Can we honestly sit by while genocide is occurring and those countries have nukes? Yes there will always be saber-rattling but I do fear the spread of governments who nakedly attack and oppress people.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2014 12:25 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Jan 2014 00:25:03 -0500

Obvoiously my emotions tell me no. But I would not like to see happen, whats happened in Iraq. We've spent the time there, and built an amazing foundation, I say we push it through until we can get them (Afghans) to self sustain. However with that, the questions poses...........Will they ever be able to?

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2014 3:03 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 03:03:30 -0500

I'm going some time this year, not sure what to think. This will be my first time but i hope it's productive

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2014 10:35 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 10:35:05 -0500

Time to go....we have stayed past our welcome. If you set up a government (Karzi and his band of thieves) and give them the power to rule and they say you are no longer needed. Good luck with the Taliban. Dont make us come back!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2014 12:34 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 12:34:05 -0500

I go where I am told to go.