Military Times/Medill News: It'll be 2024 before Afghanistan can fully fund its military, U.S. general says
The U.S. faces a years-long financial commitment in Afghanistan but must stay the course despite enduring another difficult year on the ground, Gen. John Campbell, who is ending his tenure as commander of coalition forces there, told lawmakers Tuesday.
“Afghanistan is at an inflection point,” Campbell said during testimony before the House Armed Services Committee. “I believe if we do not make deliberate, measured adjustments, 2016 is at risk of being no better, and possibly worse, than 2015."
NATO currently spends $5.1 billion annually in Afghanistan's military force of 352,000 — with $4.1 billion coming from the U.S. Campbell said the U.S. should continue to provide funding until at least 2020 and that Afghanistan will not be able to fully pick up that bill until 2024.
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More News On General John Campbell's Testimony On Afghanistan
Campbell: Afghan Forces’ Progress Uneven, But Improving -- US Department of Defense
General Says Poor Leadership is Biggest Problem for Afghans -- AP
General: 'Afghanistan is at an inflection point' -- The Hill
Top U.S. commander says war in Afghanistan is not a lost cause -- AP
Army General: Afghanistan needs long-term US commitment -- Reuters
Top U.S. general in Afghanistan: “A strategic stalemate without end is not the goal of this campaign” -- Washington Post
Campbell says US troops needed in Afghanistan for at least 5 more years -- Stars and Stripes
Afghanistan needs long-term U.S. support to defeat militant groups: Gen. Campbell -- Khaama Press
US soldiers arrive at the site of an attack in Kabul, Afghanistan May 17, 2015'Korea-Style' US Military Presence in Afghanistan Unnecessary - US General -- Sputnik
Afghanistan Fight Requires Unwavering Commitment -- VOA