2014 was a year of transition and drawdown for USFOR-A

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class David Wheeler | With the start of Resolute Support, and the continuing drawdown of U.S. troops in Afghanistan, 2015 will be a period of accelerating change for U.S. Forces Afghanistan. This year will be challenging, but the transition has been relatively smooth due to already successful retrograde operations accomplished in 2014.  

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN

01.06.2015

Courtesy Story

U.S. Forces Afghanistan

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – With the start of Resolute Support, and the continuing drawdown of U.S. troops in Afghanistan, 2015 will be a period of accelerating change for U.S. Forces Afghanistan. This year will be challenging, but the transition has been relatively smooth due to already successful retrograde operations accomplished in 2014.

“Over the last 12 months, U.S. Forces have responsibly drawn down equipment built up over 13 years of war, while simultaneously supporting operational requirements here in Afghanistan,” said Col. John Chadbourne, U.S. Forces Afghanistan, J-4 director. “We are now postured for the Resolute Support mission, and will continue to transition conscientiously as the mission dictates.”

Headquartered at the busiest aerial port in the DoD, with more than 38 million pounds of aerial cargo moved this year, the service members of USFOR-A are confident about the mission in front of them. Troop numbers are down from a high of 34,000 in February, to approximately 10,600 on the ground today. Personnel numbers will fluctuate over the next few months with troops moving in and out of country. We expect additional troop commitments from NATO and partner nations to arrive between January and March, reducing the need for the additional 1,000 U.S. service members recently approved by the president.

A mission of this magnitude is only possible with the direct support of many units and agencies coming together. This effort kicked off in June, 2013.

“I am motivated and inspired by the mission that lies ahead,” said Maj. Gen Mike Murray, deputy commander U.S. Forces Afghanistan – Support. “The progress made by the Afghan National Security Forces over the past two years allowed us to remain on our 2014 schedule with respect to retrograde and redeployment operations as we completed the ISAF mission. 2015 will bring changes, as Resolute Support begins a new chapter in our relationship with the ANSF, and there appears to be a new spirit of cooperation between Afghanistan and Pakistan. These changes provide unique opportunities, and I am optimistic in our combined ability to successfully accomplish our challenging retrograde and support activities for U.S. forces throughout 2015."

• Date Taken: 01.06.2015
• Date Posted: 01.06.2015 03:02
• Story ID: 151400
• Location: BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF