By Chief Petty Officer Tom McCarthy
MAZAR-E-SHARIF, Afghanistan - Gen. Stanley McChrystal, commander of the International Security Assistance Force, explained his vision for counter insurgency to international forces stationed at Camp Marmal, Balkh province, March 14, describing how Afghans have taken the lead in shaping the future of their country.
"We're doing things differently. We're trying to do things in a way that partners with the Afghan people," McChrystal said. It is how we drive, how we shoot, how we talk, it's how we dress. If we don't do that, if we don't truly show it, we can't win."
The partnership has been crucial in Regional Command North, where coalition troops are training Afghan security forces. Civil Affairs personnel are also working side-by-side with the Afghan people building schools, bridges, water wells, and a new airport.
"There are a lot of insurgents that believe in the same things you believe in," McChrystal said. "We want them to reenter society saying that the reason they fought has gone away."
McChrystal's visit to Camp Marmal is part of his regular battlefield circulation program to speak with forces stationed throughout the country and listen to their concerns.