FORWARD OPERATING BASE AIRBORNE, Afghanistan — The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff began a review Wednesday of a new community-based defense program recently deployed to fight rising violence in a province on the doorstep of Kabul.
Adm. Mike Mullen visited Wardak province, where U.S. troops deployed in large numbers for the first time this year. The program he’s assessing draws volunteers from Afghan communities to defend their villages.
Critics say the force is a state-sponsored militia that is likely to worsen the security situation. But its supporters say it creates a community-based security apparatus.
"The early reviews are positive,” Mullen said.
Wardak province hit the headlines last year after militants started attacking military convoys and U.S. helicopters patrolling its valleys, creating an impression that the Taliban was on the capital’s gates.
by the associated press
Adm. Mike Mullen visited Wardak province, where U.S. troops deployed in large numbers for the first time this year. The program he’s assessing draws volunteers from Afghan communities to defend their villages.
Critics say the force is a state-sponsored militia that is likely to worsen the security situation. But its supporters say it creates a community-based security apparatus.
"The early reviews are positive,” Mullen said.
Wardak province hit the headlines last year after militants started attacking military convoys and U.S. helicopters patrolling its valleys, creating an impression that the Taliban was on the capital’s gates.
by the associated press
