Contact: Josh Holly, 202.226.3988
HUNTER RECOMMENDS ALLIES SHARE GREATER PART OF BURDEN IN AFGHANISTAN
Washington DC – "U.S. Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-CA), ranking Republican on the House Armed Services Committee, today wrote to Marine Corps Commandant James T. Conway, recommending that the Marine Corps not displace U.S. Army units in Afghanistan.
In his letter to General Conway, Hunter recommended that America’s allies share a greater part of the burden in Afghanistan, noting the presence of 25,000 U.S. troops -- more than all of our allies combined. Hunter further recommended placing Marine units in “traditional” response posture, where they will be available for military contingencies. Hunter’s letter to General Conway is attached and included below.
October 12, 2007
General James T. Conway
Commandant of the Marine Corps
3000 Marine Corps Pentagon
Washington DC 20350
"Dear General Conway:
"Recently, the Joint Chiefs of Staff discussed the possibility of deploying Marine Corps units to Afghanistan as they finish in Iraq’s al Anbar Province. While I commend the Marine Corps for remarkable accomplishments in al Anbar Province, turning around what was Iraq’s most dangerous area, I strongly recommend that the Marine Corps not displace U.S. Army units in Afghanistan.
"Two major reasons compel my position on this issue. First, the Marine Corps comprises the majority of America’s rapid response force. Your Marine Expeditionary Forces must be available to meet unexpected contingencies. Embedding Marines in Afghanistan will reduce the inventory of America’s rapid response forces that are immediately available for such contingency operations. Secondly, the burden sharing in Afghanistan between U.S. forces and our allies needs to be dramatically improved. Today, the force inventories in Afghanistan are as follows: 1) U.S. with 25,000 troops; 2) Britain with 5,000 troops; 3) Germany with 3,000 troops; 4) Canada with 2,000 troops; 5) all others with 11,000 troops. This U.S.-heavy force formula reflects the reluctance of our allies to fully support military operations in the Global War against Terrorism.
"Installation of a new presence in Afghanistan will signal to recalcitrant allies that Uncle Sam is willing to allow them to shirk their fair burden in this war. In my opinion, Marine units, as they are displaced from al Anbar Province by the Iraqi forces they have so ably trained, should be reset with the best equipment available, together with their transport and maintained in traditional response posture.
"I look forward to discussing this issue with you further. With thanks for your service.
Sincerely,
Duncan Hunter
Member of Congress"
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