International Security Assistance Force

Marines planning for 4,400 troops in Helmand province in 2014

By Dan Lamothe on July 31, 2013 Afghanistan, Infantry, Washington

Marine commanders are planning to draw down to about 4,400 service members in southwestern Afghanistan by early 2014, as the U.S. continues to shrink its footprint across the country. That’s one of the takeaways of this new Marine Corps Times story, which was published in our print edition this week. It outlines the way the Corps continues to reshape its force in Helmand province, where tens of thousands of Marines have deployed and tangled with the Taliban since 2008. Marine officials released the proposed troop number for Helmand province to me for the story, while acknowledging it is subject to…

Dunford outlines heavy casualties to Afghan forces

By Dan Lamothe on June 6, 2013 Afghanistan, General officers, Infantry

Recent news coverage of the war in Afghanistan has zeroed in on the fact that as U.S. force draw down there and shift to advising roles, Afghan forces have been engaged in heavy combat with the Taliban. U.S. commanders have acknowledged several times that Afghan forces have taken heavy losses as a result, but rarely have provided numbers that clarify how serious the situation is. There’s no doubt after Wednesday, however: they’re losing dozens of troops each week, including 104 in one week recently, said Gen. Joseph Dunford, the top U.S. commander, to reporters in Belgium on Wednesday. “The numbers…

Marine Corps Times back on the ground in Afghanistan

By Dan Lamothe on October 1, 2012 Afghanistan, Embedded journalism

KABUL, Afghanistan — Once again, it’s time to get to work. Photographer Colin Kelly and I arrived here in Afghanistan this morning on overnight flight from Istanbul, eventually making our way over to the military side of Kabul International Airport. It’s one of the main camps here for the International Security Assistance Force overseeing the war, but it also serves as a transit trip for folks like us, who are heading farther out into the war zone. This marks the third trip for both Colin and I. We had a laugh this morning discussing how nervous we both were on our…

A look at Marine Gen. John Allen’s ISAF coin

By Dan Lamothe on July 17, 2012 Afghanistan, General officers, Leadership

Challenge coins have become a prominent part of military culture, honoring exemplary service and dedication to duty. For that reason, it seemed relevant to point out the following: That’s the coin of Marine Gen. John Allen, the top commander in Afghanistan. The photo was posted online by the military along with this story. Here’s the flip-side of the coin, if you will:

Marine Corps numbers in Afghanistan left fuzzy

By Dan Lamothe on July 11, 2012 Afghanistan, Drawdown, Infantry

The top Marine commander in Afghanistan and Helmand province Gov. Mohammad Gulab Mangal briefed media at the Pentagon today, addressing the evolving mission there as Afghan forces take the lead in providing security. Many issues were addressed. Improved governance, for one. Expansion of the Afghan National Army, for another. Even the Afghan government’s plan to stir up commerce in Helmand was discussed, a wrinkle that hasn’t received much press. Two basics weren’t covered, however: How many Marines are there presently in Afghanistan, and how many will be left this fall? Both numbers are unclear, now that the U.S. is in…

Military advisory teams to play key role in Afghanistan, Gen. John Allen says

By Dan Lamothe on May 24, 2012 Afghanistan, General officers, Infantry, Washington

Gen. John Allen met with the media at the Pentagon yesterday, wrapping up a whirlwind week in the U.S. highlighted by the NATO summit in Chicago. To say he took some hardball questions would be an understatement. With the drawdown of U.S. forces in Afghanistan underway, Allen was asked how troops will be withdrawn, whether he was concerned about force protection as troops are pulled and if the U.S.’s thorny relationship with Pakistan could undermine the war effort. Allen countered by saying he’s confident progress has been, but acknowledged the relationship with Pakistan needs serious work, especially after miscommunication and…

Behind the Cover: Introducing Lt. Gen. John Allen, your new Afghanistan commander

By Dan Lamothe on May 2, 2011 Afghanistan, Behind the Cover, General officers, Infantry, Leadership

Last night’s breaking news about the death of Osama bin Laden occurred well after this week’s Marine Corps Times was put to bed. Still, this week’s issue offers plenty of new perspective on someone you’ll hear a lot about in coming months: Lt. Gen. John Allen, President Obama’s nominee to become the next commander of the International Security Assistance Force and all U.S. forces in Afghanistan. Obviously, Marine Corps Times was part of the chorus initially reporting Allen’s selection last week, when Obama made his announcement. However, this week’s cover story offers a wide variety of details about Allen that…

Browsing: International Security Assistance Force