Newly trained Afghan army recruits (Wikimedia Commons)
New York Times: Figures From U.S.-Led Coalition Show Heavy 2014 Losses for Afghan Army
WASHINGTON — The Afghan Army lost more than 20,000 fighters and others last year largely because of desertions, discharges and deaths in combat, according to figures to be released Tuesday, casting further doubt on Afghanistan’s ability to maintain security without help from United States-led coalition forces.
The nearly 11 percent decline from January to November 2014, to roughly 169,000 uniformed and civilian members from 190,000, is now an issue of deep concern among some in the American military. For example, the former No. 2 American commander in Afghanistan, Lt. Gen. Joseph Anderson, called the rate of combat deaths unsustainable before he departed at the end of last year.
Update: Afghan National Army decimated by dwindling personnel -- Washington Times
WNU Editor: This is how you lose wars. What also does not help the situation is that apparently the Afghan Army numbers are inflated .... Report: Afghan National Army Numbers Inflated (UN Tribune). Do I smell corruption .... the U.S. has spent $50 billion in building up the Afghan Army .... and this is the end result?!?!?!
IN an ominous development, guess who is going to make up for this shortfall .... U.S. Army announces new Afghanistan deployments (Army Times).
Update: This is what is wrong with Afghanistan .... these police chiefs were sacked for corruption, but were then given jobs elsewhere .... Afghan President Ghani sacks Kabul police chiefs (BBC).
