US lacks civilians for Afghan 'civilian surge'

[Coventina]

Source: Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration is having trouble finding the hundreds of civilians it wants to bolster its troop buildup in Afghanistan, so military reservists might be asked to do many of the jobs.

In announcing the new strategy for the war last month, the administration said it would send several hundred civilians — such as agronomists, economists and legal experts — to work on reconstruction and development issues as part of the military's counterinsurgency campaign.

Defense Department press secretary Geoff Morrell said Thursday that the military is trying to find ways to fill the gap. That would likely be with reservists, who often have the necessary skills because of the experience they have in their civilian lives, other officials said.

"It's just a realization that they are not going to be able to provide the 'civilian surge' in the near future and the need is now," Morrell said.



Read more: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iqyaFh_efr-brDq0rMLF1hkop0tgD97O718G2

[Bragi]

1. Not at all surprising

The only conclusion I would draw from this story is that people aren't that stupid after all.

Anyone with common sense knows there is no security in Afghanistan for civilian volunteers, no matter how worthwhile may be any development projects to which they might be assigned.

- B

[george_maniakes]

2. i have a hard time believeing american civilians would be working in afghanistan....

without some measure of security.

[saigon68]

3. Another Rat Hole to piss money away on