Gates Approves CAB Deployment to Afghanistan

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Gates Approves CAB Deployment to Afghanistan

By Lolita C. Baldor - The Associated Press
Posted : Saturday Dec 20, 2008 7:40:39 EST

WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Robert Gates has approved the deployment of a combat aviation brigade to Afghanistan early next year, as the military begins a substantial build-up of forces there.

The decision will send close to 3,000 additional U.S. forces into the country, and will begin to meet an urgent need for combat and transport helicopters, according to a senior defense official. Gen. David McKiernan, the commander of U.S. and NATO forces, has asked for at least 20,000 more troops to combat the escalating violence, particularly in eastern and southern Afghanistan.

The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because the deployment has not yet been announced.

Gates signed the order Thursday, just days after he returned from a trip to Afghanistan and Iraq, where he met with his top military leaders. During the stop in Afghanistan, Gates reaffirmed his commitment to meet McKiernan’s request for more troops.

Officials acknowledge it will take time to get the four combat brigades and thousands of support troops to Afghanistan, as requested by McKiernan. The combat aviation brigade is expected to deploy in early spring, according to the official.

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http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/12/ap_CABdeployment_121908/%2e