shorter-term, concrete goals in afghanistan

DefenseLink News Article: Military to Focus on Shorter-term Goals in Afghanistan, Gates Says:

“President Barack Obama met with Gates and other National Security Council members at the White House on Jan. 21.

The United States needs to set “more concrete goals” for Afghanistan that “can be achieved realistically within three to five years,” Gates said. For example, he said, efforts should be made to re-establish Afghan government control in the country’s southern and eastern regions, as well boost security and improve the delivery of services to the population.”

Doubling the number of combat troops is only certain to do one thing: accelerate the tempo. Tactically, it will mean that operations in SE Afghanistan will become more kinetic: more people will die, quicker, because more troops doesn't mean less indirect fire. It will raise the tempo for the military as well.

Operationally, it will mean a greater logistical appetite and require a bit more attention to detail in the Caucasus.

Strategically? Let's hear those "concrete goals."