Troops support Obama's surge plans

WASHINGTON, Dec. 2 (UPI) -- U.S. troops stationed in Afghanistan say they are cautiously optimistic about President Barack Obama deploying an additional 30,000 troops to the country.

Sgt. Daniel Foster, of Caldwell, Idaho, said the extra military personnel would be welcome in the south, but the build-up is only part of a solution, Stars and Stripes reported Wednesday.

"I don't know whether or not it will work -- the success hinges on the Afghans," said Foster, with the 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division. "We're not here for ourselves; we're trying to help these people get back on solid ground. It feels like they're always fighting us. They've got to be willing to change to help themselves."

Obama is sending 30,000 more troops after months of deliberation on recommendations by Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the top U.S. and NATO commander in Afghanistan. The strategy Obama announced at West Point Tuesday evening includes a renewed push to prepare Afghan forces to take over security responsibilities, as well as a start date for U.S. troop withdrawal, depending on conditions on the ground.

Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment in Zhari district, told Stars and Stripes they support Obama's plan.

The additional military personnel will augment thin lines, said Cpl. William Strickland, of Columbus, Ohio.

"We're so spread out now that it's hard to keep control over the areas we have," Strickland said. "I think it's right to send more guys over here, so that we can regain positive control and then turn it over to the Afghans, like we did with the Iraqis in Iraq. I'm all for whatever we need to do to end this."