"Gates gives backing to larger Afghan Army; $17b plan over 5 years would add 50,000 troops" by Lolita C. Baldor, Associated Press | August 9, 2008
WASHINGTON - Defense Secretary Robert Gates has endorsed a new five-year, $17 billion plan to increase the size of the Afghan Army by about 50,000 troops.
The move follows a proposal from the Afghanistan government, and the price tag includes the costs for routine Afghan Army combat operations and upgrading the air corps, beginning in 2010, Pentagon press secretary Geoff Morrell said yesterday.
He said it generally costs about $1 billion a year to increase forces by 10,000, and $100,000 more to sustain them. Officials are currently looking at ways to finance it.
Can you say TAXPAYER $$$, 'murkn?
