Afghanistan -- Withdrawal operation a logistical challenge

The German Bundeswehr has almost 5,000 troops stationed in Afghanistan. They are due to withdraw from the country by the end of 2014. The withdrawal mission presents a logistical challenge - and a security risk.


By the end of 2014, the Bundeswehr will have left Afghanistan. Well, that's the plan. The Bundeswehr are keen to point out that it is not a "retreat." A retreat would imply defeat. They don't see it that way. They're calling it a "return transfer."

Aside from that, not all of the troops will have returned home by then since their mission in Afghanistan will not yet have been completed. The task of the German International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) contingent, namely the training, assistance and supervision of Afghan security forces, will most likely be extended to run beyond 2014 under a further mandate. Meaning, of course, that Bundeswehr personnel will continue to be stationed in the country, even after the planned withdrawal.

http://www.dw.de/dw/article/0,,16080703,00.html

If the German's task is daunting, our is 10 times bigger.