GIs Prepare for 'Complex Human Terrain'

GIs Prepare for 'Complex Human Terrain'
December 15, 2009
American Forces Press Service

KABUL - U.S. troops need to be prepared to operate in a "complex human terrain" when they arrive in Afghanistan, the commander of International Security Assistance Force Joint Command said here.

Lt. Gen. David M. Rodriguez took over the job just two months ago. He commands U.S. troops assigned to NATO and troops of 42 other nations for daily operations throughout Afghanistan.

"Now that we know where (U.S. troops) are going and when they are coming in, I think we'll be able to make them well-prepared for what they need to do," he said during an interview with reporters traveling with Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The general said the long pole in the tent is situational awareness for the troops coming in. "It's tougher to do than the actual training itself," he said.

Over the past eight years, U.S. forces have adapted to stress counterinsurgency operations, as simply clearing an area of insurgents and then moving on proved not to be enough. "We have to synchronize our efforts with civilian and international partners so we can help build the infrastructure and help the national and local governments," Rodriguez said.


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