Report: Gates seeks 3000 trainers, 3000 combat troops for Afghanistan

Above: A platoon leader from Alpha Company, 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion scans the perimeter as Afghan National Army soldiers question a man during a patrol in May

Defense Secretary Robert Gates, still frustrated with NATO 's commitment in Afghanistan , will press allies in meetings this week to provide significantly more trainers for the Afghan National Army and police.

Senior U.S. officials en route to Germany with Gates on Wednesday laid out the secretary's expectations for the two-day meeting of NATO defense ministers that will begin Thursday in Brussels. In the nearly six months since the NATO leaders met and promised to fill troop and equipment needs for the Afghan war, there have been only incremental increases.

The U.S. officials said Gates will "make a pitch" for countries to send more trainers in an effort to get the Afghan government better able to control its own security.

The officials, who requested anonymity so they could preview the secretary's plans for the session, said coalition forces in Afghanistan still need up to four battalions - or as many as 3,000 combat troops, along with about an equal amount of trainers. Gates has said he would like some NATO and non-NATO nations to contribute some of the training forces.

Read the rest at AOL News

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