BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Secretary of Defense Ash Carter stopped by Bagram Airfield to talk with U.S. service members on Tuesday, after his meeting with top U.S. military officials at NATO's Resolute Support Headquarters in Kabul.
Carter joined Gen. John W. Nicholson, Resolute Support and U.S. Forces Afghanistan commander, for a brief meeting and a luncheon before flying to Bagram Airfield for a town hall style troop engagement.
Col. Frederick "Mark" O'Donnell, 10th Mountain Division (LI) chief of staff, and Command Sgt. Maj. Charles W. Albertson, senior enlisted adviser, represented USFOR-A and the division at the town hall.
During the brief stop at Bagram, Carter focused his remarks on President Barack Obama's decision to maintain the 2017 troop levels in Afghanistan at 8,400 up from the previous assessment of 5,400 announced late last year.
Carter stressed that the president's decision was based upon a review of the situation on the ground in Afghanistan and the recommendations of senior military officials, to include Nicholson.
The secretary said he believed the U.S. is showing and proving its commitment to the Unity Government and the people of Afghan-istan, and that because of our resolve, others -- our NATO partners -- recognize and understand the importance that Afghanistan plays in the region and the world.
"Just look at a map and the location of Afghanistan -- everyone understands its importance," Carter said.
Several Soldiers and airmen had the opportunity to ask the secretary questions ranging from air platforms, weapon systems and U.S. long-term interests in the region.
Each response focused on the importance of the systems, platforms and capabilities we currently have and the role that U.S. service members play in building confidence and capability here in Afghanistan.
At the conclusion of the town hall, the secretary thanked all for attending. He personally presented a coin to and shook the hand of every service member present.
A brief joint press conference followed, during which Carter and Nicholson spoke on U.S. and Afghan capabilities and how the new authorizations in Afghanistan, approved by the president, would improve the United States' ability to conduct both defensive and offensive operations against named terrorist organizations operating in the country.
They were both confident that the additional authorization would help improve air and ground support to the Afghan National Army, as they focus their operations on fighting, holding and clearing terrain held by the insurgents.
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