Carter Arrives in Afghanistan to Engage ISAF, Afghan Leaders
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
American Forces Press Service
KABUL, Afghanistan, Feb. 21, 2012 – The deputy defense secretary arrived here today on his first trip as the Pentagon’s second-in-command to meet with coalition military forces and Afghan leaders, Pentagon officials said.
U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. James Laster, left, greets U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter upon his arrival in Kabul, Afghanistan, Feb. 21, 2012. Carter is scheduled to meet with Afghan and Internationl Security Assistance Force leaders and to visit U.S. and coalition forces to convey his thanks. DOD photo by Erin Kirk-Cuomo
(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. |
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While in Kabul, Carter will meet with senior Afghan officials and parliamentarians about the United States' enduring commitment to the people of Afghanistan, Pentagon officials noted.
The trip marks Carter’s first visit to Afghanistan since taking office as the deputy defense secretary on Oct. 6. He previously served as undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, a job he assumed in April 2009.
In his previous capacity, Carter visited Afghanistan to observe the “fast lane” he co-chaired for ensuring troops in Iraq and Afghanistan could receive new, rapidly fielded capabilities, agile logistics and contingency contracting to assist the war fighter on the ground, officials said.
Carter also plans to visit multiple regional commands to thank American and International Security Assistance Force service members during his multiday trip, officials said.