Too Many Troops in Afghanistan? The Crushing Reality

As combat boots scuff the gritty sand of Afghanistan, and troops scour the mountainous horizon for danger, it appears more US troops will be joining the fray in the landlocked region. As Taliban attacks intensify, a troop increase into Afghanistan may provide relief, but it may also bring a dangerous burden.

In late December 2008, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates announced a plan to rapidly increase U.S. troop deployment into Afghanistan. The Secretary’s plan to send an additional 20,000 troops to Afghanistan means even more supplies must make its way through the already choked NATO supply route. The supply line links Pakistan to Afghanistan along a three-mile corridor through the Hindu Kush mountain range along the Khyber Pass. This current NATO supply line which provides passage for goods and supplies has been routinely compromised by vicious attacks due to Taliban militants and Pakistan’s deteriorating security situation.

The perilous supply passageway could be thought of as a funnel, all essential goods and supplies must converge on this important route in order to reach U.S. troops. As these supplies begin to flow, Taliban militants unleash daily and now predictable ambush on delivery convoys. Costly delays and dangerous attacks begin to choke the supply line at its most vulnerable point. Shots ring out, cargo is surrendered, detention fees levied and nothing moves. This all-to-common occurrence transpires as U.S. and NATO troops wait just out of reach on the other side for their supplies.

“The increase in troops levels brings immediacy to this problem like never before, the time to act is now,” says Tommy Hakimi, CEO of Mondo International, Inc., a U.S. Department of Defense Prime Vendor. Mondo currently operates over 600 trucks in Afghanistan as logistics, transportation and distribution specialists. Mondo has been a long standing proponent of a new Distribution Network into Afghanistan

According to the New York Times, the United States currently has 30,000 troops in Afghanistan which depend on this route for essential supplies. Brutal attacks render this hot zone nearly impassible, prompting U.S. officials including TRANSCOM to begin looking for new alternatives. TRANSCOM is the command charged with providing air, land and sea transportation for the Department of Defense.

However, new alternatives also mean new hardships. One proposed route includes traversing the more agonizing northern trail through Europe and Uzbekistan. This harsh path requires essential land deals and trustworthy relationships in order to succeed. With even more troops due to arrive in Afghanistan by spring of 2009, finding the right passage is vital. “The key is to create a new route based on existing relations and land controlled by US friendly entities. Being an American/Afghani company, Mondo understands the region and has many key partnerships in this area which will prove beneficial.” says Hakimi. Who notes the delicate need to follow customs, culture and business practices expected in the region. As an example, Mondo representatives regularly sit down with their neighbors from the North for the sharing of bread and sipping tea.

Amid ravaging sand storms, volatile temperature swings and ever present danger, several new combat brigades will seek to navigate the eastern part of Afghanistan, beside the Pakistan border. The rapid deployment of troops to this area will increase demand for the free-flow of fuel and other life saving supplies. But can the cargo survive the journey through this dangerous corridor? If not, what is the answer? Mondo International, Inc. advocates that a new logistics supply chain process be established by assembling the right team with existing, trustworthy relationships in the region. “Solutions need to be found fast. Our in-country Afghani staff has knowledge of the culture, customs and practices of the area and routinely facilitates an open channel of distribution, without having a price tag on their head, unlike American contractors,” says Hakimi.

The daily break of a new dawn sheds light on this gathering problem in Afghanistan. The rapid increase of U.S. troops will only add to the already crushed state of the current NATO supply line. Rip with challenges, the United States government and its experienced contractors will seek to find a solution that provides safety, supplies and efficiency to the distribution network. How soon and to what extent is yet to be determined.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________Written and submitted by Ryan Prucker, Imagelight PR division on behalf of Mondo International, Inc. To schedule or conduct interviews please contact Ryan at 315.430.7584 or email ryan@imageL.net