Casey, Geren, Preston make visit to Fort Bliss

[unhappycamper]

Casey, Geren, Preston make visit to Fort Bliss
By Alicia A. Caldwell - The Associated Press
Posted : Monday Jan 5, 2009 22:16:37 EST

FORT BLISS, Texas — The Army’s top three officials said Monday the mammoth force is ready to shift its combat focus from Iraq to Afghanistan.

Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr. told reporters Monday the fight in Afghanistan won’t be very different from what many soldiers have already seen in Iraq.

“The types of operations they will conduct and need to conduct are about the same,” Casey said of the two war fronts. “The type of warfare is not decidedly different when you shift from Iraq to Afghanistan.”

The largest difference, Casey said, will likely be the mountainous and rural terrain that many soldiers haven’t seen in Iraq, where urban combat has become the norm. Cultural and historical differences between the Arab and Afghan communities will also be significant, he said.

Casey, Secretary of the Army Pete Geren and Sgt. Major of the Army Kenneth O. Preston were at the sprawling desert post just outside El Paso on Monday to announce a yearlong program to honor noncommissioned officers, enlisted soldiers who hold the rank of sergeant or above.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/01/ap_casey_army_010508/%2e