Meeting of Coalition forces

FORWARD OPERATING BASE MORALES-FRAZIER, Afghanistan - The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Navy Admiral Michael Mullen, address a crowd of Coalition servicemembers. Admiral Mullen met with French Brigadier General Marcel Druart, commander of Task Force La Fayette, to learn more about Coalition efforts in Nijrab and other nearby areas. It was the first meeting between the two since Task Force Lafayette’s’ assumption of command in November 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Darrick B. Lee)

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff visits Afghanistan; learns about Coalition efforts

Published Dec. 18, 2009
By Captain Darrick B. Lee
Provincial Reconstruction Team Kapisa Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE MORALES-FRAZIER, Afghanistan -- The United States' most senior military officer visited Airmen and other coalition forces here recently to learn more about counterinsurgency efforts in Afghanistan's Kapisa province.

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. Navy Admiral Michael Mullen, met with French Brigadier General Marcel Druart, commander of Task Force La Fayette, to learn more about Coalition efforts in Nijrab and other nearby areas.

The first meeting between the two since Task Force Lafayette's' assumption of command in November, it was one of the first stops of several scheduled for the Admiral as he tours Afghanistan.

French Brig. Gen. Druart gave a short briefing to the Admiral, according to U.S. Army Lt. Col. John Cole, the acting Commander for Provincial Reconstruction Team Kapisa, a U.S.- led unit assigned to the French Task Force responsible for development efforts in the province. Admiral Mullen learned about the organization of French forces and how U.S. forces, including the PRT Airmen, work together.

"I think [the Admiral's] visit was a good opportunity for him to receive the on-the-ground truth about the current situation and the integration of Joint U.S. and French forces," said Colonel Cole. "The French briefing provided a better understanding of the French campaign plan and how all forces are being utilized jointly in support of operations in Afghanistan."

After the briefing, Admiral Mullen addressed a formation of Coalition forces and discussed President Obama's recent troop increase announcement, calling the extra 30,000 troops an asset for the Coalition, not just U.S. forces.

"We are in this together," the admiral said to the crowd.

Before departing, Admiral Mullen greeted individual troops, presenting a Commander's coins to each person as he shook their hand and asked about their experiences in combat.