In this video, NewsHour correspondent Tom Bearden visits Fort Carson Army base in Colorado to speak with troops and their families in anticipation of President Obama's major policy announcement regarding Afghanistan this week.
President Obama is expected to send additional troops to Afghanistan despite the warnings of some critics who believe that the conflict in Afghanistan is quickly becoming another Vietnam.
4,000 soldiers from Fort Carson are currently stationed in Afghanistan and another 3,500 will be sent next summer.
Tom Bearden talks to the soldiers, their families and members of the community about how they feel about President Obama's plans for Afghanistan.
Quotes
" To think about going again and being separated again right away is very difficult. But, after awhile, the idea of what you have accomplished, the memories and the feeling of accomplishment helps you to get ready for the next move." - Captain Tim Whoolery
"You got to have a passion for what you do. And I have that passion. And so do some of my peers. And that's why we look forward to our next deployment and serving our country." - Sgt. Varion Forrest
"My point is, what are we really over there for? I don't really see any point, because we're not really looking for Osama bin Laden again. It's more or less for the Taliban and erasing them. But you're never going to get rid of somebody who can hide along with the civilians. And they believe in what they believe in... You can't change the way someone thinks. So, why are we over there losing American lives over there that don't really need to be lost, when you got families that are without their husbands and wives for a year to 15 months at a time? It's just ridiculous." - Spc. Chris Toppin
Warm Up Questions
1. Where is Afghanistan?
2. Why is the U.S. fighting in Afghanistan?
3. How do you think soldiers feel about the war in Afghanistan?
Discussion Questions
1. The U.S. has already been in Afghanistan for eight years and experts believe that the war will only get worse before or if it gets better. What do you think of this assessment? Do you think we should add more troops or pull out? 2. What kinds of factors do you think President Obama is considering as he decides whether to send more troops into Afghanistan? Do you think some of those factors are solely political?
3. Many critics of a troop surge in Afghanistan are comparing the situation to Vietnam. What happened in Vietnam? In what ways are the two wars similar? In what ways are they different? Do you think its a fair comparison?
4. Do you know any families in your community who are personally affected by the wars in Afghanistan or Iraq? In what ways could you help them? What kind of support do they need?
Additional Resources
