Mullen says troops being sent to blunt insurgency

CAMP LEJEUNE — The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff says the insurgency in Afghanistan has grown in the past three years and sending 30,000 more U.S. troops is an attempt to slow that momentum.

Adm. Mike Mullen spoke to about 1,000 Marines at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina on Monday. Many of those attending will be sent to Afghanistan as part of President Barack Obama’s plan announced last week.

Camp Lejeune will supply 1,500 Marines by Christmas. An additional 6,200 are to follow next year.

Mullen says military leaders believe they have 18 to 24 months to reverse the insurgency or it might not be possible.

Earlier Monday, Mullen spoke at Fort Campbell, Ky. Three brigades from the 101st Airborne Division are heading to Afghanistan and more could follow.

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