US Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal, commander of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan, on Sept. 5 visited the site of the airstrike that Afghan officials claim killed numerous civilians in addition to insurgents. In a radio broadcast, he said, “I take this possible loss of life or injury to innocent Afghans very seriously.” Shortly after assuming command in June, McChrystal issued a tactical directive intended to restore emphasis on avoiding civilian casualties. The German commander who authorized the Sept. 3 strike by a USAF F-15E initially denied civilians had been in the area where Taliban insurgents had hijacked two fuel trucks; however, according to a Sept. 7 Associated Press report, German officials now say it is likely some civilians died. In his radio address, McChrystal promised a “complete investigation” that he would “share with the Afghan people.” (Includes AFPS report by Jim Garamone)
The program executive officers for some of the Air Force’s largest acquisition management organizations are struggling to deal with an exodus of senior talent and experienced civilian staff, three of them told an industry conference.
