The US is going to redeploy some of its 9,000 personnel in Afghanistan to set up 8-10 small bases. Each of these would contain about 100 people, including 60 Americans. The main function would be to support aid and reconstruction operations. Special Forces and Civil Affairs troops, along with other aid workers and Afghan troops would make up most of each base's staff. The idea is not to have a lot of combat troops spread around the country, but aid workers who would be welcomed by local Afghans. The US Special Forces and Civil Affairs troops have been popular with the Afghans, and targeted by remaining Taliban and al Qaeda forces. NGO's (Non-Governmental Organizations) are not happy with this new program, as it puts more Civil Affairs troops out in the countryside, while the NGOs would prefer the aid work be left to them and troops provided for protection of NGO personnel.
