U.S. Transfers Humvees, Weapons to Afghan National Army

Many soldiers on the ground in Afghanistan are against handing Humvees over to the Afghan National Army. Their maintenance is intensive and they are difficult to drive on Afghanistan's roads.

Photos: DOD

(KABUL, Afghanistan) - The United States transferred 213 Humvees and more than 12,000 light weapons to the Afghan National Army during a ceremony Feb. 2nd at a depot in Pol-e-charkhi, Afghanistan.

American soldiers on the ground are critical of the move, saying the Humvees our own troops drive are often worn out. The armored doors weigh heavily on the structure of hte actual vehicle. Armored Humvees weigh just less than 12,000 pounds.

But national leaders do not seem to be listening. The transfer marks the beginning of delivery of more than 800 various up-armored vehicles for the ANA, according to Afghan President Hamid Karzai said.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai (right) looks over light weapons after a vehicle and weapons transfer ceremony in Pol-e-charkhi, Afghanistan. The United States transferred 213 Humvees and more than 12,000 light weapons to the Afghan National Army. Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Scott Cohen, USN

"This is only the tip of the mountain of deliveries ... you will see many things the U.S. is committed to give Afghanistan in order to support the defense force," Karzai said. "We appreciate both current and future donations."

Afghan Defense Minister Maj. Gen. Abdul Rahim Wardak said the vehicles and weapons will help the ANA gain the capability to conduct independent operations.

"This dramatically increases ANA mobility, assault and survivability," Wardak said. "By Allah's aid, and the backing of the Afghan people, these vehicles and weapons will help us defend the country and challenge all threats in the most hazardous area of the Asian continent."

Karzai praised his nation's army and expressed gratitude to the United States.

"Today we are very happy and proud of our national army," he said. "We appreciate its minister, chief of general staff, officers and, mostly, its noncommissioned officers and soldiers. This country will be forever in their debt.

"Let's take care of these vehicles and weapons bought with millions of U.S. taxpayer dollars," Karzai continued. "We should be grateful for the delivery of this equipment and use them in the correct way."