Afghan Troops Gone AWOL From Military Training in US

In an attempt at presumably obtaining a better life in America, Pentagon officials said forty-four Afghan troops training in the United States disappeared in a span of less than two years.

The incidents create doubts on security and screening procedures for the programs. However, the number of missing troops is comparatively small. About 2,200 Afghan troops have received military training in the US since 2007.

Further, The US spent billions of dollars training Afghan troops to become an independent fighting force. Hence, the disappearances could be disconcerting for US President Barack Obama’s administration.

Pentagon spokesman Adam Stump said that since January 2015, a total of 44 Afghan troops have gone missing. Eight Afghan troops have exited military bases without authorization since September alone.

He added that the Defense Department is finding ways to toughen admission criteria that will reduce the chances of an Afghan soldier going AWOL (absent without leave) in the US.

AWOL soldiers have clean records

Stump said that Afghans in the US training program undergo evaluation to confirm negative affiliation with any militant groups. Furthermore their records should not contain proof of participation in human rights abuses before permitted entry to the United States.

A defense official added that there was no evidence any of those who fled posed a threat to the US.

The military training program brings troops from around the world to the United States. The objective is to foster military relations and enhance capabilities for joint operations.

The Department of Homeland security is notified if students under the military program are gone from training for more than 24 hours. This means that the military considers them AWOL.

According to experts, besides a lack of economic prospects in the impoverished nation, low morale and inadequate training to fight the Taliban could be the reason behind the troops leaving.

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