I didn't think that Parliament decided we should stop the combat group in 2011; it said we should take it out of Kandahar.
I began my answer to Mr. Wilfert by saying that I thought our troops had been over-extended, in effect, that we had put too much of a strain on the army in sustaining the battle group in Afghanistan. I do believe that. I think a very good case could be made for bringing the battle group home, but I do not think we should get out of Afghanistan completely. It would make very good sense for us to maintain the provincial reconstruction team with a military component. It would make very good sense for us to keep our operational mentors and liaison team in Afghanistan. It would be very good if we provided more trainers for Afghanistan, and I would like to see us keep our helicopters there, which are of great use to our friends and allies. In other words, I think we have spent enough money and enough blood that we deserve to stay in Afghanistan to help finish the job.
We may not be able to do it with an infantry battle group, but I think we should stay in other areas.