I think it is extremely problematic, and I think there are lessons, which will become better known as distance from Afghanistan is gained, that this has been problematic. I think the presence is beyond the need to be sensitive to local cultures, when you're at the village level in these operations. But that's not nation building per se. I mean, part of it hinges upon what nation building is. But when you have military officials acting at higher levels in the nation building process, at the levels of national governments and provincial districts, providing non-military advice, I tend to think it's extremely problematic, and it hinges back upon what it is we are designing and maintaining armed forces for. It's a readiness question as well.
On March 1st, 2012. See this statement in context.