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Afghanistan
Foggy Bottom leaves contractors in Afghanistan without escape plan
2016-08-21
[CIRCA] Surrounded by increasing violence and instability, U.S. contractors left behind in Afghanistan are raising alarm about the potential for another Benghazi tragedy, saying the State Department isn't sharing with them a plan to evacuate if insurgents launch a debilitating attack.

The concerns are heightened by the fact that many of those civilians doing the security and nation-building work of the U.S. government hold sensitive security clearances, making them an attractive target for the enemy.

And the situation could become even more precarious after the U.S. military in Afghanistan draws down to just 8,400 troops by year's end.

"It's not just a political nightmare for somebody, it's people's lives at stake," said Kevin Ofchus, head of Georgia-based firm Host Nations Perspectives Southwest Asia (HNPSWA) that has security contracts in Afghanistan.
Posted by:Besoeker

#9  Google maps......pick a trail..
Posted by: crazyhorse   2016-08-21 23:35  

#8  Ahh #6, Elphinstone!! Have often that in this government I see many Elphinstones.
Posted by: Bov Flimbers   2016-08-21 20:55  

#7  1. Don't stay in American housing clusters
2. Don't take common route or public transport to work or play
3. Immediately extract dependents
4. Do identify alternative departure points
5. Do groom local talent for transport to the alternative
6. ALWAYS covertly carry cash and identity or maintain multiple caches
7. Do not depend on the 'fight my way to the border' scenario
8. Do not depend on the ' wait until rescue' scenario
9. Stay in motion away from the gathering street crowds
10. Choose local garb that does NOT immediately mark you
as Western
11. Do not mark yourself by carrying a weapon. There will be donors.

Above all, stay frosty. Be situationally aware.
Posted by: Skidmark   2016-08-21 15:12  

#6  They should check on the one General Elphinstone used.
Posted by: Glenmore   2016-08-21 10:02  

#5  Step 1: Open a map, roll one out on a table or open an app, see where Afghanistan is. Step 2: Plot an escape route. Step 3: Get Nervous.
Posted by: magpie   2016-08-21 09:32  

#4  With this government, just expect to be an expendable asset over in the boxes.
Posted by: DarthVader   2016-08-21 09:08  

#3  find a tall building suitable for chopper extraction from the roof.

"Route Saigon"
Posted by: Frank G   2016-08-21 08:46  

#2  I see you're having the spinach and bacon quiche as well. I've got yours, get a table over in the corner by the window. We'll talk.
Posted by: Besoeker   2016-08-21 08:40  

#1  As the lady once said, "What difference does it make?"

The US govt. is not your friend. Why should you assume they even care what happens? You are fodder to them. Besides, it's Lunch time at the State dept. cafeteria.
Posted by: Captain Spereth6528   2016-08-21 08:27  

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