Obama won't rush decision on Afghanistan

WASHINGTON Any decision about sending more US troops to Afghanistan will not be rushed, US President Barack Obama pledged at the naval station in Jacksonville, Florida.
I will never rush the solemn decision of sending you into harms way. I wont risk your lives unless it is absolutely necessary, Obama told military personnel to round of applause. And if it is necessary, we will back you up to the hilt. Because you deserve the strategy, the clear mission, and the defined goals as well as the equipment and support that you need to get the job done.
He noted his administration was increasing the defence budget, including spending on the navy and marine corps, in a bill he said he would sign this week. To make sure were spending our defence dollars wisely, were cutting tens of billions of dollars in waste and projects that even the military says it doesnt need, so that that money can be better spent on taking care of you and your families and building the ... 21st century military that we do need, Obama said.
He said for the first time in the history of the all-volunteer military force every component of every branch of the military, active, Guard and Reserve, met or exceeded their recruiting and retention goals.
He paused to remember the 14 Americans who died Monday in two helicopter crashes in Afghanistan.
Our people are our most precious resource. Were reminded of this again with todays helicopter crashes in Afghanistan. Fourteen Americans gave their lives, Obama said. They were willing to risk their lives, in this case, to prevent Afghanistan from once again becoming a safe haven for al-Qaeda and its extremist allies. And today, they gave their lives, that last full measure of devotion, to protect ours.
Meanwhile, a White House spokesman said President Obamas decision on sending more troops to Afghanistan still is expected within the next few weeks.
(The) president understands, as I think everyone does, the urgency of getting this decision right, White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said when asked whether the deaths of 14 Americans in Afghanistan added any impetus to making a decision faster. We are reminded on an almost daily basis of the sacrifice that thousands have made and continue to make to protect our freedom. So I think ... the president understands that and the president is enormously humbled by their sacrifices, as I think all Americans are.
Obama met with his national security team Monday to resume discussions on General Stanley McChrystals request for more 40,000 more troops. McChrystal is the top US and NATO commander in Afghanistan.
I said this last week, it could come at any moment. So as soon as he has it, hell make it, Gibbs said, still holding to the several week timetable.
Gibbs said I just dont know whether a decision would be made before the Nov 7 presidential runoff between Afghan President Hamid Karzai and rival candidate Abdullah Abdullah.