Carter tells U.S. troops in Afghanistan they're playing crucial role

Following President Obama’s recent announcement that 8,400 U.S. troops would remain in Afghanistan at least until early 2017, Defense Secretary Ash Carter spoke to troops at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan about how the decision will aid in the fight against terrorism.

“(The president’s decision will ensure) that the Afghan forces have success next year based upon our experience in the last fighting season and up to this time in this fighting season,” Carter said.

Carter said U.S. troops in Afghanistan are refreshing and re-training the country’s security forces, aiming to ensure that the country can control its territory. Carter emphasized U.S. commitment to ensuring that this effort succeeds and pointed out the importance of having security partners within the region.

“Look at a map of this region," Carter said. "(It's) not a bad place to have good friends,” Carter said to the troops. “So we're in this for the long run…This is a really important part of the world, and it's a really important moment to be here. And here you are, doing what you're doing with this part of your lives. You should feel very good about it. … I'm very proud of what you've done.”