The Afghanistan military needs more trainers and equipment in order to gain control of their country's security, the Afghan defense chief told Secretary of Defense Robert Gates on Tuesday. Gen. Bizmullah Khan said that while «the U.S. has been more than generous,» the Afghan army's weapons are inadequate and old, specifically its heavy artillery and armored vehicles. Speaking through an interpreter while sitting at a small table with Gates, Khan added that «we don't have enough mentors, enough advisers.» Gates told Khan that «we know your interest in small arms and mortars and we are looking for ways to expedite» the equipment. And he added that he also was well aware of the shortage of trainers _ a shortfall U.S. military officials said was as many as 2,000-3,000, according to a report of the Associated Press.
