Quote Originally Posted by 221CAV View Post
Why doesnt the US try and seal the border itself. Sure, we can't make it impervious, but I'm betting a healthy US presence in this area would cut down a lot of cross border antics by the tribesmen.

Key measure: if we build some sort of border defensive system and it immediately comes under attack from the Taliban/Pakis. Should that happen we will know we are doing something that is hurting them.
Two words: manpower and terrain

We are short on manpower and even with a couple or six BCTs that is not going to change.

As a military goal, "sealing" this border area is a classic exercise in self-delusion. We can make it tougher, no doubt, if you can get the manpower required.

Tom