Air Force Times reports that “NATO and the U.S. Air Force should stay in Afghanistan to continue building up the Afghan air force, the top U.S. airman told Congress as reports emerged the U.S. is considering keeping two key bases open beyond the end of this year.”  

“The Air Force’s main role in Afghanistan now is to support the development of the Afghan air force ‘as an institution,’ Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh told the Senate Armed Services Committee on Wednesday.”  

“‘Many parts of that development are going very well,’ Welsh said. ‘They’re showing signs of independent ability to do tactical planning, operational activities. The thing that will really set them up for success over time though is the ability as an institution to survive.'”