In an interview with the US newspaper Los Angeles Times, Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced that the training of Afghanistan’s army and police personnel was proceeding ahead of schedule, leading US officials to believe that the transfer of security responsibilities to the Afghan government could begin as early as spring 2011. He also stated that plans are still firmly in place to begin withdrawing troops by July next year. 

Many thanks, Secretary Gates and the US government for your continued steps toward peace. We look forward to all troops returning to their loved ones as we pray for lasting harmony and stability for all the Afghan people.

http://articles.latimes.com/2010/aug/16/world/la-fg-afghan-progress-20100816
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-10985621