KABUL, Afghanistan / Sep. 6, 2012 – The issue of insider threats is very complex and requires a comprehensive, integrated combined response from ISAF and the Afghans. The challenges of the Afghan operating environment are many and countering this threat requires unwavering vigilance, close cooperation and a constant assessment of the situation. There is no one single solution or simple means to deal with the challenge posed by insider threats. But I can assure our friends and foes alike that I take this issue very seriously and my entire command is absolutely driven to do everything we can to reduce this threat. It's important for everyone to understand the work that is being done. There is a great deal of activity at all levels of ISAF, in our communications and coordination with the Afghan government, and in our military-to-military cooperation between the Coalition and the Afghan National Security Forces. At all levels we are pulling ideas and resources together in a coordinated and energized effort. The dedication to eradicating this threat runs from the highest levels in our headquarters in Kabul to every soldier – both Afghan and Coalition – fighting to secure the most remote corners of this country. This is not simply a Green on Blue problem; it is a threat to both Green and Blue that requires a Green and Blue solution. As part of a number of measures to counter insider attacks, I recently approved a recommendation to slow the training of new recruits for the Afghan Local Police. My decision delays the enrollment of roughly 1,000 new ALP recruits in an effort to ensure adequate resources are available to re-vet the other 16,000 ALP personnel who are currently manning posts throughout Afghanistan . This force is on the job today, working and achieving results alongside other Afghan and Coalition forces. The immediate operational impact of this decision is that about 1,000 ALP recruits who have not yet entered in the training pipeline will be delayed for a relatively short time while the Afghan government, with Coalition support, conducts the necessary checks to ensure we are doing all we can to protect our people. ALP training is overseen by the Special Operations Joint Task Force – Afghanistan , led by U.S. Maj. Gen. Tony Thomas. In my capacity as the commander of U.S. Forces – Afghanistan , I approved his recommendation to delay ALP recruit training. Other subordinate commanders within ISAF and U.S. Forces Afghanistan are assessing the situations within their particular areas and for their specific missions. Through their combined efforts and inputs, overseen and coordinated at the highest level, we will be best positioned to defeat insider attacks. The entire Coalition and our ANSF partners are moving as one toward that end. And this decision to delay ALP recruit training also helps maintain and reinforce the reputation of the ALP as a legitimate, trained and properly overseen arm of the ANSF at the local level. It supports the continuing ISAF and Afghan Government’s efforts to professionalize this force. Recent allegations of ALP reprisal killings in Kanam of Kunduz Province, for example, are incorrect. There are no ALP forces serving in this area, yet these rumours gain credence in certain sectors because of inaccurate reporting and confusion of the ALP with unauthorised, illegitimate local militias (Arbakai) that have long been a feature of local community life in Afghanistan, but which are now a comparatively rare phenomenon as the Afghan Government extends its influence. The change to the training timeline only affects the ALP and does not impact on any other arm of the ANSF. The decision to slow ALP recruit training has received much media attention, but it is only one of many recent actions taken to confront insider attacks. I have been in frequent communication with President Karzai. I have his personal assurance that the Afghan government and military are full partners in ou