STATEHOUSE (March 11, 2010) - Colleagues joined State Sen. John Waterman in urging President Barack Obama to reconsider modified rules of engagement in Afghanistan that could endanger U.S. troops.

Waterman (R-Shelburn) authored a resolution asking the Obama administration to re-evaluate the combat guidelines recently ordered by U.S. Gen. Stanley McChrystal.

According to national news reports, under McCrystal’s restrictive new policies, U.S. soldiers can no longer fire upon combatants until it is visually confirmed the enemy is armed.

Some U.S. troops say Taliban militants are using these rules of engagement to their advantage, sometimes dropping their weapons and walking away to blend in with civilians, The Associated Press reported.

“America’s brave men and women serving abroad risk their lives every day to protect freedom,” Waterman said. “Unrealistic restrictions on their ability to defend themselves jeopardizes the safety of our troops and Afghani civilians.”

Since the revised guidelines took effect in July 2009, U.S. forces in Afghanistan have suffered some of their heaviest losses of the war, Waterman said. News reports indicate the revised rules of engagement may be partly to blame for the spike in American casualties.

U.S. troops under the tightened policy also have less immediate access to air support when pinned down by enemy fire. In some cases, according to the AP, troops must positively identify enemy combatants before helicopters or planes respond with airstrikes - at times more than an hour after the initial request.

According to Waterman, delayed support could expose American soldiers to sniper fire and other battlefield hazards.

“We need policies that help our troops pursue victory,” Waterman said. “Ensuring the safety and success of our soldiers should remain our highest priority.”

Waterman serves Senate District 39, which includes Clay, Greene, Knox, Daviess, Owen, Sullivan and Vigo Counties.