"Based on my advice and the advice of the commanders, then Secretary of Defense, Esper, submitted a memorandum on nine November recommending to maintain US forces at a level between about 2500 and 4500 in Afghanistan until conditions were met for further reduction. Two days later on 11, November, 2020, I received an unclassified signed order directing the United States military to withdraw all forces from Afghanistan no later than 15, January, 2021."
Gen. Milley: (
32:48)
"After further discussions regarding the risks associated with such a withdrawal, the order was rescinded.
On 17 November we received a order, to reduce levels to 2,500 plus enabling forces no later than 15 January."