Off we go!

Like I told you - it wasn't Bush's plan - it was the US military's plan; just wanted to get some stink on it.

President Barack Obama on Tuesday signed off on an increase in U.S. forces for the flagging war in Afghanistan.

About 8,000 Marines are expected to go in first, followed by about 9,000 Army troops.

The 17,000 troops will be a down payment on a larger influx of U.S. forces that has been widely expected this year, and it will get a few thousand forces in place in time for the increase in fighting that usually comes with warmer weather and ahead of national midyear elections.

A little more than half-way there. A lot more work to be done.