Troop Morale in Afghanistan Plummets, Report Says

WASHINGTON (AP) — American soldiers and Marines in Afghanistan are suffering with the highest rates of psychological problems since 2005 and morale has plummeted.

A report Thursday by the military services says the dramatic increase in fighting is one of the big factors affecting the mental health of forces in Afghanistan. For instance, some 70 to 80 percent of troops surveyed last July and August said they had seen a buddy killed or wounded. The military says it has doubled the mental health staff in the country to help troops with their problems.

The report comes as military commanders say they've weakened the Taliban and halted the momentum of the insurgency.