Up to 10,800 U.S. troops will remain in Afghanistan at the start of 2009 . Asked by CNN how he would define victory more than a decade later Hagel said the people of Afghanistan are far better off today than they were 13 years ago , citing an elected government and a national security force . Hagel 's unannounced trip will include other stops in the region . The trip follows a recent announcement that he would step down as defense secretary . He has served as defense secretary since last year .
Up to 10,800 U.S. troops will remain in Afghanistan at the start of 2009 . Hagel 's unannounced trip will include other stops in the region . The trip follows a recent announcement that he would step down as defense secretary . He has served as defense secretary since last year .