The role of U.S. forces in Afghanistan has evolved to one that focuses on security operations, route-clearing, and retrograde operations, the commander of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and U.S. Forces-Afghanistan told a cadre of reporters during a July 1 press conference at Fort Meade, Md. "We are no longer conducting unilateral operations," Marine Corps Gen. Joseph Dunford told the gathering. Efforts are shifting toward training Afghan military and security forces to defend their country, and reducing the presence of civilian contractors. "At this point the Afghans are conducting operations, and we are trainers and advisors," Dunford said. Coalition forces remain committed to supporting the Afghan forces through 2014 as they pursue their fight against the Taliban, Dunford said.