CNN: Pentagon expects orders to send about 34,000 troops to Afghanistan

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- A day after the president's final meeting on Afghanistan, a defense official tells CNN Pentagon planners expect orders to send about 34,000 more troops to Afghanistan.

The military has planning underway to send three U.S. Army brigades totaling about 15,000 troops; a Marine brigade, about 8,000 troops; a headquarters element, about 7,000 troops and between 4,000 and 5,000 support troops -- a total of approximately 34,000 troops, according to a defense official with direct knowledge of Pentagon operations. CNN reported last month that this was the preferred option within the Pentagon.

Pentagon planners have been tasked with preparing for this option with the expectation that is the number the president is leaning toward, said the defense official with direct knowledge of the process. The official insisted Tuesday there is no final word yet.

The troops would be divided up in various locations around the country, mainly focusing in the south and southeast parts where much of the fighting is.

Currently, brigades from Fort Drum in New York and Fort  Campbell in Kentucky are among those that are next in line to deploy.