BBC
Obama says he wont rush on Afghanistan,but is trying to force through Obamacare
Speaking to servicemen and women at a Florida naval base,Mr Obama said he would not risk their lives "unless it is absolutely necessary".
Earlier,he met his national security team again for talks on Afghan policy.
Correspondents say Mr Obama’s words may be a response to ex-Vice-President Dick Cheney’s suggestion he was "dithering".
The White House has said a decision on a new strategy for Afghanistan,including troop numbers,will be made in the coming weeks,but critics say the process is taking too long.
The top US military commander in Afghanistan,General Stanley McChrystal,has asked for at least 40,000 more US troops there.
Meanwhile,Afghanistan’s incumbent President Hamid Karzai and his election challenger Abdullah Abdullah are preparing for a run-off vote due to take place on 7 November.