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United States Plan for Sustaining the Afghanistan National Security Forces

June 2008
Report to Congress iIn accordance with the
2008 National Defense Authorization Act
(Section 1231, Public Law 110-181)

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Section 5: NATO-ISAF Efforts

5.1 ANSF Development Efforts

5.1.1 Donation and Funding Coordination

The CSTC-A DCG-ISC coordinates closely with the ISAF DATES in order to effectively coordinate both NATO and non-NATO donations to the ANA. CSTC-A also works closely with the MoI and the IPCB Secretariat to coordinate international donations for the ANP. The ISC advertises the training and equipment needs of the ANA and ANP and then manages the details of integrating donated requirements into the force. Donations are coordinated through CSTC-A to validate the necessity, suitability, and sustainability of each donation.

5.1.2 Mentoring and Training

NATO ISAF supports ANA training and mentoring in three main areas: generating and deploying OMLT teams; filling CSTC-A training billets; and providing functional area mentoring, mobile niche training, schools, and courses. DCG-ISC coordinates the validation and fielding of OMLTs through cooperation with ISAF DATES. Currently, there are a total of 32 validated OMLTs. This number is insufficient to meet current needs. Furthermore, some OMLTs come into the country with national caveats that prevent them from deploying with ANA units out of their home area of operations, thus hindering operational flexibility. The shortage of OMLTs delays ANA development and has a further adverse effect on police mentoring. At present, the police mentor mission is significantly under-resourced. ISAF does not directly support ANP development with resources. However, the more NATO OMLTs in the field, the more U.S. military assets can be applied to the police mentor mission. Functional area and niche training efforts include officer and commando training provided by France and NCO and officer training provided by the U.K.

5.1.3 Operations

ISAF’s operational approach to counterinsurgency is to build Afghan capacity while degrading destabilizing influences. Accordingly, the ISAF Partnership Program continues to enhance the capabilities of the ANSF to plan, gather intelligence, conduct independent operations sustainable at the battalion level, and to integrate enablers in order to enhance security. At the tactical level, ISAF has begun to integrate ANA forces into planning and conducting operations in various degrees depending on the capabilities of the ANA and the respective Regional Commander’s intent and objectives. Additionally, key leader engagements, medical operations, humanitarian aid missions, and combined presence patrols provide a venue for ANSF forces to interact and discuss needs and local improvements with, and create trust among the local populace, Afghan leadership, ANSF, and ISAF. As trust increases, support for the GIRoA, ANA, and ANP evolves proportionately. An example of improved trust and confidence among Afghan civilians is their reporting of enemy activity, including improvised explosive device emplacements, suspicious activity, and potential future attacks.

RC-East is the most advanced regional command in regards to coordination of ISAF Operations with the ANA. ISAF forces in RC-East have benefited from having the most capable ANA units currently fielded, the 201st and 203rd Corps, deployed in their area of operation. The integration of the ANA into RC East efforts has contributed to increasing the ANA ability to successfully plan, coordinate, and execute combined operations. RC-East also complements the PMT effort at the district level. International forces are employed in coordination with CSTC-A to maximize mentorship opportunities for police forces throughout the country, providing some level of mentorship coverage where the PMTs are unable to do so. RC East forces have also created programs that enhance police training at the RTCs.

5.1.4 Sustaining Institutions

ISAF efforts to reform and establish ANSF-sustaining institutions are somewhat limited at this time but are beginning to increase, with work focused on the MoD and ANA GS. ISAF does not have a mandate to support police operations or ANP development.

ISAF recently began to integrate the GS into its planning and coordination processes. The effort was initiated and continues to be facilitated by CSTC-A and serves two purposes: (1) develop the operational planning and coordination ability of the ANA and (2) integrate the GS into ISAF planning for future operations. RC East works to integrate the ANA GS into planning for the RC East area of operation through regular interfaces. ISAF headquarters staff advises MoD and ANA GS officers on the conduct and planning of security operations in regular meetings. These meetings include:

• A monthly War Council meeting with the ISAF Commander, CSTC-A Commander, ANA Chief, GS, and other key leaders;

• A weekly Operations Review with the ISAF Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and the ANA GS G3;

• A weekly Short-Term Planning Coordination Meeting among ISAF CJ35, CSTC-A CJ5, and ANA GS G3 key staff members; and

• A weekly Long-Term Planning Coordination Meeting among ISAF CJ5 and ANA GS G3 key staff members.

5.2 Efforts to Ensure Progress in other Pillars of the Afghan Security Sector

5.2.1 Counternarcotics (CN)

ISAF does not have a direct CN mission; however, ISAF assistance to CN activities is a key supporting task. ISAF is providing CN support consistent with its operations plan. The U.K. and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have assisted the GIRoA in producing its National Drug Control Strategy. CSTC-A coordinates with counternarcotics specialists at the U.S. Embassy, ISAF, CJTF-101, the UNODC, and the U.K. Embassy.

5.2.2 Demobilizing, Disarming, and Reintegrating Militia Fighters

ISAF supports the disbandment of illegal armed groups (IAGs), contributing to the GIRoA’s goal of establishing a secure environment through disarmament. In its areas of operations, ISAF units participate in the disbandment of IAGs within their means, capabilities, and mandates; authorized rules of engagement; and applicable national caveats. This support amounts to active participation in policy development at both national and provincial government levels; planning support and coordination; information gathering; information operations; situation monitoring; influencing IAG commanders; and, in extremis, logistic and medical support.