18 Apr. 2006

Afghan soldiers make the grade News 18/04/06 - ISAF ISAF Joint training with Afghan Army Background NATO in Afghanistan Soldiers from the Afghan National Army have completed recently a six-week training programme that certifies them for joint patrols with NATO-led forces. A ceremony on 18 April honoured fresh “graduates” of the Afghanistan National Army Joint Patrol programme. This is the latest in an on-going training programme geared towards enhancing the capabilities and military effectiveness of the Afghan National Army and its ability to work alongside the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). Growing confidence “The people of Afghanistan have a growing confidence in the professionalism, values and moral conduct of their own Army,” said ISAF Spokesperson, Commander Sue Eagles of the United Kingdom Navy. This training programme was run by the Italian Battle Group, one of three battle groups that make up the NATO-led Kabul Multinational Brigade. It focused on skills crucial to conducting security patrols, such as stop and search procedures, ambush countermeasures and incident management. The training culminated in a joint patrol and live mortar-firing exercise with Afghan National Army and ISAF forces, in preparation for joint missions in the future. Side by side With training complete, these Afghan soldiers are now fully qualified to participate in joint patrol operations, adding to the ability of Afghan authorities to help enforce security and stability in Kabul and the provinces. Under the Compact for Afghanistan, a framework for co-operation between the Afghanistan Government and the international community, the overall training for the Afghan National Army is the responsibility of the United States. In 2005, NATO-led forces started a programme of six-week training courses, to train Afghan soldiers in specific skills and to prepare them for working alongside NATO-led forces. In accordance to decisions made by NATO Foreign Ministers in December 2005, NATO’s role in training Afghan forces is set to grow this year to include deploying mentoring and liaison teams to Afghan National Army units at various levels of command. This will be particularly important as NATO expands its presence to the South of the country, where it will be working hand-in-hand with the Afghan army.