Progress of Afghan National Security Forces

[Hashmat]

The Afghan National Security Forces are in the lead of security throughout the country, and continue to make progress. Over the past decade, Afghan forces have increased their numbers and capabilities and they have maintained the security gains which were made by the American forces and NATO members. A major milestone for Afghan Security Forces is that Afghan Air Force can independently conduct casualty evacuation. Adding this capability will increase the morale, not only in the Afghan Air Force, but in the entire Afghan National Security Forces.
During a November 05, 2013 press conference, NATO’s chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen said: “Afghan security forces will have the capabilities to control the security situation beyond 2014.”
In your opinion, what are the two major challenges faced by the Afghan National Security Forces?
Respectfully,
Hashmat
Digital Engagement Team U.S. CENTCOM

[Badlun]

QNo1. I am sure in a common battle Taliban will be defeated but do the Afghan National Forces have the capability to efficiently and effectively face Guerrilla war tactics and suicide bombings of Taliban?

2. Are all ethnic groups including Pashtuns are equally represented in all ranks of soldiers and officers of Air Force, Army and police?

[Tiger Khan]

The Afghan National Security Forces are in the lead of security throughout the country, and continue to make progress. Over the past decade, Afghan forces have increased their numbers and capabilities and they have maintained the security gains which were made by the American forces and NATO members. A major milestone for Afghan Security Forces is that Afghan Air Force can independently conduct casualty evacuation. Adding this capability will increase the morale, not only in the Afghan Air Force, but in the entire Afghan National Security Forces.
During a November 05, 2013 press conference, NATO’s chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen said: “Afghan security forces will have the capabilities to control the security situation beyond 2014.”
In your opinion, what are the two major challenges faced by the Afghan National Security Forces?
Respectfully,
Hashmat
Digital Engagement Team U.S. CENTCOM

I have seriously reservations about the capabilities of Afghan National Army. My concerns are reproduced below in a bullet form for ease of comprehension J:

· Afghan National Army is poorly trained (You cannot build an effective Army in such a small time span).
· Afghan National Army does not have needed military infrastructure.
· Afghan National Army is buildup of local tribal leaders or prominent members of the society. So the higher you are in Tribal Hierarchy, higher military post you get, which clearly shows lack of training and political influence in posts and promotions process in Army.
· The lack of training and loyalty of ANF can be ascertained by Green on Blue attacks, Fleeing the war zone and even joining Taliban fighters when going gets tough.
· We know that in today’s world domination cannot be achieved through force, but you have to win hearts and minds. Army Selection in Afghanistan is biased against Pashtun, when Pashtuns make up more than 60% of the population of Afghanistan. How do you expect an Army which is barely Pashtun (And speak Dari) to work in a Pashtun Majority Country. It would lead to lack of influence in atleast Twenty Pashtun Dominated Provinces of the Country. It would also lead to lack of trust in Afghan National Army in Pashtun dominated districts. Also considering the Pashtun culture (Paighor) Pashtuns would look at Afghan National Army as Invaders and outsiders, even “lowly” Tajik & Farsiwan, which can lead to civil war and breakup of Army as soon as America leaves.
· Pakistan and United States (Nato) has been unable to conclude their wars with Taliban, do you expect Afghan National Army to be any successful? I think that is a very optimistic approach.

[Tiger Khan]

Finally, i also have to add that i think America is going to leave Afghanistan in a state of civil war. They will claim that they have left Afghanistan better but Afghanistan will not get settled.. Look at Iraq, we do not see that in news.. may be because america does not let it or becuase iraq is not that news worthy anymore,, but bombing still happens there all the time and the country is not functioning as a country .. it is broken down on ethnic and religeous lines.. Kurds having there own regions. Shias have thier own region and blessing of US, therefore, more voice, and sunni has their own regions (where no development work is happening and no one goes there becuase of lawlessness there).
I envission same fate for Afgahnistan (even worse becuase no oil, and more involevement of neghbours and other countries), which is sad. So Thank you America and long live democrcy.

[Hashmat]

QNo1. I am sure in a common battle Taliban will be defeated but do the Afghan National Forces have the capability to efficiently and effectively face Guerrilla war tactics and suicide bombings of Taliban?

2. Are all ethnic groups including Pashtuns are equally represented in all ranks of soldiers and officers of Air Force, Army and police?

Mr. Badlun,

The Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) are capable of fighting the insurgents; both in common battle, guerrilla war tactics and suicide bombings. I can strongly support the above statement with the following reports from Afghanistan. Let’s not forget, Afghanistan was in war for three decades, and there was absolutely no infrastructure of any kind. Afghanistan is on the right path and will be able to fight the insurgents.
If you click on the following links, you will be able to read the accomplishments of Afghan National Security Forces in the past five days alone.
Taliban group executioner arrested in Paktika province - Khaama Press (KP) | Afghan Online Newspaper
Suicide bomber killed in southern Kandahar province - Khaama Press (KP) | Afghan Online Newspaper
Nahzat-i-Islami Uzbekistan terrorists arrested in Kabul city - Khaama Press (KP) | Afghan Online Newspaper
Truck laden with 50 tons of explosives seized in Paktia - Khaama Press (KP) | Afghan Online Newspaper
After reviewing these reports, don’t you think this is a milestone for Afghan National Security Forces in regards to having the capability and intelligence to execute such operations?
In response to your ethnic group representation in Afghan National Security Forces, I should point out that all ethnic groups are represented in Afghan National security forces. I have not seen anybody turned down for joining the ANSF.

Very Respectfully,
Hashmat
DET, CENTCOM

[Badlun]

Thanks a lot for the useful and relevant information. After reading it my level of confidence increased in ANSF.

Your this sentence all ethnic groups are represented in Afghan National security forces. I have not seen anybody turned down for joining the ANSF.
has a very profound meaning that that it is up to the ethnic groups to apply for recruitment in ANSF. If Pashtuns do not want to join then they cannot be compelled.

However I will suggest that in Pashtun dominated areas you may arrange recruitment centers and may motivate them to join ANSF. Some time you have to carry the water to the thirsty if the thirsty does not want the water him/herself.

[Hashmat]

Thanks a lot for the useful and relevant information. After reading it my level of confidence increased in ANSF.

Your this sentence all ethnic groups are represented in Afghan National security forces. I have not seen anybody turned down for joining the ANSF.
has a very profound meaning that that it is up to the ethnic groups to apply for recruitment in ANSF. If Pashtuns do not want to join then they cannot be compelled.

However I will suggest that in Pashtun dominated areas you may arrange recruitment centers and may motivate them to join ANSF. Some time you have to carry the water to the thirsty if the thirsty does not want the water him/herself.

Badlun,

If the Afghan government force people to join the Army, don't you think people will hold that against the government? I personally think that employment should be at will not by force.

Hashmat
DET Centcom