Training and Mentoring the Afghan National Security Forces

One of Canada’s six priorities for moving forward on Afghanistan is to help the Afghan government strengthen the Afghan National Army (ANA)’s ability to conduct operations and sustain a more secure environment, and increase the Afghan National Police (ANP)’s ability to promote law and order in the province of Kandahar.

In addition to the ongoing efforts by the Canadian Forces to mentor and equip the ANA, Canada will be providing up to $99 million* over three years toward:

• training, mentoring and equipping the ANA and the ANP;
• building capacity in administration and logistical support; and
• complementary initiatives in the justice and correctional systems to support activities of the ANP.

Afghan National Army

Mentoring and supporting the ANA is a key military task of NATO and the Canadian Forces. A well-led, well-trained, and well-equipped ANA is essential if the Afghan government is to assume responsibility for national and provincial security, and thus enable governance and development to progress.

While substantial progress has been achieved in the last few years—the assigned ANA complement in the province of Kandahar numbers approximately 2,400 compared with just 600 in 2006—challenges remain. Advanced leadership, administration, and logistical mentoring and training are still needed.

The Canadian Forces is currently mentoring five ANA battalions, or kandaks, (each comprising up to 650 soldiers) and one brigade headquarters through a Canadian-led Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team.

Canadian objectives for 2011 (Afghan National Army)

Canada expects that by 2011 the ANA, with support from International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) allies, will demonstrate an increased capacity to conduct operations and sustain a more secure environment in key districts of the province of Kandahar. Progress will be measured using indicators such as the ANA’s ability to conduct security operations, its maintenance of effective brigade strength, and the number of key districts where it is responsible for security with minimal ISAF support.

Afghan National Police

Canadian police and the Canadian Forces have contributed directly to the training of more than 650 members of the ANP through the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team, and Canada has provided funding for equipment, infrastructure (outposts), and police salaries.

Officers from Correctional Services Canada have also advanced correctional system reform through training, mentoring, and expertise. While solid progress has been achieved, there are a number of challenges—including illiteracy, corruption and drug abuse among the ANP, and weaknesses in the judicial and correctional systems—that need to be further addressed.

Canadian objectives for 2011 (Afghan National Police)

Canada expects that by 2011 the ANP, supported by justice-sector and corrections capabilities, will demonstrate an increased capacity to promote law and order in key districts of the province of Kandahar.

Progress will be measured using indicators such as the number of ANP and Afghan corrections officials trained and mentored in Kandahar, the number of training programs in place for justice officials, and key infrastructure projects completed.

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* Specific allocations are subject to adjustments in response to changes in the complex Afghan environment.