Subscribe
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Leaders from Regional Command Southwest and the Afghan National Security Forces conducted the first meeting of the ANSF Transformation Sponsoring Group here Dec. 20.
The Transformation Sponsoring Group is represented by senior leaders of RC (SW), the ANSF, the Regional Support Command, the Helmand Provincial Reconstruction Team and Regional Platform. The group provides senior guidance and an issue resolution platform to the ANSF Programs Board working to take the ANSF from their current state to one where they’re ready to take complete control of the region.
“The intent is to begin a process which will lead ultimately to the transition of security responsibilities from the coalition forces to the Afghan forces,” said Maj. Gen. Richard Mills, RC (SW) commander. “This is not a coalition program, but rather an Afghan program assisted by us.”
The concept for the program stemmed from the lack of a coordinated effort between organizations working with the ANSF.
“There was a lot of great work being done by the staff,” said Col. Robert Golden, ANSF Development Director for RC (SW). “But, it was all being done independently. This is a cross-functional approach bringing all sections together in a common focus for ANSF development.”
The group will work to keep their initiatives in line with wider transformation plans covering governance, security and development; although they will all move along at their own pace.
The ANSF Programs Board will focus on the key areas of leadership, facilities, logistics, and training as they work to transfer, transform and eventually transition to an Afghan-led security force on a conditions-based timeline.
“There are some areas that are very kinetic and others that are less kinetic where you can almost transition security now because the Afghan capability is such that they could sustain that security posture,” said Golden. “Then again there are other places where it’s going to take a little while. Certain conditions have to be met; there are a few things that have to happen before we can transfer the security piece.”
Golden believes RC (SW) is already ahead of the power curve, with the programs board having already met twice. For all involved, the ANSF taking complete control of the RC (SW) battle space is the common goal.
“With your help, we can take these responsibilities upon our shoulders,” said Brig. Gen. Farouk, ANA 215th Corps deputy commander.
The board will deliberately work through the phases that will take the coalition forces from being partners, mentors and advisors to eventually standing back and watching the ANSF take over.
“We can only do this transfer once,” said Golden. “We have to make sure the conditions we levee are the right ones so we don’t have to come back.”
| Date Taken: | 12.20.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 12.21.2010 02:05 |
| Story ID: | 62379 |
| Location: | CAMP LEATHERNECK, AF |
| Web Views: | 176 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Coalition, Afghan leaders begin ANSF transition process, by MSgt Brian Jones, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
LEAVE A COMMENT