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CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — Key leaders from Helmand province, Afghanistan met with International Security Assistance Force leaders from Regional Command Southwest to discuss the progress of transition of security operations to the Afghans, April 2.
Officials from the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan representing the Garmsir and Reg-e Khan Neshin districts attended the meeting with coalition forces. The discussions were part of Tranche 3, the third phase in a five-phase plan for decreasing the number of coalition forces in Afghanistan.
The future of Afghanistan is not a “rush to the exit.” The reduction in numbers is offset by the rise of number and capabilities of the Afghan National Security Forces. Upcoming conferences will serve to gauge the readiness of Afghan forces as they improve security, governance, rule of law and community based solutions to the fight.
The process of transition is gradual and requires patience, but the Afghans will have full responsibility of security by the end of 2014.
Mohammad Fahim, the governor of Garmsir, spoke about the improvements in the district and although Marines continue to advise Afghan National Police at precinct and district levels, Garmsir is capable of taking on the responsibility for security.
“Insurgency was once more widespread, but now Garmsir is one of the secure, good governed places, all because ISAF helped,” said Fahim. Leaders from the ANP and Afghan Border Patrol agreed though there are still insurgents more are laying down their weapons every day.
As the Taliban have lowered arms, they now must be reintegrated. Aziz Ahmadzai, chief of operations for the Afghanistan Peace and Reintegration Program, said these now peaceful former insurgents need jobs and asked ISAF to help implement plans for facilities for them.
The governor said there have been many developments in southern provinces, such as new schools and bazaars. There has been a decrease in poppy fields because ISAF helped during previous Tranche phases to find alternatives to poppy cultivation. More than a thousand farmers have been given seeds for other crops.
Fahim said the Afghan people are gaining trust in their government. Community councils hold their own Shuras, where representatives share and communicate between the people and government.
The government is now stronger because individuals gain more training and education before they hold positions as delegates, he said.
Conditions in the area permit safe transportation of locals throughout the area because ANSF patrol day and night and the kandaks, or Afghan battalions, in the district are able to conduct independent operations, he said.
During Tranche 1 and Tranche 2, discussions centered more on security issues. During Tranche 3, the focus has shifted from ISAF leading operations, to supporting operations.
Brig. Stuart Skeates, the deputy commander of Regional Command Southwest, said the planning events are about helping our Afghan partners help themselves and they are in fact doing that.
“We have to come up with our own plans,” said Wahidullah Ulfat, the adviser to the governor of Reg- e Khan Neshin.
Representatives from the district stated security in the area does not fully permit full transition yet because more forces are needed from the Afghan National Army and more facilities for the ANP, but ISAF has aided in construction developments.
The aim is to improve existing facilities in the area and to make them more permanent for the transition, according to ISAF. It is important to build Afghan Uniformed Police positions and checkpoints, but is more imperative to make them fully operational for the long-term.
In the future there will be fewer Marines and coalition forces working with Afghans, but ISAF said reduction in numbers is not the same as withdraw. Afghan forces have more than doubled in the past 18 months and they have taken the lead, choosing to do their own planning and operations.
Skeates said the conversations were productive and thanked Afghan representatives for their honesty with issues they still face.
“There will be challenges, nothing of what I’ve heard today has been a surprise, I’m grateful for honesty and I’m thankful for the security leaders. We are working hard to resolve all of the issues. None of what I’ve described will be easy, but if we work together, we’ll get it done,” said Skeates.
Mohammad Lal Ahmadi, the chief of staff for Helmand province, said he appreciates the assistance from coalition forces and the transition conferences held to find a way for ANSF to stand on their own.
“Our people are hungry for peace,” said Ahmadi.
| Date Taken: | 04.02.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 04.06.2012 10:59 |
| Story ID: | 86377 |
| Location: | HELMAND PROVINCE, AF |
| Web Views: | 122 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Combined Planning Team discusses readiness of ANSF to take reins from ISAF, by SGT Laura Bonano, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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