Afghan Minister of Defense lauds CSCT-A partnership with ANA

AFGHANISTAN

10.16.2008

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Douglas Mappin 

NATO Training Mission Afghanistan

By Petty Officer 1st Class Douglas Mappin
CSTC-A Public Affairs

Afghan Minister of Defense Gen. Abdul Rahim Wardak thanked Maj. Gen. Robert W. Cone, Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan commanding general, and the service members under his command for "their tireless efforts and colossal investment" in bringing a renewed security to the Afghan people. Wardak attended a shoulder sleeve insignia patch ceremony conducted at Camp Eggers in Kabul, Oct. 16, 2008.

His remarks were delivered after CSTC-A service members exchanged their old patch for the new, which Wardak said symbolized the continuing partnership between U.S. and Afghan forces. Wardak characterized the relationship between the two forces as a bond of brotherhood.

Wardak praised the Afghan national army, saying that the partnership forged between the ANA and CSTC-A is invaluable.

"I can say that no command in U.S. armed forces or the international forces has had such a lasting and far-reaching impact on the stability of Afghanistan, as has CSTC-A," Wardak said. "They have distinguished themselves with achievements going beyond the call of duty."

Wardak said the ethnically balanced, nationally focused and professionally trained ANA exists because of the contributions and support CSTC-A has provided in the development of the Afghan national security forces. He said his people would forever remember the Americans for their sacrifice.

According to officials, recruitment numbers of Afghan forces have increased dramatically and are becoming more effective after fielding two brigade headquarters and 24 kandaks (battalions). Today's ANA leads 62 percent of operations, an increase of 14 percent from this time a year ago.

• Date Taken: 10.16.2008
• Date Posted: 10.16.2008 11:58
• Story ID: 25096
• Location: AF