Afghan Public Protection Force adds new members to its ranks

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

11.23.2011

Courtesy Story

International Security Assistance Force HQ Public Affairs

By: U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kris Levasseur
International Security Assistance Force Public Affairs

KABUL, Afghanistan - More than 120 Afghans from Kabul and surrounding areas graduated from the Afghan Public Protection Force training program here Nov. 23, taking another small step toward Afghan-led security by 2014.

The APPF, part of the Afghan Ministry of the Interior, was established in 2009 to assist the Afghan National Security Forces in protecting key infrastructure, facilities, construction projects and personnel around the country. The APPF is assigned to perform lower-risk security roles, ensuring the Afghan National Army and police are freed up to deal directly with the insurgency.

Members of the APPF do not have arrest authority like the Afghan National Police, though they can detain criminals until they are turned over to the ANP

“The APPF is important to our country because they provide protection to our government and international partners,” said Afghan Gen. Sayed Kamal Sadat, director general of the APPF Training Center. “Our APPF personnel train for three weeks to perform static guard and convoy duties. After three weeks they graduate and go off to help defend their nation.”

While many of the students had no prior military or law enforcement experience, they are villagers and farmers interested in helping their communities against intrusion by the Taliban and other insurgent groups. The three-week training course provided them instruction in running checkpoints, handling weapons, conducting searches and personnel detention, among other tasks.

According to the U.S. general heading up the advisory effort for the APPF, the APPF has a critical role to play – now and in the future.

“The APPF is an integral part of the transition to Afghan-led security by 2014,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Edward Dorman, director of the International Security Assistance Force APPF Advisory Group. “It ensures the Afghans are taking the lead in their own direction and it provides for a peaceful and stable Afghanistan.”

In the coming months, the APPF will assume a larger role in securing Afghanistan’s future. In August 2010, Afghan President Hamid Karzai directed the disbandment of private security companies operating in Afghanistan. He ordered the APPF to take over their role in guarding economic development projects, convoys and other tasks being performed by private security companies. By March 20, 2012, the APPF will assume responsibility for a large segment of these security duties with the transition of remaining private security functions to the APPF to be completed a year later. Only diplomatic missions will be allowed to continue using private security companies after 2013.

The APPF Advisory Group, established in September, 2011 will be key to assisting the APPF to take on the increased workload.

“The APPF Advisory Group has stood up to ensure with our Afghan partners we can provide for the transition from private security companies which currently operate within Afghanistan to the APPF,” said Dorman.

The Advisory Group consists of subject matter experts across the spectrum, including finance, legal contracting, logistics, and human resources. These experts will assist the APPF in developing its capability to provide uninterrupted security services that are professional, transparent, and sustainable.

“Our goal is to help the APPF members take a sense of pride and ownership of their country,” said Dorman. “Their ability to go out and deliver security services at an internationally acceptable standard provides trust and confidence in the international community and allows for more international commerce for the Afghan people.”

While there is still much work to be done to bring the APPF to full capability, the general is excited about the future.

“We have the opportunity to see the Afghan government and its people develop as a nation and we are proud to be a part of that.”

• Date Taken: 11.23.2011
• Date Posted: 11.24.2011 03:57
• Story ID: 80523
• Location: KABUL, AF