From the International Security Assistance Force - Afghanistan
KABUL, Afghanistan -- Members of the Afghan national security forces met with leaders from ISAF and the Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan at Camp Arena, Herat, to assess combat power in the western region, Dec. 1.
Representatives from the Afghan national army, Afghan national police, and the Afghan border police were all present, also present was U.S. Army Major General Robert Cone, CSTC-A commander, and Italian army Brigadier General Paolo Serra, ISAF's Regional Command West commander.
The group discussed personnel, equipment and training issues for the ANSF and worked to solve important issues affecting the readiness of the force.
"The 207th Corps [Afghan National Army] continues to make great strides in training, readiness and capabilities," said Major General Fazill Ahmad Sayar, commander of the 207th Corps, Afghan National Army. "We are concentrating on the development of government programs and bringing security to Highways 1 and 517."
Afghanistan's army, police, and border police all face similar hardships in the development of their forces. More training, pay incentives, transportation, water wells and additional doctors and specialty officers are needed for all three branches.
"We can accomplish security with new weapons, equipment and personnel; then we will be ready," stated Brigadier General Malham Pohanyar, Afghan national border patrol zone commander. "In order to make a difference, the government needs to provide economic support and agricultural development to the border regions of Afghanistan."