Small Wars Journal

Afghans must take ownership of security in 2012

Thu, 12/15/2011 - 8:36pm

Afghans must take ownership of security in 2012

by John Nagl

RUSI

The United States should embed American and international advisory teams inside every Afghan Army and Police formation over the course of 2012. These combat advisors would work to train the Afghans in garrison and fight with them against the Taliban and the Haqqanis. They would multiply the effectiveness of the Afghans. Most importantly, combat advisors would hasten the day when Afghans, not Americans and other international forces, will take the lead in defending their own country against the real threats it faces, and will continue to confront for many years to come. With American help, the Afghans can do it.

It's time.