Afghan Advise and Assist Group
Afghan Advise and Assist Group
by Colonel Julian Dale Alford and Major Daniel Zappa
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Successful International Security Assistance Forces (ISAF) counterinsurgency operations in Afghanistan necessitate a strategic paradigm shift for the future of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). ISAF strategy should move away from wide-ranging, asset intensive counterinsurgency and towards a security cooperation paradigm, reorganizing and down-sizing its structure to create cadres of capable professionals and enduring enablers, specifically manned, trained and equipped to advise and assist the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF). This change in method and structure provides not only an appropriate and sustainable way to continue the gains made over the last several years, but also represents a viable exit strategy.
A realistic exit strategy is at the core of the discussion over the future of the military mission in support of OEF. The debate must focus on what is really required to end the insurgency and what defines an acceptable and sustainable security situation in Afghanistan. To that end, the ANSF must truly become the main effort. Afghan security forces are increasingly ready to take the central role in the security of their country – a role which will only increase the legitimacy of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIRoA) in the eyes of its population. Building the capability of friendly networks is a basic tenet of COIN doctrine. The Afghans understand best how to address their needs and the threat. Enduring success will be achieved when the GIRoA has the capacity to provide for Afghans’ basic needs, especially security.
Many factors suggest a new design is necessary to resolve the Afghanistan War. The Afghanistan mission continues to progress along the counterinsurgency continuum. As the mission succeeds, ISAF must reposition its forces to best support the end state. This further allows the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces to better face the unstable global security environment and remain ready to respond in other theaters of operations.
Download the Full Article: Afghan Advise and Assist Group
Colonel Julian Dale Alford commanded 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines from March 2004 to May 2006 and deployed in support of both OEF and OIF. He subsequently served as the Director, Joint Advanced Warfighting Program, Institute for Defense Analysis. Colonel Alford is currently the Commanding Officer of The Basic School, Quantico, VA.
Major Daniel Zappa served as the Executive Officer of 1st Battalion, 6th Marines in Iraq. He has 15 years experience as a Marine Corps infantry officer, in combat and peace. Major Zappa is currently an Operations Analyst with the Marine Corps Combat Development Command, Quantico, VA.
