Afghan National Army: February 2009 Update

The Afghan Security Force Order of Battle has been updated at the ASF OOB homepage. The significant changes and developments to the Afghan National Army (ANA) order of battle are summarized below.

Operational Status

As of December 2008, the ANA stood at approximately 79,000 soldiers, 52,000 of whom were engaged in combat operations. These include five corps headquarters, one mechanized brigade headquarters, and 13 light brigade headquarters with 72 combat, combat support, service support and commando battalions.

In 2007, the Afghan National Army led 45 percent of all operations. During the spring and summer of 2008, the ANA led 62 percent of operations. As of November 2008, the ANA capability was assessed as follows:

• CM1 (Capable of operating independently): Seven battalions, one brigade headquarters, and one corps headquarters.

• CM2 (Capable of planning, executing, and sustaining counterinsurgency operations at the battalion level with international support.): 29 battalions/squadrons, six brigade headquarters, and three corps headquarters.

• CM3 (Partially capable of conducting counterinsurgency operations at the company level with support from international forces.): 25 battalions/squadrons, four brigade headquarters, one corps headquarters, and the Air Corps headquarters.

• CM4 (formed but not yet capable of conducting primary operational missions.): Six battalions/squadrons and one brigade headquarters.

• CM5 (Planned but still not formed or reporting.): 18 battalions/squadrons and two brigade headquarters.

Two of the five corps can field nearly all of their subordinate units, but still operate with substantial International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) assistance. The 201st Corps and 203rd Corps have taken the lead in operations and are now capable of independent operations at the company level. Approximately half of the battalions in these two corps maintain steady state operations independently and plan future operations.

The 205th Corps consists of four infantry brigades, and three garrison commands. The 205th Corps also has responsibility for tactical employment of an ANA airport detachment and a commando battalion. The Corps has artillery, mortars, reconnaissance, engineers, and logistical support units. The 205th Corps has the capability to plan and execute operations, and they also are re-supplying their troops using ground and air assets such as helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. Three of the four infantry brigade headquarters were assessed as capable of conducting independent operations with minimum support from their combat advisers, who controlled air support and other enablers.

The 207th Corps has formed a second brigade at Farah, where a brigade base is under construction. Separately, a battalion is being formed at Qal-I-Naw, in Badghis province, and will be operational by the middle of 2010. It is sponsored by the Spanish ISAF component.

One Commando battalion has been fielded to each of the five ANA Corps. In addition, a flight of three to four MI-17 transport helicopters is assigned to support each of the battalions. These commando battalions act as the corps quick-reaction force. They are trained by US Special Forces and receive more training than regular infantry battalions. They are also equipped with the best equipment in the Afghan Army.

In August 2008, the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) took over responsibility for security in the capital city of Kabul and plan to take charge of the Kabul Province in early 2009.

ANA communications capabilities have increased dramatically. An Internet Protocol-based network is being built across the country. The five corps have been linked with the Ministry of Defense compound, including the National Military Command Center (NMCC), via commercial wireless microwave links. A separate NMCC Planning Annex has been completed providing improved planning capabilities.

Supporting systems like logistics, personnel management, fire support, and casualty evacuation remain the areas that most need improvement.

Expansion Plan

On Sept. 10, 2008, the international community’s Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board (JCMB) approved the increase of the Afghan National Army from 80,000 to 122,000 soldiers. With an additional 12,000 trainee, transient, hospitalized, and student (TTHS) personnel included, this accounts for a total authorized strength of 134,000. This structure will include a more robust Afghan National Army Air Corps (ANAAC). The new structure includes:

• 5 corps headquarters.

• 1 Capital Division headquarters.

• 18 light brigade headquarters.

• 1 mechanized brigade headquarters.

• 1 commando brigade headquarters.

• 1 service and security support brigade headquarters.

• 114 combat, combat support and combat service support and commando battalions.

• 19 garrison support battalions.

The initial plan was to implement the expansion by the fall of 2013. However, the US is examining ways to accelerate this timeline to implementation at the end of 2011. The US will take the lead in supporting the accelerated expansion by providing funds for the initial training and equipping of new ANA units. This will provide light infantry capabilities needed in the current fight sooner. The new forces planned for the next six months would become

• 8 battalions (To be deployed for additional security along the Ring Road).

• 1 light brigade headquarters.

• Capital Division headquarters.

Several significant challenges exist in executing this rapid growth in the Afghan National Army:

• Officers, non-commissioned officers, and technical experts take time to train. The training programs will need to be accelerated.

• Due to the Afghanistan’s austere environment, long lead time exists for the purchase of equipment and the building of facilities.

• Each ANA combat unit is accompanied by either a US Embedded Training Team (ETT), or an ISAF Operational Mentor and Liaison Team (OMLT). These are 12- to 16-man teams that accompany the ANA units in the field providing mentoring, training and coordination assistance. A shortage of personnel is a challenge to the continued development of the ANA. As of November 2008, there were 42 validated teams out of a NATO commitment to provide 103. To execute the expansion, an additional 60 training teams will be needed. Sourcing solutions, including encouraging Allies to increase training and mentoring personnel, are being pursued to address the shortfall. The US is also examining the possibility of transitioning international training teams from Iraq to Afghanistan. In addition, US Army National Guard personnel are supplementing OMLTs and other international deployments.

• The current budget for an 80,000-troop ANA is $2.75 billion per year. However, the Government of Afghanistan is not even capable of funding this force. The expansion of the ANA to 134,000 will require American or allied funds to pay for trainers, equipment, food and housing for Afghan forces. This is will cost an additional $20 billion total over and above the existing budget.

• Prior to October 2007, about 625 soldiers were recruited and trained per month. From October 2007 to October 2008 approximately 2,000 soldiers per month were recruited and trained. To reach the target of 134,000 personnel by end 2011, the recruitment objective is 3,400 per month.

• All of these hurdles have to be crossed in an accountable manner. One of the problems with corruption throughout Afghanistan is that everything needs to be watched closely.

Overall, the Afghan National Army has made significant strides in the last year. Its improved readiness and ability to carry out independent operations are particularly noteworthy. However, a rapid expansion, the doubling of their strength, will be a major challenge. Success or failure in this endeavor will have a significant impact on the overall security situation in Afghanistan.

Associated Article:

Afghan National Army Air Corps: February 2009 Update

Tags: Afghanistan