TA3E - Training the Afghan Security Forces

Cdr of 5th Bn 1st SFAB conducts an aerial survey of Kabul.
(1st SFAB photo Facebook, March 15, 2018)

Reporting on the 'Train, Advise, and Assist' Mission. The renewed emphasis and modest increase in the advisory effort with the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) will not win the war; however, it is an important component of the U.S. and NATO strategy for Afghanistan. For that reason, the Afghan War Blog will continue to report on Security Force Assistance efforts by NATO and other Coalition / Partner nations.

Training Afghan Aircraft Mechanics. Currently 80% of the maintenance done on Afghan aircraft is performed by contract mechanics. Only 20% is done by Afghan Air Force maintenance personnel. Train, Advise, and Assist Command - Air (TAAC-Air) is attempting to flip the number. Read more "US Advisors: Training Afghan Aircraft mechanics vital to country's military independence", Stars and Stripes, March 16, 2018.

4th ID at TAAC-South. The 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the 4th Infantry Division has deployed to Kandahar to conduct the Train, Advise and Assist mission. (DVIDS, Mar 14, 2018).

AC-208 Eliminator for AAF. The Afghan Air Force will be receiving a number (?) of AC-2018 Eliminator aircraft through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program (in this case funded by the U.S.). The aircraft has an armed-ISR configuration well-suited for counterinsurgency operations. Read "Orbital ATK contracted to provide AC-2018 armed ISR aircraft to Afghanistan", Janes.com, March 11, 2018. See "Afghan AF getting New Hellfire-Shooting Planes: More Airstrikes Coming", Breaking Defense, March 13, 2018.

News & Info about the 1st SFAB

Setting the 1st SFAB Up for Success. Soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division Resolute Support Sustainment Brigade (RSSB) have set the stage for the successful arrival of the 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade into Afghanistan.  (DVIDS, Mar 17, 2018).

Organizational Changes for the SFABs. The Army is continuing to evaluate how to organize for the Security Force Assistance mission. Read "The Army is looking to stand up divisions for its new security force assistance brigades", Army Times, March 16, 2018.

References

Read more about the 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade - SFAB.

Read recent news reports about the 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade - SFAB.

Read about the Army's newly established Military Advisor Training Academy (MATA).

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