Afghan Right: Linking a Stable Economic and Industrial Base to a Self Sustaining ANA Logistics Adjusted to Afghan Culture

Abstract

The ultimate success of the United States and North Atlantic Treaty Organization mission in Afghanistan relies on transitioning responsibility for security to the Afghan National Security Forces, primarily the Afghan National Army. The US and NATO have built an ANA of 134,000 personnel to assume the security mission. However, the ANA requires a logistical system that is capable of sustaining it after the departure of Coalition forces by 2014. The key elements of a self-sustaining ANA are a strong economic and industrial base linked to a logistical system that leverages the stronger elements of Afghan culture. The ANA logistical system must project sustainment from the national depots to the tactical units fighting insurgents in the rural areas. Afghan culture is described using Geert Hofstede's cultural dimensions. The Afghan Ministry of Defense has decreed the establishment of a western style demand-supported distribution-based logistical system. The establishment of this system is recognized as a cultural challenge since the western system relies on the principles of anticipation, responsiveness, and economy that clash with the stronger aspects of Afghan culture. Next, the monograph describes the current state of ANA logistical system and recommended adjustment in terms of a regionally focused, modified structure to reduce delays, and development of an Installation Management Agency-like garrison structure. The ANA logistical system requires a stable economic and industrial base to provide materiel and funding for its facilities throughout the country. Afghanistan published a National Development Strategy in 2008 that represents an Afghan lead on a holistic approach to reaching the government's development objectives.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 19, 2011
Accession Number
ADA545810

Entities

People

  • Douglas C. Richter

Organizations

  • United States Army Command and General Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Business Administration
  • Civil War
  • Commerce
  • Employment
  • Health Services
  • International Organizations
  • Joint Military Activities
  • Logistics
  • Military History
  • Military Science
  • National Governments
  • National Politics
  • National Security
  • Organizational Structure
  • Public Policy
  • Supply Depots
  • War Colleges

Readers

  • Maritime Combat Support and Expeditionary Logistics.
  • Military and Counterinsurgency Studies.
  • Organizational Psychology.