Post-ISAF Afghanistan: The Need for a "15:20 Program"
Abstract
As the withdrawal of U.S. and allied forces continues, the post-2014 allied manning and assistance levels in Afghanistan have yet to be defined. The Afghan national security forces -- soon to be 350,000 strong -- have grown in quantity and quality, but they will still need logistical support and financial aid, as well as advice on operations, training, and force management. Allied assistance will allow the United States to avoid the catastrophe that followed the end of the Soviet-Afghan war, when we turned our back on the Afghans and allowed the fighting there to be controlled by warlords supported by various regional powers, most notably, Pakistan. Blowing the endgame in Afghanistan could be as bad after 2014 as it was in the 1990s. Our interests dictate the need for a secure, independent, decent Afghanistan, an ally in the war on terrorism and a force for good in its troubled region. The United States and its allies must develop a plan to provide targeted economic and security assistance to Afghanistan after 2014. The "15:20 Program," calls for an allied commitment of 20 billion dollars per year, and more importantly, the stationing of 15,000 allied military personnel on the ground for military assistance, air and logistical support, and counterterrorist activities. Financially, this initial 20 billion dollar allied commitment will include 6 billion to support the Afghan National Security Forces, and 4 billion dollars for economic assistance to the government and people of Afghanistan. The remaining half of the funds will go for equipment and the support of allied men and women in uniform. The 15,000 personnel would include 6,000 unit and training advisors; and 4,000 headquarters, intelligence, and logistics personnel. The remaining 5,000 would be split among an international helicopter support unit, a Ranger-like quick reaction force to protect allied personnel and embassies, counterterrorist forces, and a robust air support element.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 08, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA559366
Entities
People
- Joseph J. Collins
Organizations
- National War College