ISAF Transition and Transformation -- Focus Shift for a Stronger Afghanistan
Abstract
To become a viable state, Afghanistan will need a functional, credible defense apparatus that can secure the country and protect the Afghan population. Senior Afghan political and military leaders will soon find themselves working without the current levels of nurturing from the international community. The accelerated Coalition force drawdown and the goal of having the Afghanistan National Security Forces (ANSF) assume the lead for security by end-2014, possibly to shift to end-2013, adds urgency to the relevance examination of International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) structure, roles, visions, essential tasks, and resource prioritization. The COIN-centric ISAF Campaign Design as of February 2011 contains six lines of effort (LOE): Protect the Population, Support Development of ANSF, Neutralize Insurgent Networks, Neutralize Criminal Patronage Networks, Support Development of Legitimate Governance, and Support Sustainable Socio-Economic Development. Each LOE has an associated strategic objective intended for accomplishment by 2014. The purpose of the design is to synchronize ISAF efforts across the LOEs so that the combined effects of these activities apply pressure on the insurgency. Protect the Population is the ISAF Main Effort LOE, while the Governance LOE is the key supporting effort. As progress toward Afghans assuming lead for security moves apace, ISAF should consider adjusting its campaign design by shifting the main effort to "Supporting ANSF Development." ISAF transition to ANSF-lead for Afghan security and population protection would create the opportunity for ISAF to transform to a leaner, more specialized organization. A smaller ISAF must include an adjusted campaign design as part of its transformation. As part of its new campaign design, ISAF should shift priorities of effort and resources from an operational and security endeavor to one that reinforces progress made in developing enduring capabilities within the ANSF.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 13, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA560678
Entities
People
- Gregory C. Baine
Organizations
- United States Army War College