Numbers Matter: Post-2014 Afghan National Security Force End Strength
Abstract
As the War in Afghanistan continues into a second decade, there is much debate regarding the post-2014 end state. The United States and its allies are laying the foundation for a long-term strategy for Afghanistan. There have already been preliminary discussions on the number of the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) the U.S. and the international coalition would support with funding beyond 2014. With the Afghan government s concurrence, the international community has tentatively agreed to fund a force level of 228,500 ANSF post-2014. A careful analysis of the risk leads one to conclude that the long-term strategy in Afghanistan may be infeasible given that the proposed number of ANSF does not adequately support the desired political objectives. The U.S. and its international allies should re-examine this number and consider funding the ANSF at the current force level of 352,000 post-2014 to provide the Afghan government a legitimate chance for success.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA589347
Entities
People
- John W. Leffers
Organizations
- United States Army War College