Completion of training and advisory mission for Afghan security
AUSTRALIAN military personnel have completed their training mission in Afghanistan.
Newly appointed Minister for Defence Senator Marise Payne this week announced the end of the ADFled 205th Corps Advisory Team, which concluded its mission in Kandahar last Thursday.
The end of the training and advisory mission in Kandahar is part of the broader, NATO- led drawdown from a regional presence to a Kabul- based mission. “This heralds the beginning of a new phase for the Afghan National Army 205th Corps. With Coalition support, the Afghan National Army 205th Corps has reached the point where they are now conducting fully independent operations,” Senator Payne said.
“More than 650 Australian personnel worked with their coalition partners to achieve this level of capability for the ANA 205th Corps.
“Their development over the past five years reflects the Afghans’ improved skill and capacity in the field.”
With the conclusion of the training and advisory mission, the Afghan National Army 205th Corps will be one of the first Afghan Army Corps to operate without coalition mentors in immediate support. Australia’s combat mission in Uruzgan Province commenced in 2005 and concluded at the end of 2013. Since then, the ADF has focused on training, advising and assisting the Afghan security forces in Kandahar and Kabul, continuing its commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation- led mission.
The 205th Corps Coalition Advisory Team and their supporting elements will now return to Australia, reducing the ADF presence in Af- ghanistan to around 250 personnel, mainly located in Kabul.
Senator Payne said Australia remained committed to building the capacity of Afghan security institutions, including the Afghan National Army.
“Continued international support will be vital for Afghanistan,” she said.
“The country still faces many challenges, including in relation to security as a result of the ongoing Taliban insurgency.”
Alongside the ADF contribution in Afghanistan, Australia is also providing $ US300 million ($ A420 million) to support Afghanistan’s security sector from 2015- 17.
This financial commitment, jointly funded by the Department of Defence and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, is providing essential equipment, facilities and salaries for the Afghan security forces.