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Afghan National Army hosts first command post exercise

  • Published
  • By United States Forces-Afghanistan
KABUL, Afghanistan --  After six months of planning, Afghan National Army officials in conjunction with Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan and International Security, put into action their combined efforts for the ANA's first six-day command post exercise at the Ministry of Defense compound in Kabul, beginning Nov 1.

According to U.S. Army Maj. Paul Berquist, a strategic planner from CSTC-A's planning directorate, every good army conducts a CPX to improve their operational capabilities.

"The real positive outcome of this CPX was that the Afghans came to the realization of how each of their individual efforts complemented each other," said Berquist.

Staging various tactical scenarios for ANA officials enabled various components such as the medical, logistics and personnel departments to work closely together in a tight, fast-paced work environment.

Berquist said one aspect emphasized during this CPX was the inclusion of counter-insurgency training, humanitarian assistance, information operations and coordinating with the Afghan National Police.

"One of our expectations of this CPX is the scenarios used will lead the Afghans to use what they learned in their day-to-day operations," he said. "The next CPX will be conducted in six months."

According to CSTC-A's commanding general, Maj. Gen. Robert Cone, the ANA is a growing force. Current kandak (battalion) numbers are at 67,000 soldiers, up 26,000 from last year; however, these numbers will increase to 134,000 by 2014. If resources permit, Cone says the acceleration may be completed as early as 2012. In this past year, the Afghan security forces have assumed a leading role in the protection of their homeland, with 62 percent of the fighting against insurgents being led by the ANA with coalition forces acting in a supporting capacity.

During his closing remarks at the CPX, Cone told the participating members of the CPX that their work had shown great promise.

"I am tremendously impressed by the Afghan National Army's ability to undertake this complicated command post exercise. It has been truly impressive in every respect," Cone said.

"The ANA's abilities are growing and will make a tremendous impact on the Afghan people. In my heart I know the Afghan soldiers will fight and do magnificently."