UK Forces To Lead New Afghan Training School

British forces in Afghanistan are to take the lead in developing a new Combined Arms Training School providing training courses to the Afghan National Army (ANA), it has been announced.

Following agreement at the NATO Defence Ministerial meeting in Brussels on Thursday, British forces will lead the development of the multinational and multidisciplinary training school to provide specialised courses for Afghan Forces.

The UK will provide the strategic direction and doctrine for the school. ISAF partners will assist in providing the personnel to deliver the training courses.

The school will provide essential 'train the trainer' courses across Afghanistan for junior officers, non-commissioned officers, infantry support weapons, armour and artillery training.

This represents an important new stage in the international NATO Training Mission for Afghanistan.

Secretary of State for Defence Bob Ainsworth said: "British forces have enjoyed a long and successful history of providing training missions and we are well placed to deliver the expertise needed to lead the new Combined Arms Training School.

"Along with the support of our multinational partners, we will continue to build the capacity of the Afghan National Security Forces so that they can provide security for the Afghan people."

Mr Ainsworth added: "As the Prime Minister set out in April, the UK will focus increasingly on building Afghan capabilities. Effective Afghan security forces are essential to the long-term stability of the country. Through training and support, we can help them achieve this goal."

The decision follows Gordon Brown’s statement on 29 April, stating that British forces will increasingly concentrate their efforts on the training and development of the Afghan National Security Forces, building their capacity to provide security, and ultimately delivering long-term stability for the people of Afghanistan.

(JM/BMcc)