British forces in Afghanistan will take the lead in developing a new Combined Arms Training School which will provide training courses for the Afghan National Army (ANA).

Following agreement at the NATO Defence Ministerial meeting in Brussels yesterday, British forces, who are renowned for their world-class training skills, will lead the development of the multi-national and multi-disciplinary training school to provide specialised courses for Afghan forces.

The UK will provide the strategic direction and doctrine for the school. ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) partners will assist in providing the personnel to deliver the training courses.

Training the trainer

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 multi-national partners, we will continue to build the capacity of the Afghan National Security Forces so that they can provide security for the Afghan people.

"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."

Personnel already engaged

The decision follows the Prime Minister's statement on 29 April 2009 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.

The UK will transfer some of its personnel already engaged in Afghan National Army training to the school and so there will be no need to increase UK force levels.

The UK will also continue to provide mentoring teams for the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police in Helmand province and Afghan National Army Officer Candidate training in Kabul.