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Who are the supporting forces?

Captain Mike Kennedy, Joint Force Explosive Ordinance Disposal (JFEOD) trains Afghan National Army (ANA) Warriors life saving skills to avoid Improvised Explosive Device danger.

An alliance of supporting international forces works with the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police to bring permanent security to Helmand province.

In general terms, operations across Afghanistan have been designed to:

  • help train Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF);
  • aid reconstruction and development; and
  • provide security.

As operations progress, ISAF forces, including British troops, will shift the balance of the military effort more and more towards training and mentoring the Afghan Army and Police.

UK Forces

UK Forces - Op HERRICK

UK soldiers have been trained to deal specifically in the heat and hostility of Afghanistan. As well as being ready for combat the troops are trained to communicate effectively with local civilians in an effort to win over their support.

ISAF troops

International Security Assistance Force (ISAF)

The International Security Assistance Force is operated by NATO and is made up of more than 116,500 troops from 46 nations including the US, UK, Germany and France. It is led by US General David Petraeus.

Afghan National Army warrior

Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF)

The Afghan Security Forces are increasingly contributing to securing their own country and their effectiveness continues to improve and are now more professional, accountable and ethnically balanced.