Ministry of Defence
Speaking on his first visit to Afghanistan the Minister reaffirmed the UKs enduring commitment to the country.
Britain stepped up its support to Afghanistan this year, increasing by 50 the number of personnel in the country. They join personnel in country who are helping to train Afghan officers, advising the fledgling Afghan Air Force and working as advisors in the Afghan Security Ministries.
While UK and NATO combat operations drew to a close in 2014, Britain continues to support Afghanistan by training, advising and assisting the Afghan defence and security forces, as they continue to fight with increasing skill and capability. This years increase in support brings the total number of the personnel committed to the operation to 500; Britains second biggest overseas commitment after the campaign against Daesh.
During his visit, the Minister met with Afghan Cadet Behzad Hiedari, who won Sandhursts Overseas Sword of Honour. The prestigious honour is awarded to the best overseas cadet in each years class at the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst. The award highlights the talent in Afghanistans security forces, which are being developed by the UK and our NATO Allies and partners.
One way in which British personnel are helping to develop Afghanistans security forces is through the Afghan National Officer Academy (ANAOA). Minister Penning visited the site during the visit and met with the UK personnel helping to mentor the mentors. Just as Afghan forces are in the lead for the security of their country, so are their UK-mentored officers, who are helping to train their countrys next generation of leaders.
Armed Forces Minister Mike Penning said:
Britain has an enduring commitment to Afghanistan. This year were stepping up our support to the country, and have deployed 50 extra personnel, some of whom I visited at the Afghan National Army Officer Academy, where the next generation of Afghan army leaders are being trained. The UK, along with our NATO Allies, is committed for the long term to developing the ever more capable Afghan National Security and Defence Forces to ensure Afghanistan is not a safe haven for terrorists.
Since 2014, UK mentoring assistance has helped the ANAOA train over 1500 high quality officers.
The Government committed last year to provide 210 million to the Afghan security forces, until 2020, giving around 70 million a year.