DOD Releases Report on Enhancing Security and Stability in Afghanistan June 16, 2015

The inaugural “Report on Enhancing Security and Stability in Afghanistan,” a report to Congress in accordance with Section 1225 of the Carl Levin and Howard P. “Buck” McKeon National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2015 (Public Law 113-291), was provided to Congress yesterday evening. This report covers December 1, 2014 to May 31.

On December 31, 2014, the NATO ISAF mission concluded, and on January 1, Resolute Support – a non-combat mission dedicated to training, advising, and assisting the Afghanistan National Defense Security Forces (ANDSF) and Afghan security ministries – was established. Afghans have assumed responsibility for the security of their nation, but Resolute Support remains committed to preparing the ANDSF for the difficult fight ahead.

During the reporting period, anti-Afghan forces continued to present a formidable threat; as President Ghani acknowledged while addressing Congress on March 25, Afghanistan is “a critical frontline nation in the war against extremism.”

The ANDSF has fought this war with resilience and professionalism, and their capabilities continue to improve. By the end of May, the force had achieved significant advancements in light airlift, casualty evacuation, and non-traditional intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

Although considerable challenges remain, the Department of Defense is confident that the ANDSF has the capabilities, capacities, and morale to set the conditions for Afghan-led reconciliation.

The report is posted at www.defense.gov/pubs/June_1225_Report_Final.pdf