Long-term commitment to Afghanistan continues

 The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has deployed the first contingent of specialist instructors and a force protection element to support theAfghan National Army OfficerAcademyinKabul.The Australian contingent is part of the United Kingdom-led training and professional development program for Afghan National Army Officer Cadets at the Kabul-based OfficerAcademy.New Zealand,NorwayandDenmarkare also providing instructors. 

The ongoing ADF contribution forms part ofAustralia’s continuing commitment to the future stability and security ofAfghanistanand its people.

This undertaking was agreed as part of the 2012 Chicago Summit determination to assist the Afghan Government to reinforce the military and governance gains achieved by Afghan authorities and the International Security Assistance Force. 

As previously announced, Australia’s long-term commitments in Afghanistan will develop an increasing national focus as the Afghan National Security Forces prepare to take full responsibility for security in Uruzgan by the end of the year.

Australiawill continue to contribute a small number of military personnel to the professional development of the Afghan National Army within theOfficerAcademy, and personnel as part of a Logistics Training Team and with the Afghan National Army 205 Corps Advisory Team.  

Australiahas also committed to make an ongoing financial contribution as part of international efforts to help sustain and support the Afghan National Security Forces beyond the end of the transition process.

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999