Operation Resolute Support
Overview
Operation Resolute Support was a NATO-led mission in Afghanistan that commenced on January 1, 2015, following the conclusion of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission. The primary objective of this mission was to provide training, advice, and assistance to the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) and institutions. Unlike its predecessor, Resolute Support was not a combat mission but focused on building the capacity and capability of Afghan forces to ensure the stability and security of Afghanistan.
Background
The transition from ISAF to Resolute Support marked a significant shift in the international community's involvement in Afghanistan. The Bonn Agreement of 2001 laid the groundwork for international assistance in Afghanistan, leading to the establishment of ISAF. Over time, ISAF's mission evolved from providing security to counterinsurgency operations. By 2014, with the Afghan forces assuming primary responsibility for security, the need for a new mission focused on training and support became evident.
Mission Objectives
Operation Resolute Support was designed with several key objectives:
1. **Training and Advising**: The mission aimed to train and advise Afghan forces at the institutional level, focusing on leadership, logistics, and operational planning. This was crucial for developing a self-sustaining military force capable of independent operations.
2. **Capability Building**: Enhancing the capabilities of the Afghan forces was a priority. This included improving their ability to conduct intelligence-driven operations, manage logistics, and maintain equipment.
3. **Institutional Development**: Strengthening Afghan security institutions was essential for long-term stability. The mission worked to improve governance, accountability, and transparency within these institutions.
4. **Counterterrorism Support**: While not a primary focus, Resolute Support provided limited counterterrorism assistance, mainly through intelligence sharing and logistical support.
Structure and Deployment
The mission was headquartered in Kabul, with regional commands located in key areas such as Mazar-i-Sharif, Herat, Kandahar, and Laghman. These regional commands facilitated the decentralized approach necessary for effective training and support. At its peak, Resolute Support comprised approximately 13,000 troops from 39 NATO member countries and partner nations.
The mission was structured into several components:
- **Train, Advise, Assist Commands (TAACs)**: These were the primary operational units responsible for implementing the mission's objectives. Each TAAC was aligned with specific Afghan corps and police zones.
- **Special Operations Advisory Groups (SOAGs)**: These groups provided specialized training and advice to Afghan special operations forces, enhancing their capabilities for counterterrorism and high-stakes operations.
Challenges and Criticisms
Operation Resolute Support faced numerous challenges, including:
1. **Security Environment**: The security situation in Afghanistan remained volatile, with insurgent groups like the Taliban and the ISIL-K posing significant threats. This instability complicated training efforts and occasionally necessitated combat support.
2. **Corruption and Governance**: Endemic corruption within Afghan institutions hindered the mission's effectiveness. Efforts to improve governance and accountability were often met with resistance.
3. **Resource Constraints**: Limited resources and personnel sometimes restricted the mission's ability to achieve its objectives fully. The reliance on coalition partners for support also posed challenges in terms of coordination and consistency.
4. **Political Dynamics**: The mission operated within a complex political landscape, both domestically and internationally. Shifts in U.S. and NATO policies, as well as Afghan political developments, influenced the mission's scope and direction.
Transition and Conclusion
The mission officially concluded on August 30, 2021, following the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces from Afghanistan. This withdrawal was part of a broader agreement between the United States and the Taliban, aimed at ending the long-standing conflict in the region. The conclusion of Resolute Support marked the end of a two-decade-long international military presence in Afghanistan.
Legacy and Impact
Operation Resolute Support had a mixed legacy. While it succeeded in developing certain capabilities within the Afghan forces, the rapid collapse of the Afghan government and military in 2021 highlighted the limitations of the mission. The challenges of building sustainable institutions in a conflict-ridden environment underscored the complexities of international military interventions.
The mission's impact on Afghanistan's security landscape remains a subject of debate among policymakers and scholars. While some argue that it provided necessary support during a critical period, others contend that it failed to address the root causes of instability.