Image show Sergeant Chapwanya of the 8th Regiment, 64 Squadron, Royal Logistic Corps, meeting Secretary of State for Defence Philip Hammond MP at Dining Facility 1, Camp Bastion on the 28 Mar 2012. Photo: Corporal Andy Reddy/MoD
It is now crystal clear that Britain is not into hitting and running away as far as her campaign in Afghanistan is concerned with Defence Secretary Philip Hammond last week in Afghanistan revealing that Britain and Afghan had agreed to continue their Defence relationship long beyond the end of combat operations in 2014. The visit saw the signing in Kabul of a Statement of Intent by Secretary Hammond and his Afghan counterpart.
A source at the MoD said Mr Hammond and Afghan Defence Minister, General Abdul Rahim Wardak, met at the Afghan Ministry of National Defence for talks, adding they agreed the establishment of a British-inspired and led Officer Academy for the Afghan National Army.
Vigilance learnt that the new institution which will be modelled on the British Army’s highly respected officer training college Royal Military Academy Sandhurst will play a key role in developing Afghanistan’s next generation of military leaders – those who will lead crucial, ongoing work to prevent Afghanistan from again becoming a safe haven for international terrorism.
A spokesman for the MoD said the UK would provide approximately 75 per cent of the non-Afghan mentoring staff at the new academy, which will be located in the Qargha area of Kabul.
Mr Hammond said: “The Prime Minister announced last summer that the UK will lead the coalition support to the Afghan National Army OfficerAcademy through the provision of training and planning expertise and mentoring of the Academy leadership and instructors.”
Hammond enthused: “I am delighted to have travelled to Kabul to meet President Karzai and General Wardak. Signing the formal agreement brings this great vision a step closer – something that will further cement the already close working relationship between our two ministries and Armed Forces.”
He added: “Our vital mission of supporting and developing the Afghan security forces in Helmand remains the priority. But as we look ahead to 2014, our support to the Afghan forces will change to see the UK assisting in the delivery of high quality training that meets their requirements to produce professional officers and leaders of their own.”
As well as holding talks with General Wardak, the Defence Secretary met with President Karzai and held other meetings with senior military personnel, including Commander ISAF, General John R. Allen (USA), and British Deputy Commander of ISAF, Lieutenant General Adrian Bradshaw.
The engagements in the Afghan capital followed a visit to British troops in the southern province of Helmand. Mr Hammond travelled out to Forward Operating Base PB2 in Nar-e Saraj where he joined soldiers on a foot patrol and took part in a local shura with Afghan police commanders.
At Task Force Helmand’s HQ in Lashkar Gar he received briefings from senior officers including outgoing Task Force Helmand Commander, Brigadier Patrick Sanders, who has led 20 Armoured Brigade over its six month tour which is now drawing to a close. The Defence Secretary also met with Helmand’s Provincial Governor, Mohammad Gulab Mangal.
He visited the scene of Monday's incident at Lashkar Gah. Later the Defence Secretary attended a vigil at CampBastion to pay tribute to the three service personnel who recently lost their lives and who today were repatriated home to the UK.
Mr Hammond said: “Meeting UK service personnel and their Afghan counterparts both inside their bases and out on patrol, I have been struck at the partnership they have forged in delivering the process of transition. It is this process which is building an Afghanistan that can stand on its own two feet which in turn helps to keep our own streets safe.
Hammond concluded: “I have been deeply impressed by the professionalism and determination on display by those I have met and I am confident that we are on track to complete our mission in line with UK combat operations ceasing by the end of 2014.”