NANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Representatives from all groups of Afghan security forces and Train, Advise, Assist Command - East advisers attended a local police summit at the provincial governor's palace in Nangarhar province Nov. 26, 2014.
The summit was an opportunity for senior members of the Afghan National Army, Afghan National Police, Afghan Uniformed Police, Afghan Local Police, and Afghan Border Police to come together and discuss the progress and challenges of the local police in Nangarhar, Kunar, Laghman and Nuristan.
The topics of manning, sustainment, procurement of heavy weapons, and funding were addressed, as well as further integration and cooperation of all Afghan security forces in eastern Afghanistan.
Over 200 Afghan security forces leaders attended the summit, including Chief of the Afghan Uniformed Police Lt. Gen. Mohammed Salem Ehsas, the director of the Afghan Local Police Maj. Gen. Ali Shah Ahmadzai, the 201st Corps commander, Afghan National Army Maj. Gen. Mohammad Zaman Waziri, and the Nangarhar Provincial Chief of Police Maj. Gen. Fazal Ahmad Shirzad.
Integration and cooperation between the Afghan military and police is seen as a critical aspect of providing security and stability to the people of Afghanistan. The presence of both military and police leaders at the summit was an opportunity to display their growing partnership.
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Edward Reeder, commander of Special Operations Joint Task Force - Afghanistan, U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Christopher Bentley, the TAAC-E commander, and advisers from the Police Advisory Team also attended the summit to observe and show support for the Afghan security forces. The U.S. coalition members had a minimal presence and role in the summit, though continued partnership between Afghan security forces and U.S. coalition forces was acknowledged.
The summit concluded with a large awards ceremony recognizing outstanding Afghan security forces members for exceptional performance. Senior Afghan and U.S. leaders presented medals and certificates to the appreciative members of the security forces in an event full of fanfare and photographs.
After receiving their awards individuals would raise the awards above their heads and present their achievement to the crowd.
The atmosphere of the room portrayed a confident, capable and united group of Afghan security forces all working together for the betterment of the people of eastern Afghanistan.
As TAAC-E transitions to NATO's Resolute Support mission in 2015, the goal is for Afghan security forces to identify, address, and solve their own issues with little or no U.S. involvement. The summit was an example where Afghan security forces are already working to provide integrated solutions to security issues in eastern Afghanistan.
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