Can these Afghan soldiers be entrusted with the defence of democracy and their country for long? Time will tell..... Photo: MoD.
UK Armed Forces have ended combat operations in Helmand Province, paving the way for the final transfer of security to the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF), Vigilance can report.
As they have on the battlefield, British troops stood shoulder-to-shoulder with colleagues from the United States Marine Corps (USMC) and the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) to witness the Union Flag and Stars and Stripes at the Bastion-Leatherneck complex lowered for the last time.
The ceremony marks the end of operations for Regional Command (Southwest), a UK and US coalition command under the umbrella of NATO’s International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). Other contributing nations have included Denmark, Estonia, Georgia, Tonga, Jordan and Bosnia.
Secretary of State for Defence Michael Fallon said: “It is with pride that we announce the end of UK combat operations in Helmand having given Afghanistan the best possible chance of a stable future. Our Armed Forces’ tremendous sacrifice laid the foundations for a strong Afghan Security Force, set the security context that enabled the first democratic transition of power in the country’s history, and stopped it being a launch pad for terrorist attacks in the UK.
“Although we are ending a significant chapter in our shared history, the UK’s commitment to support Afghanistan will continue through institutional development, the Afghan National Army Officer Academy, and development aid.”
Chief of the Defence Staff, General Sir Nick Houghton, said: “Over 13 years of operations in Afghanistan thousands of men and women from all of our Armed Forces have played a hugely significant role in delivering a security legacy for the people of Afghanistan. It has required remarkable moral courage, tenacity and innovation to achieve our objectives in the most testing environments.”
Brigadier Rob Thomson, Deputy Commander of RC (SW) and the senior UK officer in Helmand, said: “The formal end of UK combat operations in Afghanistan marks the final step in a deliberate, responsible and measured handover to the ANSF. They are more than ready to take on responsibility for security in Helmand. We can be extremely proud of the part we have played in building a capable, credible and confident Afghan force.
“They have the baton, they are ready, and I am struck by their courage and commitment.
“We have travelled some hard yards in Helmand alongside our coalition allies, and every single service and branch of the Armed Forces has been part of that effort. We will never forget the 453 soldiers, sailors and airmen who have made the ultimate sacrifice.”
Helmand’s Provincial Governor Naim Baluch said: “The UK’s Armed Forces and their allies have helped to improve security in Helmand. We are very grateful for the courage and commitment of your soldiers and we are ready to deliver security ourselves”
The UK has had a military presence in Afghanistan since October 2001, when troops deployed as part of the NATO response to the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks in the US.
The British effort moved to Southern Afghanistan when Task Force Helmand was formed in April 2006 to tackle a growing insurgency in the region.
British and allied efforts in Helmand set the security context for the development of the ANSF, with recent ISAF operations focussing on training and mentoring Afghan forces.
In June 2013 the 340,000 strong ANSF took assumed lead responsibility for security across Afghanistan and since then they have been responsible for 99 per cent of operations.
Notable achievements have included planning and delivering the security for the successful Presidential elections in April during which seven million Afghans turned out to vote.
FAIRER DEAL FOR FORCES FAMILIES
In another development, a new charging system for Service accommodation will mean military families across the UK will get a fairer deal when it comes to their housing.
The new Combined Accommodation Assessment System (CAAS) will create a fairer way of grading and charging for accommodation and will also be much simpler. CAAS will take effect from April 2016 and all extra charges will be capped and reinvested into improving Service accommodation. In parallel, new energy efficiency measures for 8,000 homes will save personnel up to £500 per year in bills.
CAAS strengthens the government’s commitment to offering military families the best possible value for money while improving the quality of their living accommodation. Tenants renting property in the private sector spend around 40 per cent of their income on rent; in comparison only 10 percent of Service personnel’s income is spent on living accommodation. With over 70 per cent of those living in military quarters listing one of the main benefits as the low cost, we are committed to maintaining this important advantage.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: “Our Armed Forces and their families make a tremendous contribution and sacrifice through their service and deserve the very best support. Over 40,000 serving personnel live in military quarters so it is essential that their accommodation feels like home. That is why we have invested £90 million in the last year alone to improve the standard of properties.
“These changes are part of a wider programme which will deliver faster maintenance and lower energy bills in good value for money accommodation that our people can be proud of.”
Around 30,000 properties will be surveyed over the next 18 months to take account of the ongoing transformation of Service Families Accommodation (SFA) before setting the new charges. These surveys will be conducted independently by trained housing specialists. Any change in costs will fairly reflect the major improvements that are being made to the condition of the property. In addition, any increases will be introduced gradually over a period of years.
Catherine Spencer, Chief Executive of the Army Families Federation (AFF), said: “AFF welcomes the new categories being used to grade housing which will provide a clearer system of charging with less ambiguity. It is a step forward to identify the needs of a modern family and reflect this in the charging system, for example access to good quality broadband is more relevant than proximity to a phone box.
“We are pleased that the top level of SFA costs will not change and those who will see an increase may be reassured that it will not rise above £30 a month for Other Ranks. As with all new policy, some people will be affected more than others and AFF will work with command to identify and address disadvantage.”
Kim Richardson OBE, Chair of the Naval Families Federation, said: “The new CAAS will provide much more certainty to Naval Service families. They have told us that they found the old system overly complicated, inconsistent, and confusing, with great differences in standards and costs across the country.
“Whilst some charges may increase for certain properties, the independent assessments should reassure our families that the rental charges they pay are fair and any extra money raised as a result of increased charges is to be reinvested in Service Family Accommodation. ”
Bill Mahon, Director of the RAF Families Federation, said: “The quality of Service Family Accommodation has long been a concern for many occupants, especially where the condition of Service accommodation has not been of the standard that our families deserve. The RAF Families Federation has worked hard to ensure that their concerns have been listened to.
“I am very pleased to see the MoD’s commitment to improving the quality of service accommodation, reflected in the CAAS, as this investment will make a real difference to the lives of our personnel and their families.”
The overhaul of the charging system is part of the New Employment Model, which is the widest ranging review of the Terms and Conditions of Service for personnel in over 40 years. On top of introducing CAAS and investing in living accommodation for our people, a scheme has also been introduced to help Armed Forces families buy their first homes or move up the property ladder.
Just six months after the launch of the £200 million Forces Help to Buy scheme, over 2,500 families have had their applications approved and have bought, or are in the process of buying, new homes.