Resolute Support on Op Toral
Operation
HERRICK became Operation TORAL on 1st January 2015 and the new NATO
Mission, called Resolute Support (RS) switched from combat operations to Train,
Advise, Assist. The UK remains well placed in Afghanistan, with a very lean
force delivering operational effect at all levels, fully supporting the RS
mission with an impact disproportionate to the size of the force.
The
Afghan National Army Officer Academy (ANAOA) remains the most capable officer
training institution with its vision set on developing leaders for a strong
Army and proud nation. ANAOA is located
to the west of Kabul on the Marshal Fahim National Defence University (MFNDU)
site. It shares the 4.8 m2
MFNDU site with MFNDU HQ, the National Military Academy Afghanistan (NMAA) and
will soon be joined by the Command and Staff College (CSC), the Sergeant Major
Academy, COIN Centre of Excellence, Foreign Language Institute and the General
Support Unit.
ANAOA
is based on the successful RMAS model and, as in the UK, the OCdts undergo a
year of officer training. The six
Partner Nations – UK, Australia, Denmark, New Zealand, Turkey and Norway –
mentor the Afghan Directing Staff in an effort to further professionalise the
instruction delivered. These countries
provide individual mentors to every Kandak instructor and key staff appointments
across the Academy.
The ANAOA and The PWRR
Maj
Steve Wall is the senior PWRR representative at the ANAOA and holds the
position of SO2 G4. He mentors the ANAOA
logistics team led by four ANA officers. Capt Drew Reed (2 PWRR and formerly Adjt 3
PWRR) is the MA to the Chief Mentor (a UK Brigadier). CSgt Robertson (1 PWRR) is a mentor in the
SAAW. Each of the mentors deploys for
8-9 months.
 |
| Tigers on Op Toral |
Camp
Qargha is home to the mentors and they are protected by the Camp Qargha Force
Protection (CQFP) who are currently drawn from 1 R ANGLIAN, augmented by a platoon
from 3 PWRR led by Capt George Bignold.
The platoon joined the Vikings for this tour in line with the A2020 plan.
The QFPC will serve for a normal 6 month
tour.
Colonel
Charlie Sykes (late PWRR) is currently serving as Deputy COMBRITFOR, based at
HQ RS in Kabul and is the senior Tiger in Theatre and visits ANAOA regularly.
 |
| Members of 1 PWRR, 2 PWRR and 3 PWRR on Op Toral |
The
QFPC and ANAOA mentors have been busy over the past few months as ANAOA
prepares to move into a multi-million pound, purpose-built Academy having spent
its early years living and working in expeditionary tents. This makes the Academy the newest and most
modern in the Eastern World and the envy of many.
Tigers mark Albuhera Day in Afghanistan
All
PWRR soldiers on Operation TORAL enjoy the limited facilities and take part in
all activities and even managed to uniquely celebrate Albuhera Day on the 16th
May with Capt Drew Reed reciting the Special Order of the Day and leading the
Silent Toast.
 |
| Tigers mark Albuhera Day |
 |
| The Silent Toast |
