Afghan Troop Deaths Rise As Army Expands Its Role

[alp227]

Source: NYT

The Afghan government has hit a grim record in its quest to take over the country’s security from coalition forces: more than 1,000 soldiers died in 2012, a roughly 20 percent increase from 2011.

Though the Afghan Army’s death rates have outstripped those for international forces in recent years, the new figures show the widest margin yet, as more and more Afghan units have taken the field. International forces were reported to have lost about 400 soldiers in 2012, the lowest number since 2008.

The progress of the Afghan National Army in being able to fight the insurgency is crucial to the international coalition’s exit strategy as the formal end of NATO combat operations looms in 2014. Afghan officials say that Afghan forces now plan and lead 80 percent of combat operations across the country. And as the army has filled out its ranks, the number of those killed has risen as well. Since 2008, the number of enlisted soldiers has nearly tripled, to 195,000.

Depending on how one reads the numbers, the latest figures can be both hopeful and troubling. Inasmuch as the uptick in deaths indicates a more active role for the army, the data is encouraging: Afghan-led operations would be expected to result in more Afghan casualties, after all. But for some, the statistics also raise questions about whether the army is ready to take over control of the country’s security.

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/31/world/asia/afghan-army-deaths-topped-1000-in-2012.html

[moman]

1. The Real Question Is

How long will the so called Afghan National Army survive after American troops are withdrawn?

[hardtravelin]

2. About 5 minutes n/t

[daleo]

3. I recently saw an article quoting an ex-Red Army officer about their experience

He didn't say 5 minutes exactly, but he expressed pretty much the same sentiment. That's how it went when they withdrew, according to him.