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The British military campaign in Afghanistan

The British military campaign in Afghanistan. THEO FARRELL DEPT OF WAR STUDIES KING’S COLLEGE LONDON. ISAF takes over. British task forces, 2006-2006. 16 bde: May–Oct 2006 3 cdo: Oct 2006–April 07 12 Mech: April–Oct 2007 52 bde: Oct 2007–April 2008 16 bde: April–Oct 2008.

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The British military campaign in Afghanistan

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  1. The British military campaign in Afghanistan THEO FARRELL DEPT OF WAR STUDIES KING’S COLLEGE LONDON

  2. ISAF takes over

  3. British task forces, 2006-2006 • 16 bde: May–Oct 2006 • 3 cdo: Oct 2006–April 07 • 12 Mech: April–Oct 2007 • 52 bde: Oct 2007–April 2008 • 16 bde: April–Oct 2008

  4. British brigades in Helmand • 16 bde: ‘inkspot’ to platoon house • 3 cdo: offensive using MOGs • 12 Mech: big sweeps to clear green zone • 52 bde: ‘clear, hold, build’ • 16 bde: protecting population and developing GIROA

  5. 16x: break-in battle • Force cap (3,150 + 1500) • Losing momentum: parcel delivery • Pressure to deploy North • POR: “undoubtedly contributed to attrition of Taliban forces” • But fixed and kinetic

  6. 16x: break-in battle • Force cap (3,150 + 1500) • Losing momentum: parcel delivery • Pressure to deploy North • POR: “undoubtedly contributed to attrition of Taliban forces” • But fixed and kinetic

  7. 3x: advance to ambush • Main effort = reconstruction of ADZ • Main LOO = security • Security LOO = “dynamic unpredictability” • “Tread softly”: 537 to 821 engagements • Keeping the Taliban at bay: 45% reduction in attacks

  8. 12x: mowing the lawn • Return to original plan: inkspot strategy • Clearing the green zone: 5 TF ops • Failure to hold • Escalation: 821 to 1,096 engagements

  9. The Green Zone

  10. 12x: mowing the lawn • Return to original plan: inkspot strategy • Clearing the green zone: 5 TF ops • Failure to hold • Escalation: 821 to 1,096 engagements

  11. 52x: people are the prize • CONOPs = clear, hold, build • COG = local population (not EF) • Persistent presence: committing FOBs • Resourcing influence: NKETs and TCAF • Approach to battle: taking MSQ

  12. Tactical Conflict Assessment Framework • Have there been changes in the village population, and why? • What are the most important problems facing the village? • Who do you believe can solve your problems? • What should be done first?

  13. 16x: go deep not broad • CONOPS: protect the population, promote GIROA, undermine Taliban influence • Creating CMMH • Kajaki Damn op

  14. More favourable context • New Taliban tactics • Growing ANA capabilities • Increased resources

  15. Better resourced campaign • 16 bde (mid 2006): 3,150 • 3 cdo (2006-07): 5,200 • 12 Mech (mid 2007): 6,500 • 52 bde (2007-08): 7,750 • 16 bde (mid 2008): 8,530

  16. Characteristics of British approach • Slow learner • Cracking-on: make do attitude • Discontinuity of command

  17. The long haul • Natural cycle: wearing down the Taliban • Building up GIROA capacity • Learning to be Comprehensive • Sustainable victory

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