Afghanistan: Security Transition Ceremony at Camp Sayar

Afghanistan
Provincial Reconstruction Team Farah
Story by Lt.j.g. Matthew Stroup

Camp Sayar, FARAH, December 13, 2012 – A security transition ceremony took place at Camp Sayar in Farah province.  The ceremony represented another success in the security transition process as six districts in Farah were officially transitioned to Afghan led security from the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) – Anar Darah, Bala Boluk, Farah, Lash-e Juwayn, Qal’ay-ye Kah and Shayb Koh.  Upon completion of the security transition in Tranche 3 areas, Afghanistan will be responsible for protecting over 75% of their country’s population.

The ceremony was attended by Dr. Mohammad Akram Khpalwak, Provincial Governor of Farah, U.S. Consul-General Jillian Burns, the Afghan Minister of Higher Education and Deputy Minister of Public Health, Commander, Regional Command West, Italian Gen. Dario Ranieri and British Army Brigadier General Richard Cripwell in addition to dozens of other provincial and coalition leaders.

“Today is a good day,” said Khpalwak. “Our own Afghans, our own blood, are taking responsibility to provide security for the districts.  I am proud to see Afghans defend our territory, our country and our people.”


The ceremony was another step forward in the security transition process as both Afghan and ISAF leaders push toward a transition to one hundred percent Afghan led security by the end of 2014.  The decision to move specific districts and provinces through the steps of transition, or tranches as they are referred to in ISAF terms, is based on ANSF capabilities, the level of security available to the population to continue daily activities and the degree of development of local governance.

In his speech, General Ranieri said: “Each of you knows well that we are in a tough fight.  But we now have the opportunity to demonstrate to the local, national and international communities that with the growth of Afghan security forces in both capacity and capability, we can transfer the security authorities and demonstrate to the people that their forces are here to safeguard them, see to their needs and that we are in this to win.”

Following the ceremony, a Shura was held for coalition and Afghan, military and civilian leadership to discuss ongoing initiatives, projects and challenges in the province.  A Shura is a traditional Afghan process where people come together to discuss issues and make decisions about a particular topic.  It was yet another example of the teamwork across services, nations, military and civilian sectors that are essential to Afghan success both before and after the 2014 security transition.