...
On the other hand, the ANA is assuming more responsibility without faltering outright. In August
2008, the ANA took over security of Kabul city from Italy, and it took formal control of Kabul
Province in early 2009. The commando forces of the ANA, trained by U.S. Special Operations
Forces, and numbering about 5,300, are considered well-trained and are taking the lead in some
operations against high-value targets.
To assist its performance, the United States is attempting to better equip the ANA. Approximately
$2.7 billion worth of vehicles, weapons, equipment, and aircraft are being provided during
August 2011-March 2012. General Caldwell stated in June 2011 that the United States is also
helping the ANSF build up an indigenous weapons production capability. However, in line with
U.S. efforts to cut costs for the ANSF, the Defense Department reportedly plans to shift in
FY2013 from providing new equipment to maintaining existing equipment, including Russiansupplied
helicopters.
...
At the time the United States first began establishing the ANA, Northern Alliance figures who
were then in key security positions weighted recruitment for the national army toward its Tajik
ethnic base. Many Pashtuns, in reaction, refused recruitment or left the ANA program. The
naming of a Pashtun, Abdul Rahim Wardak, as Defense Minister in December 2004 reduced desertions among Pashtuns (he remains in that position). U.S. officials in Afghanistan say this
problem was further alleviated with better pay and more close involvement by U.S. forces, and
that the force is ethnically integrated in each unit and representative. With about 41% Pashtuns,
34% Tajiks, 12% Hazaras, and 8% Uzbeks, the force is roughly in line with the broad
demographics of the country, according to the April 2010 DOD report.
...