The year 2014 proved to be a time of critical transition in Afghanistan. Defying Taliban intimidation, more than 7 million Afghans participated in two nation-wide elections to select a new president, marking the first peaceful, democratic transition of power in Afghanistan's history.
The Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) demonstrated their professionalism and capability, fighting tenaciously against a determined enemy, and preventing the Taliban from achieving any of its stated objectives for 2014. As a result, the ANSF have earned the Afghan people's trust and admiration and are now the most respected institution in the country.
For the past 13 years, more than 50 countries have contributed to the NATO mission in Afghanistan. No coalition of this size in history has demonstrated more cohesion, resilience or effectiveness.
ABOUT THIS SERIES: Defense News asked 15 thought leaders in military, government, academia and industry -- from Europe to Asia to the US to the Middle East -- for their perspectives on their region and how they fit into world events. The result is a comprehensive collection of viewpoints that puts 2014 into context while forecasting the challenges -- and what must be done to meet them -- in 2015.
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On Dec. 31 the International Security Assistance Force mission will end. We will then commence our new NATO mission, Resolute Support.
The ANSF have shown throughout the past two fighting seasons that they can win battles on their own. They now need our assistance to win the campaign and build the institutional capability to organize, train and equip their forces. Hence, we have shifted our focus from advising them on tactical operations to building the long-term sustainability in their corps and security ministries.
See the other contributors to "2015 Outlook."
This represents both a significant physical and mental shift for us. Back in 2011, we had more than 140,000 troops distributed over 800 sites. On Jan. 1, we will have about 13,000 coalition troops at 25 bases.
Our brave sergeants and captains used to be our primary means of carrying the fight to the enemy; now it is our experienced advisers —senior officers, NCOs and civilians — who serve as our "primary weapons systems." These highly skilled individuals will work through essential functions such as budgeting, programming, sustainment and force generation to build the systems required to sustain a modern army and police force. This remains a daunting challenge, but one that we can and will overcome.
As we prepare for the future, 2015 will undoubtedly be a decisive year for the ANSF and our ongoing efforts to support them. The ANSF must win the 2015 fighting season. Resolute Support will play a vital role in sustaining the ANSF's hard-fought gains and ensuring our homeland remains protected.
With new Afghan leadership in place, an increasingly capable ANSF and coalition resolve, I am confident we will prevail. I remain optimistic about the future of Afghanistan. There is no greater honor we can bestow upon our fallen and their families than successfully finishing this mission.
