The US must reform how it develops, trains, and equips the Afghan security forces – especially the Afghan police. The United States should adopt a system through which it develops Afghan units according to a natural timeline – their organic growth, rather than along arbitrary time standards imposed by the US. Units should only be declared “ready” to replace NATO mentors when they have displayed a consistent ability to independently operate and equip themselves without coalition supervision – and not before then.
Adopting this standard will ensure America leaves Afghanistan with security forces that are actually capable of replacing American units and maintaining that role long after the last American soldier leaves Afghanistan.
