the infantry as trainers – a growing task for the future we teach, we lead canada 23 may 2009 col...
TRANSCRIPT
The Infantry as trainers –
a growing task for the future
“We Teach, We Lead”
Canada
23 May 2009Col J.F. Riffou – CO OMLT TF 1-08
Canada
Operational Mentor and Liaison Team TF 1-08“We Teach, We Lead”
Outline
• Retrospective
• Contemporary Perspectives
• What we did
• Challenges
• Thoughts for the future
• Conclusion
Canada
Operational Mentor and Liaison Team TF 1-08“We Teach, We Lead”
Where have we been?• 1960’s – Military Training Assistance Plan (MTAP)• Op PROTEUS Jerusalem• Op SCULPTURE Sierra Leone• Op SATURN Darfur• Op CROCODILE DRC• Op AUGURAL Sudan (Darfur, western region)• Op Athena Afghanistan
Canada
Operational Mentor and Liaison Team TF 1-08“We Teach, We Lead”
Ground truth from Kandahar• Cdn OMLT growth R3 – R5 400% (approx 230) • US surge includes a mentoring BCT • ISAF challenged to meet OMLT requirement
– In fall 2008 approx 30-40% shortfall
Canada
Operational Mentor and Liaison Team TF 1-08“We Teach, We Lead”
Contemporary Perspective
• “Broadsword or Rapier?”CDA Report
to SJS, Apr 2008
– #12 “Developing Indigenous Security Forces”
Training indigenous forces, military and police, will remain a key role of the CF and it may often be its main role in future coalition operations.
Canada
Operational Mentor and Liaison Team TF 1-08“We Teach, We Lead”
A Contemporary American Perspective
“Institutionalizing Adaptation: It’s time for a Permanent Army Advisor Corps.”
Centre for a New American Security
John Nagl, June 2007
Canada
Operational Mentor and Liaison Team TF 1-08“We Teach, We Lead”
What we did• Validated Kdk 2-1 to CM 1
• Converted 1000 ANA to C-7
• District lead in Zharey
• 1-205 Bde Summer Campaign Plan
• Arghandab counter-move
• ANA infrastructure MSG
• OMLT/BG coop Hwy #1
• 1-205 Bde re-alignment Oct 08
• JTFA – ANA cooperation
• Sp ANA legal reform
• Sp 205 Corps HQ (Ops/Log)
Canada
Operational Mentor and Liaison Team TF 1-08“We Teach, We Lead”
Canadian Infantry Kandak OMLT – 26 Mentors
X 4 X 4 X 4 X 4
X 1CO Mentor
Log Mentor
OpsMentor
RSM Mentor Team CP
Med Advisor
X 5
X 1
X 1
X 1
X 1
Inf Coy Mentors
Inf Coy Mentors
Inf Coy Mentors
Wpn Coy Mentors
SUV
Canada
Operational Mentor and Liaison Team TF 1-08“We Teach, We Lead”
Conduct of operations
OMLT/Logistic Support
Teams administer ANA refit and leave
OMLTs and Partnered Unit conduct Leader, Collective, and Contracted
Equipment Training
(1 month)
(2 months)
(6 months)
Total = 9 months
Red-Yellow-Green CYCLE
Infantry Kandaks – By Kandak
CS/CSS Kandaks – By Platoons
Canada
Operational Mentor and Liaison Team TF 1-08“We Teach, We Lead”
Challenges
• Police reform• Environment - physically and mentally demanding• Rank intensive• Resource limitations• Developing ANA initiative• ANSF Logistics• ANSF pers management• NATO SA & HMMWV intro• Working with allies
Canada
Operational Mentor and Liaison Team TF 1-08“We Teach, We Lead”
Structure - The Zharey Experiment
Transfer of Lead Security Responsibility
• What are the conditions that must be set for TLSR to the ANSF?
• Latter portion of tour revealed that with relatively small cbt power investment, the OMLT structure could bridge to full ANSF autonomy
• Zharey structure should serve as a guide for future plan
“A bridge to ANA autonomy”
Canada
Operational Mentor and Liaison Team TF 1-08“We Teach, We Lead”
Structure - Partnership vs. Mentorship?
• How do you define the two?
• Is it time for a paradigm shift?
• Can a CF unit partner with an ANSF organization and still build capacity?
• Is the Zharey experiment the bridge?
Canada
Operational Mentor and Liaison Team TF 1-08“We Teach, We Lead”
So what?
• Trg indigenous forces is a growth industry
• Cdn infantry are excellent mentors at all levels
• reg/res (Vision statement!!)
• our institutional trg works, don’t break it
• Mentorship occurs at all levels (tac/op/strat)
• need to generate more qual WO/Capt/Maj
• Mentors are similar to SOF, small investment generates a large return