THEO FARRELLDEPT OF WAR STUDIES

KING’S COLLEGE LONDON

The British military campaign in Afghanistan

ISAF takes over

British task forces, 2006-2006

16 bde: May–Oct 2006

3 cdo: Oct 2006–April 07

12 Mech: April–Oct 2007

52 bde: Oct 2007–April 2008

16 bde: April–Oct 2008

British brigades in Helmand

16 bde: ‘inkspot’ to platoon house

3 cdo: offensive using MOGs

12 Mech: big sweeps to clear green zone

52 bde: ‘clear, hold, build’

16 bde: protecting population and developing GIROA

16x: break-in battle

Force cap (3,150 + 1500)Losing momentum: parcel deliveryPressure to deploy NorthPOR: “undoubtedly contributed to attrition of

Taliban forces”But fixed and kinetic

16x: break-in battle

Force cap (3,150 + 1500)Losing momentum: parcel deliveryPressure to deploy NorthPOR: “undoubtedly contributed to attrition of

Taliban forces”But fixed and kinetic

3x: advance to ambush

Main effort = reconstruction of ADZMain LOO = securitySecurity LOO = “dynamic unpredictability”“Tread softly”: 537 to 821 engagementsKeeping the Taliban at bay: 45% reduction in

attacks

12x: mowing the lawn

Return to original plan: inkspot strategyClearing the green zone: 5 TF opsFailure to holdEscalation: 821 to 1,096 engagements

The Green Zone

12x: mowing the lawn

Return to original plan: inkspot strategyClearing the green zone: 5 TF opsFailure to holdEscalation: 821 to 1,096 engagements

52x: people are the prize

CONOPs = clear, hold, buildCOG = local population (not EF)Persistent presence: committing FOBsResourcing influence: NKETs and TCAFApproach to battle: taking MSQ

Tactical Conflict Assessment Framework

1. Have there been changes in the village population, and why?

2. What are the most important problems facing the village?

3. Who do you believe can solve your problems?

4. What should be done first?

16x: go deep not broad

CONOPS: protect the population, promote GIROA, undermine Taliban influence

Creating CMMHKajaki Damn op

More favourable context

New Taliban tacticsGrowing ANA capabilitiesIncreased resources

Better resourced campaign

16 bde (mid 2006): 3,150

3 cdo (2006-07): 5,200

12 Mech (mid 2007): 6,500

52 bde (2007-08): 7,750

16 bde (mid 2008): 8,530

Characteristics of British approach

Slow learnerCracking-on: make do attitudeDiscontinuity of command

The long haul

Natural cycle: wearing down the Taliban

Building up GIROA capacityLearning to be ComprehensiveSustainable victory