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COMISAF FOREWORD

6 AUG 06

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Welcome to ISAF. The purpose of this brochure is to explain the make up of this NATO Headquarters and what the various branches do. But first, how did we get here and what are we doing?

Afghanistan has experienced 25 years of war, which has left its people with a legacy that permeates almost every aspect of society. After the defeat of the Taliban regime the International Community made a very serious commitment, with the people of Afghanistan, to help with the country’s recovery. ISAF forms part of a large and complex team of organisations (both military and non military, Governmental and non Governmental) that supports that international commitment.

ISAF’s specific role is security assistance. However, security is but an element of what we do. We have a key part to play part in enabling the extension of good governance, accountability, development and ultimately progress. To understand how we are planning to do this I would recommend reading my intent on the next page.

Previous ISAFs and Coalition Forces have established a firm foundation to the work we are now carrying forward. As part of that work, ISAF is expanding to take responsibility for the Southern and Eastern Regions, thereby assuming command of the majority of the military forces in theatre. This expansion presents ISAF with a unique opportunity to assist the Government and its institutions develop a stable and prosperous future for the Afghan people.

My guiding intent is, through our actions and a linked information operation firmly rooted in substance, to reinforce the people of Afghanistan’s belief that long-term peace and growing economic prosperity from which everyone can benefit is possible if they continue to give their government, and its international partners, their support and encouragement.

ISAF, in partnership with the Government of Afghanistan (GOA) and the International Community, is to think and plan for the long-term future of Afghanistan, seizing short-term opportunities as they occur but always in a way that is in step with the long-term vision for the country. We are to focus on action that actively assists the GOA in nurturing and further developing the consent of the people to the GOA (our centre of gravity) and its international partners, not least NATO. Respect for the people of Afghanistan and their faith is to be central to all we do.

Within this framework, ISAF will:

a. In step with GOA’s National Development Strategy, concentrate on those activities that will most clearly and quickly assist the GOA in its drive to establish the sustainable economic growth on which the future of the country depends. Some examples of this approach include:

(1) Helping ensure the security of mineral resources, border crossing points, and the transport network, water and power supplies.

(2) Supporting the GOA in the development and prosecution of its Counter Narcotics (CN) campaign.

(3) Assisting in the GOA’s economic and human resource development strategy so as to enable Afghanistan to become increasingly self-sufficient.

b. Work to resolve conflict and reduce tension within Afghanistan, focusing on the holistic defeat of the residual insurgency threat to the country. Supporting and helping to train the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) to a standard that will enable them in time to assume full responsibility for the internal and external security of the country will be critical to success.

ISAF is to be prepared to respond positively to requests to help the GOA and International Agencies (IA) with its guidance, advice and coordinating skills as required, in order to assist actively in the achievement of these aims.

My Main Effort is to extend and deepen the areas in which the GOA and IAs/NGOs can safely operate in the interests of the people of Afghanistan, enabling the ANSF increasingly to take the lead in achieving this aim. In this way too I will seize the initiative against those who oppose the GOA through violent means, by using appropriate and well considered measures - including the robust use of force should it be necessary - at times and in places of my choosing thereby forcing them to respond to my design.

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COMMANDER’S INTENT ISAF BACKGROUNDUnder Chapter VII of the United Nations (UN) Charter, which specify what kind of measures (with or without the use of the Armed Forces) can be taken in order to maintain or restore international peace and security, the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) was created to help the Afghan people in the creation and maintenance of a safe and secure environment in Kabul and its surrounding area.

On 20 December 2001 the United Nation Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1386 was signed. This established the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), which was to assist the Afghanistan Transitional Authority in creating and maintaining a safe and secure environment in Kabul and its surrounding area; afterwards, UNSCR 1510 authorized the expansion of the ISAF mandate throughout the western and northern regions of Afghanistan. Initially, individual nations supported ISAF under the UN mandate; nowadays the ISAF mission is supported by 36 nations, some of which are non-NATO members. NATO assumed authority of the ISAF mission on 9 August 2003.

In October 2003, ISAF was authorised to operate beyond Kabul in the form of Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRTs) and on temporary deployments. A PRT is a combination of international military and civilian personnel based in one of Afghanistan’s provinces with the aim

of extending the authority of the Government of Afghanistan and helping to facilitate development and reconstruction by contributing to an improved security environment.

Region North came under ISAF control by the end of September 2004, with the integration of national PRTs under the ISAF mission. This completed Stage 1 expansion with ISAF working in 10 of Afghanistan’s provinces with 5 PRTS. Following a meeting of NATO Defence Ministers in February 2005, Stage 2 expansion to the West of Afghanistan was announced. This was completed by May 2005, with ISAF working in a further 4 provinces using 4 PRTs. Stage 3 expansion occurred at the end of July 2006 when a further 6 provinces and 4 PRTs in the South of Afghanistan came under ISAF’s mandate.

Stage 4 expansion will be the remaining 14 provinces in the East and is expected to happen before the end of 2006.

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HQ ISAF STRUCTURE

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The HQ ISAF operational organisation consist of a directorate of staff and two general staff divisions: operations division and support division. Three additional 2 star generals with proponency for security, stability and air operations augments the HQ structure. The Chief of Staff co-ordinates the activites and focus of the HQ to ensure that its output matches the Commander’s design.

HQ ISAF STRUCTUREDeputy Commander Air (DCOM AIR) is the air advisor to COMISAF and deputises for him on all air related matters and visits. Working with the Air Task Force (ATF) he is responsible for the direction of all ISAF air operations. DCOM AIR is the coordinating authority for ISAF air operations with US CENTCOM Combined Joint Forces Air Component (CJFAC). Additionally DCOM AIR has oversight of the operation of all Airports of Disembarkation (APODs), Dispersed Operating Bases (DOBs) and air units in ISAF, which are the key to ISAF mission sustainability.

To assist the Government of Afghanistan in the rehabilitation of the Afghan aviation sector he has a supportive, encouraging and mentoring role for the normalisation and commercialisation of regional airports, including the development of their capacity to manage civil and military air operations. Since February 2006 he has co-chaired two sub-committees that support the Steering Committee for Rehabilitation of Afghan Civil Aviation Sector.

Deputy Commander Stability (DCOM STAB) has the mandate for Reconstruction and Development; this involves galvanising effort from the International Community, Donors, The Islamic Government of Afghanistan, ISAF and Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) into tangible improvements to the lives of ordinary Afghans. This is executed through a broad structure within the Afghan National Development Strategy where the people, for the people of Afghanistan, identify initiatives. Supporting Disbandment of Illegally Armed Groups by facilitating events that enable the Afghan authorities to pursue their objectives. Coordinating ISAF support to Afghan Governance and Judicial Reform. Development of theatre wide Public Information, Information Operations and Psychological Operations strategy.

Deputy Commander Security (DCOM SY) is responsible for the coordination and synchronisation of tactical operations. This includes the deconfliction of operations with the Coalition Forces and coordination of air support to operations with DCOM AIR. DCOM SY represents COMISAF at meetings held at ministerial level concerning security and the development of the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF).

DCOM SY is responsible for co-ordinating security activities through Regional Commands (RCs) with Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) to facilitate reconstruction and development. This co-ordination is done in close collaboration with the activities and initiatives that DCOM SY is responsible for.

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DCOM AIR

DCOM SECURITY

DCOM STABILITY

The Director of Staff’s office promotes horizontal and vertical coordination by ensuring the effective, efficient and unfettered flow of information between the HQ ISAF Command Group, advisors and the joint staff.

The office of the Political Advisor (POLAD) provides political advice to COMISAF, the Command Group, the staff and subordinate formations; it develops and maintains close relationships with key Afghan, International and non-Governmental partners.

Development Advisor (DEVAD) maintains awareness of the Afghan development situation by considering areas of greatest need and vulnerability, current Government of Afghanistan initiatives and strategies, the development and humanitarian community programmes and engagement.

COMISAF’s Public Information Office (PIO) is responsible for advising the commander and staff on all media related issues as well as planning and conducting COMISAF’s public information campaign.

COMISAF’s Media Advisor’s primary responsibility is to advise on how ISAF operations and plans will be perceived by the media. He advises COMISAF, HQ ISAF and the Public Information Office (PIO) Branch on international, regional & local media perspectives.

The aim of the PRISM Group is to provide COMISAF with an independent think tank. Within the Group they give him wider and detailed, medium to long term advice to both COMISAF and his staffs, offering a level of research and analysis for which other staff advisers will not be resourced.

The Legal Advisor (LEGAD) consists of military lawyers who advise the headquarters on both military and legal matters that have an impact on the decision-making cycle.

ISAF composition: RC (C), RC (N), RC (W), RC (S).

RC (E) under command ISAF soon after

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• RC (S).

CJEngr delivers combat and force support engineering, within the ISAF area of operation. This includes support to freedom of manoeuvre, as well as essential protection, life support engineering, Counter-Improvised Explosive Devices (C-IED), Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) operations. Infrastructure support is focussed on the delivery of NATO facilities eligible for Common Funding: HQ ISAF, Airports of Disembarkation (APODs), elements of Forward Support Bases (FSBs), temporary ammo storage, mission critical Main Supply Routes (MSRs).

Chief CJEngr has proponency for Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) and Afghan Reconstruction and Development (R&D). ISAF engineers will deliver development tasks, whilst broader policy aims to deliver PRT coherence, aligned to the Government of Afghanistan’s development strategy. CJEngr Geo provides support through producing maps of the physical environment.

CJ2 provides timely and accurate actionable intelligence to COMISAF, in support of ISAF’s mission, by conducting intelligence and security liaison and coordination with higher, lower and adjacent military and civil organisations. CJ2 conducts direct intelligence collection, including counter intelligence and security programmes, and coordinates theatre ISR to enable intelligence support to current operations. Intelligence support ranges from the strategic to the tactical.

Key tasks are to provide intelligence for situational awareness, planning and decision-making, by producing intelligence analysis and implementing an integrated intelligence architecture for the Command. Intelligence support is provided to kinetic and non-kinetic targeting as well as geographic and terrain analysis.

CJ3 Branch is responsible for refining and executing the ISAF plan. The branch is sub-divided into Current Plans and Current Operations, which, together with the Air Task Force (ATF), form the Combined Joint Operations Centre (CJOC). The CJOC provides tactical command and control of subordinate formations in order to coordinate, deconflict and synchronise assets and agencies supporting ISAF. The CJOC maintains situational awareness in order to enable timely decisions to be taken. Additionally it ensures that Joint Force Command - Brunssum (JFC-B) reporting requirements are met.

In order to provide a 24-hour operating capability, the CJOC is comprised of a dedicated CJ3 staff, supported by branch representatives to provide the specialist knowledge and advice that is required for execution at the operational and tactical levels.

There are representatives from the following specialisms: ASFAO, Aviation, MP, Med, PIO, Force Protection, Intelligence, CIMIC, CIS, BSM, Engr, Log, Info Ops and Joint Fires. Linkages with the Government of Afghanistan (GOA), CFC-A and IOs/NGOs are maintained through the presence of Liaison Officers.

CJ35 Current Plans consisting of Chief CJ35, his deputy, three planning teams and a coordination section, CJ35 or Current Operations Planning sits in the Operations Division of the Headquarters. The branch is responsible for refining plans prior to execution by the Combined Joint Operations Centre (CJOC) or for the generation of short notice plans in response to emerging threats or incidents and is the focus for the ISAF Operations Coordination Planning Group. In addition the branch is responsible for the coordination and staffing of Mission Critical Information around the headquarters prior to release.

OPERATIONS DIVISION

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CJ5 is the main focus for the co-ordination of all planning across the Headquarters (HQ) and is responsible for turning COMISAF’s intent into clear, concise and timely direction to the ISAF formations. The CJ5 Plans branch is the main facilitator of the planning phase of HQ ISAF’s core process: ‘Plan-Refine-Execute’. Chief CJ5 Plans leads the Joint Operational Planning Group - a multi-disciplinary group with representation from all of the staff branches including Political, Legal and Development Advisors, as well as drawing on advice from external agencies as required.

CJ5 is further organized into two primary teams: CJ55 and CJ53. The CJ55 Policy Section is the focus for Security Sector Reform Planning in HQ ISAF and has subject matter experts on Counter Narcotics, Disbandment of Illegally Armed Groups, Afghan National Security Force Development, and Judicial Reform, who are also responsible for co-ordinating planning with the policy proponents in the HQ. As well as leading on the development of Operational Plans and Orders, the CJ53 Plans Section conducts contingency planning to ensure HQ ISAF is ready to respond to emerging crises.

The mechanism for coordination and synchronisation of plans in time and space is the Joint Effects Tasking Order (JETO) - the means by which COMISAF’s campaign direction and guidance to his subordinate regional commanders is updated on a periodic basis. Once plans reach a suitable degree of maturity they are handed over to the CJ35 Plans branch for further refinement and execution. A seamless transition is achieved by maintaining a close working relationship with CJ35 at all times.

The overall aim of the CJ5 Plans branch is to provide planning support to the Afghan Government’s effort to extend its authority beyond Kabul to make the country safer, more peaceful and more stable.

CJ7, headed by a brigadier provides two functions. The Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) cell is responsible for the planning and direction for ISAF’s support to the development of the ANSF. The cell has a staff of 4. The Lessons Learned (LL) Cell is responsible for the LL process and the coordination of the in-theatre training and experimentation in HQ ISAF and the Regional Commands (RCs). The cell has a staff of 2.

Joint Co-ordinations and effects Branch (JCEB) HQ ISAF has adopted an Effects Based Approach to Operations (EBA) and the JCEB has primary responsibility to integrate Joint Effects. The JCEB integrates and synchronises effects within HQ ISAF and also coordinates the activities of the functional staff branches. Ultimately the purpose of the JCEB is to assist COMISAF in influencing the will of an adversary, own forces or neutrals through the co-ordinated application of military capability, in order to achieve the desired effects/objectives.

The JCEB focuses on actions (lethal/non-lethal) to influence behaviour in order to achieve the Commander’s desired effects. The JCEB consists of Targeting and Joint Fires, Information Operations, CJ9 Civil Military Co-operation, Operational Analysis Branch (OAB) and Legal branches, which is explained further overleaf.

OPERATIONS DIVISION

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Information Operations (IO) co-ordinates and synchronises all Info Ops activities within the ISAF AOO, in support of COMISAF’s mission. The tasks of the Info Ops branch are to ensure that their activities support the ISAF information strategy and the enduring Operational Plan. Additionally, IO establishes targeting objectives related to joint effects, while identifying and assessing the implications of adversary IO capabilities. The branch co-ordinates IO activities within the JCEB and more widely across the HQ to ensure that all staff branches are aware of and support the information strategy.

Operational Analysis Branch (OAB) is a multinational mix of military and civilian scientists that provide timely, independent, analytical and scientific advice to COMISAF and HQ ISAF staffs to aid decision making over the spectrum of ISAF activities. One of OAB’s main roles is supporting the effects and campaign assessment process.

Targeting and Joint Fires Branch (Tgt & Jt Fires), in conjunction with CJ2 targeteers, identifies targets for potential kinetic or non-kinetic attack. They also lead the Joint Targeting Working Group and the Assessment Working Group. The Joint Fires branch executes functions that occur in the Operations Centre, where air and land integration of joint fires is conducted.

The branch coordinates with the Air Task Force, Air Space Management and Battlespace Management branches. The Tgt & Jt Fires plan and refine functions are supported by representatives on the JOPG and JOCPG respectively, ensuring that Joint Fires are integrated into planning efforts.

CJ9 Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) has a varied and expanding function. CJ9 supports the Commander’s intent through engaging in stability and development issues at a number of levels throughout the international community and the Government of Afghanistan. CJ9 also acts as the PRTs single point of contact.

OPERATIONS DIVISION

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Liaison Officer Cell (LOC)

Chief LOC receives tasking orders directly from the Chief of Staff and also through the Command Group, in order to facilitate meetings with the appropriate liaison officer (LNO) team. The LOC is involved with ministries of the Government of Afghanistan (GOA), the United Nations Assistance Mission to Afghanistan (UNAMA) and other International Organisations.

In the event of a major incident (air crashes, kidnapping, flooding etc.) LNOs are sent to the different emergency centres belonging to the GOA and UNAMA. The function of the LOC is to gather information relevant to the HQ and disseminate it to ensure that appropriate Requests for Information (RFIs) generated by the HQ’s branches are met.

LIAISON

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CJ1 consists of military staff, the linguistics cell and the Civilian Personnel Officer. The branch is responsible for personnel policy, staff augmentation, discipline and manning, including the rotation of reinforcements, for HQ ISAF. Further responsibilities include delivering reception briefings, executing the R&R plot, morale and welfare activities, casualty reporting and repatriation. It also coordinates with civil authorities and ISAF’s allies.

CJ4 provides the logistic planning, liaison, coordination and reporting for ISAF. CJ4 Plans provide logistic input to all long and mid-term planning activities in the headquarters. Logistics in ISAF is principally a national responsibility but there is always a benefit in cooperation and the staff of the Multinational Logistic Centre (MNLC) facilitate liaison between the many National Support Elements (NSEs), Regional Commands and other headquarters. The MNLC also maintain a database of national and international contractors capable of providing anything from hired trucks to fresh rations.

Transport of personnel and cargo between all major locations is crucial to sustaining the ISAF mission and this is accomplished by the Intra Theatre Air Transport System (ITAS), which is administered by the Joint Theatre Movement Staff (JTMS). The JTMS also provide the interface for strategic air movement to and from Afghanistan as well as monitoring route condition for ground movement. CJ4 Logistic Operations coordinate the food (Class I) and fuel (Class III) support for the major NATO bases in theatre. They provide an interface between ISAF and its principal suppliers. Other functions fulfilled by the CJ4 include management of all NATO Funded Equipment (NFE) and the coordination of all Real Estate matters between ISAF, Troop Contributing Nations (TCN) and the Government of Afghanistan.

CJMed is responsible for all medical related staff work within HQ ISAF and medical issues regarding the entire ISAF Area of Operation (AOO), such as preventive medicine, force protection, coordinating medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), exchanging information with ISAF and Coalition medical treatment facilities or even liaising with the different Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) medical staffs. Chief CJMed is simultaneously the branch head and Medical Advisor (MEDAD) to COMISAF.

CJ6 is responsible for the provision and sustainability of reliable, secure, robust and adequate Communication and Information Systems (CIS) to support HQ ISAF in conducting military operations across the assigned Joint Operational Area (JOA). The branch consists of 28 personnel and is subdivided into three complementary elements.

a. Plans, Projects and Requirements:Responsible for supporting HQ ISAF planning cycle, implementing NATO CIS projects and initiating ISAF related CIS Land and Air requirements.

b. Operations: The Joint CIS Control Centre (JCCC) is responsible for the 24/7 delivery of current NATO/ISAF CIS networks and C2IS systems and is the single interface for the user community.

c. Specialists: A group of Subject Matter Experts that cover frequency management, information security, computer security and encryption devices.

SUPPORT DIVISION

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CJ8 provide NATO Finance & Contracting Support to HQ ISAF and critical theatre enablers in direct support of the ISAF mission. Responsible for execution of the ISAF Military Budget, the branch contains contracting elements based at ISAF HQ and Kabul International Airport (KAIA), and a finance department responsible for the authorisation and payment of ISAF obligations both locally and internationally.

Signal Support Group (SSG) has two principle functions providing Communications and Information Systems (CIS) for COMISAF and his staff and supporting NATO CIS deployed in Regional Commands and Provincial Reconstruction Teams. The current strength is 98 ranks drawn from the UK, US, Canada and Germany.

Headquarters Support Group (HSG) provides three distinct areas of support to HQ ISAF:

a. Real Life Support ranging from billeting and administration, to catering, artisan and engineering support and medical.b. Transportation, which includes green and civilian armoured vehicles, soft-skinned vehicles, fuel tankers as well as engineering and mechanical handling equipment.c. Force Protection is provided by personnel from the UK and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, who utilise a full array of infantry support weapons and armoured vehicles.

*Turkey recognises the Republic of Macedonia with its constitutional name.

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SUPPORT DIVISION