Reply #3: it hasn't seemed to be a problem in Afghanistan [View All]

[iverglas]

http://www.cefcom-comfec.forces.gc.ca/pa-ap/nr-sp/doc-eng.asp?id=2565

CEFCOM / COMFEC NR-08.009 - February 2, 2008

OTTAWA - Maj.-Gen. Marc Lessard assumed command of Regional Command (South) today in Kandahar, from Maj.-Gen. Jacko Page of the United Kingdom. As the commander of NATO’s International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) troops in southern Afghanistan, Maj.-Gen. Lessard will be responsible for Canadian and coalition operations in that area until November 2008.

Maj.-Gen. Lessard leads a force of approximately 12,000 soldiers from Canada and 11 other nations. During the Transfer of Authority Ceremony at Kandahar Airfield (KAF) Maj.-Gen. Lessard said that his focus will be to maintain the initiative in the south through an intense series of operations and activities.

“I see two priorities; firstly, to increase security within the region in order to ensure the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan exercises its legitimate authority,” explained Maj.-Gen. Lessard. “The second priority is to coordinate to the greatest extent, the aspects of governance and development within the overall security framework.”

RC(S) encompasses six provinces in the southern region of Afghanistan. These include: Day Kondi, Zabul, Kandahar, Uruzgan, Helmand and Nimruz. The role of RC(S) is to conduct military operations in the south to assist the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in the establishment and maintenance of a safe and secure environment. To accomplish this, RC(S) forces work very closely with their Afghan National Security Force partners in order to extend the government’s authority and influence, thereby facilitating Afghanistan’s reconstruction and contributing to regional stability.

The U.S. is not in command of NATO. Really.