For the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and Civilians of the NATO International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces in Afghanistan Subject: COMISAF/COMUSFOR-A’s Message to the Force Today I assumed command of the International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces in Afghanistan. I am truly humbled and honored by this profound responsibility. Up front, I want to recognize the enormous contributions of my predecessor and good friend of more than 15 years, General Joe Dunford. The progress our coalition has made in the last 19 months, in the face of a determined enemy, is in many respects the result of his vision, energy, and leadership. General Dunford clearly set the conditions for our continued success as we transition to the Resolute Support Mission (RSM) early next year. My assumption of command represents a change in personnel, not a change in policy or strategy. To be sure, I will, as any new commander should, examine our civil-military efforts together with coalition, Afghan, and diplomatic partners to determine where refinements may be needed. But the phasing, timing, and objectives of our campaign will remain the same. As we prepare to execute RSM, our main effort will remain on supporting our Afghan partners to develop the credibility, capabilities, and long-term sustainability of the Afghan Security Institutions (ASI) and Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF). By strengthening their institutions and improving their organizational processes, we will cement the gains made to date, and ensure that Afghanistan never again becomes a safe haven for terrorism. We find ourselves in a decisive phase of our campaign. In the midst of this summer’s fighting season, political and security transitions are taking place simultaneously. Dramatic changes are also occurring in our task organization, force laydown, and mission orientation as we complete our shift from unit-based combat advising to Functionally Based Security Force Assistance (FBSFA) at the army corps, provincial police headquarters, and ministerial-levels. These transitions will inevitably cause periods of friction and frustration. I ask that you maintain your resolve and commitment to the task at hand. Our coalition has made significant progress in the last 13 years, and our campaign remains on track. With the ANSF now firmly in the lead of security operations, they continue to prove their tenacity and effectiveness every day. You will continue to play a vital role in ensuring their enduring success as you honor the service and sacrifice of those who came before you. I believe leadership at all levels makes a difference, and as such, I pledge to do all that I can to establish the conditions for your success. I look forward to meeting many of you as I solicit your input and rely upon your critical judgment to help maintain campaign momentum. It is a profound honor to serve alongside each of you. Thank you for your commitment to Afghanistan, our team, and one another. I also want to recognize the enormous sacrifices each of your Families also makes to promote not only a safer and more secure Afghanistan, but also to protect our respective homelands. With your leadership, courage, and perseverance, we will overcome any challenge we face. Working together, we will prevail in this historic effort. Leadership Makes a Difference! John F. Campbell General, U.S. Army Commander International Security Assistance Force/ United States Forces-Afghanistan
Posted on: Tue, 26 Aug 2014 16:17:38 +0000
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