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The NATO-led International Security Assistance Force now has the lead for all combat (such as fighting the resurgent Taliban in the south) and reconstruction operations (often led by the Provincial reconstruction teams) in the current War in Afghanistan. Units from both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Marines have deployed to Afghanistan as part of the ISAF force and before, under solely US national command, during the earlier stages of Operation Enduring Freedom. Below is a list of deployed major units, known as the Order of Battle (ORBAT).

This list covers current coalition forces in Afghanistan. See the article Operation Enduring Freedom - Afghanistan: Allies for coalition support for Operation Enduring Freedom from October 2001 to 2003.

For coalition forces involved in NATO combat operations in southern Afghanistan in 2006, see the article Coalition combat operations in Afghanistan in 2006. For coalition forces involved in NATO operations in 2007, see the article Coalition combat operations in Afghanistan in 2007. And the article International Security Assistance Force for coalition forces in Afghanistan as part of ISAF.

Contents 1 Overall command and control 1.1 International Security Assistance Force 1.2 U.S.-led Coalition 2 United States 3 Australia 4 United Kingdom 5 Canada 6 Czech Republic 7 Denmark 8 Germany 9 France 9.1 Army (Land) 9.2 Air Force 9.3 Task Force Arès 9.4 Navy 10 Belgium 11 Lithuania 12 Netherlands 13 New Zealand 14 Poland 15 Italy 16 Turkey 17 India 18 Norway 19 Portugal 20 Spain 21 Romania 22 Estonia 23 Finland 24 Upcoming deployments 25 References 26 External links

Overall command and control

This description of command and control within a US chain of command is incomplete at this time. It refers to Operation Enduring Freedom that includes some other "coalition" members, but is essentially American. However, there is also an expanding NATO structure that covers much of Afghanistan, including the southern provinces that are the birth place of the Taliban and where the most serious fighting seen since 2001 took place in August and September 2006. This structure reports through the NATO chain of command, which in October 2006 formally took full responsibility for the whole of Afghanistan. CFC-A will disband after 30 November 2006, and CJTF 76 joined the ISAF structure as large chunks of RC East. ComCJTF 76 now is also ComRCEast.

Many of the contingents listed in this article are part of the NATO ISAF rather than the US Operation Enduring Freedom. For example the British, Canadian and Dutch contingents in the South are NATO ISAF forces, rather than those of Operation Enduring Freedom. Some coalition units though, such as ground attack aircraft, support Operation Enduring Freedom, ISAF and the Provisional Reconstruction Teams.

The final completion of the transfer of authority from OEF to ISAF will in some ways not change coalition leadership realities much. The United States will remain dominant in the coalition structure, with a U.S. four-star general arriving to take command in early 2007. U.S. forces hunting the Taliban in eastern Afghanistan will also remain under U.S. control.

International Security Assistance Force

The overall command of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force starts from Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe at Casteau, Belgium. The overall command is vested in Joint Force Command Brunssum at Brussum in the Netherlands, then the Commander ISAF, who has five regional commands, Capital, at Kabul, North, South, East, and West reporting to him.

• Regional Command Capital (French Brig. Gen. Michel Stollsteiner)
  • Kabul Multi-National Brigade
    • Hungary has deployed one reconnaissance company that serves as part of ISAF's Battle Group 3 in Kabul.
    • A Latvian explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) unit is deployed as part of ISAF's Battle Group 3 in Kabul.

• Regional Command South (Dutch Maj. Gen. Mart de Kruif)
  • Headquarters Regional Command (South) is based on the Netherlands 43 Mechanized Brigade with augmentation from the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Australia, Denmark, Estonia, and other partner countries. The new specially formed British 6th Division headquarters will take responsibility for Regional Command (South) in 2007, under Major General 'Jacko' Page.^[1] Regional Command (South) is a divisional organization composed of four provincial task forces (three equivalent to brigades) and regional troops.
    • Task Force Uruzgan: Composed mainly of a Netherlands mechanized battle group (including self-propelled artillery and engineers) and Tarin Kowt PRT, and the Australian Reconstruction Task Force. Equipment includes the YPR-765 AIFV, the Patria AMV, the Bushmaster, and the Panzerhaubitze 2000.
    • Task Force Leatherneck: This task force is the U.S. contribution to RC South and is headquartered by the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade.
    • Task Force Helmand: The mainly British ground force also includes the Lashkar Gah PRT, the Danish battle group, Team 8, and a company from Estonia. From April 2007 to (unknown) Task Force Helmand also included an contingent from Special Operations Group - Military Police, of the Army of the Czech Republic.^[2]
    • Task Force Kandahar: A mainly Canadian force composed of the 2nd Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group (including M777 towed artillery, a surveillance and reconnaissance squadron of The Royal Canadian Dragoons, a Leopard C2 tank squadron of Lord Strathcona's Horse, and combat engineers), various national support elements, and the Kandahar PRT. The 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment from the U.S. 4th Infantry Division also is under operational control of Task Force Kandahar.^[3]
    • Task Force Zabul: A battalion-sized combined force of the 280th Infantry Battalion from Romania and a company from the 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, supporting the American PRT at Qalat.^[4]
    • Aviation Task Forces from the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands, employing AH-64 Apache, UH-60 Black Hawk, CH-47 Chinook, Westland Lynx, and Eurocopter Cougar helicopters.
    • Multi-national Field Hospital located at Kandahar Airfield

• Regional Command East/Combined Joint Task Force 82 (U.S. Maj. Gen. Jeffrey J. Schloesser)
  • Task Force Spartan: The 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division heads up Task Force Spartan, a U.S.-led task force in the central and eastern regions of Afghanistan.
  • Task Force Mountain Warrior: The 4th Infantry Division’s 4th Brigade Combat Team headquarters this task force, which shares its area of responsibility in central and eastern Afghanistan with Task Force Spartan.
  • Task Force Cyclone: With more than 3,900 coalition military personnel, the task force's mission is assist the Afghan government with security, construction, economic and agricultural support in Bamyan, Kapisa, Panjshir and Parwan provinces. It also facilitates the reception, training, housing, and sustainment of U.S. troops entering the country. It is headquartered by the 38th Infantry Division, Indiana Army National Guard, which relieved the 1st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade on August 31, 2009.^[5]
  • Brigade La Fayette (French) : with 2 infantry battalion (Surobi valley, Kapisa valley), 1 helicopter bataillon (Kaboul, 11 helicopters), and 1 logistic and support battalion, aroun 3200 military personnels.
  • Provincial Reconstruction Team Bamiyan/New Zealand Task Group Crib
  • Czech PRT Logar in Logar province, south of Kabul. This independent deployment follows a three year tour to the German Provincial Reconstruction Team in Badakshan province. The Czech PRT was established in March 2008. Based at Forward Operating Base Shank, it includes up to 200 military personnel and 10 civilians.^[6]
  • Other Provincial Reconstruction Teams in Asadabad, Gardez, Ghazni, Jalalabad, Khowst, Parwan, Mehtar Lam, and Sharona.
• Regional Command North (Mazar-e-Sharif) (German Brig. Gen. Jörg Vollmer)
  • The are five PRTs under RC-North, which is commanded by Germany.
• Regional Command West (Herat) (Italian Brig. Gen. Paolo Serra)^[7]
  • Commanded by Italy, RC-West includes four PRTs.
  • In 2008, the Italian Army's contribution to ISAF and Operation Enduring Freedom peaked at 2,850 personnel. The current Italian mission centres around the 2nd Alpini Regiment. Italy has sent 411 troops, based on one infantry company from the 2nd Alpini Regiment tasked to protect the ISAF HQ, one engineer company, one NBC platoon, one logistic unit, as well as liaison and staff elements integrated into the operation chain of command. Italian forces also command a multinational engineer task force and have deployed a platoon of Italian military police. Three AB-412 helicopters also are deployed to Kabul.Italian Special Forces (Col Moschin and COMSUBIN), equivalent of the British SAS, work from Herat and Kabul. They are primarily tasked to protect conventional troops, but also work closely with Italian HUMINT teams.
  • The Task Force 45, about 200 operators, composed of Rangers of the 4th Alpini Paracadutisti Regiment, frogmen of the COMSUBIN, raiders of the 9° "Col Moschin" and operators from the 185° RRAO "Folgore" and special force from Air Force and Carabinieri operate with Delta Force and SAS in Farah province.
  • On September 18, 2006 Italian special forces, of Task Force 45 and the airborne troopers of the ‘Trieste’ infantry regiment of the Rapid Reaction Corps composed of Italian and Spanish forces, took part in ‘Wyconda Pincer’ operation in the districts of Bala Buluk and Pusht-i-Rod, in Farah province. Italian forces killed at least 70 Taliban.

U.S.-led Coalition

The overall command of the U.S.-led coalition effort in Afghanistan—known as Operation Enduring Freedom—Afghanistan—is headquartered at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, which reports to United States Central Command. OEF-Afghanistan's two major commands are Combined Joint Task Force 101, and the Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan (CSTC-A).^[8] With the Stage IV transition of authority to ISAF, the status of the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade/Task Force Falcon, which handles all the helicopter combat aviation duties in Afghanistan, is uncertain, along with the exact status of Combined Task Force Sword, the engineer task force, and the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force. It is unclear exactly what units are assigned to OEF-Afghanistan, but the operation is in charge of counter-terrorist operations, including pursuing al Qaeda along Afghanistan’s inhospitable border region with Pakistan.^[9]

Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan (CSTC-A)

• This command is responsible for training the Afghan National Army and the Afghan National Police through its headquarters and Combined Joint Task Force (CJTF) Phoenix^[10]. CSTC-A is responsible for mentoring the ministries of defense and interior, while CJTF Phoenix is responsible for mentoring Afghan National Army corps and below and Afghan National Police districts and below. CJTF Phoenix is headquartered by the 33rd Brigade Combat Team, Illinois Army National Guard, which relieved the 27th Brigade Combat Team, New York Army National Guard in late 2008, which relieved the 218th Brigade Combat Team, South Carolina Army National Guard in early 2008. The rest of the task force is made up of National Guard and Reserve personnel from 42 states, Marine Corps reservists, active duty representatives from the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps, and soldiers assigned from France, Germany, Romania, Canada, New Zealand, Mongolia, and the United Kingdom.

United States

• Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan

This task force rotates between the 3rd and 7th Special Forces Groups. The 7th Group, commanded by Col. Sean Mulholland, replaced the 3rd Group in late July 2009. The task force is partnered with six Afghan commando units.

However, other U.S. special operation forces also have deployed to Afghanistan. Units that have deployed in the past have included elements of the 75th Ranger Regiment, Navy SEALs, units from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, squadrons from the Army's covert 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment—Delta, commonly known as Delta Force, air commandos from the Air Force Special Operations Command and Marines from the Marine Special Operations Command. CIA paramilitary teams also have served in Afghanistan.

Special operations units from coalition countries have also served in Afghanistan, including members of the British Special Air Service (SAS) and Special Boat Service (SBS), troopers from the Australian Special Air Service Regiment (SASR), Germany's KSK (Kommando Spezialkraefte), and soldiers from Canada's Joint Task Force Two (JTF2). In 2005, and again in 2009, elements of the New Zealand Special Air Service was deployed to Afghanistan. Soldiers from Sweden's Särskilda Skyddsgruppen (Special Protection Group) have served in Afghanistan and two SSG troopers were killed by a roadside bomb in late 2005. Norwegian Special Forces units also have deployed to Afghanistan.

• 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team (Col. James Johnson)

The 173rd relieved the 3rd BCT, 10th Mountain Division in December 2009. ^[11] It is responsible for Wardak and Logar provinces as part of Regional Command East. The brigade has combat experience in Afghanistan from two previous deployments and includes the following units:

• • Headquarters and Headquarters Company
  • 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment
  • 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment
  • 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment
  • 173rd Special Troops Battalion
  • 173rd Support Battalion

• 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division (Col. Randy George)

The 4th BCT, known as Task Force Mountain Warrior, is responsible for Nangarhar, Nuristan, Konar and Laghman provinces in eastern Afghanistan. It relieved the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, or Task Force Duke, which had been conducting operations in the area for the past 15 months.^[12] The 4th BCT includes the following units:

• • 1st Battalion 12th Infantry Regiment (Currently under the operational control, or OPCON, of Task Force Kandahar)
  • 2nd Battalion 12th Infantry Regiment
  • 3rd Squadron 61st Cavalry Regiment
  • 2nd Battalion 77th Field Artillery Regiment
  • 704th Brigade Support Battalion
  • 4th Brigade Special Troops Battalion

• 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division (Col. Harry Tunnell)

Based at Fort Lewis, Washington, the 5th SBCT deployed approximately 4,000 soldiers to Afghanistan in mid-summer 2009.^[13] Part of the brigade is deployed to Zabul province as part of Task Force Zabul.^[14] This is the first rotation to Afghanistan for one of the U.S. Army's new Stryker brigades and includes the following units:

• • 1st Battalion 17th, Infantry Regiment
  • 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment
  • 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment—Forward Operating Base Wolverine, Zabul province ^[15]
  • 3rd Battalion, 17th Field Artillery Regiment
  • 8th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment
  • 402nd Brigade Support Battalion
  • 572nd Military Intelligence Company
  • 562nd Engineer Company
  • Company A, 52nd Infantry Regiment
  • 21st Signal Company
  • Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 5th SBCT

• 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division (Col. Michael L. Howard)

Based at Fort Richardson in Alaska, the 4th BCT relieved the 4th BCT of the 101st Airborne Division in March 2009. The brigade is responsible for Paktya, Paktika and Khost provinces.^[16] Known as Task Force Yukon, the 4th BCT includes the following units:

• • Headquarters & Headquarters Company, 4th BCT
  • 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment
  • 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment
  • 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment
  • 2nd Battalion, 377th Field Artillery Regiment
  • 425th Brigade Special Troops Battalion
  • 725th Brigade Support Battalion

• 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division (Col. Brian M. Drinkwine)

About 3,300 paratroopers from the 4th BCT deployed to western and southern Afghanistan in August 2009.^[17] Based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, the 4th BCT includes the following units:

• • 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment
  • 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment
  • 4th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment
  • 2nd Battalion, 321st Airborne Field Artillery Regiment
  • 782nd Brigade Support Battalion
  • 508th Special Troops Battalion

• Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan/'Task Force Leatherneck' (Brig. Gen. Larry Nicholson)

MEB-Afghanistan absorbed the former Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Afghanistan in southern Afghanistan on May 29, 2009, reflecting the Marine Corps portion of the increased U.S. troop commitment to Afghanistan. Headquartered by the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, MEB-Afghanistan includes the following units:

• Regimental Combat Team 7 (Col. Randall P. Newman) ^[18]
  • 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment
  • 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment
  • 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment
  • 3rd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment

• • Marine Aircraft Group 40 (Col. Kevin S. Vest)
    • Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 362
    • Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 772
    • Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169
    • Marine Attack Squadron 214
    • Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352
    • Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 2
    • Marine Wing Support Squadron 371

• • Combat Logistics Regiment 2 (Col. John W. Simmons)
    • Combat Logistics Battalion 8
    • 8th Engineer Support Battalion

• • 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion

• • 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion ^[19]

• • 2nd MEB Headquarters Group

• Headquarters, 82nd Airborne Division (Maj. Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti)

The headquarters of the 82nd Airborne Division relieved the 101st Airborne Division's headquarters on June 3, 2009.^[20] Consisting of roughly 1,000 soldiers the 101st's headquarters officially became Combined Joint Task Force 82 and now commands NATO’s Regional Command East sector in Afghanistan.

• 45th Sustainment Brigade (Col. Clay B. Hatcher)

The 45th, based in Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, relieved the 101st Sustainment Brigade on February 9, 2009.^[21] The brigade is responsible for the Joint Logistics Command and is augmented by an Army Reserve unit and a unit from the Maine Army National Guard.

• • Headquarters and Headquarters Company
  • 45th Special Troops Battalion
  • 524th Combat Service Support Battalion
  • 286th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, Army Reserve
  • 484th Movement Control Battalion, Maine Army National Guard

• 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division (Col. Paul Bricker)

The 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) deployed approximately 2,800 soldiers to Afghanistan in the spring of 2009. The deployment is part of the buildup of combat forces in Afghanistan and the brigade relieved the 159th Combat Aviation Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division. Known as Task Force Pegasus, the brigade is based at Kandahar Airfield in southern Afghanistan.^[22] The 82nd CAB includes the following units:

• • Headquarters and Headquarters Company
  • 1st Battalion, 82nd Aviation Regiment (Attack Reconnaissance), flying AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopters
  • 2nd Battalion, 82nd Aviation Regiment (Assault), flying UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters
  • 3rd Battalion, 82nd Aviation Regiment (General Support), flying CH-47F Chinook helicopters
  • 1st Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment (Attack Reconnaissance) flying OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopters
  • 122nd Aviation Support Battalion

• 33rd Brigade Combat Team, Illinois Army National Guard (Col. Scott Thoele)

The 33rd BCT is currently the headquarters of Task Force Phoenix, which is in charge of training the Afghan National Army. The 33rd deployed in the winter of 2008, relieving the 27th BCT of the New York Army National Guard.^[23] The brigade includes 1,600 soldiers from Illinois augmented by volunteers from Arkansas, Guam, Georgia and Oregon and soldiers from the Inactive Ready Reserve. The 33rd includes the following units:

• • 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment
  • 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment
  • 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment
  • 33rd Special Troops Battalion
  • 634th Brigade Support Battalion
  • 2nd Battalion, 122nd Field Artillery Regiment
  • 3rd Battalion, 103rd Armor Regiment, Pennsylvania Army National Guard

• 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Georgia Army National Guard (Col. Lee Durham)

The 48th Infantry BCT deployed to continue training the Afghan National Security Forces.^[24]. The 48th IBCT includes the following units:

• • Headquarters and Headquarters Company
  • 48th Brigade Special Troops Battalion
  • 1st Squadron, 108th Cavalry Regiment
  • 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment
  • 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment
  • 1st Battalion, 118th Field Artillery Regiment
  • 148th Brigade Support Battalion

Australia

The Australian Defence Force's contribution to ISAF is known as Operation Slipper and consists of the following:^[25]

National command and support element Approximately 165 Defence Force members embedded in various headquarters.

• Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force

This task force includes about 670 personnel engaged in construction and security operations in Uruzgan province. The MRTF also includes an Operational Mentor and Liaison Team which assists in the development of the Afghan National Army's 4th Brigade. The task force is composed mainly of infantry, cavalry and engineers from the 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, 2nd Cavalry Regiment and 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment. The task force is currently commanded by Lt. Col. Peter Connolly.

• Special Operations Task Group (SOTG)

The task group provides support of ISAF security operations and provides security and force protection for coalition forces in Uruzgan province. The task groups includes about 310 personnel, consisting of Commandos, members of the Special Air Service Regiment and enabling and support personnel.

• Force Support Unit

This unit provides logistical support for ADF operations in Afghanistan. Based in Kandahar, the unit has approximately 70 personnel.

• Force Communications Unit

Approximately 40 personnel in various locations support ADF operations with command and control communications.

• Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Detachment

A UAV detachment of 30 personnel from 20th Surveillance Targeting Acquisition Regiment operating the SCANEAGLE UAV.

• Rotary Wing Group

This aviation group, with about 70 personnel, operates two CH-47D Chinook helicopters from Kandahar Air Field. The CH-47D's perform combat support, quick response force and medical/casualty evacuation missions.

• Medical Treatment Facility

A ten-person medical team is deployed to support the Dutch Medical Facility in Tarin Kowt.

United Kingdom

See Operation Herrick order of battle
There are 9,000 British armed forces personnel deployed in Afghanistan.^[26] Most of the force is deployed in southern Afghanistan but UK personnel also are deployed in support of headquarters for ISAF and OEF in the Afghan capital of Kabul.

Helmand

British operations in the southern province of Helmand are led by the headquarters of 11 Light Brigade, which started a six-month tour on October 10, 2009, relieving 19 Light Brigade.^[27] Units deployed to Helmand include the following:

• 11 Light Brigade Headquarters and Signal Squadron (261)
• Headquarters, 8 Force Engineer Brigade
• Headquarters, 101 Logistic Brigade
• 1st Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery
• 28 Engineer Regiment
• The Household Cavalry Regiment
• 3rd Battalion and elements of 4th Battalion, The Rifles
• Elements of The Royal Scots Borderers, 1st Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland
• Elements of 2nd and 4th Battalions, the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment
• Elements of 1st and 3rd Battalions, The Royal Anglian Regiment
• Elements of 2nd Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment
• 1st Battalion and elements of 2nd and 3rd Battalions, The Royal Welsh
• Elements of 2nd Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles
• 19 Combat Service Support Battalion
• 173 Provost Company, Royal Military Police
• 29 Regiment, The Royal Logistic Corps
• 2 Medical Regiment
• 4 Close Support Battalion, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
• Elements of 1st and 2nd Royal Tank Regiment
• Elements of 5th Regiment, 12th Regiment, 19th Regiment, 32nd Regiment and 39th Regiment, Royal Artillery
• Elements of 26 Engineer Regiment, 33 Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal, 42 Engineer Regiment (Geographical) and 101 Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal)
• Elements of 2nd Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles
• Elements of 4 Logistic Support Regiment, The Royal Logistic Corps
• Elements of 5th Regiment, 12th Regiment, 16th Regiment, 19th Regiment, 32nd Regiment and 39th Regiment, The Royal Logistic Corps
• Elements of 7th Signal Regiment, 10th Signal Regiment, 14th Signal Regiment (Electronic Warfare), 21st Signal Regiment (Air Support) and 30th Signal Regiment
• Elements of 4 Logistic Support Regiment, The Royal Logistic Corps
• Elements of 6 Regiment, 7 Regiment, 9 Regiment, 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment, 17 Port and Maritime Regiment, 23 Pioneer Regiment, 24 Regiment and 27 Regiment, The Royal Logistic Corps
• Elements of 24 Postal Courier and Movement Regiment and 29 Postal Courier and Movement Regiment, The Royal Logistic Corps
• 160 Provost Company, Royal Military Police
• Elements of 170 (Infrastructure Support) Engineer Group
• Elements of 2 (National Communications) Signal Brigade
• Elements of 15 Field Support Squadron
• Elements of Allied Command Europe Rapid Reaction Corps Support Battalion
• Elements of 6 Close Support Battalion and 7 Air Assault Battalion, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
• 104 Force Support Battalion, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
• Elements of 1st (United Kingdom) Armoured Division Headquarters & Signal Regiment
• Elements of 102 Military Working Dog Support Unit
• Elements of 1 Military Intelligence Brigade
• Elements of the Joint Civil Military Co-operation Group (CIMIC)
• Elements of 148 Expeditionary Force Institute Squadron (Volunteers), The Royal Logistic Corps

Kandahar

The Royal Air Force (RAF) has deployed a Joint Force Harrier detachment from RAF Cottesmore. Based in Kandahar, it provides close air support and reconnaissance to coalition and NATO forces operating in southern Afghanistan. These are the deployed Royal Air Force, Royal Navy and Army Air Corps units:

• Elements of 845 Naval Air Squadron
• Elements of 846 Naval Air Squadron
• Elements of 847 Naval Air Squadron
• 1 Regiment Field Squadron, Royal Air Force Regiment
• Elements of 1 Regiment, 3 Regiment and 4 Regiment, Army Air Corps
• Elements to man 904 Expeditionary Air Wing, Royal Air Force
• 1 (Fighter) Squadron RAF, operating the GR7 Harriers
• 18 (B) Squadron RAF, operating CH-47 Chinook helicopters
• 27 Squadron RAF, operating CH-47 Chinook helicopters
• 30 Squadron RAF, operating C-130J Hercules transport aircraft
• Elements of 39 Squadron RAF, operating MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles
• Elements of 617 Squadron, Royal Air Force, flying the GR4 Tornado
• 47 Squadron RAF, operating C-130 Hercules transport aircraft
• 70 Squadron RAF, operating C-130J Hercules transport aircraft
• 4 Force Protection Wing Headquarters, Royal Air Force
• Elements of 1 Air Movements Wing, RAF
• 6 Force Protection Wing Headquarters, Royal Air Force Regiment
• 63 Queen's Colour Squadron, Royal Air Force Regiment
• Elements of 85 (Expeditionary Logistic) Wing Headquarters, RAF
• Elements to man the Joint Helicopter Support Unit
• Elements of 1 Air Control Centre RAF
• Elements of 90 Signals Unit RAF
• Elements of 2 Motor Transport Squadron, RAF
• Elements of 5001 Squadron, RAF
• Elements of Mobile Catering Support Unit
• Elements of Tactical Medical Wing
• Elements of Tactical Armament Squadron
• Elements of the Tactical Supply Wing, Royal Air Force
• Elements of Tactical Imagery Intelligence Wing
• Elements of Joint Medical Command
• Elements of 2 Medical Regiment
• Elements of 4 Medical Regiment
• Elements of 202 Field Hospital (Volunteers)
• Elements of 225 Medical Regiment (Volunteers)

Canada

Roughly 2,830 Canadian Forces (CF) personnel are deployed in Afghanistan as part of Joint Task Force Afghanistan, which is part of Canada's renewed commitment to the international campaign against terrorism, Operation Athena. With the exception of approximately 85 CF personnel serving with various military and civilian organizations in Kabul and Bagram, all CF assets are based in Kandahar Province, in the southern region of Afghanistan.

• 2nd Battalion, Royal 22e Regiment Battle Group (Lt. Col. Jocelyn Paul)

Effective 15 April 2009, the Royal 22e Regiment Battle Group replaced 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment in Task Force Kandahar. The battle group includes about 1,200 solders in the following sub-units:

• • Battle Group Headquarters, A Company, B Company, C Company and Service Company Platoon, 2nd Battalion, Royal 22e Regiment based in Valcartier, Quebec
  • R Battery, 5e Régiment d’artillerie légère (RALC) based in Valcartier, Quebec
  • C Squadron, Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) (LdSH(RC)) in Edmonton, using Leopard 2A6M CAN main battle tanks
  • B Squadron, 12e Régiment blindé du Canada (12th Armoured Regiment of Canada), based in Valcartier, Quebec
  • 51 Field Squadron, 5 Combat Engineer Regiment, based in Valcartier, Quebec
  • Role 1 Health Services Support facility from 5 Field Ambulance, based in Valcartier, Quebec

• Operational Mentor and Liaison Team (Col. Gregory D. Burt)
  • The Operational Mentor and Liaison Team (OMLT) was formed in August 2006 to work with the 1st Brigade of the ANA’s 205 Corps, based in Kandahar Province. 1st Brigade consists of a headquarters, three infantry kandaks, one combat support kandak and one logistics kandak. (A kandak is about the size of a Canadian infantry battalion.) The OMLT includes 160 soldiers from a wide range of occupations and units across Canada.
  • The Police OMLT was formed in August 2007 to advise, mentor and assist district-level leaders of the Afghan National Police, reinforce professional development efforts, and bring the ANP to a level of proficiency at which it can operate independently. Its 60 personnel, who come from the Military Police Company and the OMLT, work with ANP checkpoints and patrols in the field.

• Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) (Lt. Col. Carl Turenne)
  • Since August 2005, a Canadian PRT has operated in Kandahar Province, where it is expected to remain until 2011. The PRT brings together elements from the Canadian Forces, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, the Canadian International Development Agency, and civilian police led by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in an integrated Canadian effort known as the “All of Government” approach. Approximately 250 personnel are based at the PRT site at Camp Nathan Smith in Kandahar and are drawn largely from Land Force Central Area (LFCA). The PRT includes:
  • The PRT Commander’s Tactical Headquarters Group, which provides protection and mobility to the PRT commander and his staff
  • A force Protection company of soldiers from 1st Battalion, Royal 22e Regiment and Army Reserve units, which provides security to the various PRT detachments involved with projects outside of Kandahar. The company also is the quick reaction force for Kandahar and maintains the defense and security of the PRT camp.
  • Military project managers (military engineers) to enhance the PRT’s capability to manage quick impact reconstruction and development projects
  • A civil-military co-operation platoon of Army Reserve soldiers from Land Force Western Area
  • Service and support elements drawn from across Canada
  • Other specialized elements from various CF units across Canada.

• Joint Task Force Afghanistan Air Wing (Col. J. Bruce Ploughman)

The JTF-Afg Air Wing comprises all the Canadian Forces air assets in the southwest Asia theatre of operations. JTF-Afg Air Wing is made up of the following sub-units:

• • Theatre Support Element (TSE), providing aviation technical and logistics support services to Joint Task Force Afghanistan from a base in the Persian Gulf region (likely to be Camp Mirage)
  • Tactical Aviation Unit, conducting personnel and cargo transport missions from Kandahar Airfield and the TSE. It includes three CC-130 Hercules transport aircraft and crews from 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario
  • Canadian Helicopter Force Afghanistan includes eight CH-146 Griffon utility transport tactical helicopter, with crews and ground staff from 430 Tactical Helicopter Squadron in the Valcartier garrison, six CH-147 Chinook D medium- to heavy-lift helicopters, with crews and ground staff from helicopter squadrons across Canada, and six Mi8 medium-lift helicopters chartered with their crews and ground staff from Sky Link Aviation of Toronto
  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Detachment, equipped with CU-161 Sperwer tactical UAVs, and CU-170 Heron UAVs (leased for one year from MacDonald Dettwiler of Vancouver).

• Other CF units
  • A health service support company based around 5 Field Ambulance in Valcartier, Quebec and 1 Canadian Field Hospital in Petawawa, Ontario. The company provides the medical staff for Kandahar Airfield’s “Role 1” medical unit, providing primary health care services, and most of the medical staff for the Multinational Medical Unit, a hospital with specialist services and major surgical capabilities
  • 250 CF members from all over Canada, in Kandahar, who constitute the National Command Element
  • 300 CF members in the National Command Element in Kandahar, primarily from 5 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group
  • About 300 CF members with the National Support Element (NSE) in Kandahar, primarily from 5 Service Battalion in Valcartier;
  • 250 CF members with the Theatre Support Element in Southwest Asia;
  • In Kabul, about 50 CF personnel at ISAF Headquarters, 15 personnel with a smaller NSE Detachment and 15 personnel working at the Strategic Advisory Team who work closely with at the Canadian embassy;

Czech Republic

The Armed Forces of the Czech Republic have been a part of ISAF since March 2004 and are currently divided into three deployments.^[28]

• PRT
  • Logar - see Regional Command East above

• Field Hospital and Chemical Detachment
  • A field hospital and chemical detachment from the Czech Armed Forces deployed in March 2007 after NATO requested that its members increase national contributions to ISAF. The field hospital consists of 83 personnel and is based at Kabul International Airport. The chemical detachment is a 13-member support unit attached to ISAF Headquarters in Kabul.^[29]

• Special Operations Group
  • ISAF - Afghanistan - 2006
  • A 35-member contingent of the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Czech Military Police was deployed to Helmand province in southern Afghanistan since April 2007. Since then, the unit's strength was increased by dozens. The SOG unit reinforces a British brigade deployed to Helmand. The unit's task is to protect specific persons and significant objects and facilities. There are three six-month rotations planned.^[28]
  • The third rotation of the Special Operations Group (SOG) contingent was deployed to Logar province in Afghanistan to November 2008. The SOG unit reinforced an American Quick Reaction Forces (QRF) and cooperated with two members of the Czech Forward Air Control (FAC).

• 601st Special Forces Group
  • ISAF - Afghanistan - 2002.
  • A contingent deployed to Kandahar province in southern Afghanistan in 2004. 601st SFG destroyed the talibans positions.
  • A contingent deployed to Kandahar in 2006.
  • A contingent has been deployed to Kandahar since September 2008.

Denmark

Around 750 Danish Defence Force personnel are deployed in Afghanistan from the Royal Danish Army.^[30] Almost all of them are deployed in the Helmand Province, where they have been engaged in extensive fighting with Taleban/Al-Qaeda forces. Denmark commands Battle Group Center (DABG/Danish Battlegroup) as part of Task Force Helmand. The battle group is based at FOB Price near Gereshk with units at FOB Armadillo, FOB Sandford, FOB Keenan and Patrol Base Barakzai. Approximately 50 soldiers work along with civilian organizations. Denmark had an unknown amount of special operations forces in Afghanistan during the invasion in 2001. It is unknown whether special operations personnel are currently deployed.

• The Danish Battle Group, known as Team 8, includes these Danish units:
  • Staff and logistics company composed of units for escort, supply, maintenance and repairs and medical personnel
  • Mechanized infantry company, currently the 3rd Company, 2nd Battalion, Royal Life Guards, using the Piranha wheeled personnel carrier
  • A tank platoon with Leopard 2 A5 tanks from Jutlands Dragoon regiment
  • A reconnaissance company/squadron the 2nd squadron, 3th battalion, Royal Guardshusar regiment.
  • Close air support and artillery spotting team
  • Engineering unit
  • Signals unit
  • Military police unit
  • A civil-military cooperation unit for identification and coordination of selected reconstruction projects

• Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT)

A number of Danish soldiers are working on a PRT in Lashkar Gah and a Lithuanian PRT in Chaghcharan.

Germany

Germany is currently in charge of Regional Command North with its HQ located at Camp Marmal near Mazari Sharif, Balkh province. Germany also leads the Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRT) located in Feyzabad, Badakhshan province and Kunduz, Kunduz province.

The German contribution to ISAF (4,500 soldiers) is mainly operating in northern Afghanistan. 100 soldiers from Germany's special forces fought in Afghanistan from early 2002 till 2005 with US-led coalition forces in Operation Enduring Freedom.

As of December 2009 Germany deploys the following forces - among others - to Afghanistan:

• Elements of 263 Paratrooper Battalion, Airborne Brigade 26 "Saarland", Special Operations Division
• Elements of 391 Mechanized Infantry Battalion, Mechanized Infantry Brigade 37 "Free State of Saxony", 13th Mechanized Infantry Division
• Elements of 401 Mechanized Infantry Battalion, Mechanized Infantry Brigade 41 "Cispomerania", 13th Mechanized Infantry Division
• Elements of 6 Army Reconnaissance Battalion, Mechanized Infantry Brigade 37 "Free State of Saxony", 13th Mechanized Infantry Division
• Elements of 13 Army Reconnaissance Battalion, Mechanized Infantry Brigade 41 "Cispomerania", 13th Mechanized Infantry Division
• Elements of 950 PSYOPS Battalion, PSYOPS Centre, Joint Support Command
• Elements of 1 Light Infantry Regiment (Air Assault), Air Assault Brigade 1, Airmobile Operations Division
• Elements of 15 Army Aviation Regiment "Munsterland", Airmobile Operations Division, Airmobile Operations Division
• Elements of 25 Army Aviation Regiment "Upper Swabia", Airmobile Operations Division, Airmobile Operations Division
• Elements of Logistics Brigade 1 (Mobile), I. Military District Command, Joint Support Service
• Reconnaissance Wing 51 "Immelmann" (with 6 Panavia Tornado reconnaissance jets, maintenance and target acquisition troops), 4th Air Force Division
• Elements of The Air Force Regiment "Frisia", 4th Air Force Division
• Elements of Naval Force Protection group, 1st Flotilla
• Elements of Airlift Transport Command (with 8 Transall C-160 and maintenance personnel)

Germany runs bases in Mazari Sharif (about 1850 troops), Kunduz (1100 troops) and Faizabad (430)) in the North of Afghanistan and has additional permanent presences in Termez (250), Kabul (240), Kandahar (35) and Taloquan (30).

France

The French have deployed 3,700 military personnel in Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Indian Ocean, under NATO or as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. Among them, 2,900 French soldiers are engaged on the Afghan territory.^[31]

French order of battle as of June 2009

Army (Land)

• Battle Group Kabul

French Gen. Marcel Druart is the current commander of Regional Command-Capital, which covers the Kabul area. It consists of three battle groups: an Italian battalion in charge of the western zone, a Turkish battalion in the south and a French battalion in the north The French part of RC-C consists of 1,400 personnel spread across the following units:

• • Headquarters staff of 75 personnel.
  • A command and logistic battalion (Bataillon de Commandement et de Soutien) with 500 soldiers.
  • A BATFRA light battalion consisting of 800 soldiers based in Kabul and on FOB Surobi.^[32] It includes soldiers from the following units:
    • Three infantry companies of the 2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment
    • A squadron of research and investigation from the 1st Foreign Cavalry Regiment
    • A company from the 1st Foreign Engineer Regiment
    • A battery of mortars from the 3rd Marine Artillery Regiment

• Battle Group Kapisa (Col. Chanson)

Known as Task Force Korrigan, it consists of 650 soldiers. The battle group is located in Kapisa province, east of Kabul, and is based into two U.S. forward operating bases (FOB), Nijrab and Tagab. Since June 15, 2009, it includes the following units:^[33]

• • 3rd Marine Infantry Regiment
  • An armored platoon from the 1st Marine Infantry Regiment
  • Two engineering sections of the 6th Engineer Regiment
  • Two mortar sections from the 11th Marine Field Artillery Regiment
  • A group of transmitters from the 48th Signal Regiment

• Operational Mentor and Liaison Teams (OMLT)

The French have 450 soldiers divided into six OMLT, including 1 OMLT in Uruzgan province, 1 OMLT logistic and 1 OMLT support and 4 OMLT infantry. The French OMLT have been assigned to the 1st Brigade of the Afghan National Army's 201st Corps since August 2006. The OMLT advise the Afghan military on soldier training and education, assist with planning and conduct of operations and coordinate actions with ISAF. Soldiers from the 27th Mountain Infantry are currently manning two OMLT. Soldiers of the 6th Light Armored Brigade and the 2nd Logistics Brigade arrived in Afghanistan on December 28, 2007 to staff two new OMLT, one for an engineering/artillery battalion and another for a logistics battalion. In February 2008, French advisers resumed full supervision of the staff of the 1st Brigade, previously shared with U.S. soldiers. France also will deploy another OMLT during 2008 that will be attached to the Dutch contingent deployed in the Oruzgan province.

- Army aviation group (DETALAT) : 11 helicopters : 3 reconnaissance helicopter Gazelle-Viviane, 3 tactical transport EC-725 Caracal, 3 attack helicopters Eurocopter EC-665 Tiger, 2 Eurocopter AS-532 Cougar - 100 soldiers

- EPIDOTE operation : ANA officers education - 35 soldiers

History :

- 2001 : deployment of special forces and naval group Charles de Gaulle (Nuclear carrier)

- 2002 : first arrival of french forces in Afghanistan : 1 coy from 21 RIMA

- 2003 ; creation of Kaboul Battle Group

- 2007 : departure of special forces group (Task Force Ares)

- 2008 : reinforcement of troop : Battle group Kaboul : + 1 Coy ; creation of Battle groupe Kapissa, OMLT : + 1 OMLT (+900 soldiers) - Embush of Surobi, 1 platoon of 8 RPIMA is distroyed (10 soldiers killed, 22 wounded)

- 2009 : reinforcement : + 5 helicopters, + 150 gendarmes (+ 200 soldiers) - battle of alasay (operation DInner Out)

Three Rafale F2 and three Mirage 2000D operate from Kandahar International Airport,^[34] alongside two KC-135 refueling aircraft which are based in Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan. fr:Escadron de chasse 1/7 Provence currently supplies the three aircraft. The French Naval battlegroup, including Aircraft Carrier Charles de Gaulle has also carried out several deployments to the Indian Ocean, providing support for ground troops with its twenty-five Rafale and Super Etendards.

Air Force

The French Air Force previously deployed the Dassault Mirage 2000D ground attack aircraft to Manas Air Base in Kyrgyzstan from 2002 to 2004. Then from 2004 to 2007, they stayed at Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

• Commandos Parachutistes de l'Air n°10

Air Parachute Commando number 10, the French Air Force's premier combat unit, specialized in assaulting and defending airfields, part of the COS.

Task Force Arès

In 2001 and beginning again in the summer of 2003, 200 soldiers from various units of the Commandement des Opérations Spéciales, including Navy, marine and air commandos, have conducted operations against the Taliban with great success in southern Afghanistan, under command and in co-operation with U.S. special operations forces present in the area. At least seven members of French Special Forces units have died in southern Afghanistan in the past year. They were withdrawn early 2007 and replaced by regular infantry, currently by the elite 2nd Infantry Regiment 2ème REI of the Foreign Legion (Légion Etrangère).

• 1^er Régiment de Parachutistes d'Infanterie de Marine

1st RPIMa (RPIMa standing for Marine Infantry Parachute Regiment) is part of the BFST Brigade des Forces Spéciales Terre.^[35] It was first involved in Operation Enduring Freedom in 2001 and then again from 2003. This unit is the French equivalent of the British SAS, and was created after World War II when 3 SAS and 4 SAS were handed over to the French as they had been Free French forces units. It serves today as the combat group of the French Special Operations Command (COS).

• 13ème Régiment de Dragons parachutistes

13th Parachute Dragoon Regiment This unit is, alongside the 1st RPIMa, the other ground component of the BFST. It is specialized in the collection of informations behind enemy lines and was the first French unit officially involved in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2001.

Navy

• Commandos Marine Jaubert, Trépel, de Montfort, de Penfentenyo

The French Commandos Marine are part of the French navy (unlike troupes de marine). They specialize in all kinds of amphibious operations and infantry combat as well as special operations behind enemy lines such as sabotage and reconnaissance The different commandos, which regroup around a hundred men, bear the names of French officers who died during World War Two and were members of the French Free forces commandos, forged on the model of newly born British commandos operating under the command of Lord Louis Mountbatten.

Belgium

Belgium has more than 500 soldiers from multiple units deployed in Afghanistan. The largest portion is drawn from the Regiment of Ardennes Hunters. The detachment, known as "Belgo-Luxembourg International Security and Assistance Force 20" or BELUISAF 20, provides sercurity and surveillance of the Kabul Airport.^[36] Belgian soldiers also command an Operational Mentor and Lisason Team based in Kunduz.^[37] The Belgian Air Force also has deployed six F-16 Fighting Falcons and 125 personnel to Kandahar to provide air support for ISAF under the name Operation Guardian Falcon.^[38]

Lithuania

Has ground forces active in Afghanistan in 2006.^[39]

Netherlands

In 2002, a tri-national detachment known as the European Participating Air Forces of 18 Danish, Netherlands and Norwegian F-16 ground-attack fighter aircraft and one Netherlands KDC-10 refuelling tanker was deployed to Manas International Airport in Kyrgyzstan to support operations in Afghanistan.

In mid 2006, Dutch Special Forces (Viper) teams deployed successfully to Tarin Kowt, to lay the ground for the increasing numbers of engineers who were building a vast base there. At the same time other special forces units from other nations deployed throughout the area, and worked closely together in this volatile area. By August 2006 the Netherlands deployed the majority of 1,400 troops to Uruzgan province at southern Afghanistan at Tarin Kowt (1,200), at Kamp Holland, and Deh Rahwod (200).^[40] The soldiers of Task Force Uruzgan are mostly from the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps (Korps Mariniers 2nd batalion) supplemented with soldiers from 44 Pantserinfanteriebataljon Regiment Johan Willem Friso and the 42 Tankbataljon Regiment Huzaren Prins van Oranje. PzH 2000 self-propelled artillery pieces have been deployed and used in combat for the first time.

Royal Netherlands Air Force support consists of six F-16 close-air-support aircraft (stationed at Kandahar Air Field), six Chinook transport helicopters of 298 Squadron stationed at Kandahar Airfield and six AH-64 attack helicopters of 301 Squadron at Camp Holland in Tarin Kowt. In September 2006 Dutch forces took part in Operation Medusa in Kandahar Province and in Operation Mountain Fury.

On November 1, 2006, Dutch Major-General Ton Van Loon took over ISAF's Regional Command South in Afghanistan for a six-month period from the Canadians. During this period one reinforced company group from A (Kings') company of 11 Grenadier and Ranger Guards Battalion of the 11th Air Assault Brigade served as the regional command South's reserve unit / QRF.

In summer of 2006 the Dutch encountered their first two casualties as the result of a helicopter crash. Later they lost an F-16 pilot in a plane crash and two infantrymen in a roadside bombing action. The total number of Dutch troops present as of January 1, 2007 is 1,907.^[41]

New Zealand

New Zealand is maintaining a Provincial Reconstruction Team - Task Group Crib - at Bamian which reports to Task Force Spartan. It has also sent several rotations of New Zealand Special Air Service personnel to Afghanistan. Prime Minister John Key's cabinet has just decided, as of early August 2009, to despatch a further rotation of SAS personnel.

In mid November 2007 NZ Prime Minister Helen Clark announced that NZ personnel would remain committed in Afghanistan until 2009.^[42] Around 120 will staff the Provincial Reconstruction Team, with others in ISAF staff positions and with a multinational medical unit at Khandahar, for a total of approximately 200.

Poland

A Polish combat team took over responsibility for peace enforcement in Ghazni and Paktika regions from U.S. troops on June 14, 2007. Part of the Polish deployment also is under the command of the 4th BCT of the 82nd Airborne Division.^[43] The Polish deployment includes 1,161 soldiers from the following units:

• 18th Air-Mobile Assault Battalion of Bielsko-Biala
• 17th Brigade (Mech) of Miedzyrzecz
• 10th Armoured Cavalry Brigade of Swietoszow
• 25th Air Cavalry Brigade
• 1st Special Commando Regiment
• 1st Pomeranian Logistic Brigade
• Civil-military cooperation group
• Psychologists’ group
• Military police units

The above listing is not current. Poland currently fields some 2000 military personnel, hailing mostly from the 6th Air Assault Brigade. The Polish force is reported to also use 10 Land Forces helicopters. Polish military units in Afghanistan also include a number of support units and a Special Forces Detachment-GROMand 1st Special Commando Regiment.

Italy

In 2002, the Italian Navy contributed to Operation Enduring Freedom, conducting patrols in the Indian Ocean and Italian Navy Harrier close support aircraft were made available to support ground forces. The Italian Naval battlegroup, including Aircraft Carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi.

From its inception, Italy has been a contributor to ISAF. In 2003, The Italian Army ‘Task Force Nibbio’ undertook base protection duties at Salerno Forward Operating Base in south east Afghanistan.^[44][45]

Italy is currently in charge of the Regional Command West with its HQ located in Herat, the Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRT) located in Herat Province.

Italy announced on the 15th May 2007 that it would send 5 Mangusta helicopter (A129), and new equipment in support of the ground troops, with armoured vehicles 8 “Dardo” and 10 “Lince”, and sent an additional 145 troops.

On 24 November 2008 Italy also sent four Panavia Tornado bombers. They are equipped with new devices capable of acquiring images in all weather conditions, and will be used for reconnaissance missions, but also carry self defence armament.

On December 2, 2009, Italy announced to increase her troops by approximately 1000.

Turkey

Turkey has 780 military personnel in Afghanistan and commands the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Wardak province, approximately 24.8 miles (40 kilometers) west of Kabul in November 2006.^[46]

India

India has deployed around 380 commandos from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police to protect members of India's Border Roads Organization from attacks by the Taliban.^[47] The BRO is working on the 218-km Zaranj-Delaram highway, a strategic road that will connect Kandahar to Iran border.^[48]

Norway

The Norwegian forces in Afghanistan consist of one mechanized company and one support squadron from Telemark Bataljon, and one ISTAR-squadron from the Intelligence Battalion, all serving with ISAF forces in Kabul. Norway also has previously deployed four F-16 ground attack fighter jets in 2002 and four F-16s returned to support the ISAF force in Afghanistan later in 2006 alongside Dutch F-16s.^[49] The detachment is know as the 1st Netherlands-Norwegian European Participating Forces Expeditionary Air Wing (1 NLD/NOR EEAW).^[50]

On the 8 February 2005, the US Navy and Marine Corps Presidential Unit Citation was awarded to Marinejegerkommandoen (MJK), the Norwegian Navy Special Forces, and to Hærens Jegerkommando (HJK), the Norwegian "Rangers", for their actions in Afghanistan since Operation Enduring Freedom onwards.

Portugal

In early 2009 the Portuguese contribution to the NATO ISAF mission in Afghanistan consists of an OMLT (Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team) of just about 30 personnel. The Portuguese government in late 2008 committed to providing a medical unit to ISAF, a 15-person medical team from the Military Health Service that will operate at the hospital at Kabul Airport.

Spain

Spain's contingent in Afghanistan consists of 450 personnel based in Badghis province in western Afghanistan.^[51] Spain commands one Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) and also operates a forward support base that is supply, medical and transport hub to assist the four PRT's under Regional Command - West. A Spanish unit also is the Quick Reaction Force for the area. The Spanish troops are from the following units:

• • Regimiento de Infantería Ligera “Canarias” 50 (50th Light Infantry Regiment "Canary") based in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
  • Agrupación de Apoyo Logístico 81 (81st Logistic Support Group), based in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
  • A Fuerzas Aeromóviles del Ejército de Tierra(FAMET)helicopter detachment.

Romania

As of 30 October 2009, Romanian Armed Forces have a total of 1044 personnel deployed to Afghanistan, of whom 986 as part of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and 58 as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.^[52] Assigned to ISAF are a 25-member military police platoon, six soldiers at posts in the ISAF command and the Multinational Brigade Command, a 30-soldier intelligence and counterintelligence detachment, all deployed in Kabul, and a C-130 Hercules airplane with 14 crew members and technicians operating from the 90th Airlift Base in Bucharest. Since July 2003, a detachment of 46 officers and NCOs are deployed in Kabul to assist in training the Afghan National Army. Small teams of Romanian soldiers also serve with the ISAF Provincial Reconstruction Teams around the country.

• 33rd Mountain Infantry Battalion, from the 2nd Mountain Troops Brigade

Romania also participates in the U.S.-led Operation Enduring Freedom, which is a separate mission from ISAF. The OEF deployment consists of one infantry battalion deployed in Zabul Province with the 33rd being the current battalion deployed. According to the Romanian Defense Ministry, the battalion's mission consists of surveillance of sensitive points, searching possible locations for Taliban, supporting humanitarian activities, escorting supply convoys, providing security for other coalition forces, and blocking enemy communication lines or retreat routes. The battalion is supported by soldiers from Company D, 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment of the U.S. Army.^[53]

Estonia

Estonia has roughly 150 troops serving in Afghanistan.^[54] Estonia has had troops in Afghanistan since 2003 and the current mission's mandate expires on December 31, 2008. Estonia currently supports the British PRT in Helmand province.^[55]

Finland

Finnish Defence Forces participates in the ISAF operation in about 110 strong detachment of soldiers called Suomalainen Kriisinhallintajoukko Afganistanissa, (SKJA for short, Finnish crisis management Detachment in Afghanistan). The majority of Finnish peacekeepers serving the Swedish-led PRT (Provincial Reconstruction Team) Mazar-e-Sharif of northern Afghanistan. In addition, Finland has the staff officers of ISAF's headquarters in the northern area management (Regional Command North, RC N) and the ISAF Headquarters (ISAF HQ) at Kabul, Finland has also a OMLT detacment (Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team) in Northern Afghanistan that trains the Afghan National Army (ANA). In PRT Mazar-e-Sharif there are also four Finnish Governmental Civil Advisors.^[56]

Finland has participated to ISAF since 2002. First troops that were deployed were staff officers to ISAF HQ, CIMIC teams and the National Support Element (NSE) to Kabul region. Finnish troops were based in Camp Katarina that was situated inside Camp Warehouse^[57]. In 2005 Finland sent first troops to Provincial Reconstruction Teams in northern Afghanistan. Some 30 strong detachment to Swedish led PRT Mazar-e-Sharif and 30 strong Detachment to Norwegian led PRT Maymana^[58]. Due to redeployments of SKJA the CIMIC teams in Kabul and Detachment in PRT Maymana were disbanded in august 2007 and most of the units were concentrated to PRT Mazar-e-Sharif^[59]. In the beginning of 2009 Finland moved also the rest of Finnish National Support Element (NSE) to Northern Afganistan from Kabul and disbanded its former Kabul base Camp Katarina in Camp Warehouse^[60].

Finland sent in July 2009 a 86-strong extra detachment to support the PRT Mazar-e-Sharif in August, the activities organized for the Afghan presidential elections. The detachment consists of the security forces and liaison officers.^[61] Detachment returned at the end of October 2009.^[62]

SKJA's primary mission is participation in PRT in Mazar-e-Sharif in the operational activities in its area of responsibility at Balkh, Jowzjan, Samangan and Sar-e Pol provinces.^[63]

SKJA Casualties

• 1 October 2006 1 WIA
  • SKJA personnel were performing night shooting practice when Afghan National Police (ANP) mistook the night practice for hostile activity and opened fire on the Finns. The Finns returned fire, but hit their own sentry.^[64]

• 23 May 2007 1 KIA
  • SKJA sergeant from PRT Maymana CPT was killed by an IED while escorting Norwegian medical personnel to a local hospital in Maymana.^[65]

• 3 October 2009 4 WIA
  • SKJA patrol moving with RG-32 was hit by an IED about 40 km to west of Mazār-e Sharīf. Four Finnish peacekeepers were injured.^[66][67] SKJA reinforcement detachment moving with XA-203 was also hit by IED couple hours later, but without no casualties.^[68]

Upcoming deployments

• 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment

The 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment heads up a battalion task force of 1,500 Marines that are deploying to Afghanistan immediately as part of President Obama's recently announced troop buildup.^[69]

• Regimental Combat Team 2

Based at Camp Lejuene, North Carolina, RCT 2, built around the 2nd Marine Regiment, will deploy 6,200 Marines to Afghanistan in early spring 2010.^[70]

• 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division

Approximately 3,400 soldiers from the 1st BCT will deploy in spring 2010 to conduct a training mission. The 10th Mountain Division is based at Fort Drum, New York.^[70]

• Headquarters, I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward)

A headquarters unit from I Marine Expeditionary Force, based at Camp Pendleton, California, will deploy approximately 800 Marines in spring 2010.^[70]

• 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division

Based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, the 3rd BCT will deploy with approximately 3,800 troops to Afghanistan in late fall 2009.^[71]

• 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team

The 173rd will deploy to Afghanistan in the winter of 2009-2010. With approximately 3,700 troops, the 173rd is based in Vicenza, Italy.^[71]

• 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division

The 1st BCT includes 3,700 soldiers and will begin deploying in the spring of 2010.^[72]

• 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment

The 4,000 soldiers of the 2nd SCR will deployed in the spring of 2010.^[72]

• 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, Iowa Army National Guard

The 2nd BCT is scheduled to deploy 3,500 soldiers in the fall of 2010 to continue training the Afghan army.^[72]

• Royal Danish Air Force

It was announced on the 7 August 2008 that Denmark would send three or four Eurocopter Fennec helicopters and up to 75 men extra to Helmand province in Afghanistan, to support the Danish and allied deployment there.^[73]

• French Army

France will deploy a battalion of soldiers and some special forces units to reinforce NATO's fight against the Taliban in Afghanistan. The deployment will total around 1,000 troops and will allow U.S. troops to move south to reinforce the 2,500 Canadian troops in Kandahar province.^[74]

• 16 Air Assault Brigade

Britain's Ministry of Defence announced on February 6, 2008, that 16 Air Assault Brigade will replace 52 Infantry Brigade on the next rotation of UK forces to Afghanistan in April 2008. The MOD also announced that 16 Air Assault Brigade will be replaced by 3 Commando Brigade, Royal Marines in October 2008. 16 Air Assault Brigade will provide the majority of British units serving in Afghanistan. Overall force levels will remain essentially the same.^[75]

• The Government of Colombia plans to deploy around 100 forces in Spring of 2009. These forces are expected to be demining experts. Colombia will also be the first Latin American country to deploy forces to the International Security Assistance Force.

• Poland announced on the March 19, 2008, that it would send 400 more troops and eight helicopters to reinforce NATO forces in Afghanistan.^[76]

References

External links

• Troop Levels in Afghanistan Since 2001 - interactive map by The New York Times
• Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan/Task Force Leatherneck

War in Afghanistan (2001–present) Invasion and occupation Order of battle · Operations · International Security Assistance Force · Taliban insurgency · Strikes in Pakistan · 2009 troop surge Casualties and losses Coalition casualties (U.S. - U.K. - Canadian - German - other)  · Afghan forces casualties · Insurgent casualties · Civilian casualties · Aircraft losses Timelines 2001 · 2002 · 2003 2004 · 2005 · 2006 · 2007 · 2008 · 2009 · 2010 Afghanistan War at Wikinews · Commons