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Afghan National Army Commandos

The Afghan National Army Commandos are under the control of the Ministry of Defense (MoD).   1.  The commando units are an elite, quick-reaction infantry-based force that can act independently.  Each of the regional Afghan Corps have a Commando Kandak.

Early History of Commandos.  The first two battalions were formed in 2007 from an existing conventional battalion.  The concept for the commandos was developed by the CJSOTF-A.  The initial Afghan cadre received training in 2006 in Jordan.  3.

CJSOTF-A.  The Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force - Afghanistan have been the primary trainers of the Afghan National Army Commandos.

Organization and Size of the Commandos.  There are (as of January 2012) nine Commando Kandaks (battalions) in the Afghan National Army. There had been plans for a total of twelve Commando Kandaks; however the decision to form the Afghan National Army Special Forces (ANASF) put the expansion of the Commandos on hold.  There are over 5,000 personnel in the Afghan Commandos; with about 700 men in each of the nine Kandaks.

Training.  All recruits for the commandos must first complete the 10-week long Afghan basic training course.  They then attend the commando course which is ten to twelve weeks long.  Training is conducted at Camp Morehead Commando Training Center located about six miles south of Kabul, Afghanistan.  The commando units train and operate very much like the U.S. Ranger battalions.  The training program includes intensive individual and small-unit tactics and movement techniques while under fire.  In addition, the commandos are taught mortars, sniper fire, close-quarter battle (CQB) tactics, combat lifesaving, tactical driving, land navigation, and reconnainssance techniques.

Trainers.  Select members of the Afghan Army Commandos are the primary instructors.  These Afghan instructors have been assisted in the past and/or are assisted by mentors from U.S. Army Special Forces, French Special Forces, and some contractors working for a PMC.

Program of Instruction for Afghan Commandos.  During the Commando training the Soldiers learn advanced combat marksmanship, small unit tactics, demolitions, direct action, cordon and search, search and attack missions, ambush, and leadership skills.

Command.  The Afghan Commandos are commanded by Brig General Dadon Lawang.  Lawang is a long-time veteran of the Afghan military. 

ANA Special Operations Command (ANASOC).  This division sized headquarters grew from the SOF Brigade when the ANA decided to expand the ANASF and build support elements to augment the Commandos and ANASF.  The ANA Commandos will be the 'direct action"  force while the 1st Special Forces Brigade will conduct internal defense, reconnaissance, and direct action missions.  Planned for the future are two Commando brigades, one Special Forces brigade, one training brigade, one support brigade, and one strategic battalion.

Equipment.  The commandos use U.S. weapons, tan Ford Ranger 4x4 pickups, and older versions of U.S. uniforms. Upon graduating from the commando course the students don their red berets which becomes part of their uniform.  Issued weapons include M4 carbines, M240 machineguns, and M249 squad automatic weapons.  The commandos are even equipped with night vision goggles 2. and Oakley sunglasses. 3.

Sources of Info on Afghan Commandos

ANA Special Operations Command.  WikipediA.

ANA Commando Brigade.  WikipediA.

Afghan National Army Commandos.  Facbook.

News Articles about the Afghan National Army Commandos

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Endnotes

1.  Afghan Commandos Add Special Forces.  DVIDS, May 13, 2010.  The first Afghan National Army Special Forces class graduated on May 12, 2010.  Accessed here Feb 2012.

2.   Solicitation for NVGs for Commandos by FedBizOpss.gov.  The Afghan National Army Commandos have been issued night vision goggles.  Accessed here Feb 2012.

3.  Jordan has been a staunch ally of the U.S. See "Q&A with Brigadier General Edward M. Reeder Jr.", Special Warfare Center and School, October-December 2011 edition of Special Warfare.  Accessed here Feb 2012.