Canadian Operations in Afghanistan since 2001

Strategic Advisory Team – Afghanistan (SAT – A) Since September 2005 the Canadian Forces has, on a bi-lateral basis, provided a mixed military-civilian team of 15 strategic planners to assist the Government of Afghanistan. This team is focussed on the provision of planners to Afghanistan's National Development Strategy Working Group and to the Public Administration Reform effort. In both activities the Strategic Advisory Team - Afghanistan (SAT-A) has planners embedded in Government of Afghanistan offices. Their primary role is to work with Afghan counter-parts in the design of the strategic plans necessary to guide the international UN mandated nation-building effort in Afghanistan. In short, the team brings military strategic planning skills to bear on the resolution of complex civil problems.

Chronology of Canadian participation in the campaign against terrorism Since October 2001, Canada has deployed over 20 warships and more than 16,000 sailors, soldiers and air force personnel in the international campaign against terrorism.

Operation APOLLO

After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 in New York and Washington, Canada made a significant military commitment to the campaign against terrorism to demonstrate solidarity with our allies and our resolve to improve international security.

On October 8, 2001, the then Minister of National Defence Art Eggleton announced the departure of the first CF units to join the international campaign against terrorism. A Naval Task Group of four ships deployed to the Persian (Arabian) Gulf under Operation APOLLO was deployed.

In February 2002, the 3 PPCLI Battle Group commanded by then Lieutenant-Colonel Pat Stogran deployed to Kandahar for a six-month tour of duty that included tasks ranging from airfield security to combat. This mission received airlift support from a Tactical Airlift Detachment, later named the Theatre Support Element (TSE), which was located in Southwest Asia.

For more information on Operation APOLLO visit http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/operations/Apollo/index_e.htm.

Operation ALTAIR

Operation ALTAIR, which began in October 2003, consisted of warships deployed individually to operate with U.S. carrier strike groups in the Persian (Arabian) Gulf region. The Halifax-class patrol frigate Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Toronto deployed with the USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group from January to July 2004. In April 2005, HMCS Winnipeg deployed for six months with the 5th Fleet of the United States Navy.

For more information on Operation ALTAIR visit http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/operations/altair/index_e.asp

Conclusion

In its participation in ISAF and Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, Canada’s overarching goal in Afghanistan is to prevent it from relapsing into a failed state that gives terrorist and terrorist organizations a safe haven.

Canadian efforts in Afghanistan have contributed significantly to the overall consolidation of peace and the improvement of human security in the region. The next phase of Canadian operations in Afghanistan will continue to help improve the quality of life for the Afghan people, and to ensure that the progress made is sustainable.

While Canada remains committed to the rebuilding of democracy in Afghanistan, there are significant risks involved in these types of operations. Both the Canadian Forces and the Government have demonstrated their preparedness for the ongoing mission in Afghanistan; on 17 May 2006 the House of Commons approved an extension of the mission into 2009.

See Also:

• OP APOLLO- Initial Canadian contribution to Operation ENDURING FREEDOM
• OP ARCHER- Recent Canadian contribution to Operation ENDURING FREEDOM
• OP ATHENA- Canadian contribution to ISAF