Gen. John W. Nicholson took command of NATO forces days after Afghan forces shouldered the security responsibility from international troops at a time of heightened attacks by the Taliban and other terrorist groups.
Additionally, the Afghan air force was faced with lack of aircraft and many other challenges amid new security threats in northern and southern provinces.
However, the process of equipping Afghan forces accelerated and their power switched from defensive to aggressive when Nicholson started heading the NATO-led mission.
He occasionally visited remote areas of Afghanistan and NATO training centers and Afghan forces’ bases and battalions that improved the Afghan forces’ morale.
Nicholson assumed command of the Resolute Support mission and US Forces-Afghanistan on March 2, 2016. Prior to that , he has served in Afghanistan for three and half years.
Starting in 2016, he is the longest-serving NATO commander in Afghanistan. In 2006, he served as the commander of 3rd Brigade Combat Team (Task Force Spartan) of the 10th Mountain Division for 16 months in Afghanistan, which was an unusual time for a US commander in Afghanistan.
Former adviser to the NATO Senior Civilian Representative in Afghanistan ShafiqHamdam says during his service in Afghanistan, the general focused on supporting the Afghan National Security and Defence Forces (ANSDF), fighting terrorism and he echoed the reality on the ground to policymakers in Washington DC.
Gen. Nicholson played a wonderful role in providing accurate information for the White House and the US Senate on the situation in Afghanistan.
That has greatly contributed to the new US strategy for South Asia, an increase in NATO troops and more authority for them in the war against terrorism.
As an experienced commander, Gen. Nicholson has played an amazing role in fulfilling his deputy in fighting terrorism and supporting the government of Afghanistan.
He identified problems in Afghanistan and he offered solutions. During his service, the Afghan Special Forces are doubling in size; the Afghan Air Force has been enabled with new helicopters and jets.
Gladly today the air force has A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, MD-530 helicopters, and UH-60 Black Hawks, which is a significant step towards self sustainability.
Gen. Nicholson has years of experience in Afghanistan and he well understands the political, regional politics, development and security challenges. He wants to accomplish his mission and, therefore he has devoted more of his time to this country.
Nicholson is a man of jirgas, shuras, and resolutions. “I found him as a soldier-diplomat, who can deal with very complex issues wisely and he is working towards a sustainable security in Afghanistan,” Hamdam remarked.
Meanwhile Sediq Sediqqi former director at Government Media and Information Centre and spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior, commended Nicholson for his support to Afghan security forces.
It had been strategically important and the Afghans had been lucky to have Nicholson as commander of US forces in Afghanistan for nearly two years, he remarked.
Nicholson’s vast knowledge of the country and the relationship he has built with the Afghans are the key elements of his successes in the war on terror since he resumed command.
The Resolute Support commander has been spending much of his time supporting the Afghan Security and Defence Forces and reforms within to make sure these forces can bring security to the people.
Sediqqi says the commander immensely valued his Afghan counterparts and had never let them down. Nicholson is widely respected and trusted among Afghan communities, political leaders and ANSDF leadership.
He enjoys enormous respect within these ranks. His rare and exceptional personality and vision have made him one of the most respected and successful US army generals.
“We all very hope to see him longer in Afghanistan, particularly to implement the new US strategy for defeating the terrorism in Afghanistan.”
The commander of US forces and NATO-led Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan says Afghan security forces are becoming more professional. He reaffirms the US and NATO commitment to securing peace for Afghanistan.
In an exclusive interview with Pajhwok to mark his two years in command on March 2, Nicholson said the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces were developing into a more professional force.
“What makes me very hopeful and proud for the future of Afghanistan’s security forces is when I see hundreds of new soldiers, including women, graduate from the military academy; when I see commandos training; when I see Afghan pilots flying more and more missions across the country,” said General Nicholson. “This is a new ANDSF ready to serve all the people of Afghanistan.”
Evaluating the last few years Nicholson said that the ANDSF have been able to stay on the offensive during the winter and have a new capacity to fight.
He said the Taliban have few responses to the ANDSF and so instead turn to “targeting civilians in mass attacks in cities – exposing their hypocrisy as never before.”
On the current political crises in the country Nicholson repeated his previously made public comments that he respects “Afghanistan’s political process and political leaders.”
At the same time he made clear the importance of the security situation in Afghanistan. “The only request to Afghan political leaders is to not allow politics to undermine security. We’re in this together. We’re fighting terrorism together and everyone wants a peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan to succeed,” he said.
It is worth mentioning Nicholson’s experience is extensive and he has spent almost six years in Afghanistan. This connection with Afghanistan often shows through with his engagements with Afghans.
At a recent press conference in Kabul after a high-level NATO delegation’s visit, Nicholson said: “To the Afghan people, we never forget that we are guests in your country. We are here by your invitation, to serve with you.”
He assumed command of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan two years ago on March 3 2016. No previous commander of ISAF or Resolute Support has ever served two years in command.
From 2001 to 2006 ISAF commanders only served six months, for example. And from 2009 to 2012, there were three commanders in three years.
He previously served in three other positions. From late 2010 to 2012, he was deputy chief of staff for ISAF operations.
From 2008 to 2009 he was the deputy commander in Kandahar and from 2006 to 2007 he served in the east as a colonel.
Gen. Nicholson said it was a “tremendous honour and privilege” to command US and NATO troops in Afghanistan.
“This country and its people and the mission here are very important to me and my family and we have seen steady improvements since I first came here ten years ago,” he said.
“We must deliver on the service and sacrifice of Afghan and international forces and the Afghan people.”
Nicholson added that the mission was still focussed on preventing Afghanistan from ever again becoming a safe haven for terrorists.
“We’re protecting the U.S. and our allies and partners by being here as well as protecting Afghanistan. Afghanistan is fighting terrorists who are a threat to the entire world. We are with you in this fight and we will stay with you.”
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