Combined Security Transition Command – Afghanistan

The Combined Security Transition Command – Afghanistan (CSTC-A) is a multinational military formation. Its primary role is the training and development of Afghan security forces like the Afghan National Army. Its headquarters is at Camp Eggers, Kabul. Under CSTC-A’s operational control is Task Force Phoenix, which is responsible for training the Afghan National Army.

Lieutenant General Kenneth E. Tovo is the current commanding general. Command Sergeant Major Gabriel Cervantes is the senior non-commissioned officer. The commanding general of CSTC-A is double-hatted as the commander of the NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan.

The senior leadership staff included U.S. Army, Canadian, Polish, and British officers. The Canadians are part of the unit under Operation Archer. Major General Robert W. Cone handed over command to Formica on January 15, 2009. Formica is the sixth commanding general of CSTC-A, which was established in May 2002 by renaming the U.S. Office of Military Cooperation-Afghanistan. In April 2006, the Office of Security Cooperation-Afghanistan became CSTC-A, retaining the dual Army/Police mission that had seen OSC-A replace OMC-A earlier.

In partnership with the Government of Afghanistan, NATO, and some other non-NATO partners such as Australia and New Zealand, CSTC-A plans, programs and implements reform of the Afghan security forces which consist of the Afghan National Army (ANA) and the Afghan National Police (ANP) in order to develop a stable Afghanistan, strengthen the rule of law, and deter and defeat terrorism within its borders.

CSTC-A is engaged in the development of the Afghan National Army, by assisting in Ministerial development, creation of institutional and intermediate Commands and the training of tactical forces in order to create a professional Army and Air Corps capable of providing security within Afghanistan's borders.

CSTC-A's recent assumption of the United States Government's role in reforming the Afghan National Police provides a historic opportunity to help provide stable rule of law in Afghanistan. CSTC-A works with Germany, the lead nation in Afghan Police reform, and other members of the international community to collectively deliver a professional police force that will enhance the security of the Afghan people.