An Introduction by Maj. Gen. Peter N. Fuller
It seems fitting to open my blog by introducing myself and the Deputy Commander for Programs team at NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan. I started my Army career as an armor officer before moving into the program management field where I have served for 21 years. Most recently, I served as the Program Executive Officer, Soldier, where I managed the development, testing and fielding of equipment and uniforms for the entire U.S. Army.
In my new position as deputy commander for programs at NTM-A, I am charged with managing seven directorates which handle procurement, contracting, budgeting, infrastructure building and training for the entire Afghan National Security Force. We are helping the ANSF build an army of 195,000 soldiers and a police force of 157,000 policemen by November of 2012. As you can imagine, this is a fairly daunting task.
To accomplish this task, we are given an extensive budget which this year includes $3 billion for infrastructure, $3 billion for equipment, $1 billion for training, and $3 billion for sustainment. It is a constant challenge to ensure that every penny of these funds goes toward the betterment of the ANSF. We also face a number of challenges as we mentor the ANSF to improve their ability to provide good stewardship and accountability for the equipment we provide after it is issued.
Our primary goal at programs is to help the Afghans generate the combat power necessary to secure their nation in the most effective and efficient manner possible. An almost equal priority is ensuring that the US dollars spent to build that combat power are fully accounted for and effectively used.
HOOAH!
PETER N. FULLER
MG, U.S. Army
Deputy Commander for Programs
NATO Training Mission – Afghanistan
Combined Security Transition Command – Afghanistan
Category: Blog - Leadership, Blog – MG Peter N. Fuller, Blogs - Blogs
A Grand welcome to General Fuller. The role of the NTMA is no doubt challenging with the raising of over 350,000 soldiers and policemen in record time even while creating sizeable infrastructure for them. This will also be the roots of success of the Afghan security as well as the nation at large in the future and thus it is likely to be the foundation of success of Afghanistan post 2014. To that extent the stellar role performed by the NTMA will be appreciated. In the security forces with a 30 percent plus turnover every year, it would be important to ensure that there is continuity and for that purpose the training will provide a sense of stability across the board.
Leadership is the foundation of a good army. Leadership and leaders will have greater impact on an Army than its equipment, infrastructure, training and probably even pay. When we ask Afghan soldiers why they leave the Army, their number one reason is leadership and leaders.
Leadership needs to be mentored and nurtured. The development of leadership is also a process. NTM-A is putting in place the systems that will enable and develop the leadership process. We have in place and are executing leadership training schools for officers and non commissioned officers. We have developed and implemented a train the trainer program – we want Afghans to teach the training. Being responsible for their own training is another element of leader development.
Although it could be viewed as a daunting task to build a capable and sustainable ANSF capability, it is easier when enabled by 49 contributing countries, of which 34 are providing “boots on the ground”. These boots on the ground are assisting in leadership development, training development, medical and logistics development, as well as a number of other activities.
With regard to the development of the ANSF logistics system, we recognize that without a solid logistic base, an army is destined to falter. We hope to provide the ANSF not only with the equipment and material they need now, but the training and knowhow to outfit and sustain their forces in the future.
It is also key that the ANSF be capable of generating its own combat power after we are gone. ANSF trainers are currently training all the newly recruited policemen and soldiers with NTM-A mentors looking over their shoulders and assisting as necessary. We provide expertise and support to this training to ensure that those who are volunteering to defend Afghanistan are well prepared to execute the mission of making Afghanistan safe.
HOOAH!
PETER N. FULLER