Description The Resolute Support (RS) is a NATO-led mission to train, advise and assist the Afghan security forces and institutions. The mission was launched on 1 January 2015, immediately following the stand-down of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).
The legal framework for RS is provided by a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), signed in Kabul on Sept. 30, 2014 and ratified by the Afghan Parliament on Nov. 27, 2014. The SOFA defines the terms and conditions under which NATO forces are deployed, as well as the activities they are authorized to carry out. The Mission is also supported by the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2189, unanimously adopted on Dec. 12, 2014.
RS will provide training, advice and assistance in eight key areas: multi-year budgeting; transparency, accountability and oversight; civilian oversight of the Afghan Security Institutions; force generation; force sustainment; strategy and policy planning, resourcing and execution; intelligence; and strategic communications. Those countries not contributing troops to the Resolute Support mission are supporting this mission in different ways, as well as the broad effort to strengthen the sustainment of the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) in the long term.
Beyond this training, advice and assistance mission, Allies and partner countries will also contribute to the financing of the ANDSF and will enhance the enduring partnership with Afghanistan by strengthening political consultations with the country and by strengthening practical cooperation in areas of specific interest for Afghanistan.
These efforts are part of the broader engagement of the international community in Afghanistan to ensure that Afghanistan is never again a safe haven for terrorism.
