The Infantry as trainers – a growing task for the future We Teach, We Lead Canada 23 May 2009 Col J.F. Riffou – CO OMLT TF 1-08.

The Infantry as trainers –

a growing task for the future

“We Teach, We Lead”

Canada

23 May 2009Col J.F. Riffou – CO OMLT TF 1-08

Canada

Operational Mentor and Liaison Team TF 1-08“We Teach, We Lead”

Globe & Mail20 may 09

Canada

Operational Mentor and Liaison Team TF 1-08“We Teach, We Lead”

Outline

• Retrospective

• Contemporary Perspectives

• What we did

• Challenges

• Thoughts for the future

• Conclusion

Canada

Operational Mentor and Liaison Team TF 1-08“We Teach, We Lead”

Where have we been?• 1960’s – Military Training Assistance Plan (MTAP)• Op PROTEUS Jerusalem• Op SCULPTURE Sierra Leone• Op SATURN Darfur• Op CROCODILE DRC• Op AUGURAL Sudan (Darfur, western region)• Op Athena Afghanistan

Canada

Operational Mentor and Liaison Team TF 1-08“We Teach, We Lead”

Ground truth from Kandahar• Cdn OMLT growth R3 – R5 400% (approx 230) • US surge includes a mentoring BCT • ISAF challenged to meet OMLT requirement

– In fall 2008 approx 30-40% shortfall

Canada

Operational Mentor and Liaison Team TF 1-08“We Teach, We Lead”

Contemporary Perspective

• “Broadsword or Rapier?”CDA Report

to SJS, Apr 2008

– #12 “Developing Indigenous Security Forces”

Training indigenous forces, military and police, will remain a key role of the CF and it may often be its main role in future coalition operations.

Canada

Operational Mentor and Liaison Team TF 1-08“We Teach, We Lead”

A Contemporary American Perspective

“Institutionalizing Adaptation: It’s time for a Permanent Army Advisor Corps.”

Centre for a New American Security

John Nagl, June 2007

Canada

Operational Mentor and Liaison Team TF 1-08“We Teach, We Lead”

What we did• Validated Kdk 2-1 to CM 1

• Converted 1000 ANA to C-7

• District lead in Zharey

• 1-205 Bde Summer Campaign Plan

• Arghandab counter-move

• ANA infrastructure MSG

• OMLT/BG coop Hwy #1

• 1-205 Bde re-alignment Oct 08

• JTFA – ANA cooperation

• Sp ANA legal reform

• Sp 205 Corps HQ (Ops/Log)

Canada

Operational Mentor and Liaison Team TF 1-08“We Teach, We Lead”

Canadian Infantry Kandak OMLT – 26 Mentors

X 4 X 4 X 4 X 4

X 1CO Mentor

Log Mentor

OpsMentor

RSM Mentor Team CP

Med Advisor

X 5

X 1

X 1

X 1

X 1

Inf Coy Mentors

Inf Coy Mentors

Inf Coy Mentors

Wpn Coy Mentors

SUV

Canada

Operational Mentor and Liaison Team TF 1-08“We Teach, We Lead”

Conduct of operations

OMLT/Logistic Support

Teams administer ANA refit and leave

OMLTs and Partnered Unit conduct Leader, Collective, and Contracted

Equipment Training

(1 month)

(2 months)

(6 months)

Total = 9 months

Red-Yellow-Green CYCLE

Infantry Kandaks – By Kandak

CS/CSS Kandaks – By Platoons

Canada

Operational Mentor and Liaison Team TF 1-08“We Teach, We Lead”

Challenges

• Police reform• Environment - physically and mentally demanding• Rank intensive• Resource limitations• Developing ANA initiative• ANSF Logistics• ANSF pers management• NATO SA & HMMWV intro• Working with allies

Canada

Operational Mentor and Liaison Team TF 1-08“We Teach, We Lead”

Structure - The Zharey Experiment

Transfer of Lead Security Responsibility

• What are the conditions that must be set for TLSR to the ANSF?

• Latter portion of tour revealed that with relatively small cbt power investment, the OMLT structure could bridge to full ANSF autonomy

• Zharey structure should serve as a guide for future plan

“A bridge to ANA autonomy”

Canada

Operational Mentor and Liaison Team TF 1-08“We Teach, We Lead”

Structure - Partnership vs. Mentorship?

• How do you define the two?

• Is it time for a paradigm shift?

• Can a CF unit partner with an ANSF organization and still build capacity?

• Is the Zharey experiment the bridge?

Canada

Operational Mentor and Liaison Team TF 1-08“We Teach, We Lead”

So what?

• Trg indigenous forces is a growth industry

• Cdn infantry are excellent mentors at all levels

• reg/res (Vision statement!!)

• our institutional trg works, don’t break it

• Mentorship occurs at all levels (tac/op/strat)

• need to generate more qual WO/Capt/Maj

• Mentors are similar to SOF, small investment generates a large return

Canada

Operational Mentor and Liaison Team TF 1-08“We Teach, We Lead”

Questions?