Task Force Phoenix V is the fifth rotation to serve in Afghanistan for the purpose of training the Afghan National Army (ANA). Tremendous strides have occurred in the five and a half years the Task Force Phoenix concept has been in operation.
Immediately following the collapse of the Taliban regime, Soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division began the initial development of the ANA as Task Force Phoenix I.
Every subsequent rotation has been comprised primarily of National Guard Soldiers. Phoenix II built up the first Afghan Corps in Kabul, Afghanistan. Phoenix III took on the daunting task of splitting that Corps into 5 separate Corps and locating them throughout the country at five strategic centers. Phoenix IV worked to build up those Corps to full strength.
The mission continues to expand with TF Phoenix V taking on additional responsibilities associated with training and supporting the Afghan National Police, as well as continuing to train and mentor the growing Afghan National Army. TF Phoenix V are comprised primarily of soldiers from the National Guard, with members representing 49 of the 50 states. In addition, they have attached elements from the Active Duty Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps.
The key principles for building Afghanistan’s Security Forces include developing loyalty to the Government of Afghanistan and developing a disciplined and professional Army culture that is ethnically diverse. Without question, the ANA is the most successful government institution in the country, due in large part to the balanced mix of ethnicities in all of the units.
