The Weakness of the Former Afghan Army: Root Causes and Implications

The collapse of the Afghan Army, once a significant force under U.S. and NATO support, is a complex issue rooted in political, tribal, and military dynamics. The current state of the Afghan military, if it still exists, is a stark reminder of the challenges posed by tribal divisions, political instability, and the loss of external support.

Background and Context

The former Afghan Army, though considerably smaller than it was during the U.S. invasion, was still a substantial military force with around 175,000 active personnel and an additional 100,000 trained reserves. This force was designed to provide security in a landlocked, resource-poor country without a need for a naval presence. Yet, despite its size, the Afghan Army struggled to maintain cohesion and effectiveness.

Causes of Weakness

Tribal and Political Divisions

The Afghan Army's weaknesses stem primarily from the country's complex tribal structure and political landscape. Each tribe has its own agenda, and this fragmentation has historically made it difficult for a centralized military to function effectively. The presence of various terrorist organizations, which can form temporary alliances with local leaders or pay for support, exacerbates this issue.

One key issue is the fear of retaliation within tribal structures. Many soldiers were unlikely to fight against local tribal leaders, even with external forces backing them. This fear of reprisal, combined with the promise of better deals after the U.S. withdrawal, led many to defect or switch sides. The army's reliance on tribal ties made units fragmented and unreliable.

Influence of the Taliban

The situation became even more dire when it became clear that the Taliban would take control, with no longer any substantial U.S. or international support. The realization that they were no longer protecting a secular or Islamic democracy but simply fighting for survival in a harsh political landscape further demoralized the remaining forces.

Ineffective Training and Morale

Further complicating the situation was the cultural and spiritual beliefs of many soldiers. Some conservative Muslims, influenced by a belief that “inshallah” (God willing) governs their actions, may have found it difficult to fully engage in direct combat. This belief can lead to a lack of aim or motivation, as they feel that God will ensure the success of their actions.

A former Iraqi military advisor shared that similar challenges were faced with Iraqi soldiers. The strong emphasis on spiritual beliefs can make it hard to train troops in the tactics necessary for modern warfare, particularly in situations requiring precise aiming and shooting accuracy.

Consequences and Future Challenges

The collapse of the Afghan Army has severe implications for the stability of Afghanistan. A nation with numerous tribal affiliations, each vying for power, faces challenges in creating a cohesive and effective government. The new Taliban-led government must address the distrust and division among tribal leaders to build a stable administration.

The lack of a strong military force leaves Afghanistan vulnerable to internal and external threats. The absence of a capable military not only undermines national security but also hinders the ability to stabilize regional tensions and counter foreign influences.

Conclusion

The weakness of the former Afghan Army reflects broader societal and political issues within the country. U.S. and international support played a critical role in maintaining its cohesion and effectiveness. As Afghanistan grapples with the aftermath of this collapse, it is crucial to address the structural and cultural challenges that have led to the current state.

The challenges faced by the Afghan military are a testament to the complexity of nation-building and the importance of addressing both political and cultural dimensions in the context of military operations.