Government of Canada Establishes Staff and Language Training Centre in Afghanistan

The Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, announced today that the Government of Canada is establishing a Staff and Language Training Centre in Kabul, Afghanistan.

The centre will contribute to the long-term development of the Afghan National Army (ANA) through junior staff officer and language training. This will enable more effective interoperability between the ANA and NATO-ISAF forces. As part of their career progression in the ANA, successful graduates will be assigned to duties across Afghanistan, including in Kandahar province.

"The Staff and Language Training Centre complements one of Canada's six priorities for our mission in Afghanistan, which is to help the Government of Afghanistan maintain a more secure environment and establish law and order by building the capacity of the ANA," said Minister MacKay. "In the near future the ANA will be able to meet its training requirements through the use of Canadian-trained Afghan mentors and instructors," he added.

Minister MacKay made the announcement during a two-day trip to Afghanistan, his sixth trip to the region. Minister MacKay visited a number of key installations in Kandahar Province to witness first-hand Canada's efforts in promoting security, development and governance.

Mentoring and supporting the ANA is a key military task of NATO and the Canadian Forces. A well-led, well-trained, and well-equipped ANA is essential if the Government of Afghanistan is to assume complete responsibility for national and provincial security, thus enabling governance and development to progress.

Contacts: Information: 613-996-2353 After hours: 613-792-2973 www.forces.gc.ca