Developing the Afghan National Security Forces is a key part of the counter-insurgency strategy being adopted by British troops in Afghanistan. These home-grown authorities have an essential and ever-increasing role in providing security and governance in Afghanistan.

Soldiers from 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, usually based in Colchester, Essex, are playing their part in this endeavour, working in partnership with warriors from the Afghan National Army in the northern Nad-e Ali area of Helmand province.

New members of the ANA are deployed to 2 PARA’s area of operations having already undergone their initial recruit training and been formed into units. The Paratroopers work intensively to develop and consolidate the training they have already received, mentoring them as they conduct patrols and man checkpoints.

This audio-visual package, featuring sound clips, interviews and photographs, looks at 2 PARA’s work and features an interview with Lieutenant Jonny Mortimer-Hendry, an officer from D Company, 2 PARA, who comes from Nottingham.

Lieutenant Mortimer-Hendry, who is on his first tour of Afghanistan, talks about the realities of living alongside the ANA 24 hours a day, how he and his men are working to instil the courage and mentality of the Paratrooper in the ANA warriors, and how the natural strengths the Afghan men bring means partnership working achieves better results all round.

ISAF is currently making excellent progress in growing the Afghan National Army, with 149,000 already fully-trained across the country and the target for 171,600 by the end of 2011 well on track. Police recruitment and training is also ahead of schedule.

• Organization: ARMY
• Object Name: 16x-2010-TFH-029-238
• Category: MOD
• Supplemental Categories: Operations, Theatres, Afghanistan, People, Foreign Personnel, ANA
• Keywords: 16 Air Assault Brigade, 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, Afghan National Army, Afghanistan, Helmand Province, Lashkar Gah, Op HERRICK 13, Task Force Helmand, ANA, Personnel, Soldier, Male, Man, Anonymous, Balaclava, Masked, Helmet
• Country: Afghanistan