KABUL: According to an Afghan government spokesman, the number of personnel serving in the Afghan National Army is now estimated to be more than 250,000, and recruitment is underway for further expansion of the army. According to the spokesman, the continuous increase in military personnel is part of the strategy to strengthen the country’s defense capability and improve overall military preparedness.
The spokesman said the government is committed to building a professional, well-organized and disciplined army that can defend the country’s sovereignty and ensure long-term stability. He added that with the continuous induction of new personnel, the capability, organisational discipline and defence force of the Afghan Army is continuously improving.
Security officials say the new recruits are undergoing special training programs to improve combat readiness, tactical planning and operational efficiency. Training centres across the country are functioning at full capacity. To impart necessary military skills to the new recruits. Along with physical and tactical training, special attention is also being paid to communication systems, command structure and logistics readiness. So that the new units can work effectively in different situations.
Experts believe that the increase in military strength is being done at a crucial juncture, as national and border security are among the top priorities of the government. Afghanistan’s geographical location and historical conflicts make military preparedness essential to safeguard the country’s internal stability and territorial integrity.
Local residents and tribal elders in several provinces have also supported the troop increase. He said a strong national army increases the confidence of the people, reduces the risk of instability and improves the law and order situation in the country. Some also said that the increased recruitments have created employment opportunities for the youth, especially in rural areas.
The spokesman once again made it clear that the expansion of the army is not being done for offensive purposes but under the defence requirement. “The purpose of increasing the number of troops is to ensure the security of the country and protect the people,” he said. The Afghan army is committed to protecting the country’s borders and preventing all kinds of external or internal threats.
Experts say maintaining such a large force is not without challenges, including maintaining consistent financial resources, the supply of military equipment and the quality of professional training. However, officials say steps are being taken to improve resource management, increase operational efficiency and modernize military equipment to the extent possible.
The government has assured the people that the development of the national army will continue in a gradual and sustainable manner. According to officials, improvement in the defence sector will remain the central priority of the government in the coming months as well.
