The Deployment Question: Understanding The Navy's Aedo Reserve Strategy In Afghanistan

Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) units have been deployed to Afghanistan since the Vietnam War. In recent years, EOD units have been serving in Afghanistan, where they are supporting the global war against terrorism, destroying tons of post-war ordnance, and reducing the threat imposed by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

In 2021, the final military withdrawal from Afghanistan was underway, and some U.S. state legislators were reconsidering the use of their National Guard units for undeclared foreign wars, like the campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan. Nearly half of the troops deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan over the past 20 years were from the National Guard and Reserves.

The US Navy's role in Afghanistan

The U.S. Navy played a critical role in the immediate military response to the 9/11 attacks, codenamed Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), which formally began on 7 October 2001 and unfolded primarily in the Central Command (CENTCOM) theatre of operations. Over the course of several months, American and Coalition military operations inside Afghanistan devastated the Taliban regime and seriously undermined Osama bin Laden’s al-Qaeda network, which had used the landlocked country as a training ground and safe haven since 1996. Naval power was central to the operational successes of OEF, particularly during the intense opening phases of the military campaign.

During the operation’s first six months, the Navy committed to the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT)/Fifth Fleet area of responsibility a total of six aircraft carrier battle groups (CVBGs), four amphibious ready groups (ARGs), extensive additional support ships, and around 60,000 active-duty Sailors and Marines as well as some 13,000 reservists. In terms of ships alone, this constituted a surge of over three times the number of naval vessels typically assigned to NAVCENT/Fifth Fleet.

Coalition navies—the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, and Italy in particular—also participated extensively in OEF, providing further warfighting capabilities and support functions.

The initial phases of OEF necessitated an enormous commitment in terms of total naval forces in theatre. Naval strike warfare dominated and shaped the U.S. Central Command–directed joint air campaign, as carrier-based strike fighters and ship-launched cruise missiles pummeled Taliban airfields, air defence positions, and command and control nodes as well as al-Qaeda training bases. Amphibious ready groups and their embarked Marine expeditionary units (MEUs) surged additional naval power and executed an array of expeditionary missions, including the longest-range amphibious assault in U.S. naval history. U.S. and Coalition naval forces also carried out wide-ranging maritime interception operations in an effort to defeat international terrorist organizations, deter state and non-state actors from supporting terrorism, and inhibit other illegal maritime activities.

Owing to its absolute control of the sea during OEF, the Navy projected immense power ashore and demonstrated its agility and adaptability as a vital instrument of U.S. foreign policy.

The US withdrawal from Afghanistan

The US-Taliban peace agreement, signed on February 29, 2020, provided for a full withdrawal of US troops over 14 months, on the condition that the Taliban would take part in peace negotiations with the Afghan government and prevent al-Qaeda and ISIL affiliates from operating within Afghanistan.

The Trump administration's decision to withdraw all US troops from Afghanistan has been criticised for its detrimental consequences and the Biden administration has also faced scrutiny for its handling of the evacuation. The speed of the US military's withdrawal from Afghanistan, the lack of a clear plan for executing the evacuation, and the failure to anticipate the rapid collapse of the Afghan government have all been cited as factors contributing to the chaotic nature of the withdrawal.

The Biden administration's report on the Afghanistan withdrawal has been criticised for its defensive tone and failure to take full accountability for the events of the summer of 2021. While the report acknowledges that the Trump administration's Doha deal with the Taliban limited President Biden's options, it has also been argued that the Biden administration had agency in the decision to withdraw and in the manner of the withdrawal.

The evacuation of Afghans who had worked with US forces has been a particular point of contention, with tens of thousands of Afghans left behind despite the massive evacuation effort. The Biden administration has prioritised earlier evacuations in subsequent contexts with degrading security situations, such as in Ukraine and Ethiopia.

The impact of Afghanistan on the US National Guard

The US National Guard has played a significant role in the war in Afghanistan, with nearly half of the troops deployed to the country over the past two decades being from the National Guard and Reserves. This has had a notable impact on the National Guard, with some members seeking to limit the deployment of units unless Congress formally declares a state of war. The high rate of deployment has also led to discontent among some members of the National Guard, who feel that their job description no longer aligns with reality.

The impact of the Afghanistan war on the US National Guard can be examined through several key areas:

Deployment and Utilization

The utilization of the National Guard in Afghanistan has raised questions about the appropriate role of these units in foreign wars. Traditionally, the National Guard has been activated for domestic emergencies such as natural disasters and civil disturbances. However, in the case of Afghanistan, the National Guard has been extensively utilized for overseas operations, with deployments occurring as frequently as once every three years. This has led to concerns about the overstretching of National Guard resources and their absence during critical times of emergency in their home states.

Training and Preparedness

The Afghanistan war has had a significant impact on the training and preparedness of the National Guard. On the one hand, the combat deployments have resulted in better-trained and more integrated units, with improved equipment and coordination with active-duty military forces. On the other hand, the frequent deployments have also disrupted the National Guard's ability to maintain cohesion and professionalism. The high turnover rate, especially in infantry units, has led to challenges in maintaining unit cohesion and ensuring a consistent level of training and readiness.

Financial Implications

The financial implications of the Afghanistan war for the National Guard are complex. On the one hand, the federal government bears the cost of recruiting, training, and equipping the National Guard. On the other hand, the frequent deployments have resulted in financial hardships for many National Guard members and their families. The pay for National Guard members can vary from state to state, and it is often lower than what they would earn in their civilian lives, leading to economic difficulties. Additionally, the prolonged deployments can impact their civilian careers and result in loss of income or even job loss.

Mental Health and Well-being

The impact of the Afghanistan war on the mental health and well-being of National Guard members cannot be overlooked. The prolonged and repeated deployments have taken a toll on the mental health of many service members, with issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse being commonly reported. The stress of combat, separation from families, and the challenges of reintegration upon return can all contribute to mental health issues among National Guard members.

Public Perception and Support

The Afghanistan war has also influenced public perception and support for the National Guard. On the one hand, the bravery and sacrifices of National Guard members have been recognized and honored by many Americans. On the other hand, there has been criticism and debate about the utilization of the National Guard in foreign wars without a formal declaration of war by Congress. This has led to efforts by some state legislators to restrict the use of National Guard units in undeclared wars.

Relationship with Active-Duty Military

The Afghanistan war has had an impact on the relationship between the National Guard and the active-duty military. The frequent deployments and integration of National Guard units into combat operations have resulted in a closer working relationship between the two components. The National Guard has gained valuable combat experience and operational flexibility, enhancing its interoperability with active-duty forces. However, there have also been tensions and challenges in coordinating and integrating National Guard units into the overall military strategy.

In conclusion, the Afghanistan war has had a significant impact on the US National Guard in terms of deployment and utilization, training and preparedness, financial implications, mental health and well-being, public perception and support, and the relationship with the active-duty military. The war has highlighted the evolving role of the National Guard in modern warfare and has led to discussions about the appropriate utilization and support of these vital units.

The future of US military involvement in Afghanistan

The US military involvement in Afghanistan ended on 30 August 2021, with the withdrawal of US and Allied forces. This marked the end of a 20-year occupation, with the Taliban taking control of the country.

The US-led war in Afghanistan began in 2001, in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The initial goal was to get those responsible for the attacks and to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a base for further attacks against the US and its allies. Over the course of the war, the US also aimed to degrade the terrorist threat in Afghanistan, specifically targeting Al-Qaeda and the Taliban. Additionally, the US sought to support Afghanistan in building its capacity to secure the country and prevent it from becoming a safe haven for terrorists.

In the years leading up to the withdrawal, the US shifted its focus to counterterrorism and targeted assistance, aiming to prevent an economic collapse in Afghanistan. The US provided training, equipment, and funding to the Afghan security forces, and continued to engage with the Taliban to ensure they abided by their commitments under the Doha Agreement.

The withdrawal of US and Allied forces took place amid a resurgence of the Taliban, who rapidly gained control of the country. This raised concerns about the future of Afghanistan and the potential for a civil war. However, the US maintained that the Afghan security forces had the capacity to defend the country and that the decision to withdraw was in the national interest of the US.

Following the withdrawal, the US has continued to provide humanitarian aid and targeted assistance to Afghanistan, focusing on basic human needs and avoiding an economic collapse. The US has also led international efforts to deliver humanitarian assistance, working through UN agencies and NGOs. Additionally, the US has engaged with Taliban representatives to urge the formation of an inclusive government and has supported intra-Afghan negotiations.

While the US military involvement in Afghanistan has ended, the US has maintained diplomatic relations and continues to work with international partners to support Afghanistan. The US has also expressed its commitment to continue counterterrorism efforts in the region and to protect US national interests.

The US war in Afghanistan

The war was initially framed as a counterterrorism operation, with the goal of routing al-Qaeda and preventing future attacks on US soil. However, it evolved into a counterinsurgency and nation-building effort, as the US attempted to establish a democratic and cohesive Afghan government capable of standing up to the Taliban. Despite the US training and equipping over 300,000 Afghan National Security Forces, the Afghan government ultimately collapsed in the face of the Taliban onslaught in 2021, leading to a chaotic evacuation of US citizens, allies, and vulnerable Afghans.

The US withdrawal from Afghanistan has been criticised for being poorly handled and for failing to secure a political settlement with the Taliban. Some argue that the US should have made its withdrawal conditional on an intra-Afghan peace deal and the protection of women's rights. Others defend the decision to withdraw, citing the impossibility of defeating the Taliban and the need to refocus resources on more pressing national security threats.

The war resulted in staggering costs and casualties for both the US and Afghanistan. The US government spent an estimated $2.3 trillion, and over 2,300 US military personnel lost their lives, along with thousands of US contractors and allied troops. For Afghanistan, the human toll was even higher, with tens of thousands of military, police, and civilian deaths. The war also caused widespread displacement, malnutrition, destruction of infrastructure, and environmental degradation.

The Taliban's return to power has had devastating consequences, particularly for Afghan women and girls, who have been denied access to education and face a dire humanitarian crisis, with millions at risk of starvation. The US now faces the challenge of preventing Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven for terrorist groups like ISIS-K, while also addressing emerging global threats and great power competition with China and Russia.

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