20140927_NIU_CJ7_TREX_SFA guide 3.1

UNCLASS//FGI ISAF NATO //REL to USA, ISAF, NATO//FOUO
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Networks
During a visiting senior advisor’s visit to one of the training institutions, an ANSF
Commander provided a list of desired classroom equipment and supplies. The
senior advisor replied, “Those are a lot of items required for a classroom. Have
you submitted a MOD-14” The Commander provided the senior advisor a long
answer explaining the challenges with the MOD-14 process. The senior advisor
replied, “Yes, I agree the process is lengthy, but please correct me if I’m wrong:
that’s the process to request the items on your list.” Responding to another long
explanation, the senior advisor explained, “I can assist you in tracking the process
of your MOD-14 request, but I need to know who you sent it to.” The Commander
provided the senior advisor the name of the point of contact who received his
MOD-14 request. Unfortunately, it was the wrong person.
Lessons Learned: Advisors can use the advisor network to understand who the
correct point of contact is for the Afghans to resolve their own problems. Using
the advisor network to ensure the Afghans use the proper process will ensure
long-term sustainability of the ANSF. Providing assistance to ensure the process
works provides longer-term benefits and shifts reliance away from the Coalition
to Afghan systems.
b) Partnership. Unilateral or even Coalition-led missions are no longer an ISAF/
RS mandate. Everything advisors do must be fully integrated and Afghan-led.
Advisors assist their counterpart in developing ways to overcome obstacles
and accomplish difficult tasks by making suggestions and recommendations,
but the mission now must be initiated by Afghans. An indicator of an effective
advisory effort is the amount of personal ownership the Afghans take in their own
operations and duties.
c) Empathy. Empathy can be defined as identifying and understanding another’s
situation, feelings, and motives. This understanding requires getting to know
people and the broader culture in which they operate as well as the history of the
community/communities of which they are a part.
d) Limitations. Much like empathy, advisors need to understand the limitations
of their Afghan counterparts. While it is beyond the scope of this guide to describe
all the limiting factors that may challenge an advisor, a few to consider are: many
Afghans may struggle with literacy; almost three-and-a-half decades of conflict
have eroded the trust of many ethnic, tribal, and religious groups in one another
and in the Afghan government; and patronage and corruption are cultural norms.
e) Relationships.
Developing a solid
relationship based on
mutual trust and respect
significantly increases
the ability of advisors
to influence their
counterparts as well as
to overcome difficult
periods. Resources and
expertise will not take the
place of a personal and
professional relationship.
Photo: Sgt. Jessica Ostroska
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UNCLASS//FGI ISAF NATO //REL to USA, ISAF, NATO//FOUO