Canadian Military May Remain In Afghanistan As "Trainers"

Although the Canadian government is holding firm on the decision to end the military's combat role in 2011, it is possible that a smaller number of troops will remain in Afghanistan as "trainers".

Canadian troops could remain “behind the wire” in Afghanistan involved in training local troops after their combat mission ends next summer, the Star has learned.

While the Conservative government is holding firm that the combat mission will end in 2011, one of three options emerging is that some soldiers could remain in the troubled nation, well away from combat zones, as trainers.

The other two potential roles on the table are aid and development, a senior government official told the Star.

There are roughly 3,000 soldiers involved in Canada's Afghan mission. The size of the training contingent would be “much smaller” and would be away from Kandahar, a hotbed of the insurgency, the official said.

Canada's future presence in Afghanistan will likely involve all three elements as it looks to put renewed emphasis on rebuilding the country's institutions and assisting its impoverished population.

Despite diplomatic pressure from NATO allies to extend its military mission in Kandahar, Canada is making it clear that a continued combat role is one option that's not up for negotiation.

By: Shelldrake