[1] Its mission was: "NTM-A/CSTC-A, in coordination with NATO Nations and Partners, International Organizations, Donors and NGO's (Non-Government Organizations); supports GIRoA (Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan) as it generates and sustains the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF), develops leaders, and establishes enduring institutional capacity in order to enable accountable Afghan-led security.

After the removal of the Taliban in late 2001, the new Afghan armed forces were formed with the support of the United States and other NATO countries.

The mission of NTM-A was to oversee higher level training for the Afghan National Army (ANA) and training and mentoring for the ANP, and in coordination with CSTC-A, to plan and implement authorized and resourced operational capacity building for ANSF, in order to enhance the government of the Islamic republic's ability to achieve security and stability in Afghanistan.

All these various efforts are managed on the Coalition side by NATO Training Mission - Afghanistan (NTM-A), a three-star level multi-national command headquartered in downtown Kabul.

This program was formalized in April 2003, based near the KMTC coordinating collective and individual training, mentoring, and Coalition Force support.

The OMLTs co-ordinate operational planning and ensure that the ANA units receive enabling support.

[7] Pending on the readiness of each HQ, they go through a transition, following which the international mentor team leaves the ANA organisation.

Eventually all initial officer training (to include the NMAA) as well as the CGSC will be re-located to the new NDU facility.

These courses are required to provide a professional force free from corruption that can enforce the Rule of Law.

Preventive Medicine training sustains the long-term conservation platforms for the operating strength of the ANP.

Program will teach personal hygiene and sanitation procedures to reduce the disease rate and potentially increase the daily strength available for operations.

Program will, in conjunction with the MoI Staff, develop and publish needed doctrine for the Afghan National Police.

Initiates Dari/Pashto and Low Intensity English Literacy programs in each Regional/Zones beginning at Regional Command locations (Jalalabad, Gardez, Kandahar, Herat, and Mazar-e-Sharif).

[15] The Long War Journal reported on such attacks, counting 155 since 2008 to 11 June 2017, resulting in 152 Coalition dead and 193 wounded.

NATO commanders initially stated that an estimated 90% of the attacks are due to cultural differences and personal enmity while the Afghan government disagreed with NATO’s analyst and blamed the problem on “infiltration by foreign spy agencies”, including those of “neighboring countries”.

The addition of the darker blue quartering signifies the Afghanistan national treasure of lapis lazuli gems.

A silver color metal and enamel device 2 inches (5.1 cm) in height consisting of a design similar to the shoulder sleeve insignia.