As the mission of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) was completed at the end of 2014, training, advice and assistance for the Afghan security forces and institutions continues through a new, follow-on NATO-led mission called Resolute Support. Resolute Support was launched on 1 January 2015.

The detailed operation plan for Resolute Support was approved by NATO Foreign Ministers at the end of June 2014. The legal framework for the Resolute Support Mission (RSM) is provided by a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), which was signed in Kabul on 30 September 2014, and later ratified by the Afghan Parliament on 27 November 2014. The SOFA defines the terms and conditions under which NATO forces will be deployed in Afghanistan as part of Resolute Support, as well as the activities that they are set to carry out under this agreement.

Approximately 12,000 personnel from both NATO and partner nations will be deployed in support of the mission.

Key functions will include:

– Supporting planning, programming and budgeting;
– Assuring transparency, accountability and oversight;
– Supporting the adherence to the principles of rule of law and good governance;
– Supporting the establishment and sustainment of such processes as force generation, recruiting, training, managing and development of personnel.

Beyond the training, advice and assistance mission, Allies and partners countries are committed to the international community’s support for the long-term financial sustainment of the Afghan security forces.

First Slovenian Armed Forces members have been deployed to the Resolute Support mission in the beginning of 2015. 

The Slovenian Armed Forces participates in the mission Resolute Support in line with the decision of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia on the NATO-led advisory mission Resolute Support in Afghanistan (adopted on 27 November 2014), which, inter alia, states that “stabilisation and support of Afghanistan in assuming the responsibility for the governance, management and development of the country remain some of the main political and security tasks of the international community.” The governmental decision provides for the participation of up to 10 Slovenian Armed Forces members with the possibility of rotations.

Previous operation ISAF was an integral part of the International Community’s comprehensive approach to Afghanistan and its efforts to bring lasting peace and stability back to the country.

On 11 August 2003, upon the request of the UN and Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, NATO had taken command of ISAF. The ISAF operation was NATO's first out-of-area operation and was in line with NATO's transformation to meet the new threats of the 21st century. The Alliance was responsible for the command, coordination and planning of the force, which included providing a force commander and headquarters on the ground in Afghanistan.
In addition to the overall mission of assisting the Afghan government in extending its authority and creating a secure environment, in concrete terms, ISAF aimed at conducting stability and security operations in coordination with the Afghan National Security Forces  (ANSF); assisting in the development of the Afghan National Security Forces and structures, including training of the new Afghan National Army and National Police; identifying reconstruction needs, such as the renovation of schools and medical facilities, restoring water supplies and providing support for other civil-military projects; supporting the Afghan government in disarming illegally armed groups; providing support to the Afghan government and internationally-sanctioned counter-narcotics efforts through intelligence-sharing and the conduct of an efficient public information campaign, as well as support to the Afghan National Armed Forces conducting counter-narcotics operations; supporting humanitarian assistance operations.

First Slovenian Armed Forces members assumed tasks within ISAF in March 2004. Until 31 December 2014, 1,237 servicemembers had been deployed to Afghanistan within 21 contingents. During 11 years, they had performed different tasks ranging from reconnaissance in 2004, force protection since 2005, mentorship since 2010, advisory tasks since 2012 and special operations in the final year.