scope:

Preface

1. AJP-3.16, Allied Joint Doctrine for Security Force Assistance is intended for use by NATO and NATO-led forces. However, this doctrine can be used as a reference by other military or civilian actors. The requirement to train and develop local forces¹ capabilities, as part of NATO's contribution to a comprehensive approach,² is integral to the success of a broader strategy aimed at reinforcing the capacity of non-NATO nations within the broader framework of defence and related security capacity-building.

2. This doctrine outlines direction and guidance on how NATO provides security force assistance (SFA). SFA activities are applicable at all levels of operations: military strategic; operational; and tactical.3 NATO SFA activities require North Atlantic Council (NAC) approval and should contribute towards a strategic end-state.

1 Local forces are indigenous, non-NATO, military security forces.

2 For more on NATO's contribution to a comprehensive approach, see Allied Joint Publication (AJP- 01) Allied Joint Doctrine, Chapter 2. See also: PO(2011)0045, Updated List of Tasks for the Implementation of the Comprehensive Approach Action Plan and the Lisbon Summit Decisions on the Comprehensive Approach, 04 March 2011.