Wg Cdr Dick MacCormic – Deputy Director Afghan Assessment Group

Briefing General McChrystal on how the campaign is progressing must be a daunting task, and one that falls to Wg Cdr Dick MacCormic. He said, “We draw together information from a number of sources and then report these directly to the General. These reports can go as high as the President of the United States”.

The Wg Cdr’s particular area concerns the transition of control to the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF), and how to make it sustainable and supportable, “We work out how and when this can be achieved”. He continued, “We are constantly looking at the ANSF’s capability, capacity, training and leadership to determine whether the Afghan Government can fully represent the needs of the people”. During his time, Wg Cdr MacCormic admits to learning a great deal about the Afghan people, “This is a fascinating country with strong tribal traditions, complex boundaries and varied terrain”.

When asked of the highlight of his tour, he responded “I had to brief General McChrystal on how we should progress transition of power back to the Afghans. It was a memorable event with a total of 16 Stars in the room, and me with a hand drawn map!”

Finally he added, “Probably the most surreal moment I’ve seen was in the ISAF HQ church. Where else can you see a US Colonel with a pistol strapped to his leg and playing a guitar to the tune of The Eagle’s ‘Peaceful easy feeling’, while a fully armed congregation sings ‘Amazing Grace’?”

Editor: Sqn Ldr S N Moore.

Photography: Corporal Dave Blackburn RAF.