NATO believes security is "ultimately going to be provided by the people and the institutions of Afghanistan, not exclusively or solely by international forces," spokesman Nicolas Lunt said at a recent press conference.
"I don't know how many times we, the internationals, need to say this to be heard and understood," Lunt told reporters.
Building the army to a certain strength does not mean it will have the capability to conduct operations independently, General Dan McNeill, the top international commander in Afghanistan, said last week.
"As early as next year we may see certain Afghan units that look fairly independent," he said. "I think it will come in increments. I wouldn't offer a guess as to how many years it will take."
"We have got new weapons, new vehicles and artillery and mortars. That helps us to build the army's capacity. But the problem is with the numbers," Azimi said.
A few years ago, nearly a third of recruits were deserting, but this has changed after huge injections of US cash boosted the monthly pay for a foot soldier to US$100 from under US$60, Wahidi said.
"Back in 2004 and 2005 the desertion rate was very high, sometimes up to 20, 30 percent. But now it's between five and 10 percent," the KMTC commander said.
Back at the training ground, the new soldiers are looking beyond graduation.
"I haven't fought before," said Noor Mohammad, aged about 30.
When asked if he was scared of Taliban rebels, he stammered: "I don't know, maybe ... maybe yeah."
Allah Mohammad, of a similar age, said he was ready to take on the rebels.
"I'm not scared, they should be scared of me," the proud soldier said with a laugh.
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