Introduction

In early 2011, the BBC followed four recruits to the Afghan National Army.

When their training is complete Faizullah, Mahmood, Farhad, and Mirajuddin (l-r), will form part of a force which is expected to assume responsibility for security in Afghanistan as foreign troops leave the country over the next few years.

It is a daunting challenge given the strengthening Taliban insurgency and the country's entrenched ethnic divisions.