OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 10/14/12 -- Today, the first group of soldiers, most of whom are from the Quebec area, left Quebec City for Afghanistan for their mission to provide training and professional development to the National Security Forces of Afghanistan until June 2013.

"As our troops fly out, I am proud of our men and women in uniform and their commitment to Canada's engagement in Afghanistan," said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence. "Canadian troops take real pride in the fact that they are promoting security through training and mentoring efforts."

Canada is the second largest contributor to the NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan after the United States, with approximately 900 Canadian Forces members working in a whole-of-government capacity alongside 37 partner nations to enable the growth, professionalization and capacity building of the Afghan National Security Forces.

The troops completed four months of intensive training at Canadian Forces Base Valcartier for their new role as mentors and instructors to the National Security Forces of Afghanistan.

"In the past month, these motivated and trained soldiers have demonstrated their high level of professionalism and readiness," said the commander of the Canadian Army, Lieutenant-General Peter Devlin. "Our soldiers will continue to make a positive, effective and lasting difference in the lives of the Afghan people, during this upcoming mission."

Operation ATTENTION is Canada's participation in the NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan, which delivers training and professional development support to the National Security Forces of Afghanistan: the Afghan National Army, the Afghan Air Force and the Afghan National Police.

For further information on Operation ATTENTION and the Canadian Contribution Training Mission - Afghanistan, please visit: http://www.cjoc-coic.forces.gc.ca/exp/attention/index-eng.asp