In this edition
ANP detain eight militants and prevent IED attack in Ghazni
Coalition
Forces maintain pressure in Khakrez District
PRTs exchange ideas at ISAF
Militant IEDs injure one Afghan civilian in Khowst
ANP graduates 354 new members into its ranks
Human Terrain Teams Building Friendships and Future
ANP detain eight militants and prevent IED attack in Ghazni
February 28, 2009
KABUL, Afghanistan –Afghan National Police (ANP) assisted by Coalition forces detained eight militants and prevented an improvised explosive device (IED) attack, today, in the Ghazni district, in Ghazni Province, approximately 150 km southwest of Kabul.
While conducting a combat reconnaissance patrol, in support of efforts to bring peace and stability to the region, the combined forces observed individuals placing an IED on the road. The combined forces convoy followed the individuals to a compound in Ghazni City. The ANP conducted a search of the compound, discovering a cache containing IED-making materials, including two remote-control devices, wire and pressure plate materials. Two AK-47 rifles were also discovered. The ANP took eight militants into custody.
The IED placed on the road was safely removed by the combined forces before it could prevent injuries to Afghan civilians, or the combined force.
No ANP, Coalition force or non-combatant casualties were reported.
“The vigilance and expertise of the ANP was key in stopping an insurgent attack today,” said Afghan Ministry of Interior spokesman, Zemarai Bashary. “The ANP continue to successful remove insurgents and increase the security of Afghanistan.”
Coalition contractor killed in Oruzgan
February 28, 2009
KABUL, Afghanistan – A contractor working for Coalition forces died of wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device during a combat reconnaissance patrol in Oruzgan Province today.
The name and nationality of the individual are being withheld pending notification of next-of-kin.
Coalition Forces maintain pressure in Khakrez District
February 28, 2009
KABUL, Afghanistan – Coalition Forces killed one militant and detained six suspected militants during operations in Kandahar province Friday.
In Khakrez district, Kandahar province, approximately 80 km northwest of Kandahar, Coalition Forces conducted a search of several compounds to locate and detain suspected militants involved in the Maywand improvised explosive device network.
When forces arrived at the location to be searched, they called for all non-combatants to exit the buildings. After searching the compounds and questioning individuals present, forces detained five suspected militants.
Coalition Forces also tracked several militants who had fled the target location. One of the militants was killed when he maneuvered on the force, displaying hostile intent. A second suspected militant was detained.
An AK-47 assault rifle and a chest rack were found in one of the buildings on the compound. The Coalition Forces protected 20 women and 39 children.
PRTs exchange ideas at ISAF
KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghanistan's 26 Provisional Reconstruction Team (PRT) commanders, along with 400 multi-national representatives attended the quarterly PRT conference held at International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Headquarters, 25-26 February.
The goal of conference organisers is to host a forum where every PRT commander can see plans simultaneously, have to opportunity to ask questions and then take back their newfound knowledge to their respective province.
An additional benefit of the conference is that it serves as an opportunity to exchange information with counterparts and talk about lessons learned by bringing everyone together providing an invaluable opportunity to network.
"You can communicate a lot of things through e-mail, but there are a lot more items that you don’t think of while you are typing that you think of while you are standing right next to them" said U.S. Navy Lieutenant Shawn Thorson, a PRT engagement officer for Regional Command-East (RC-E).
More than two-dozen briefings took place over the two-day conference covering a wide spectrum of topics including border security, disaster assistance, counter-narcotics and best practices.
"I think the sessions are good since each one is unique" said U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Andy Torelli, the Zabul Province PRT Commander. "I was talking with a Czech Republic PRT commander and he mentioned they are doing a hydrology study that peaked my interest because we need to do that in our area, so I asked what they are doing and now I can take his advice back and use it in my province."
Renee Thakali, a U.S. Department of Agriculture advisor who has only been in Afghanistan for a few days said the conference gave her the background information she needs.
"My PRT has 30 different projects going on and this conference gives me the opportunity to network with others. It’s been a great way to start my new job."
Militant IEDs injure one Afghan civilian in Khowst
February 27, 2009
KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan civilian was injured Thursday during a double improvised explosive device blast in Sabari District, Khowst Province.
The remote-controlled IEDs targeted a combined Afghan National Army (ANA) commando and Coalition Forces (CF) convoy conducting a reconnaissance patrol in an area frequently traveled by civilians.
The first IED detonated between two vehicles, causing no injuries or damage to the convoy. As the commandos and CF were securing the blast area, a second IED detonated, leaving on Afghan civilian with shrapnel wounds to the arm and chest.
Coalition Forces immediately provided emergency care to the injured civilian, who was later taken to a nearby Coalition medical facility for further treatment.
Three militants were detained, two at the site of the attack and one later as he was attempting to dig in the road. A search of his compound yielded weapons and explosives.
No commando, Coalition Forces or other civilians were injured.
“This attack by the enemies of Afghanistan shows their blatant disregard for the Afghan people as they indiscriminately kill and injure innocent civilians,” said U.S. Forces-Afghanistan Spokesman, Col. Greg Julian. “Their failed attack on the ANA commandos and Coalition Forces only caused further suffering for the people of Afghanistan.”
ANP graduates 354 new members into its ranks
KABUL, Afghanistan - Eight weeks of training came to an end on February 26th for 354 new members of the Afghan National Police (ANP) as they graduated from the Recruit Training Course during a ceremony held in the ANP Region South Recruit Training Camp near Kandahar City.
Throughout the course, the ANP officers were taught the basics in watch standing, entry control, investigative procedures and search and seizure techniques.
“We keep it basic because these guys come from all over the region and different areas have different procedures for what works,” said U.S. Army Sergeant 1st Class Michael McGrath, acting Officer in Charge of training at the camp. “Field training for their location will be given by the Police Mentoring Teams (PMT) in their area and it will be the most beneficial training to make them effective officers in the field. This recruit training course is their first of many steps.”
At the ceremony, Kandahar Provincial Governor Turyalay Wisa, expressed his great pride to the graduates for their commitment, “this responsibility now rests on your shoulders.”
“There is a big distance between the people and its government and it is your job to bridge the gap between them,” he said. “Together, with our partners from the international community, you will help this country return to greatness.”
This is the first class to graduate in 2009. McGrath, who single-handedly wrote a 900-page training guide that will become the official manual for the ANP training camp, will head out to Helmand where he will join a PMT to continue training ANP officers.
“Continuous training is an example set by the U.S. military as well as other countries,” he said. “We learn by being flexible and constantly growing from experience. I’m hoping we can bring that to the ANP because it will be them, alongside the Army, which will care for Afghanistan and its people long after we’re gone. I definitely see an endpoint to our presence in the future because these men are examples of what dedication can do for a country.”
Human Terrain Teams Building Friendships and Future
Story by Cpl. John Zumer
Date: 02.28.2009
BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – Coalition forces have been successful over the last seven years on the battlefields of Afghanistan. True and lasting success, however, lies in understanding Afghans and the recent implementation of Human Terrain Teams could become a large building block for victory.
The HTTs were developed in 2005 in response to military gaps in understanding of the Afghan population and culture. Their mission is to provide field commanders with the relevant social and cultural understanding necessary to meet daily operational requirements.
The teams fall under the Human Terrain System framework. Whereas HTTs operate in the field, Human Terrain Analysis Teams are analytical teams attached to divisional staffs, and largely analyze field data and other information.
It is the first time that social science research, analysis and advising has been done systematically and at the operational level.
“Much can be accomplished by approaching things as a social rather than a security problem,” said Jim Emery, lead social scientist of an HTT attached to Task Force Warrior in Bagram. The Department of the Army contracted social scientists, analysts and researchers to join military personnel in the composition of an HTT.
Five pilot teams were created at the program’s beginning. Four went to Iraq, and the fifth was attached to Task Force Fury in Khowst province, Afghanistan, in January 2007. HTTs have embedded with U.S. Army and Marine units, and while normally attached at the brigade staff level, they also provide general support for subordinate units.
The embedded teams of social scientists, analysts and researchers gather and update institutional knowledge on Afghanistan, research background and historical documents and conduct research in the field. These efforts have already yielded many successes.
HTTs have already accounted for a reduction in violence in one Afghan province, according to Col. Scott A. Spellmon, brigade commander, Task Force Warrior. Problems in Kapisa province had been tied to the difficulty in understanding numerous local dynamics. The population was mixed with Pashtun and Tajik peoples, a fact which can be problematic, said Spellmon. Tensions in the air were reduced when the HTT talked with local elders.
Emery feels the success has yielded an even-greater reward.
“One of the measurable qualities in Kapisa is that you have people coming forward now with information,” he said.
The ANA is taking much more prominent roles, and as far as Emery is concerned, success is largely measured by the respect and cooperation of villagers.
“If you provide hope for the future, then you provide viable alternatives,” said Emery.
The HTT process of defeating the enemy is neither quick nor trouble-free, however.
“Sometimes it takes six to eight months to build that trusting relationship,” said Larry Rice, research manager of the HTAT attached to CJTF-101. “It is important to target key villages as if they were spokes on a wheel.”
“Success can then emanate outwards if natural lines of communication are developed and maintained,” Rice added.
Non-verbal cues that reinforce the verbal message are also vital to success in changing the theater and forging relationships, added Rice, citing body language of Coalition forces that can be interpreted differently by Afghans.
Spellmon said he wishes the HTT concept had arrived even sooner, considering the visible successes.
“I would have loved to have had this team in our train-up prior to coming to Afghanistan,” he said.
The combat training centers, where HTT also provides information and guidance on what to expect in-theater, are great in providing a deeper understanding of the Afghan people, he added.
Despite the many HTT successes, challenges remain. The size of Afghanistan coupled with few HTTs limits the amount of time spent in villages, but the absence of their own logistical assets can also be stifling. Quality time spent by the HTT in villages is the most pressing need, however. “Just going out on a postcard run and not really talking to people does us no good,” said Emery.
Military forces also need a better understanding, which requires the building of friendships. Time spent on the ground in days, not minutes, is vital in building friendships, Rice said.
“Afghans don’t like to be treated poorly and only be showered with provisions,” Rice added, echoing a frequently heard complaint that some commanders gauge mission success by the amount of food and supplies distributed.
“Tribes don’t always behave as co-ops in either Afghanistan or Iraq, and that has to be taken into account,” said Josh Foust, a senior analyst for the HTS program. “Differences and the way they’re handled matter,” he added.
Negative and inaccurate stereotypes of Muslims and Afghans also need to be overcome.
“Friendship, hospitality, good manners, honor, loyalty, respect for elders and love of children are core values of Afghan culture,” said Emery. “It is important that our Soldiers learn these and other positive characteristics of the Afghans in order to have a positive change in how they plan and carry out missions. The main goal in Afghanistan is security, stability and prosperity but you have to establish good personal relationships first.”
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