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SSgt Workman is featured in the Hall of Heroes and a book review on this from Marine Till Death that read it as it was written: http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2008/12/shadow-of-the-sword-by-jeremiah-workman-w-john-bruning.html
http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2008/12/ssgt-jeremiah-workman-navy-cross-usmc-iraq-marion-oh.html and links to prior articles.
See information on Author and Book by Blake Hurdis here: http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2009/07/by-blake-hurdis-editor.html
The July 2013 “Report on Progress Toward Security and Stability in Afghanistan,” a biannual report to Congress in accordance with Section 1230 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (Public Law
110-181) as amended; section 1221 of the NDAA for FY 2012 (Public Law 112-81); and sections 1212, 1217, 1223, and 1531(d) of the NDAA for FY 2013 (Public Law 112-239), as amended, was provided today to Congress.
Continue reading "DOD Releases Report on Progress in Afghanistan" »
Posted by MsMarti - on Wednesday, July 31, 2013 at 04:53 in Afghanistan News, Afghanistan Progress Reports | Permalink
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Continue reading "Is Zero Really an Option for US in Afghanistan?" »
Posted by MsMarti - on Tuesday, July 23, 2013 at 05:27 in Afghanistan News, Afghanistan Progress Reports | Permalink
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Story by Sgt. Kyle Wagoner
HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces are optimistic the holy month of Ramadan will be peaceful and safe for the people of Helmand province.
Afghan National Security Forces throughout the province remain vigilant and determined to bring about peace and prosperity to its residents this Ramadan, despite insurgents’ spontaneous attacks on Afghan Local Police checkpoints in the Mirmandab and Deh Adam Khan areas of Nahr-e Saraj District this month. The recent engagements resulted in two enemies killed and multiple wounded.
Afghan Local Police complement counterinsurgency efforts by assisting and supporting rural areas with limited Afghan National Security Force presence, enabling conditions for improved security, governance and development.
“Afghanistan’s security forces are providing good security for the people of Afghanistan this Ramadan,” said Afghan National Army commando Lt. Col. Zaibullah, the 7th Special Operations Kandak (SOK) commander. “Our forces continue to serve the people every day. Twenty-four hours a day we are trying to improve security.”
The 7th SOK commandos and ALP recently played a vital role in positioning forces north of a base in Nahr-e Saraj in response to coalition forces transferring the base to ANSF control, July 6.
The commandos repelled several insurgent attacks as the enemy attempted to mount an assault on the joint forces while they repositioned troops from Zombalay. The Taliban fighters retreated from the area, unable to break through the commandos defensive positions.
“Handing over the security responsibilities from the coalition forces to Afghan force is a tremendous step forward for the province. We are happy for it,” said Afghan National Army Col. Abdul Azim Safi, the 215th Corps Logistical commander. “This is our country and we will continue to do our job and take care of it. I want our people to have their Ramadan in peace and to live in a peaceful region.”
Afghan security forces assumed complete control of all security responsibilities throughout the
province in last month as coalition forces decreased their involvement in operations to assume a supervisory and supportive role.
“We work together closely with the Afghan Local Police and other security forces throughout the
district to maintain security. Ramadan is very important for the people of Afghanistan for all Muslims,” said Zeibullah. “During the month of Ramadan, we continue our mission and support our communities. During the holy month, we should make peace and the enemy should stop their attacks.”
Assuming full security responsibility demonstrates that progress in Afghanistan is real and tangible. Though challenges remain, the ANSF continue to grow in capability, confidence and capacity every day.
Posted by MsMarti - on Sunday, July 21, 2013 at 16:06 in Afghanistan News, Afghanistan Progress Reports | Permalink
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LAGHMAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Sixteen insurgents recently joined the Afghanistan Peace and Reintegration Program (APRP), a program which has proven to reduce violence and strengthen Afghan communities and families in Laghman province.
The APRP is an Afghan government program, supported by the international community, designed to assist insurgents in their transition to become law-abiding citizens of Afghanistan. An insurgent must renounce violence before the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan reunites the former enemy with his family, facilitates the transition from enemy to citizen, and provides aide.
“The reintegration process is very successful in Laghman province,” said Muhammad Qasim Ebadi, Laghman Province National Directorate of Security Chief. “About 370 insurgents from 15 different
groups have come to the government and joined this process so far.”
Chief Ebadi also explained how the program benefits the community.
“When the local population supports this program by accepting the former insurgents into their communities, it allows us to provide them with services like reconstruction projects for the area,” said Ebadi.
Only Afghans can negotiate with Afghans. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization and International Security Assistance Forces may facilitate negotiations in conjunction with Afghan partners, but that is not their primary role. Since the APRP is an Afghan program, only Afghans have the final decision regarding who is formally enrolled into the program.
“There are some examples of former insurgents who joined the peace process a couple of years ago,” said Ebadi. “Now they are trusted members of the Afghan Local Police who are protecting their people.”
The program is currently active in all Afghanistan provinces.
Ebadi continued, “War can’t resolve all of these current problems. It’s just destroying our homeland. Insurgents should come and join the peace process and support our government to resolve this.”
Posted by MsMarti - on Sunday, July 21, 2013 at 00:48 in Afghanistan News, Afghanistan Progress Reports | Permalink
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HERAT, Afghanistan - If there is an instructive success story in the war zone, it may lie in the extraction of the nation’s massive reservoir of natural resources. The discovery and gradual exploitation of the country’s mineral riches, which could exceed $3 trillion, have brought hope of a stronger economy capable of deflecting the insurgency and ensuring a more self-sufficient region.
Ultimately, an economy is built out through trade, not aid, as growth and new jobs are the most sustainable way to raise living standards. With increasing exports across Europe and Asia, the Afghan marble sector already earns at least $15 million per year and remains the top marble producer in the region. If present maturation trends hold, it could generate nearly $700 million in annual exports by 2020. Building upon this initial success could therefore have far-ranging effects on national economic output and political sustainability in the post-ISAF environment.
Already there is clear room for expansion. Mining experts estimate that
Continue reading "RC West's Untold Economic Success Story" »
Posted by MsMarti - on Monday, July 15, 2013 at 03:25 in Afghanistan News, Afghanistan Progress Reports | Permalink
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Story by Todd Lyman
The shelter transport inspection building is one feature of the new Combat Service Support School recently turned over by Transatlantic District North for Afghan National Security Forces. (Official USACE TAN courtesy photo, released)
KABUL, Afghanistan — U.S. Army Gen. Tommy Franks warned during Operation Desert Storm, “Forget logistics, you lose.” U.S. Marine Corps commandant Gen. Robert H. Barrow said in 1980: “Amateurs think about tactic, but professionals think about logistics.”
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic District North (TAN) recently turned over
Continue reading "Combat Service Support School: A lighthouse project " »
Posted by MsMarti - on Thursday, July 04, 2013 at 01:42 in Afghanistan News, Afghanistan Progress Reports | Permalink
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Story by Jasmine Chopra-Delgadillo
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed extensive refurbishments and upgrades of the Afghanistan National Border Police Company Unit facility in Musa Abadin, Herat province, June 20, well ahead of schedule. Due to the extreme remoteness of the site, the project was completed without USACE personnel visiting the site and instead, USACE relied on contracted, local Afghan KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed extensive refurbishments and upgrades of the Afghanistan National Border Police Company Unit facility in Musa Abadin, Herat province, June 20, well ahead of schedule.
The facilities, renovated and improved by an Afghan-owned and operated construction firm with oversight by the Afghanistan Engineer District-South, will serve as a base of operations for 100
personnel.
Continue reading "Local Afghan engineers, unmanned aerial vehicles " »
Posted by MsMarti - on Tuesday, July 02, 2013 at 16:02 in Afghanistan Progress Reports | Permalink
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BAGRAM, Afghanistan (June 28, 2013) - As a result of the Afghans recently achieving Tranche 5 and the transition to Afghan National Security Forces taking the lead for security across the country upon
reaching Milestone 2013, the Regional Command East Public Affairs Office will no longer be providing operational updates on ANSF activities. Any future operational reports will be released by the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Ministry of Interior Affairs or the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Ministry of Defense.
The Web site for the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Ministry of Interior Affairs is http://moi.gov.af/en.
The Web site for the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Ministry of Defense is http://mod.gov.af/en.
Posted by MsMarti - on Friday, June 28, 2013 at 19:00 in Afghanistan News, Afghanistan Progress Reports | Permalink
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Story by OR-6 Mark Doran
The load team prepares to hook up a container to be airlifted from Forward Operating Base Hadrian to Kandahar Airfield by a U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook from DEH RAWUD, Afghanistan - Representing an important step towards Afghan independence, the deconstruction of the last ‘ISAF manned’ Forward Operating Base in Uruzgan province is now complete.
All remaining coalition personnel and equipment at FOB Hadrian, which is 60km west of Tarin Kot, were removed on June 23.
FOB Hadrian was deconstructed in line with the Afghan National Security Force (ANSF) enduring plan for the province.
Col. Douglas C. Cardinale, Commander 2nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, and Deputy Commander Combined Team Uruzgan (CTU), says the ANSF secures Deh Rawud district from nearby Patrol Base Tycz and continues to expand their influence in the area.
“The Afghan National Police and the Afghan National Army have been doing a good job, and showing they are capable of conducting independent operations,” he said.
“The insurgency wasn’t expecting the resistance that the ANSF has put up this fighting season.
“They have held not only the town centres but also the peripheries.”
Recent insurgent attacks on Afghan Police checkpoints in the Deh Rawud and Shahid-e Hassas districts have been successfully repelled by Afghan soldiers who are now employing complex tactical manoeuvres such as clearing air space for artillery and mortar fire.
Australian and US Army engineers worked from December 2012 to deconstruct the large base and reduce the tactical infrastructure, which included two M777A2 howitzers from the US Army’s
1st Battalion 9th Field Artillery Regiment.
CTU Deputy Chief Engineer, Capt. Michael Jasny, said the ground has been handed over in a clean and sustainable condition, with only the base’s perimeter walls left to be deconstructed by contracted support.
“The two howitzers were airlifted to Kandahar Airfield by US Army CH-47 Chinooks from Task Force Knighthawk on June 18 along with containers of stores and equipment.”
“The site itself will be returned to bare earth as it was before we were here,” he said.
“There were no issues from the environmental inspection.”
Initially a Dutch base until their withdrawal in 2010, Australian and US Mentoring Teams worked out of FOB Hadrian training and patrolling with the their ANSF partners, in particular, the 1st Kandak of the 4th Brigade, 205th Hero Corps.
The 1st Kandak achieved operational independence in November 2012.
Posted by MsMarti - on Tuesday, June 25, 2013 at 07:45 in Afghanistan News, Afghanistan Progress Reports | Permalink
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By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 18, 2013 – Afghans now are in the lead for security throughout their country, and this inflection point points the way toward a stable nation, the commander of NATO and U.S. forces in Afghanistan said today.
Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr. told Pentagon reporters via a phone hook-up from the Afghan capital of Kabul that the nature of the relationship between Afghanistan and NATO has changed.
Today’s achievement of “Milestone 2013” is a long-anticipated development, the general said. U.S., NATO and partner nations have carried the security burden in Afghanistan since 2001. Behind that shield, the Afghan government recruited, equipped and trained soldiers and police to take the security responsibility. Afghan forces took the security job in more and more of the country until today, when they assumed the lead for combat operations throughout the country.
“This is a source of great pride for the Afghan people and the Afghan security forces, and, frankly, it’s also a great source of pride for members of the coalition,” Dunford said.
American, NATO and partner nations made this day possible, and wounded warriors from the United States, the United Kingdom and Italy were present as Afghan President Hamid Karzai and NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen made the announcement this morning.
The change means U.S., NATO and coalition troops are no longer conducting unilateral operations. There are exceptions, however. NATO-commanded forces do conduct security operations, route clearance operations and operations conducted for retrograde movements, Dunford said. “The only operations that are being planned and conducted against the enemy are being conducted with the Afghans in the lead,” he said.
“As we mark Milestone 2013, I’m confident in the overall direction of the campaign,” Dunford said. “I believe the Afghans are, in fact, ready to take the lead right now. I believe they’ll be able to run and secure the elections in 2014. And I believe we’ll be ready to effect full transition in December of
2014.”
Sustaining Afghan progress is the focus now, he said. Command and control, air support, intelligence and equipment and instruction for countering improvised explosive devices are crucial capabilities for the Afghan national security forces.
“We’re working hard to mature the systems, the processes and institutions that are going to allow the Afghans to become fully self-reliant in the days ahead,” Dunford said.
The key to the future is integrating the capabilities of the Afghan army and police across the spectrum, the general said.
The way ahead is charted. Through the end of 2014, coalition forces will continue to work to train, advise and assist Afghan forces. Coalition forces will continue to provide support, including limited medical evacuation for forces and will continue to train and mentor leaders and units.
The Afghan military must medevac their wounded using their own assets. The Afghan air force has Mi-17 helicopters and ground evacuation capabilities. The service is getting smaller cargo-style aircraft that could also help transport wounded troops.
The Afghan military has paid a price for the security lead. In some weeks, officials said, Afghan forces lose between 100 and 120 troops, and NATO and Afghan forces are examining the situation. IEDs cause the greatest number of casualties, and Afghan forces are working to use counter-IED equipment and to learn the tactics, techniques and procedures to minimize casualties.
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Force
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Congratulates Afghans for Taking Lead in Security
Posted by MsMarti - on Thursday, June 20, 2013 at 00:21 in Afghanistan News, Afghanistan Progress Reports | Permalink
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By SSG Christopher Harper and Melissa Charbonneau, HQ ISAF
KABUL, Afghanistan (Jan. 6, 2013) – Embracing their newfound independence and inserting themselves in an increasingly more secure and modern Afghanistan, some local women have organized to hold a new type of traditional bazaar.
Each month, weather and security permitting, International Security Assistance Force invites more than 30 female vendors to sell their mostly handmade wares at its headquarters in Kabul. The monthly bazaar nets the women more than just much needed additional income and the ability to help support their families.
An Air Force servicemember negotiates lightheartedly with an Afghan girl over the price for her handmade bracelets at a women’s bazaar at International Security Assistance Force headquarters, Kabul, Jan 5. The monthly bazaar is designed to empower the underprivileged female entrepreneurs. (U.S. Army photo by SSG Christopher Harper)
“The money I earn here supports me attending university,” said Jamila, a vendor who sells original artwork at the bazaar. Jamila studies public health, “my dream is to become a doctor.”
The women have been holding the monthly bazaar at ISAF headquarters for nearly two years.
Jamila has been participating in the bazaar for eight months.
“Many of the women can earn in a day what would normally take weeks,” Jamila said. “This is a great opportunity for us.”
Vendors can make hundreds at a single bazaar, and depending on the number of bazaars worked, could average up to $1000 per month. The earnings help these women start up their own businesses, pay for medical care and drug rehab services for family members, and fund education for their children. Bazaar organizers also assist women opening their own bank accounts and taskera identity cards, and discounts on medical services.
Storai Jalal, an ISAF Afghan-American civilian contractor, is the bazaar organizer who pioneered a business model to empower the underprivileged women of Afghanistan. The model focuses around the core concept of building self-sufficiency through sustainable livelihoods to Afghan women.
"Ninety-five percent of these women were illiterate, yet in a very short time they have learned how to convert Afghanis to dollars to Euros," Jalal says. "They have learned business development, marketing, advertising, and limited English. These women are highly talented. They have just never been given the opportunity nor have they had the courage to stand up on their own feet."
The project launched in June 2010 with 97 participants and has expanded to regular bazaars at multiple coalition bases including HQ ISAF, KAIA, New Kabul Compound, Camp Eggers, and Bagram. Today the program supports almost 800 Afghan women directly and more than 5,000 indirectly through women who produce goods for sale.
Coalition servicemembers and civilians working at ISAF headquarters appreciate the chance to interact with the women and find treasures at the bazaar.
In addition to shopping for traditional Afghan souvenirs and unique handmade crafts for their loved ones back home, many of the coalition servicemembers volunteer to assist the women to ensure they can setup and breakdown the bazaar each month.
Air Force TSgt. Shawna Williams, an administration noncommissioned officer at ISAF headquarters, enjoys shopping at the women’s bazaar, “because the women are not as aggressive,” as their male counterparts. Williams, like many other coalition servicemembers, appreciates the lighter atmosphere often filled with playing children.
Even the ISAF commander, Gen. John Allen, along with other senior coalition headquarters staff, has been seen taking time from their busy schedules to shop and interact with the women.
This month, Pulitzer Prize winning Afghan photographer Massoud Hossaini visited the bazaar. “What are really great are these women’s stories,” said Hossaini.
Posted by WOTN Editor on Tuesday, January 08, 2013 at 06:16 in Afghanistan News, Afghanistan Progress Reports, Videos | Permalink
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Posted by WOTN Editor on Friday, December 28, 2012 at 14:28 in Afghanistan News, Afghanistan Progress Reports | Permalink
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To say that the lack of focus on Foreign Policy, National Security, and National Defense in the current election campaign is disappointing to me, would be an understatement. I am very disappointed that the Romney-Ryan campaign has failed to define the differences between Romney and Obama. There ARE differences between them, and there are other points of perceived differences.
In my opinion, the Obama Administration is vulnerable on Foreign Policy and National Security, which it continues to claim is its strength. And it is not that I'm enamored with the Romney "me too" routine on Foreign Policy, but we have already seen that the Obama Administration has a record of making the wrong choices. The Romney campaign seems to rest this important part of its platform on others to define, and while that may be the smart political move, it doesn't sit well with me.
Still, the stated differences are there:
Continue reading "Foreign Policy in the 2012 Presidential Campaign" »
Posted by WOTN Editor on Wednesday, October 24, 2012 at 10:25 in Afghanistan Progress Reports, Elections, Perspectives, Politicians | Permalink
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The International Crisis Group says the Afghan government is “far from ready” to assume security responsibility when U.S. and NATO forces withdraw in 2014.
The non-profit group says the government in Kabul could collapse, especially if the next round of the country's elections is fraudulent. In 2009 and 2010, the country suffered chaotic presidential and parliamentary polls.
An ICG report published Monday said in the current environment, the prospects for clean elections and a smooth transition of power are slim. It also said it expects political cohesion in the capital to decline as foreign aid and investment goes down with the approach of the 2014 drawdown.
The Brussels-based group recommends the international community have a contingency plan to ensure adequate security for Afghanistan's 2014 presidential campaign. It also urges Afghan election officials and lawmakers to be transparent and settle election-process issues ahead of the polls.
Kabul Police Chief General Mohammed Ayub Salangi tells VOA that he finds the report “completely baseless” and that the Afghan security forces will be ready to take responsibility from the coalition.
The report follows a car bomb attack near a security forces office in southern Afghanistan, that killed two intelligence officers and wounded four civilians.
Separately, the outgoing head of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Afghanistan says the country's armed conflict has worsened for civilians.
Reto Stocker is leaving Afghanistan after seven years in his current position. In a news release, he deplored the continued lack of access to health care for civilians. He also said alongside the ill effects of the armed conflict, civilians are suffering from economic hardship, as well as severe weather and natural disasters.
Despite the challenges, Stocker said his group has made some progress in raising its concerns with various parties in the conflict, who he said have shown a greater willingness to listen and follow certain recommendations. VoA.
Posted by WOTN Editor on Tuesday, October 09, 2012 at 09:00 in Afghanistan News, Afghanistan Progress Reports | Permalink
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The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan says he is “mad as hell” about attacks on Western troops by Afghan soldiers and police, known as “insider attacks.”
General John Allen said in an interview with CBS's 60 Minutes, scheduled to air late Sunday, “we are willing to sacrifice a lot for this campaign, but we are not willing to be murdered for it.”
Allen said that just as homemade bombs had become the signature weapon of the Iraq war, he believed that in Afghanistan, “the signature attack that we are beginning to see is going to be the insider attack.”
A Taliban leader told CBS the insider attacks are part of the militant group's new military strategy. He said the Taliban has its people planted in the Afghan police and the army.
More than 50 international troops have been killed this year in a series of insider attacks. A similar number of Afghan security force members have been killed in such attacks.
I encourage you to watch the video, to listen to all the General has to say, to listen to the words of President Karzai, and to listen to the words of the Taliban:
Coalition officials originally had reported an insider attack late Saturday was responsible for the death of a U.S. soldier, foreign contractor, and three Afghan soldiers. But NATO has issued a statement saying the incident possibly involved insurgent fire and coalition and Afghan officials are still investigating. VoA
Posted by WOTN Editor on Sunday, September 30, 2012 at 19:32 in Afghanistan News, Afghanistan Progress Reports, Iraq, Videos | Permalink
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By Karen Parrish, AFPS, AUCKLAND, New Zealand, Sept. 21, 2012 - The drawdown of U.S. surge forces in Afghanistan is complete as scheduled, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta announced here today during a news conference with New Zealand Defense Minister Dr. Jonathan Coleman. [WOTN editor comments in bold and brackets. Graphic by ISAF, with annotations by WOTN.]
Panetta said the return of 33,000 troops President Barack Obama committed to the war in Afghanistan in 2009 is "an important milestone." [These aren't the same Troops, except in those cases where they completed their 2nd tour in the timeframe.]
"As we reflect on this moment, it is an opportunity to recognize that the surge accomplished its objectives of reversing Taliban momentum on the battlefield and dramatically increased the size and capability of the Afghan national security forces," he said. [Enemy Initiated Attacks, shown above, as well as other measures of violence remain higher than 2009. The dramatic increase in the size of the ANSF is the reason we now have record numbers of "green on blue" attacks from those swollen, Taliban infested forces.]
The surge of forces allowed the United States and its coalition partners in NATO's International Security Assistance Force to begin transitioning to Afghan security lead, he said, noting that Afghan forces soon will be responsible for leading their country's defense in areas of every province, and for more than 75 percent of the Afghan population. [The Administration's plan also includes plans to slash the numbers of those swollen, Taliban infested forces, while many that are familiar with the situation have stated the ANSF are not currently capable of "leading" or controlling operations on their own.]
"At the same time, we have struck enormous blows against al-Qaida's leadership, consistent with our core goal of disrupting, dismantling and defeating al-Qaida and denying it a safe haven," the secretary said. [Al-Qaeda is stronger now than it has been in 12 years. The black flag of Al-Qaeda was raised over the US Embassy in Cairo, Egypt on 9/11/12, and Al-Qaeda members previously held in GITMO and Libyan prisons attacked the US Consulate in Benghazi, Libya two hours later, killing 4 US diplomats, including the Ambassador. The recent attack on a joint Marine/British base was the worst loss of American aircraft since Viet Nam, and has the fingerprints of Al-Qaeda all over it.]
The 68,000 U.S. service members who remain in Afghanistan combine with other nation's forces to make ISAF around 100,000 troops strong, Panetta said. Those forces will keep working to reduce the level of violence in Afghanistan, ensure the Taliban do not regain any of their previously held areas, and strengthen the Afghan army, he added. [The Taliban are already gaining ground in Afghanistan.]
Panetta said Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen, commander of U.S. and ISAF forces in Afghanistan, is confident he can accomplish his campaign with the current force level.
"I have always had tremendous confidence in General Allen's ability to say to me, 'This is what I need in order to accomplish the mission,'" the secretary said. "Right now, he is saying the force he has in place is sufficient to accomplish that mission."
Panetta is in New Zealand for the final stop on his third Asian tour, which also included visits to Japan and China.
[The bottom line is that violence in Afghanistan remains higher than every year from 2001-2009, that 75% of all violence there, has occured since January 2009. The "surge has ended," but it was the timeline of retreat that emboldened the enemy, along with the Administration's attempt to beg the enemy to negotiate.]
Posted by WOTN Editor on Friday, September 21, 2012 at 17:17 in Afghanistan News, Afghanistan Progress Reports, Politicians | Permalink
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In 2008, Senator Obama told us that Afghanistan was the war we could not afford to lose. He told us that it would be his top priority. He told us he would provide Commanders with everything they needed to win.
In the spring of 2009, he told us he had implemented a new strategy, and then fired General McKiernan, who had defended the Troops and offered video evidence that they had been fighting the enemy. The Taliban had claimed their dead terrorists were just innocent civilians. The President had already apologized.
In the summer of 2009, the new General McChrystal had asked for enough Troops to win the war. After months of an hour a week of discussions with political advisors, in December of 2009, Obama finally decided to give the General half of what he said he needed, while announcing the Surge, and the retreat of the Surge to a class of unimpressed West Point cadets. He promised that the retreat would be based on conditions on the ground, and in consultation with Generals commanding the war.
Beginning in 2009, Obama beginning pushing for peace negotiations with the Taliban, pushing not only Karzai to give in to the Taliban, but also offering to release the top Taliban terrorists captured to date.
The chart above demonstrates the number of attacks by the enemy on a monthly basis. It was created by NATO, and the ISAF sub-command that runs the war in Afghanistan. The notes added are my own, to show key points in time. What it shows is an enemy emboldened by the words and actions of a President intent on "ending" rather than winning a war. It shows an enemy far more active than the last year prior to Obama and even more active than his first year.
What it doesn't show is that pulling Troops out of Afghanistan has anything to do with an improvement of conditions on the ground. If that were the case, there would be more Troops, not less, available to the General in charge.
The President has posited that National Security is his strong suit. If this is his strong suit, then he is admitting that he is an utter failure on the other issues.
Posted by WOTN Editor on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 at 09:13 in Afghanistan News, Afghanistan Progress Reports, Perspectives, Politicians | Permalink
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For those that have been paying attention, it is obvious that the War in Afghanistan is going poorly in 2012, that it is far worse now than in 2008. National Security should be on the campaign stump, and how the candidates would win the war should be part of the discussion, but its not.
Rarely do we hear in what little discussion there is, why we went there to begin with. That's an important detail because before we can pronounce the "war has been ended," or that the mission is complete, we must remember what the mission was and what was so important that we were unified as a Nation to go to the other side of the world, to a country landlocked and surrounded by less than friendly Nations, to fight a war in the 14th Century.
The desired end state is also missing from the discussion. That hasn't always been missing. It was quite clear in 2001 and slightly fuzzy but stated from 2003 to 2008.
Since we don't remember where this war came from, nor have a plan on where we want to take it, it is not surprising that we are confused as to how to get there. Instead, politicians have gotten mired in tangential side issues. The big issues pushed by the current political leadership have been: repeal of DADT, putting women in combat units, establishing no-fire zones around structures, and pushing talks with an enemy that has no desire to compromise.
Former Marine Paul Szoldra, in Business Insider writes:
"And yet all the blood, destruction—all the efforts of our military—cannot change the unfortunate and highly probable outcome that our 2014 exit from Afghanistan will be marked as a failure."
"I don’t want to believe it, but we are losing this war." (Paul highlights the post here)
Posted by WOTN Editor on Monday, August 27, 2012 at 08:46 in Afghanistan Progress Reports, Perspectives | Permalink
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By Jim Garamone, AFPS, WASHINGTON, Aug. 14, 2012 - Amid a news-filled summer here at home and the nation's attention focused on the just-concluded Olympics, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta today urged Americans to remember a war is still going on in Afghanistan, and called on them to honor the sacrifices service members are making there. [Notes by WOTN Editor in Bold & Brackets]
Panetta and Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, discussed Afghanistan during a Pentagon news briefing. The two conferred earlier in the day with Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen, commander of NATO's International Security Assistance Force in Kabul.
"I just want the American people to take the time and reflect on these sacrifices," Panetta said. "It's because of those sacrifices that I think we're moving in the right direction to achieve our goal in Afghanistan. ["Sacrifices" of American life is 534% greater in the last 12 months than in the 12 months of 2008.]
"That's a tribute to General Allen's leadership and to the countless sacrifices of thousands of Americans and international and Afghan forces who have stepped forward to make us safer," he added.
The leaders spoke of the campaign and Panetta summarized the progress measured against four goals: to build the capabilities of Afghan forces, to pressure the insurgency, to transition to an Afghan security lead, and to maintain the international coalition's unity of effort. [Attacks initiated by the enemy in June 2012 are up approximately 400% over June of 2008. June 2012 saw more enemy initiated attacks (110/day) than any other month of June in the war, and 11% more than June of 2011.]
It is a tough fight in Afghanistan, especially at the height of the summer fighting season, the secretary said, but added that progress can be measured. Afghan security forces continue to grow in size and capabilities, he said. There are roughly 350,000 [In March 2009, there were 162,690] Afghan soldiers and police today and the country will reach its goal of 352,000 in the next few months, he said. [53% of ALL Attacks by enemy infiltrators into the ANSF have occurred in 2012. Pre-2010, there were a total of 12 such attacks. In 2010, there were 11. In 2011, there were 21. In 2012, there have been 37.]
Afghan forces' capabilities are also growing, Panetta said. "The growth of Afghan special operations and having that capability has allowed Afghans to plan, conduct and lead special operations missions every day and every night," he said.
Afghan forces recently activated a special operations forces command with 10,000 soldiers, and in one recent 24-hour period in one regional command, 27 of 35 SOF operations were Afghan-led.
Capable Afghan security forces will cripple the insurgency, Panetta said. The Taliban and other groups recognize this and are attacking to undermine the trust between the coalition and Afghan forces, he said. The Taliban has taken credit for a number of "green-on-blue" attacks to sow distrust. [They haven't just "taken credit," the enemy has conducted these attacks. The US Government, under the "leadership" of Obama and Panetta has called these attacks, "lone wolf" attacks by disgruntled individuals.]
"Make no mistake about it, I've been very concerned about these incidents ... because of the lives lost and because of the potential damage to our partnership efforts," Panetta said.
Another reason for the uptick in insurgent attacks is because Afghan and coalition forces are taking the fight to the enemy, the secretary said.
"When you're aggressive and when you're conducting operations against them, obviously the number of casualties are going to increase," he said.
The fighting is away from cities and villages and the goal of protecting the population is being realized, Panetta said, allowing ISAF to continue with the transition to Afghan lead. "The transition has been and remains ... very much a successful operation," he said.
Afghan soldiers and police protect more than half of the population today and that percentage will rise to 75 percent in the coming months, Panetta said. [This transfer of responsibility continues despite evidence that Afghan forces are not ready.]
"Security gains made in these areas have been sustained," he said. "Indeed, in the first six months of this year insurgent attacks were down about 15 percent in areas that are undergoing transition compared to 2011." [Overall, enemy initiated attacks is up 11% over 2011, and up roughly 400% over 2008.]
Encouraging unity of effort is the final goal and ensuring the strong support of the Afghan people and the international community is paramount, the secretary said.
"In my discussions with General Allen and with my foreign counterparts ... I've been struck by the shared determination of the international community and coalition to overcome the challenges and stay committed to the effort," he said. [Yes, the Troops and Generals on the ground are far more committed to Victory than the politicians in Washington.]
DOD leaders [political appointees of Obama] are encouraged that Pakistan recently has taken a more positive, visible step to advance the shared objective of a secure and peaceful Afghanistan, Panetta said.
"Their decision to open up the NATO supply lines means a great deal to us in terms of our ability to transit containers and materiel that are now moving across the border into Afghanistan," he said. "Similarly, cross-border cooperation with Pakistan is increasing."
American forces are drawing down in Afghanistan. But even with the drawdown – set to be complete next month – there will still be 68,000 U.S. service members in the country. [Allied forces are drawing down as well. They have reduced their Troops by 7% in the last 12 months.]
"As secretary of defense ... one of my toughest jobs is to write condolence letters to the families of our fallen heroes," Panetta said. "And frankly, I seem to be writing more lately." [That's because more Troops are making the ultimate sacrifice.]
"The pain and the heartbreak of this war weigh heavily on me," he said. "And yet when I talk to the families of the fallen, when you meet with them and when you meet with our wounded troops at Bethesda, I am struck by their commitment to seeing this mission through and to ensuring that these sacrifices are not in vain.
"At a time when I am sure that there's an awful lot to be mad about, there's a lot to be proud of when it comes to our men and women in uniform," he said. "And we shouldn't forget that."
[Comparisons and independent data derived from Afghan Index, Brookings Institute, July 31, 2012, with additional data from recent attacks on insurgent infiltrators to ANSF.] Mentioned on YouServed podcast: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/youserved/2012/08/15/episode-205--doug-briney-tyler-huffman with contributor Troy Steward, of http://bouhammer.com where he discusses Afghanistan from the perspective of a Veteran of that war.
Posted by WOTN Editor on Wednesday, August 15, 2012 at 06:03 in Afghanistan News, Afghanistan Progress Reports, Politicians | Permalink
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As of Friday, there were at least four attacks on US Troops by insurgents in Afghan uniforms, last week. There are no reliable records on how many "insider attacks" have occurred over the course of the war and the government has long attempted to downplay the significance of these attacks, but the number for ALL such attacks in 2007 was in single digits. In 2007 and 2008, they were referred to as "isolated incidents," and they were. In 2011 and 2012, they have been characterized as "lone wolf" attacks and they are not.
In one of the earliest attacks of this type, people asked me "how could this happen, why did this happen, what does it mean?" The first thing I pointed out was that the attacker was in an Afghan uniform, but as of time of the question, we didn't know if the individual had been part of the ANP or not. A later attack was conducted by an Afghan that was clearly a member of Afghan Security Forces.
The danger of these attacks, even then, especially then, was very clear, at least to me. A single such attack would erode the trust of Coalition Forces, and the Afghans they were training and mentoring. As suspicions towards Afghan Troops rose, individual Afghan Troops would feel slighted and disrespected by their International allies. As the common bond of Warriors and trust of allies broke down, effectiveness of the war would erode.
While Afghan culture does allow for minor slights to escalate into murderous retribution, this was not the most likely culprit, then or now. It might be the basis for a few of the attacks, but the culprit was far more likely to be infiltration of the enemy into Afghan Forces. A significant difference between then and now is that the government attempted to find out what happened then while the current Administration attempts to deny the reality that Afghan Forces have been infiltrated by the enemy, even when the attacker appears in Taliban videos.
Investigators have long understood that the most likely answer is usually the correct answer. The most likely answer is and continues to be that when Afghans attack Coalition Troops, while in an Afghan uniform, it is the enemy, in that uniform. While it is possible that an Afghan Policeman felt so disrespected by his allies that he decided to kill them, it is highly unlikely that this occurred more than 30 times this year and more than 4 times last week. It is even more unlikely that he had not joined the Taliban, only after he had killed US Marines.
Why would the enemy infiltrate the ANSF? It's textbook in guerilla warfare. First the enemy needs as much information as possible on Coalition operations. Secondly, these attacks erode the alliance, particularly if the Troops believe they are conducted by average Afghan Troops, rather than the enemy.
How did the enemy infiltrate the ANSF? In 2009 and later, moreso than in prior years, the International "strategy" was to rapidly increase the number of Afghan Troops. The "desired end state" was for the Afghan Forces to first take the lead, and then take complete responsibility for their war. It sounds good on paper. The problem is that the rapid expansion meant that everyone being dropped off on the Recruiting Center's doorstep was given a bunk and a uniform. There was no one "vetting" them. Mullah Omar's own son could have joined and no one would have known.
Many would say that "it would be impossible" to vett Afghan recruits anyway. Hogwash. It's been done in places just as challenging, if not moreso, than in Afghanistan. No, you can't google an Afghan's name and check his birth certificate or criminal record. That is a lazy man's excuse for why it can't be done in a remote, rural, illiterate location. No, to vett a recruit in Afghanistan, you have to physically send someone to the places he has lived. You're checking not only the individual but also assessing the person giving you information on him. And here, Afghan culture actually assists in vetting. Here, by holding the village elders responsible for the actions of their own, you increase the ties between remote villages and Afghan security, and increase the effectiveness of the vetting process.
So, why is the government denying that Afghan Security Forces have been infiltrated, and Our Troops are being killed by the enemy in Afghan uniforms? Because the current Administration is responsible for the new "strategy," the strategy that called for a rapid expansion of the ANSF. The current Administration wants to "end" the War in Afghanistan. For that, it needs public support. And support has swelled for an end to the war, even amongst detractors of the Administration, because of the "insider attacks."
While I can appreciate the call to "Fight to win, or bring them home," we didn't start this war. Before we decide whether or not to continue this fight, we must first remember why we went to Afghanistan to begin with (9/11). And having remembered why we went there, we must then ask if we leave now, will the situation of that time return, change, or improve.
To answer that question, one must look at the enemy. How many Americans remember who Mullah Omar is? Too many do not, but he is and always has been the leader of the Afghan Taliban. Has the Taliban changed its political ideology? Not at all. Has it changed its allies? Nope, they are still allied with the Haqqani Network and Al-Qaeda.
So, if the enemy has not changed, what has? Well, we have a different President now than we did then. The enemy has expanded. While Al-Qaeda was defeated in Iraq, it has strengthened in Yemen. Politically, Islamism has taken power in Tunisia & Egypt, and gained ground in Syria and Libya. While Somalia appears to be a stalemate, it has opened warfronts in Nigeria, Mali, and Kenya. And a reluctant ally, Pakistan, has grown closer to an age old enemy, Iran, in the last 3 years, while Karzai has been alienated by US politicians.
And while Al-Qaeda was defeated in Iraq, violence is increasing again there. Though it was a fledgling democracy in 2008, the current power struggle is between Iranian backed political parties and Al-Qaeda backed terrorists now. The largely non-Islamist people are stuck in the middle.
Wars are won by destroying the enemy's will to fight. Unfortunately, US Politicians have worked to erode the US will to fight, not the enemy's. As a result, the enemy is expanding and their resolve growing. If we want to win, we must renew our resolve, and we must remove those politicians that are undermining it. The problem is not Our Troops, but the leaders voters put in charge of them. The problem is not an undefeatable enemy, but rather an uninterested POTUS.
("Green" refers to color coding of forces on maps, where Blue are friendly forces, including allies, Red are enemy forces, and Green are neutral forces. As such, "Green on Blue" is a misnomer as Afghan Forces are allies (blue) and the Taliban/Haqqani are enemy (red).)
Posted by WOTN Editor on Monday, August 13, 2012 at 07:59 in Afghanistan Progress Reports, Perspectives | Permalink
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Most legacies are written years after the record has been completed. Almost all politicians lie. They claim successes not their own and deny failures of their responsibility. But in the case of Obama and the Military, the record is quite clear. It may not have been apparent to party loyalists in 2008, but it can not be considered as anything but clear in light of the last 4 years of decisions.
Party loyalists have asked me how I could dislike this politician this much. They have asked me why I do. They have asked me whether I think Romney would reverse the ills of this President. Some party loyalists want to believe that they can "support the Troops" while voting for the current politician in chief, that he really isn't as anti-Military and anti-Veteran, as the majority of Troops and Veterans I know believe he is.
His record on the Military precedes his current position. As the junior Senator from Illinois, he voted against funding the Department of Defense and against funding the Troops in Combat, in the middle of Two Wars. In 2007, when the Senate got their demand to have General Petraeus ordered to Washington in the middle of a war he was turning around, the junior Senator from Illinois leaned back and chewed his gum and ignored the proceedings until he had a chance to give a campaign speech. When Soros' PAC, MoveOn,org attacked the General as "Betrayus," Obama couldn't find it in him to condemn the actions of his benefactor.
Continue reading "An incomplete record of Obama's anti-Military legacy" »
Posted by WOTN Editor on Monday, August 06, 2012 at 11:00 in Afghanistan Progress Reports, Iraq, Politicians | Permalink
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21 Jun 12
Afghan warriors and British soldiers recently bridged a canal while under enemy fire as part of an operation to bring security to a troubled area of Helmand province.
Afghan engineers hastily bridge a canal to allow troops to advance freely and avoid potential enemy ambush sites. Assisted by British engineers, the canal was crossed under fire as insurgents in the area fought to regain the initiative [Picture: Corporal Barry Lloyd RLC, Crown Copyright/MOD 2012]
Operation ZMARAY SAIFULLAH 2 was planned and executed by Afghan warriors from the 4th Kandak (Battalion) of 3/215 Brigade, with help from British soldiers of the Brigade Advisory Group.
The operation involved Afghan engineers bridging the Nahr-e Saraj canal to allow troops to clear the area of Mohajeri in central Helmand and to search compounds known to have been used as enemy firing points.
Continue reading "Operation ZMARAY SAIFULLAH 2: Building bridges over troubled waters" »
Posted by tankerbrosbrat on Thursday, June 21, 2012 at 23:09 in Afghanistan News, Afghanistan Progress Reports, Allies | Permalink
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By Sgt. David Nye, 4th BCT, 82nd Airborne Division
ZHARAY DISTRICT, Afghanistan (June 20, 2012) — “Non-lethal projects are the biggest part of [counter-insurgency],” said 1st Lt. Nathan B. Mulcahy, a platoon leader in Bravo Troop. “This war isn’t measured in body counts or ground gained, it’s measured in progress with the Afghan people.”
A soldier with the Afghan National Army’s 2nd Kandak, 3rd Brigade, 205th Infantry Corps gives small food items to a local girl during a foot patrol in Zharay district, Kandahar province June 9. The intent of the patrol was to interact more with the local people. (Photo by Sgt. David Nye)
First Lt. Mulcahy, standing in the summer sun of Afghanistan in combat gear, is out to make that progress happen. On June 9, he and his men moved with civil affairs soldiers through an area of Zharay district, Kandahar province. The mission wasn’t to attack Taliban or destroy caches, but to continue building relations with the Afghans in the Bravo Troop 1st Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment area.
Continue reading "Bravo Troop taking the kids to school - Kandahar way" »
Posted by tankerbrosbrat on Thursday, June 21, 2012 at 08:57 in Afghanistan News, Afghanistan Progress Reports | Permalink
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19 Jun 12
Afghan policemen accompanied by British troops recently cleared an insurgent hot spot to the east of Lashkar Gah in Helmand province.
British soldiers move into the village of Pupalzay
[Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2012]
At sunrise 90 Afghan police patrolmen supported by members of B Squadron of the King's Royal Hussars and the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards patrolled into the village of Pulpazay. The area has suffered from intimidation and extortion by the insurgents and from the laying of IEDs.
The aim of the operation was to drive out the Taliban, allowing the Afghan forces to conduct policing within the area. This was one of the first joint operations of this scale to be conducted with the Afghan Uniform Police (AUP) in the district.
Captain Rob Bird, Second-in-Command of B Squadron of the King's Royal Hussars, said:
"This was definitely an Afghan pull and not an ISAF push operation. The Afghan police were extremely professional.
"The offensive spirit of the Afghan police put the insurgents on the back foot. The operation highlighted the effectiveness of the Afghan police in leading and conducting partnered operations in the Lashkar Gah area. This operation was intended to send a clear message to the Taliban; you can no longer operate here."
Posted by tankerbrosbrat on Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at 16:08 in Afghanistan News, Afghanistan Progress Reports, Military News | Permalink
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DELARAM, Afghanistan — Afghan military leaders are sending more of their soldiers to southwest Afghanistan to bolster their presence in a region known as a hotbed for insurgent activity. Afghan National Army Brig. Gen. Abdul Wasea, commanding general, 2nd Brigade, 215th Corps, welcomed nearly 500 soldiers from 2nd Kandak, 1st Brigade, 207th Corps, to his area of operations, June 16. The soldiers recently traveled 200 miles from Herat to Delaram to train before heading to Washir district, 30 miles to the east of Delaram. “I appreciate your service, and I welcome your arrival,” Gen. Wasea, said to the formation in Pashto. He praised the unit for being professional and well-trained. The unit will be relieving another kandak already in the area. “The (training) that our soldiers have, they are ready to fight against the enemy and serve and defend their country and bring peace and stability for this country,” said Lt. Col. Mohammed Anwar, commander of the incoming kandak. “We want to fight against those enemies of peace that the people don’t like.” During his speech, Gen. Wasea asked the soldiers to be mindful of how they treat civilians, saying that the previous ANA unit in Washir had a good relationship with the locals. “Don’t ruin the progress and achievements made by the soldiers that went before you,” he said. “If we do, it will ruin the reputation of our unit, brigade and up to the corps.” In a counter-insurgency, Gen. Wasea said the ANA can lean upon the cooperation of civilians to point out buried improvised explosive devices and where the enemy is hiding. He added that the cooperation of Afghan police forces is also critical. Although their training may differ, he said, their efforts have had positive effects in the region. “They are fighting in the same trench as us,” Gen. Wasea said. “Teach them and train them.” These words come as coalition forces – the ANA’s teachers and trainers – shift their focus. For several years, the Marine Corps has fought alongside their Afghan counterparts while training them to take control of the security situation. Marines and other coalition forces are now stepping back into an advising role. General Wasea said over the past three months, 70 percent of all the ANA’s operations in the region were conducted independently from coalition forces. Marine General John R. Allen, commander, International Security Assistance Force, recently visited the Marines and ANA at Forward Operating Base Delaram II to see this transition in action. “Here is where it is working well, and I wanted to come and see it,” he said during his June 14 visit. Even with the transition he promised that coalition forces “will be with you for a long time.” General Wasea noted the commitment of the Marines and coalition forces. “They have sacrificed and we have to appreciate that,” he said. But he realizes, like most Afghans, outside help can’t and won’t last forever. “We inherited (this country) from our ancestors and we will return it to our children. This is our responsibility.”
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ISAF
Posted by dfairben on Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 15:30 in Afghanistan News, Afghanistan Progress Reports, Military News | Permalink
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By Army 1st Lt. Christine Rosalin 117th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
FORWARD OPERATING BASE LAGMAN, Afghanistan (6/13/12) - Kicking off the first class in a series of legal training, the leadership of the Afghan Uniformed Police Qalat Substation 1 participated in a refresher class in Afghan criminal law at the Provincial Meeting Center in Qalat City June 5.
Army Maj. Roderick J. Cassidy, center, a member of the NY ANG deployed with the JAG office of the U.S. Army Stabilization Transition Team, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, goes over aspects of Afghan criminal law to leaders of the Afghan Uniformed Police Qalat Substation 1 as he conducts a refresher class in Afghan criminal law at the Provincial Meeting Center in Qalat City June 5, 2012. Cassidy taught a refresher course on Afghan criminal law to the Afghan police officers as a way to build greater law enforcement capacity within the AUP. (U.S. Army Photo by 1st Lt. Dallas J. Marcus)
The class was run by Army Maj. Maj. Roderick J. Cassidy, a member of the New York Army National Guard who is assigned to the judge advocate general office for the U.S. Army Stabilization and Transition Team, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division.
Cassidy provided the basic principles and fundamentals of Afghan criminal law so the AUP leadership could educate their patrolmen and provide governance for the populace of Qalat City.
Continue reading "NY NG teaches refresher class on Afghan criminal law to local police" »
Posted by tankerbrosbrat on Friday, June 15, 2012 at 23:22 in Afghanistan News, Afghanistan Progress Reports | Permalink
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Jun 14, 2012 by BritishForcesNews
A civilian element of the ISAF mission in Afghanistan are the Ministry of Defence's police.
Officers first deployed to Helmand four years ago, with the task of moving the Afghan force away from their traditionally paramilitary security role, and towards a more everyday police service for their community.
The main contingent of MoD police is at a dedicated training centre, but Forces News' Julie Knox has caught up with the two-man team of coppers who live at a patrol base, with the job of mentoring district Afghan Uniform Police chiefs.
Posted by tankerbrosbrat on Friday, June 15, 2012 at 15:52 in Afghanistan News, Afghanistan Progress Reports, Allies, Videos | Permalink
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By Lt.j.g. Andrew Carleen, Combined Joint Task Force Paladin
SHARANA, Afghanistan (June 14, 2012) — Members of the 74th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company have been conducting training for Afghan National Army soldiers here for the past 10 months.
Afghan National Army soldiers discuss how to defeat a training improvised explosive device during a session held by the 74th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company. The training is meant to improve the skills of the ANA units who conduct partnered missions with their U.S. counterparts. (Photo by Lt.j.g. Andrew Carleen)
The 74th took over the training of ANA soldiers from the 2/203 Route Clearance Company and the 4/2/203 EOD Combat Support when they arrived in theatre.
“The training program I have is to identify and address shortcomings in weapons, first aid, and standard tactics,” said 1st Lt. David G. Erck the officer in charge for partnership for the 74th EOD.
Continue reading "74th EOD training partnership with ANA " »
Posted by tankerbrosbrat on Friday, June 15, 2012 at 09:07 in Afghanistan News, Afghanistan Progress Reports, Military News | Permalink
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Jun 13, 2012 by NATOCOMMUNITY
Posted by tankerbrosbrat on Friday, June 15, 2012 at 02:23 in Afghanistan News, Afghanistan Progress Reports | Permalink
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11 June 2012 Written by U.S. Army Sgt. Jake Marlin, 11th Public Affairs Detachment
PAKTIYA PROVINCE, Afghanistan — When a Soldier goes down on the battlefield with a wound or other injury, the first person everyone looks for is the medic.
Afghan National Army Soldiers in the ANA 203rd Corps Combat Medic Course attend a graduation on Forward Operating Base Thunder June 6, 2012. Some of the Soldiers in the course have acted as medics for months prior to attending the training. U.S. Army Sgt. Jake Marlin, 11th Public Affairs Detachment
The Afghan National Army 203rd Corps Combat Medic Course at Forward Operating Base Thunder provides highly trained ANA medic non-commissioned officers to support their units in the field. During the CMC training, the NCOs learn life saving skills that could assist them in saving a fellow Soldiers life.
The all Afghan led course is designed to teach them skills similar to those taught to U.S. military personnel.
Continue reading "ANA Medics complete life saving training on FOB Thunder " »
Posted by tankerbrosbrat on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 15:21 in Afghanistan News, Afghanistan Progress Reports | Permalink
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By SGT Michael J. MacLeod
Sgt. Bashir, a platoon sergeant with Afghan National Army's 6th Kandak, 3rd Brigade, 203rd Corps, greets a farmer during a U.S.-Afghan clearing operation in southern Ghazni Province, Afghanistan, June 2, 2012. (Photo by Sgt. Michael J. MacLeod)
FORWARD OPERATING BASE ARIAN, Afghanistan (June 8, 2012) — Insurgents are learning that U.S. and Afghan forces will go anywhere at anytime to disrupt and destroy their capabilities, said a U.S. military commander in southern Ghazni Province today.
After dramatically reducing the occurrence of roadside bombs along Highway 1 here, U.S. Army paratroopers and Afghan forces are beginning to take the fight to insurgent safe havens, said Lt. Col. Praxitelis Vamvakias, commander of the 82nd Airborne Division's 2nd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team.
Continue reading "Bragg paratroopers, ANA disrupt insurgent safe havens in Ghazni Province " »
Posted by tankerbrosbrat on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 14:17 in Afghanistan News, Afghanistan Progress Reports, Military News | Permalink
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RCT-5 1st Marine Division 6.5.2012 Story by Cpl. Anthony Ward Jr
AFGHANISTAN - Tactical site exploitation skills are becoming an increasingly valuable asset for Afghan National Security Forces, when it comes to conducting counterinsurgency operations.
With these skills, Afghan forces are able to link evidence found in a crime scene or cache site to the insurgents operating against ANSF and coalition forces.
An Afghan National Army military policeman with Military Police Tolai, 1st Brigade, 215th Corps, conducts a simulated personnel search during a Tactical Site Exploitation course here, June 3, 2012. Marines and sailors with the Joint Prosecution Exploitation Center’s Operational Support Team instructed the soldiers on ways to respond to a crime scene, photograph a crime scene, collect latent fingerprints and other techniques to aid in the prosecution of criminals.
Continue reading "Afghan Military Policemen learn tactical site exploitation techniques " »
Posted by tankerbrosbrat on Friday, June 08, 2012 at 02:08 in Afghanistan News, Afghanistan Progress Reports, Military News, Warrior Legacy | Permalink
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Jun 06, 2012 Written by U.S. Army Sgt. Andrea Merritt, RC-East Public Affairs
GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan (June 5, 2012) – Afghan National Police trained with paratroopers from Company A, 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, in preparation for an upcoming joint mission.
During the training, conducted June 3 and 4 at Forward Operating Base Warrior, the ANP reviewed first aid, personnel and vehicle searches, and room clearing procedures.
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Arnoldo Garcias-Brochas, a weapons squad leader with Company A, 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, assists a member of the Afghan National Police during a room clearing class June 4 on Forward Operating Base Warrior. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Andrea Merritt
“As we prepare to leave, the ANP will pick up security operations and bear the entire burden,” said U.S. Army 1st Lt. Anthony West, platoon leader for 1st Platoon, Co. A, 1st Bn., 504th PIR. “We just wanted to refresh and keep them sharp on skills as we prepare to launch operations.”
Posted by tankerbrosbrat on Thursday, June 07, 2012 at 15:16 in Afghanistan News, Afghanistan Progress Reports | Permalink
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June 2012 By Lance Cpl. Mark Garcia , I MEF (FWD)
Continue reading "Marines, Afghan National Security put pressure on insurgency " »
Posted by tankerbrosbrat on Thursday, June 07, 2012 at 02:11 in Afghanistan News, Afghanistan Progress Reports, Military News | Permalink
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Afghan Forces Conduct Over 100 Special Operations Missions in May
Afghan forces, with support from coalition troops, conducted more than 100 special operations in May, resulting in the capture or elimination of dozens of high-level al-Qaida, Taliban and insurgent leaders.
The majority of these operations were conducted by the Afghan Special Operations Unit, the Afghan equivalent of United States special operations forces. The unit is comprised of highly-qualified Afghan soldiers from other security forces throughout the country, including the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police.
Posted by tankerbrosbrat on Wednesday, June 06, 2012 at 22:41 in Afghanistan News, Afghanistan Progress Reports, Military News | Permalink
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2012/05/31 Story and photos by Tech. Sgt. Renee Crisostomo Regional Support Command-South/NTM-A Public Affairs
SPIN BOLDAK, Afghanistan – The police training center in Spin Boldak graduated 243 Afghan Uniform Police recruits from an AUP initial police training course May 24.
An Afghan Uniform Police recruit, left, salutes Brig. Gen. Nasrullah Zarifi, right, Afghan National Police training commander for southern Afghanistan, before receiving his completion certificate during an initial police training course graduation ceremony at the Spin Boldak Police Training Center in southern Afghanistan, May 24, 2012.
The eight-week long course taught recruits skills in subjects such as radio communications, first aid, law, ethics and values, human rights and gender issues, firearms training, investigating common crimes, and response to terrorist incidents.
Continue reading "Afghan Uniform Police gain new patrolmen" »
Posted by tankerbrosbrat on Friday, June 01, 2012 at 16:52 in Afghanistan News, Afghanistan Progress Reports | Permalink
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By Lt. j. g. Joe Painter ISAF Public Affairs
GHŌR, Afghanistan — A former Taliban fighter who officially renounced his armed struggle in Chaghcharan district May 28 said his reasoning for leaving the battlefield was because he was tired of fighting.
GHLR, Afghanistan (May 28, 2012) – Former Taliban fighters receive copies of the Quran and chapans during a reintegration ceremony at the provincial governor’s compound. The re-integrees formally announced their agreement to join the Afghanistan Peace and Reintegration Program during the ceremony. (DoD photograph by Lt. j. g. Joe Painter/RELEASED)
The former Taliban fighter, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of retribution from the insurgency, officially joined the Afghanistan Peace and Reintegration Program during a ceremony at the governor’s compound.
British Maj. Gen. David Hook, Director of the International Security Assistance Force’s reintegration cell, attended the ceremony and noted that one of the reasons the nearly 4,600 re-integrees have given for joining APRP is they are worn-out on the battlefield because of the unrelenting military pressure being exerted on them by the Afghanistan National Security Force and ISAF.
Continue reading "Afghan Insurgent: ‘I Am Tired of Fighting’ " »
Posted by tankerbrosbrat on Thursday, May 31, 2012 at 20:19 in Afghanistan News, Afghanistan Progress Reports, Allies | Permalink
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Written by U.S. Army Sgt. Jake Marlin, 11th Public Affairs Detachment
PAKTIYA PROVINCE, Afghanistan - The Afghan firefighters on Forward Operating Base Thunder train daily to be ready to respond to fires.
On May 21 smoke and flames from several structure fires on FOB Lightning caught everyone’s attention; including the firefighters on FOB Thunder. Afghan Soldiers rushed to aid their Coalition Forces counterparts. It was time to put all of their training to the test.
PAKTIYA PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Smoke from a fire on Forward Operating Base Lightning drifts into the sky May 21. Afghan firefighters from the 203rd Afghan National Army Corps Fire Department assisted Coalition Forces in extinguishing the blaze. Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Jake Marlin
With sirens blaring, the Soldiers of the 203rd Afghan National Army Corps Fire Department rushed from their station to the blaze located just inside the entry control point to the FOB. Immediately they went to work securing the area and setting up to battle the inferno. By the time they arrived, several buildings were already fully engulfed by flames.
Continue reading "Afghan firefighters respond to fire on FOB Lightning " »
Posted by tankerbrosbrat on Thursday, May 31, 2012 at 08:54 in Afghanistan News, Afghanistan Progress Reports | Permalink
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29 May 12
Working closely with Afghan security forces, soldiers of 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment have made a considerable discovery of insurgent narcotics and supplies in the Nad 'Ali district of Helmand province.
Sergeant Terry Johnson with carefully bagged evidence that may help to identify the owners of the explosives and their intended use
[Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2012]
The men of A (Norfolk) Company have been working closely with Afghan security forces since their arrival in Helmand in late March.
The discovery happened on Thursday 17 May when troops from 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, known as the Vikings, were carrying out an operation with Afghan forces to stop insurgents threatening the protected communities in Nad 'Ali.
The operation began with a helicopter insertion into the area early in the morning and after a long march the men of 1 Platoon approached the group of compounds which intelligence had identified as an area of interest.
On arrival at the compounds, A Company Sergeant Terry Johnson asked Corporal Jamie Seymour to secure the area as he spoke with a local elder.
Continue reading "AFG and Brit troops find huge drugs and explosives cache" »
Posted by tankerbrosbrat on Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at 15:21 in Afghanistan News, Afghanistan Progress Reports, Allies, Drugs | Permalink
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May 29, 2012 ISAF Media
Posted by tankerbrosbrat on Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at 05:21 in Afghanistan News, Afghanistan Progress Reports, Videos | Permalink
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