NATO Training Mission - Afghanistan

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Brian Brannon, USN
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A new cadre graduated August 25 from an innovative course at Kabul Military Training Center designed to ensure consistent, sustainable training for the Afghan National Army (ANA).

The six-week Military Skills Instructor Course will eventually produce 150 professionally trained instructors per class at locations throughout the country.

ANA Lt. Ewaz Ali Sultani, from Ghanzi province, was one of the initial 25 students selected to participate in the curriculum based on previous experience, fitness, literacy and overall aptitude.

By U.S. Army Capt. Tamara Gonzales
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KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghans and coalition forces are working together to feed 134,000 Afghan National Army soldiers. They are also facing many challenges in doing so, such as improving sanitation processes and increasing the food supply.

The Ministry of Defense just announced they reached the target goal of 134,000 Afghan National Army soldiers. Unfortunately, the ANA slaughterhouse is feeding less than 20 percent of these soldiers. The goal is for Afghans to produce 100 percent of ANA food.

Article by Capt. Tamara Gonzales, USA

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DARULAMAN, Afghanistan – Plans are underway to build a new home at Darulaman for the Afghan National Army’s 1st Brigade, 111st Capital Division soldiers and soldiers attending the Regional Military Training Center, infantry and counter-insurgency schools, along with members of the Afghan National Army Training and Education Command.

By U.S. Navy Chief Mass Communications Specialist Brian Brannon
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Logar Province, Afghanistan (August 18, 2010) – Standing in tight formation on the parade grounds of Morehead Commando Training Center, more than 900 Afghan soldiers solemnly removed their camouflage boonie caps and donned the red berets of the Afghan Commando Corps.

Brig. Gen. Lawang Dadon, commander of the 1st Commando Brigade, commended the troops for earning the honor of being called Afghan commandos.

 “I assure the Ministry of Defense that the commandos are ready,” he said. “In any kind of harsh situation, they are ready to destroy the enemies of Afghanistan anywhere they go.”

During twelve weeks of intensive training, the commandos learned mortar, sniper, and close-quarter battle tactics, along with combat lifesaving, driving, land navigation and reconnaissance techniques. Most are destined to the ranks of the 9th Commando “Cobra” Kandak (battalion), while others will supplement other kandaks throughout Afghanistan.

By Petty Officer 2nd Class Ernesto Hernandez Fonte, USN
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Kandahar Airfield, AFGHANISTAN - On Aug. 10, 2010, Regional Training Center – Kandahar held a pilot counter insurgency (COIN) class for a team of Afghan Uniformed Policemen.

Endorsed by NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan, a mobile COIN training team taught Afghan-tailored counterinsurgency concepts to the class of AUP representatives from more than 30 districts and substations. The first of its kind in southeastern Afghanistan, the class reviewed the dynamics that have shaped Afghan society, from pre-Soviet invasion to the COIN environment it is today. Instructors and students discussed kinetic action, traditional capture or kill versus “courageous restraint.” Instructors admitted that coalition forces made mistakes in the past, however those mistakes have turned into lessons-learned and even a guide -- Field Manual 3-24 Counterinsurgency.

“It’s being smart about your actions and the consequences of those actions,” said Australian Army Capt. Colin Sharp to the class. Sharp is a COIN training team region chief and instructor. “On the checkpoint for which you are responsible, your decisions will determine whether you create an insurgency or counterinsurgency,”

KABUL -- In a positive development for the country's rapidly expanding security capability, the Afghan National Army announced today at the Ministry of Defense that it reached the benchmark strength of 134,000 soldiers two months ahead of schedule.

The announcement, made by Maj. Gen. Zahir Azimi in a press conference held jointly with the International Security Assistance Force, signified that progress in recruiting and retention is outpacing attrition in recent months, and congratulations on the achievement were immediately extended by ISAF spokesman Brig. Gen. Josef Blotz.