Army Sgt. Dustin Bonivert, SECFOR member from the Nevada NG's 1st Sqdrn, 221st Calvary Regt currently assigned to Camp Wright in Asadabad, ground guides his MRAP vehicle along a road in Nurgal, Dec. 26.
Navy Builder Chief Zahm speaks with Safiullah, construction site foreman, (left) about proper building techniques and requirements at the Nowabad School, Dec. 26.
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Special to American Forces Press Service
By Marine Corps 1st Lt. Joe Reney
Agha surveyed the area, asked questions and addressed local Afghans’ concerns. He visited the medical facility where Marines and sailors of 3rd Bn, 4th Marine Regt, provided care for local Afghans, and spoke with local shopkeepers as he made his way through the district’s recently cleared streets.
Although locals conveyed many concerns, Agha had some of his own centering on the welfare of the community, mainly getting people back into their homes and back to work. “I would like to work on rebuilding the school and getting people back to work, so people can return to their lives,” Agha said through an interpreter. “I’d like to get the teachers back.” Now Zad was once the 2nd-largest city in Helmand prov. However, after several years of insurgent activity, this part became uninhabitable for Afghan families. Marines and ANSF have cleared the market and district center to allow the people to return and begin rebuilding. The market and district center are experiencing rapid progress, officials said. “The Marines have done a lot to get the people back to work,” Agha said. “The people really want to get back to work and are tired of the enemy activity.” As Marines and ASF partner to provide security and civil affairs support, the Marines see great benefit for the community in having the district gov. present for the rebuilding process.“The people here haven’t had any form of govt for 4 years,’ said Marine Capt. Jason Brezler, a civil affairs officer. “To have a committed and educated man, like the district gov. here to rebuild is a good thing.” -30-
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Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq
The goal is to teach the more than 6,000 students who now flow through the institute that there is more to Americans than what they see here. “The course teaches students an overview of American history, the process of our govt, and historical figures,” said Twitchell. Included in the 90-minute course is a brief summary of the types of homes American live in and the kind of cars Americans buy.
"Their aptitude and ability are amazing," he said. "The Iraqi firefighters are closer to assuming total firefighting responsibility after CF depart." The Oshkosh T1500 Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Vehicle adds immense firefighting capability to the Camp Ur Fire Dept, which consisted of 5 older fire trucks, usually with 2 in operation and 3 awaiting repairs and parts, according to Master Sgt. Chris Sparks, 407th ECES, Asst Chief of Training. The project began with a few requests for equipment and supplies, which led to a site tour of the Iraqi fire dept at Camp Ur. Realizing firefighters from the 407th ECES fire dept could help them, Sparks began to formulate a training plan. When the truck was delivered to the Iraqi firefighters, it was missing some essential items, such as water pipe caps and other pieces that rendered it non-functional. CF did what they could and soon the truck was operational. After the first training session, Iraqi firefighters were checking oil levels, transmission fluid and inspecting all functional areas of the machine. The Ali Base airmen demonstrated how to drive, turn and to use spotters to back up the almost 32' long vehicle. Soon the Iraqis were learning how to 'pump and roll,' spraying the water turrets mounted on the top of the cab, and also on the front bumper while driving.
"They were working as a team," Sparks said. One of the biggest challenges was a lack of firefighting gear. The Camp Ur Fire Dept had no personal protective equipment or 'bunker gear.' Before they received their 'bunker gear,' the Iraqi firemen fought fires wearing coveralls, entering burning structures without compressed air backpacks or flame retardant uniforms. According to Iraqi Fire Chief Warrant Officer Aziz, the Camp Ur Fire Dept consists of 20 firefighters, 14 civilians and 6 military personnel. "We're very happy and eager to receive the training" he said. "We thank you for the fire truck and the training." Aziz explained that most of the fires on base have involved kitchen fires in the dining facility, tent fires and numerous fires at the trash facility. "We had no experience with this type of truck and all that it can do," he said. "Now that we're learning how to use it and keep it maintained, we'll have much better results. We're very grateful." IA Gen. Hassan agreed that training is paramount. "I'm grateful that my staff is being trained," he said. "If something happens now, we're much more capable of handling it." The general continued that the difference between the old military system and the new IA is better logistics support. "We have a mix of the old and the new right now," he explained. "We are in transition. This training represents what our coalition is about. There are many opportunities for us to work together in the future."
Airman 1st Class Sean Piper provides fire training.
In addition to these missions, the ESU and U.S. military were also looking for anyone staying in the area illegally, according to Fritz. "Every day the ESU is getting better and better; they are very close to being completely independent," said Fritz.
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