Dear Interested Reader,
Afghan students, Soldiers connect in online conference. Khowst PRT delivers school supplies to girls school. Construction students gather to rebuild country. CAP transfers authority of 2 academies to Afghan forces. TF Talon I0 NCO efforts keep COIN standards high.
Iraq: Lt. Gen. Bob Cone visits Camp Cropper. IP canine program produces successful explosive detection dogs. Spc. Trevor Howard "wouldn't want to be anywhere else."
Joanna
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AFGHANISTAN STORIES:
DVIDS
Afghan students, Soldiers connect online
Written by U.S. Army Spc. Richard Daniels Jr., TF Bastogne
Afghan high school students speak with Army Spc. Jeremy Pouliot, Psychological Ops Det 1320, about ways to keep security in Afghanistan. The event was held on FOB Fenty, Oct. 7. The online conference is part of the State Dept’s Global Connection and Exchange program.
NANGARHAR PROVINCE –Soldiers of 1st BCT spoke with 15 high school students, including 8 from Jalalabad, during an online conference where students had the opportunity to ask them any question. “What's the best way to keep security in our country?” one student asked Spc. Jeremy Pouliot.
“I told them they needed to get involved,” said Pouliot. He continued to say they could support their family members by joining the ANA or the ANP, and they also need to vote to support the GoA.
The students each asked the Soldiers one question and a follow-up question. One student mentioned to the Bastogne Soldiers that he hopes to one day learn to fly a plane or a helicopter. The student hoped the ANA would provide the same kind of training American Soldiers received.
“ ... It’s going to take all of us ... to bring security and peace in our area,” said Sgt. 1st Class William Goodwin, asst ops NCO, HHC, TF Bastogne, when asked about bringing peace and stability to Afghanistan. “We can’t do it by ourselves. It’s going to take the Afghan people as a whole, not allowing insurgents into their towns and giving them safe haven. If insurgents are doing wrong, they need to be pointed out, so we can get them out of that area, so that the rest can live in peace,” he said.
The Soldiers admitted they were shocked about how well the students knew the English language, providing easy communication between both parties. “Some of the questions they asked were open-ended questions, and they'd no problem asking follow-on questions,” said Goodwin. “It was different for me. I was impressed. I would definitely do it again.”
The students laughed as Army Lt. Nathaniel Moir, PSYOP Det. 1320 cmdr, attempted to say a few words in Pashto, and were pleased when he congratulated them on their community service activities, such as taking initiative to fixing a water pump at their school, and fundraising for vaccinations for polio in Afghanistan.
The Jalalabad students and TF Bastogne Soldiers agreed to have another conversation in the future. "The online call we did yesterday was really nice,” wrote Haroon who hosted the event. “We all enjoyed it a lot, really. It takes a kind of courage for the students to talk online, and they were really very happy. The officers were good, too.” He went on to write on the program’s website, “They behaved very friendly. I liked them very much, especially the idea of playing football together."
“I didn’t participate in this call, but as I heard from the students who were involved, they were all so happy and pleased to participate, and talk with the Soldiers online,” one student wrote. “They're all really thankful of the Soldiers who made this happen, and we hope that, through GCE, we'll have more such events, which motivate the students.”
Spc. Jeremy Pouliot answers Jalalabad high school students’ questions ranging from requirements to join the military to security in Afghanistan.
Spc. Pouliot (left), Sgt. 1st Class William Goodwin, and Lt. Nathaniel Moir.
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Khowst PRT delivers school supplies to Bebe Halima girls school
Photos by AF Senior Airman Julianne Showalter, Khowst PRT
KHOWST PROVINCE – Members of the Khowst PRT inventory school supplies at the Bebe Halima girls school, Oct. 8. The PRT gave school supplies to alleviate an immediate need, but explained to the principle the importance of seeking out assistance from the provincial govt in the future.
The Bebe Halima girls school foreman thanks Navy Cmdr. Cynthia Kuehner, Khowst PRT senior medical officer, for delivering school supplies, chess sets and project nomination forms. The school teaches young women from elementary through high school, and is in constant need of basic supplies.
Members of the Khowst PRT drop off supplies. There's a great deal of work to be done at the school, but improvements have been made with the recent addition of a library, and water supply system on the school grounds.
The school principal thanks Cmdr. Cynthia Kuehner for visiting and bringing supplies. The two agreed to meet in the near future to go over the project nomination form process, to ensure the school is well supplied through the provincial govt.
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DVIDS
Construction students gather to rebuild Afghanistan
Written by AF 1st Lt. Amy Abbott, Kunar PRT
Kunar Provincial Gov. Wahidi shakes hands with Kunar Construction Center (KCC) graduates, prior to the graduation ceremony in the Shigal District, Oct. 9. The KCC graduated 116 students under their unofficial slogan “We will rebuild our country,” in trades such as masonry, painting, plumbing, electrical work and carpentry. (Photos by AF Staff Sgt. Nathan Lipscomb)
KUNAR PROVINCE – Established as a joint effort by the Kunar PRT and U.S. Agency of Int'l Development (USAID) in March 2008, the KCC provides training to young men from the Kunar, Nuristan, Laghman and Nangahar provs.
“You will be the heroes who build mosques, schools, roads; the kind of heroes who provide for their families, who honor their fathers with hard work and the sweat of an honest man,” said Paul Negley, the Kunar PRT USAID rep, while addressing the young men at their graduation ceremony. “You will inspire your children, and your children’s children, and Afghanistan will be a better place because of you.”
Prior to the KCC’s creation, many of the basic construction jobs in Kunar were being filled by laborers from outside the country. The purpose of KCC was to transition skilled trades to Afghan jobs. According to USAID, recent surveys showed 80% of KCC graduates are hired post-graduation, in the eastern Afghanistan region.
Attending the KCC’s 8th graduation was Kunar Provincial Gov. Wahidi, the Kunar PRT and ADT cmdrs, leadership from TF Bastogne, several members of USAID, and local leaders from throughout Kunar and neighboring provs.
While addressing the graduates, Gov. Wahidi urged them to take control of security in the Kunar Prov., saying, “The insurgents are not Muslim. They are not from Afghanistan.” He then praised them for completing the class, and being part of the community that will implement change for the people of Afghanistan.
“In the past, the people of Afghanistan have had many hardships: families torn apart, brothers killed brothers, sisters became widows, mothers lost sons, and children became hopeless,” Negley said in a passionate address to the graduates. “Generations of youth were lost to war, never having the opportunities like the students here today. Today, we don't celebrate the heroes of those wars, or the heroes of the mountains, which is why I speak here with pride and optimism. You are the real sons of Afghanistan … tomorrow’s heroes; the heroes of peace.”
The facility itself has also undergone change, including the addition of 2 new mail halls, 2 dormitory areas, 6 washrooms, and administrative offices. The KCC is also considering adding auto mechanics to its list of trades taught. As the center itself continues to grow, so will the contributions of the young Afghan men trained within its walls. The KCC will begin with a new class of 100 students in Nov.
A graduate from the KCC takes a photo during the graduation ceremony.
Paul Negley speaks to the KCC graduates.
A young graduate from the KCC.
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DVIDS
CAP transfers authority of 2 academies to Afghan forces
Story and photos by Army Sgt. Monica Smith
Army Brig. Gen. Warren Phipps, dep. comm. gen. (support) for the 101st AD, passes the Combined Action Program (CAP) guidon to Afghan Brig. Gen. Barat, Kabul Wing cmdr of the Afghan AF, during a transfer of authority ceremony, Oct. 9.
KABUL INT'L AIRPORT –A formation of U.S. Soldiers stood alongside a formation of Afghan soldiers, during a ceremony transferring authority of 2 academies from U.S. to Afghan forces. The 2 academies, the Crew Chief Academy and the Air Assault Academy, were part of 4 academies created by the 3rd CAB, TF Falcon, designed to train, coach and advise ANSF.
“It's good for the U.S. to give authority of the classes to the Afghans,” said Afghan Sgt. Rahman, a crew chief with the Afghan AF, from Kundouz. “We can teach other Afghan soldiers in our own language, and that way the people will learn faster, be smarter and we can complete our missions successfully.”
The ceremony included speeches from Brig. Gen. Warren Phipps, Afghan Brig. Gen. Barat, and Col. Don Galli, TF Falcon cmdr. “Today’s transfer of authority for the Air Assault and Crew Chief Academies does not mean the end to our relationship,” said Galli. “It's too strong for that. I believe our friendship will endure, because it's absolutely essential that we continue to work as brothers to defeat the enemies of Afghanistan.”
Both academies had 4 classes each, with a combined total of 173 graduates. The Crew Chief Academy had students from both the Afghan AF and the first Afghan flight medics, whereas the Air Assault Academy had students from both the Afghan AF and the Afghan commandos.
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Christopher Hinkle headed the program as the TF Falcon CAP mgr., and also served as the senior instructor of the Air Assault Academy. 1st. Sgt. Christopher Wood served as the senior instructor for the Crew Chief Academy. However the lead instructor of the Crew Chief Academy rotated for each class.
“It’s a great feeling to watch us transfer authority from U.S. to Afghan leadership,” said Sgt. Matthew West, crew chief with Co A, TF Knighthawk, 3rd CAB, TF Falcon, who also served as an instructor during one of the Crew Chief Academy classes. “That was the whole point of the training; that we would be able to train them to the point where their proficiency matched ours, and the Afghans could begin instructing their own, allowing us to leave a much smaller footprint here. It’s all about equipping the Afghan forces. This ceremony is just one step in the process.”
During the last 2 classes of both academies, former students returned to serve as instructors, and the academies served a dual purpose of training students and training the trainer. The end goal of the CAP is to also transfer the authority of the remaining 2 academies, the Flight Medic Academy to the Kabul Wing Afghan AF, and the Close Combat Attack Academy to the ANA Corps; however dates have not been set. Hinkle said that any additional goals will be dependent on the Afghans.
AF Brig. Gen. Barat gives a speech during a transfer of authority ceremony.
Crew chiefs with the Afghan AF stand outside, waiting for the start of a transfer of authority ceremony.
A formation of Afghan soldiers stand next a formation of U.S. Soldiers as they salute and show respect for their respective national anthems.
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DVIDS
TF Talon IO NCO efforts keep COIN standards high
Written by Army Staff Sgt. Bruce Cobbeldick, TF Bayonet
Army Sgt. Lawrence Pinto, a Soldier with 1st Bn, 503rd Inf Regt, 173rd ABCT, has tea with 2 ANA soldiers, Oct. 4, to build relations between their 2 units near COP Sayed Abad. “The ANA, given the right leadership, is an excellent force in securing and sustaining areas of Afghanistan CF would otherwise have extreme trouble with,
WARDAK PROVINCE – Rank is not always an indicator of a Soldier’s maturity or abilities. For one junior NCO, a great deal of responsibility has been entrusted to him; he coordinates the majority of the info ops (IO) for his entire bn.
IO is a phrase used to define words, deeds and images to shape desired outcomes of efforts made by CF. Soldiers who can grasp the complexities of relationship building, and build bridges toward change that is both meaningful and measurable, is pivotal to counterinsurgency (COIN).
Sgt. Lawrence Pinto, a TF Talon fire support paratrooper thrives on these kinds of challenges. Despite being in the Army just 6 years, Pinto, who was trained at Fort Sill, Okla., has 3 deployments under his belt, which could be seen as significant experience for a junior NCO.
“IO take a rare mix of interpersonal skill, maturity, tactical patience, intel, and a desire to understand other cultures; Sgt. Pinto is that kind of guy,” said Maj. Matthew Yandura, the 173rd’s IO officer. “This unit is lucky to have an NCO like him.”
However, according to Pinto, the success of his team is due to the org’s ability to teach COIN strategies throughout its ranks. The 173rd‘s IO team have taken substantial steps toward changing mindsets. “I think the biggest leap forward we've made is with our FM radio network,” said Pinto. “It was originally a small-scale program. We've been able to reach thousands more with the radio network, than we ever could have through face-to-face engagements.”
The growth and improvement of the radio network in Wardak has been pivotal to the unit’s success. “I hope this network grows into an even greater enterprise,” Pinto added. “It provides employment, and a forum for the voices of the people to be heard, in addition to honest, up-to-date news on current events, specific to areas around Wardak, not just on a national level.”
The unit is getting close to an autonomous ANSF IO program, which will eliminate some challenges CF face. “The ANA, given the right leadership, is an excellent force in securing and sustaining areas of Afghanistan, CF would otherwise have extreme trouble with,” said Pinto. “The lack of cultural and linguistic boundaries makes them far more efficient at engaging the local populace.”
This has been the cornerstone of the ANSF IO training plan, nicknamed Project Pinto, implemented in southern Wardak. “By putting ourselves in the shoes of the citizens of Wardak, we benefit from better rapport with the Afghan people,” Pinto said. “Understanding who we are, and why we're out here, helps us prioritize what we need to train the ANSF, to address and help them to be resilient and adaptive problem-solvers.”
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IRAQI STORIES:
USF-I
Lt. Gen. Cone visits Camp Cropper
Photos by Staff Sgt. Daniel Yarnall
Lt. Gen. Bob Cone, USF-Iraq dep. comm. gen. of ops and III Corps cmdr, speaks with Pfc. Brian Jorgenson, with 108th MP Co, USF-I Provost Marshal’s office, during a visit to Camp Cropper, Oct. 12, on Victory Base Complex. The purpose of the visit was to check on troop morale, and to ensure the soldiers were maintaining a high level of security and safety.
Lt. Gen. Cone speaks with Sgt.1st Class Stephen Palazzo.
Command Sgt. Maj. Arthur Coleman Jr., the USF-Iraq senior enlisted advisor for the dep. comm. gen. for ops., and III Corps command sgt. maj., visits with soldiers.
Lt. Gen. Cone speaks with Pvt. Jonathan Giorgio, with Eagle Troop, 2nd Sqdrn, 3rd ACR.
Command Sgt. Maj. Arthur Coleman Jr., speaks with Pvt. Jonathan Giorgio, with Eagle Troop.
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United States Forces – Iraq
IP Canine Program Produces Successful Explosive Detection Dogs
Photos by Sgt. Eunice Alicea Valentin
A Canine Handler School student rewards an explosive-detection dog during a training exercise at the Baghdad Police College, Oct. 6.
Veterinarians, veterinarian techs and IP interact with an explosive detection dog. Students in the IP Canine Program and Canine Handlers School monitor their explosive-detection dogs around the clock, to provide instructors with daily health assessments.
Veterinary doctor, Lt. Wissam Shaker, an instructor with the IP Canine Program, and a Baghdad native, treats Queenie, an explosive detection dog at the Baghdad Police College Veterinary Clinic, Oct. 6. Class members who are doctors of veterinary medicine, as well as veterinary techs from provs throughout Iraq, also participate in the Queenie’s diagnosis.
Canine Handlers School students and explosive detection dogs train together. The course is a 2-month class in which Iraqi master canine trainers provide training, and certify select IP as designated explosive-detection dog handlers.
Students discuss a canine’s health assessment. This class is composed of vets and vet techs, who want to learn more about treating small animals, particularly canines. Upon successful completion of the 2-month course, students will be put to work providing care and preventive treatment for IP canine units, in their respective provs.
A student shares a little down time with his partner, an explosive-detection dog.
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DVIDS
'Anything we can do…is worth it'
Story by Master Sgt. Matt Howard
Spc. Trevor Howard, serving as a petroleum supply specialist with the 3rd ACR, performs functions checks on a vehicle on a U.S. base in southern Iraq’s Wasit prov., Oct. 11. Howard, a father of 3, said, “I'm absolutely ecstatic to do this mission. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”
WASIT PROVINCE - Spc. Trevor Howard joined the Army in 2006 out of necessity, and a little bit of desperation. Thirty six years old and married with 3 children, Howard, a college graduate with a degree in Business Mgt from Dillard University in New Orleans, was hit hard by the economic recession.
“I was out of work for 14 months, so my neighbor encouraged me to join the Army,” said Howard. “At first I was resistant.” After discussing it with his wife, Sonya, they went together to the local recruiting station, liked what they heard, and Howard made his decision.
“If I have to do it to provide for my family, that’s what I’m going to do,” he said as he explained his thought process for enlisting in August 2006, as a petroleum supply specialist.
A funny thing happened while Howard was attending basic training at Fort Jackson, S.C., and advanced training at Fort Lee, Va. Although he joined the Army to get out of a financial bind, he discovered he really liked soldiering. “I actually love the Army and want to make it a career,” Howard said.
A little more than 2 years after joining the Army, Howard is in southern Iraq with the newly arrived 3rd ACR. He’s the driver for a gun truck that transports security transition team members, and provides security for advise and assist missions near the Iraq-Iran border.
“At first, I was a little bit scared. I’ll be honest,” Howard said of his first trips outside of the wire, “but with the training we got before we deployed, and with this crew, I have no worries that things will go smoothly.”
One thing on this deployment he wasn’t prepared for, however, was the living conditions many Iraqis face in Wasit. Howard, whose period of unemployment pales in comparison to the poverty faced by many of the villagers he sees, said that it's strengthened his commitment to the mission. “Anything we can do to help these people is worth it,” he said.
When the deployment is over, Howard hopes to become a commissioned officer. He's already submitted his application for officer candidate school, although his age will require a waiver. If that doesn’t work out, he plans to apply for warrant officer school.
Howard said that "whatever happens will happen." Right now, he's just happy to be making a difference for the Iraqi people with his Army family, while his Family back home is provided for. “I'm absolutely ecstatic to do this mission. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”
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