Dear Interested Reader,
CF, Afghans celebrate Mother's Day in Ghazni. ABA sets sights on 2014 transition, beyond. Local villagers band together to create united front. Insurgents can't hide in the dark in Sangin. Kandahar PRT conducts economic assessment. Cordon and search ops in Hasan.
Iraq: Father and son deploy with Greywolf Bde. Iraqi Criminal Justice Center canine training course inspected.
Joanna
_____________________________
AFGHANISTAN STORIES:
DVIDS
Coalition Forces, Afghans Celebrate Mother’s Day in GhazniStory and photo by Polish army 2nd Lt. Anna Wisłocka, TF White Eagle
Afghan women attend a Mother’s Day celebration at the Dept of Info and Culture compound in Ghazni City, June 15, organized by the Ghazni PRT. To help the women celebrate, CF coordinated the event and donated almost 300 pairs of women’s shoes.
GHAZNI PROVINCE – Hamid Guristani, a Ghazni Provincial Council rep, and Shukria Wall, the head of the Dept of Women’s Affairs (DoWA), also helped prepare the feast. The celebration, in accordance with Afghan tradition, began with a verse from the Quran. Then, children recited poetry, sang songs, and performed short plays in which the kids danced for their mothers and gave them flowers. In between children's performances organizers and guests gave speeches. Nawroz Hamidullah, the head of the Provincial Council said, "it's important for both genders to be treated equally, and to have equal rights and opportunities. During the ceremony, reps from Poland and the U.S. explained how Mother's Day is celebrated in their countries. "In this day our mums receive a lot of flowers and gifts. However, they're particularly happy if they're given cards personally prepared by their children," said Agnieszka Hejduk, an adviser for education in the Polish District Development Group. At the end of the ceremony, PRT reps presented the women gifts, including food products, small portable radios, and shoes. In return, the Afghan women presented CF women with traditional Afghan scarves. During the meeting, a visible social contrast among the women present existed. Blue burkas covered some women entirely, while others dressed in European attire. The second group was made up of university students from Kabul. Andżilo, an 18-year-old student attending her first year of law school in Kabul, and works part time in an office. "Thanks to studying and working, I'm independent," said Andżilo. "I don't want my life to look like other local women’s lives who got married at age 15, and then just bring up children.” “They don’t know how the life can be different," added Meto, an art history student, who's planning to take courses for a law degree.
U.S. Army Maj. Alex Dietrich, from the Ghazni PRT, describes Mother’s Day in the U.S., while U.S. Army soldiers show samples of Mother’s Day cards.
Meto, an 18-year-old student at the Kabul University, described women’s life in Afghanistan.
An Afghan girl dressed in European fashion listens to speakers. Her outfit contrasts with other attendees who wore traditional burkas to the event.
Children dressed in regional costumes sing a song for mothers.
-30-
ISAF HQ Public Affairs
ABA Sets Sights on 2014 Transition, Beyond
Story by Staff Sgt. Stacey Haga
A group of members from USACE and the Afghanistan Builders Assn. (ABA), discuss contracts during a break, at their joint conference held June 10 in Kabul. The conference gave the ABA an opportunity to lay out their way ahead, to their members and receive feedback, as Afghanistan enters its transition period.
KABUL – Many of the country’s buildings were destroyed during the last several decades, so a robust construction industry has been needed to erect buildings for Afghanistan’s new SECFOR, govt agencies, and other orgs. responsible for the rebuilding of the country. “We need a viable, strong construction industry in this country,” said Col. Tom Magness, cmdr., USACE, Afghanistan Engr. District-N, during a conference held in the capital city of Kabul. This is where USACE comes in with a daunting task of building hundreds of buildings, hiring construction companies, and guiding Afghans in developing an assn. to regulate the booming construction industry, called the ABA. The ABA is a non-profit, non-governmental trade org., chartered to be an advocate for the builders in Afghanistan, educating them, establishing standards, and being a source of info for the builders. It also aims to enhance the integrity and visibility of the construction industry, just as builders assns. do around the world. “The ABA is still at a premature stage,” said Mowdood Popal, ABA vice president, where a plan for the ABA over the next 3 to 5 years was laid out. Regardless of its newness, the ABA, which started out with 20 members, has shown much progress since its inception in 2004.Representing small and large construction, heavy machinery, building supply and material companies, the ABA has about 500 members, both national and int'l., and aims to increase their membership by 20% each year in the near future. The ABA, with the help of USACE, USAID, and Afghan National Standards Authority, is also paving the way for a new development – a private sector in Afghanistan’s construction industry. "Prior to U.S. forces entering Afghanistan, all construction contracts were controlled by the govt, regardless of size," said Popal. "Although the majority of construction contracts now come from USACE, it's important for ABA to regulate the private sector, to ensure contracts, accounting, building standards, and safety protocol are adhered to, which will build the capacity of the construction industry," added Popal. That capacity is also being supported by the amount of new construction companies. Many of these new companies are awarded contracts according to their abilities, and under the guidance of ABA and USACE given the opportunity to become reputable builders, that build structures according to standards set by USACE and ABA.On average, approx 50% of the contracts awarded annually by USACE are awarded to Afghan companies." USACE is projected to transition out of Afghanistan in late 2014, as they guide the ABA into a primary role along the way.While the ABA faces many challenges as it looks toward Afghanistan’s transition period – a new govt, unpredictable economy, limited resources, and other challenges commonly faced by new orgs., the ABA and USACE leadership are optimistic about the ABA’s future. "As the country and the ABA continues to take their future into their own hands, and work toward the 2014 transition timeline, the ABA is able to look ahead and figure out what is next; what is the next big build, such as the trillions of dollars in mineral wealth, and how it can position the industry to be ready for it," said Magness. The ABA and USACE are also bolstering Afghanistan’s economy by certifying local building supplies to USACE standards. This is so Afghan-made products can be used in USACE projects, instead of importing the supplies from other countries. Today, 49 manufacturers are certified, with 23 more awaiting certification in the near future. “Standardization is a big step,” said Magness. “It’s also thinking forward.”“I'm very proud,” said Naeem Yassin, ABA president, of his org. “We've a good relationship with USACE, USAID, and we have a good relationship with the Afghan govt.” Those relationships, accompanied by the ABA’s strengths, passion, and forward thinking, will be needed for continued progression and transition into 2014 and beyond – because it takes a firm foundation to build a country.
Several construction companies that are part of the ABA attended a conference.
-30-
ISAF HQ Public Affairs
ANSF, ALP, Local Villagers Band Together to Create United Front
Story by Master Sgt. Michael O'Connor
KABUL — The Afghans are increasingly taking their future into their own hands, by thwarting and warding off the Taliban and other insurgents – unilaterally, as well as partnered. In the Kajran district of Uruzgan prov., June 2, nearly 40 local villagers took up arms and gathered near 2 checkpoints to form a protective screen around their villages, and aid the Afghan Local Police in protecting their villages, following threats from local Taliban fighters.“An elder from the area said that Taliban fighters have routinely threatened the villages, and are trying to intimidate local citizens, but the local population has been fiercely resistant to Taliban activity,” said German Army Brig. Gen. Josef Blotz, ISAF spokesperson.On May 30, the 9th Commando Kandak responded to a suicide bombing conducted by insurgents against the MoT, and the Italian PRT’s HQ in Herat City. Immediately following the suicide bomber’s detonation of his personal-borne IED vest at the gate of the PRT, Blotz said “The Commandos initiated a quick reaction force, moved into the city and secured the Italian PRT building, the Gov. of Herat’s office, and the Bagh-e-Azadi, killing the remaining insurgents who had entered the compound.”Last but not least, in the Sarobi district of Paktika prov., along the Pakistan border where the Haqqani network is very active, an Afghan local policeman single-handedly held off 15 insurgents long enough to give coalition and Afghan forces time to defeat them. Blotz said, “this is an example of how Afghan police are increasingly being seen by local residents as a viable SECFOR.”These Afghan-only, as well as the ANSF and ISAF partnered ops, are key elements of the Afghan and coalition effort to stop the enemies of Afghanistan from attacking the people and the govt of this country. “We agree with Pres. Karzai that ops must become more and more Afghan-led over time, with CF increasingly in a support role, as ASF take the lead and the responsibility for ops across the country,” said Blotz. “We're working to make that a reality – as we also, of course, work ever harder with our ASF partners to ensure that we protect and safeguard the people and their property.”In the past 30 days, Afghan and coalition special forces have conducted hundreds of joint ops to secure the Afghan people, disrupt insurgent infiltration from sanctuaries outside the country, and solidify and expand security gains of the past year. Many of the ops, including all in the greater Kabul area, home to 1/5th the Afghan population, are Afghan-led.The following are just a few examples of what these various ops have done for the joint campaign against the insurgency, the proliferation of IEDs, and the elements threatening the safety of the Afghan people.GHAZNI PROVINCE -- “Despite the Taliban’s proclamation that they would never again use an ambulance as a vehicle for suicide attacks -- not to mention their pledge not to cause civilian casualties,” Blotz said, “a cordon and search op conducted by Afghan and CF last week, discovered and destroyed nearly 800-lbs of ammonium nitrate, approx 135-lbs of aluminium filings – a key ingredient of thermite – and a recently stolen ambulance fully rigged as a vehicle-borne IED.”In neighboring central URUZGAN PROVINCE -- ANP and their Australian Special Forces partners further degraded the insurgent networks operating in the area, and likely prevented future IED attacks by capturing 3 key leaders that were prominent bomb experts, logisticians and insurgent facilitators.Further south in the northern part of HELMAND PROVINCE -- An Afghan Commando-led op in Kajaki village led to the destruction of more than 1,000-lbs of black tar opium, worth more than $1.5 million, and killed 4 insurgents.“The operation was aimed at disrupting the local drug trade financing insurgent activity in the area,” said Blotz. “One of the insurgents used a child as a human shield during the op, in an attempt to move closer to the combined force. Fortunately, the child was safely returned to his family.”Across the country of Afghanistan, people are not only working in conjunction with CF to fight the enemy and safeguard Afghan citizens, but are standing up unilaterally--as ANSF, as Afghan Local Police, as villagers, and as individuals.
-30-
DVIDS
Insurgents Can’t Hide in the Dark in Sangin
“Night ops prevent the enemy from putting in IEDs or pre-stage ammo and weapons in staged fighting positions,” said Sgt. Michael Hodge, a squad leader. “Us being around at night also prevents the enemy from being able to do their murder and intimidation campaigns against the local people.”The Marines defensive positions consist of abandoned compounds and tree lines. This makes their positioning very important. Squad leaders and team leaders must ensure that they're not positioning their Marines on top of IEDs. The strength of the night op lies in the self discipline every Marine learned at boot camp, keeping them awake and vigilant against a shadow enemy. “We don’t normally take the ANA or an interpreter out with us on the night ops, so we have to use the tree lines or abandoned compounds, since it's against their Afghan culture for us to go into an inhabited compound without the ANA,” said Hodge. “We're trying to show the people that we'll have security for them not only during the day, but also at night as well,” said Hodge.
"The Marine’s presence is usually enough to deter the enemy from trying to move in the area," said Cpl. Nicholas Pelusio, a team leader. “You see people walking around sometimes; it's pretty boring, but necessary,” said Pelusio. “Despite the lack of enemy activity, we have to get off the base to observe the environment. We're always trying to be one step ahead of the enemy.”“We're also trying to show the ANA how to better provide security for their country, and what they need to be doing. The best way to do that is by leading by example,” said Pelusio. "The end goal is that the people see a constant stream of Marines. People feel more comfortable talking to the patrols without fear of retaliation from the insurgents with the added presence," explained Pelusio.“I expected to do night ops every once in a while before coming out here,” said Lance Cpl. Christopher Grieg, an M-249 Squad Automatic Weapon machine gunner. “Without night ops we would miss out on a large chunk of that 24-hour period, and it wouldn't work.”
Story by Cpl. Benjamin Crilly
Cpl. Nicholas Pelusio, a team leader for 1st Plt., Co B, 1st Bn, 5th Marine Regt, sights in on suspicious activity, while patrolling out to conduct a night observation post in Sangin, June 7. Night observation posts enable the Marines to maintain a 24-hour presence in their area of ops (AO). “A 24-hour presence means that there is always a patrol out walking the AO. We're trying to walk around and hit every area of every sector, at least once a day while talking to the people,” said Pelusio. “We're constantly patrolling the area, because we're seeing how the enemy is reacting to us and our 24-hour presence.”
FOB INKERMAN, Helmand province -- Sgt. Michael Hodge and Cpl. Nicholas Pelusio owned the night in their slice of Sangin, while conducting an observation post in an abandoned compound, June 7.
These night patrols limit the insurgent’s movements, and set an example for the ANA at Patrol Base Fires.
These night patrols limit the insurgent’s movements, and set an example for the ANA at Patrol Base Fires.
“Night ops prevent the enemy from putting in IEDs or pre-stage ammo and weapons in staged fighting positions,” said Sgt. Michael Hodge, a squad leader. “Us being around at night also prevents the enemy from being able to do their murder and intimidation campaigns against the local people.”The Marines defensive positions consist of abandoned compounds and tree lines. This makes their positioning very important. Squad leaders and team leaders must ensure that they're not positioning their Marines on top of IEDs. The strength of the night op lies in the self discipline every Marine learned at boot camp, keeping them awake and vigilant against a shadow enemy. “We don’t normally take the ANA or an interpreter out with us on the night ops, so we have to use the tree lines or abandoned compounds, since it's against their Afghan culture for us to go into an inhabited compound without the ANA,” said Hodge. “We're trying to show the people that we'll have security for them not only during the day, but also at night as well,” said Hodge.
"The Marine’s presence is usually enough to deter the enemy from trying to move in the area," said Cpl. Nicholas Pelusio, a team leader. “You see people walking around sometimes; it's pretty boring, but necessary,” said Pelusio. “Despite the lack of enemy activity, we have to get off the base to observe the environment. We're always trying to be one step ahead of the enemy.”“We're also trying to show the ANA how to better provide security for their country, and what they need to be doing. The best way to do that is by leading by example,” said Pelusio. "The end goal is that the people see a constant stream of Marines. People feel more comfortable talking to the patrols without fear of retaliation from the insurgents with the added presence," explained Pelusio.“I expected to do night ops every once in a while before coming out here,” said Lance Cpl. Christopher Grieg, an M-249 Squad Automatic Weapon machine gunner. “Without night ops we would miss out on a large chunk of that 24-hour period, and it wouldn't work.”
Cpl. Nicholas Pelusio shakes hands with a local Afghan boy, while patrolling out to conduct a night observation post in Sangin, June 7.
Marines patrol into a tree line at dusk maneuvering to a night observation post in Sangin, June 8.
Sgt. Michael Hodge, a squad leader, looks out over a compound wall to determine the sectors of fire, during a night observation post in Sangin, June 7.
Marines patrol past Afghan laborers, returning from a night observation post in Sangin, June 8.
-30-
DVIDS
Kandahar PRT Conducts Bagh-e-pul Economic AssessmentStory by Chief Master Sgt. Richard Simonsen
Maj. Eric Kerr, a civil affairs officer for the Kandahar PRT, interviews the owner of a hardware store in Kandahar City, June 18. The PRT and the USAID visited the Bagh-e-Pul area of Sub-District Seven to assess the economic benefits of the more affordable electric power. The PRT works with the GoA to enhance security and development.
KANDAHAR PROVINCE – “There was a lot going on there,” said Maj. Eric Kerr. “I thought it was an excellent opportunity to observe a wide variety of economic activity, including merchants, service providers, and innkeepers.” The PRT visited the area to see how the availability of electricity impacts the economy in this area of western Kandahar City. One business positively affected by the availability of inexpensive, stable power is the Double Cola bottling plant. “Now I have 85 employees, and I hope to increase that to 150,” said Daoud, the plant mgr. of the op that bottles water and soft drinks for sale regionally in the provs. of Kandahar, Uruzgan, Helmand and Kabul. “I thought it was an excellent opportunity to witness the burgeoning economic activity in the Bagh-e-pul area, and discuss electricity issues with local vendors and business owners,” said Kerr. “We learned how important electricity is to them. Every time we help them provide a job opportunity, we take a potential insurgent off the battlefield.”
Maj. Eric Kerr walks with Daoud, the mgr. of the Double Cola bottling plant.
-30-
Flickr
Cordon and Search Operations in Hasan
Army photos by Staff Sgt Corey Dennis
Afghan Army Commandos advised by U.S. Special Forces Soldiers from Special Ops TF - East speak with males in the village of Hasan during cordon and search ops to disrupt insurgent safe havens in the area, Jun. 2, 2011.
Afghan Army Commandos patrol the village of Hasan.
Afghan Army Commandos return from conducting an air assault op in the villages of Hassan & Ghazi-Khel, Jun. 2, 2011.
-30-
IRAQI STORIES:
DVIDS
Father and Son Deploy With Greywolf Brigade
Story by Staff Sgt. Chris Bridson
Michael Jalbert (left), a civilian contractor currently working as the brigade safety officer with 3rd AAB, 1st Cav Div, and his son Staff Sgt. Timothy Jalbert, Co C, 3rd Bn, 8th Cav. Regt, 3rd AAB, 1st Cav. Div., had the chance to catch up with each other at COB Garry Owen, in the Maysan prov. of Iraq, June 8, before Timothy left for the U.S. on leave.
COB ADDER – On Dec. 6, 1907, Monongah, W.Va. was the scene of a mining disaster in which 210 fathers lost their lives. Mrs. Grace Clayton organized the first observance of Father’s Day, July 5, 1908 in Fairmont, W.Va. to celebrate their lives. At COB Garry Owen, Co C has made a temporary home, where they conduct various missions. This is also where Staff Sgt. Timothy Jalbert, the son of Michael, is stationed. They're deployed together for the first time. “This is his third trip over here to Iraq; he has been to Afghanistan once also,” said Michael. “He has to look out for me, and I have to look out for him.” The father and son team deployed from Fort Hood, Texas, in Feb., and although they're stationed in different locations in Iraq, they appreciate the fact that they’ve had the chance to see each other a couple of times so far.“I’m very proud of Timothy; he has done a very good job,” said Michael proudly. “He's a really good trooper.” Timothy, like many during this holiday, took the time to acknowledge his father, and the good fortune of being deployed with him in Iraq. “People say how I’m lucky to have my father deployed with me and I’d have to agree with them,” said Timothy. “I’m lucky he’s where he can keep an eye on me and the job I do, and I’m lucky to have him as a father.”
-30-
DVIDS
Iraqi Criminal Justice Center Canine Training Course Inspected Photos by 1st Lt. Crystal Sklodowski
BAGHDAD -- Lt. Col. Shilisa Geter (left), cmdr. of STB, 2nd AAB, 1st ID, and Maj. Ivy Williams (right), local transition team's planner with STB, conduct a site survey of the canine obstacle course at the Criminal Justice Center (CJC), and visit with Capt. Abdullah (center), a senior IP officer, June 12, 2011, at Camp Liberty. “The IP working dogs have improved leaps and bounds since the opening of the canine course at the CJC — and offers a place for the IP to expand their knowledge base, initiate sustainment training for officers, and ensure unit proficiency,” Geter said.
Lt. Col. Shilisa Geter conducts a site survey on the methods used to transport working dogs across the obstacle course. The CJC offers a canine course for working dogs and their handlers on investigative protocols, proper grooming and treatment of working dogs, to improve the capabilities of the IP.
Capt. Abdullah surveys the working dogs obstacle course.
-30-