Ghazni PRT CA team takes it to the streets with ANP members

Photo By Master Sgt. Sarah Webb | U.S. Army 1st Lt. Russell Dasher from Guyton, Ga., security force platoon leader,...... read more read more

Photo By Master Sgt. Sarah Webb | U.S. Army 1st Lt. Russell Dasher from Guyton, Ga., security force platoon leader, Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team, teaches a local boy how to give "daps" as U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Donald Ottaway, from Cherry Creek, Colo., security forces assistant squad leader, looks on. Members of the PRT and Andar's ANP were in the bazaar that day conducting atmospherics after a training session with Civil Affairs. ANP participated in a three-part training course, taught by Civil Affairs team members from the PRT, which focused on techniques for shaping public opinion.  see less | View Image Page

GHAZNI, AFGHANISTAN

10.28.2009

Story by Master Sgt. Sarah Webb 

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO

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GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan — That same trust and confidence hasn't always been felt for the police force in Afghanistan. Nineteen members of the Afghan National Police from the district of Andar were handpicked by the ANP commander to be given the opportunity to learn engagement skills. These skills will provide improved pro-active policing techniques.

Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team, Civil Affairs members conducted an instructional course designed to coach, mentor and train the Andar ANP. The instruction covered techniques on how to interact with the population, gather information, and develop relationships and trust between ANP and the people that they serve.

The training course was broken down into three parts beginning with an introduction to what Civil Affairs is about and how the techniques are used to shape public opinion. The second was an actual lesson on public policing, and the third was a practical exercise conducted at the bazaar in the district of Andar.

"We would like the people from Andar to see the ANP team working closely with coalition forces," said Spc. Hyrum Robb, civil military operations center non-commissioned officer, from Salt Lake City, Utah. "Then we want the ANP to take the lead with confidence in their training."

"The pro-active policing technique is a method which involves the public to assist in security of their village. Many times, the officers are not from the same district where they serve," said Robb. "Once they build relationships with the villagers, they start becoming a part of the village. "

"The upside of the technique is the open dialog with the local villages. By acting on the concerns of the public, it can raise a positive reputation of the ANP over a period of time," said Robb. "We hope to help them take the initial steps for this productive interaction."

In the past, the ANP would patrol the area from behind their weapons in their trucks. They didn't stop to see what people thought of them, or showed that they were there to assist in providing security. The program is designed to get them out of the trucks, and put them on the same level as the shopkeepers.

"We are hoping that the ANP will continue to use the engagement techniques and become welcome members of the village," said Robb. "As devoted members of the village, the ANP will have the trust and confidence of the people that they serve. We want the villagers to have a positive view of their government and feel comfortable telling the ANP about any problems they have to include insurgent activities."

After completing the first portion of instruction at Combat Outpost Four Corners, the training moved to the bazaar in Andar for the practical portion.

"The purpose of holding the practical exercise at the bazaar was to have the ANP observe as Civil Affairs engaged with the public," said Robb. "After our engagement, I chose two ANP to speak to a shop owner and his customers while being observed by the Civil Affairs team."

Once the ANP members conducted their atmospherics, they regrouped with their instructor.

When Robb asked them how they felt they did, their huge smiles showed how proud they were of themselves and how well they felt they were received by the people.

"We learned that when we talk to the shop keepers, they tell us that we are not the dangerous people that they thought we were," said one ANP when asked how he felt about his training. "He told us that we are just humans like them. This is good for us to hear."

"Shop keepers are happy that the police are here asking them questions. This is the first time we've asked what they want and this is the first time I've felt like the shop keepers are giving us honest answers," said Sayeed Shah, squad leader for the ANP team.

One village elder was so touched by the interaction that, on the verge of tears, he begged the ANP for help to solve the security problem of their village. Prior to this event, the village elders and ANP had no interaction or communication.

Before departing the bazaar, Robb brought the group back together to critique their performance.

"You did really well," said Robb. "If you continue to engage with the people in the village, they will grow to trust you. Once you become part of the village, it will help you make it safer."

"We will do our best because it is our job to do our best with the people in the bazaar and everywhere," said Shah. "Some of us have been working honestly for the last ten years. As we have the last drop of blood in our bodies, we will do our job."

Upon feedback from the Andar ANP commander, the Civil Affairs team plans on increasing the number and frequency of training programs.

Authors Note:

In the bazaar that day, there were lots of kids out playing in the streets who were watching our activities. Out of curiosity, I asked the ANP if they knew what the kids thought of them. At first, they didn't understand what I meant. I explained to them that in America, kids look at our police force as heroes and want to be like them when they grow up. The ANP looked at the kids, turned to me, smiled and said that they want the kids to look at them that same way.