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    3rd Infantry Division soldiers advise ANA through radio training

    LOGAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. Army soldiers with 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, also known as Vanguard, advised Afghan National Army soldiers on a radio communication system during a two-week course on Camp Maiwand.

    The ANA personnel trained on the PRC-1099A, which is a high frequency, man-portable radio, that can also be used from an established base station.

    The use of radio systems enables Afghan forces to communicate during operations and increase security for the citizens of Afghanistan.

    During the training, ANA soldiers were taught how to load frequencies, conduct basic trouble shooting skills and properly conduct preventive maintenance checks and services.

    "These soldiers came with little knowledge of how to operate and fix the radios," said U.S. Army 1st Lt. William Martin, the officer in charge of the training and a signal officer with the 36th Engineer Brigade out of Fort Hood, Texas.

    “Our goal was to find a common teaching ground and help these soldiers become better familiarized with their equipment,” said Martin, the Tampa, Fla., native attached to a Vanguard Brigade Security Forces Advise and Assist Team.

    When the course started, many of the classes were taught in a presentation setting, but the instructors quickly learned that hands-on training was the best approach to overcome some of the language barriers.

    "The biggest challenge was teaching through an interpreter,” said U.S. Army Sgt. Casey Zaparinuk, a signal support systems specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 703rd Brigade Support Battalion, 4th IBCT. “Not only do the students have to understand what you are instructing, but the interpreter does as well so they can properly translate the information for the student,” the La Quinta, Calif., native added.

    Many of the students in the course never had the opportunity to work with the radios, but with assistance of knowledgeable instructors, they quickly found a common ground to conduct practical exercises, which provided an invaluable learning opportunity.

    “It was great training,” said ANA Staff Sgt. Gulistan, a communications specialist with the 5th Kandak, 4th Infantry Brigade, 203rd Corps. “We were able to learn how to operate and fix the radios.”

    After the testing phase, the soldiers were prepared to take what they learned back to their comrades and teach them the same skills.

    “I hope to use this training while working in our tactical operating center where I can better assist my friends,” Gulistan added.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 06.19.2013
    Date Posted: 06.24.2013 02:25
    Story ID: 109123
    Location: LOGAR PROVINCE, AF
    Hometown: LA QUINTA, CA, US
    Hometown: TAMPA, FL, US

    Web Views: 314
    Downloads: 0

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