Konduz PMTs hone police force capability

AFGHANISTAN

08.04.2008

Story by Seaman Timothy Newborn 

NATO Training Mission Afghanistan

By Seaman Tim Newborn
Combined Security Transition Commamd - Afghanistan

KONDUZ, Afghanistan - The sun had been up for only two hours before the thermometer measured 110 degrees Fahrenheit. With the temperature rising and a long day ahead of them, members of the Baghlan-e-Jadid police mentor team put on their individual body armor and listened to their convoy brief. A two-hour journey lay ahead of them before they could start the real mission, mentoring the Afghan national police.

The PMT and their Afghan counterparts work together to ensure the district policemen's administrative problems involving pay, logistics, training and personnel are taken care of so the ANP can focus on their mission, protecting the people of Afghanistan.

Initially designed to operate as two separate PMTs, this 16-man team, under Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan, works and moves as one unit. Due to the shortage of trainers and number of vehicles required for convoys, it was necessary to combine the teams.

"The PMTs are definitely building a better-prepared, more efficient and more professional Afghan national police force," said Army Col. Marshall Hagen, Afghan Regional Security Integration Command - North commander. "They are the true unsung heroes of Afghanistan."

Texas Army National Guardsman Maj. Phillip Urbany, A PMT leader, explained the importance of the mission. The ANP are now leading the fight, he said, but some areas still need improvement.

"This mission is vital in creating a more professional police team for the district of Baghlan-e-Jadid," said Urbany. "Although we've seen great progress, we are still working to get better operational facilities and to build on public relations with the community."

Throughout their day, the team visits ANP stations to ensure they have all that is required to stay fully operational. These visits also give the mentors the opportunity to talk with village elders about current issues and work on resolutions.

The district police chief from Baghlan-e-Jadid, Muhammad Afzl, said he is very pleased with the assistance he has received from the PMT.

"The training my men and I have received from our mentors is great. We are making great advances in the police force here," he said.

Army National Guardsman Master Sgt. Phillip Lakner, A PMT team member, said although their work includes meetings and sustainment training, they also patrol the streets of Afghanistan with the ANP, which is the most dangerous part of their job.

"After being on two deployments already, I've learned what works and what doesn't," said Lakner. "They [insurgents] only understand hard and fast. If you want to stay alive, you better be both."

When the team first began working with the ANP, they trained the police in patrolling procedures. Now, the police are on the front lines and are scheduling frequent patrols throughout Afghan villages.

"Although we have faced many challenges along the way, every mission is geared toward building a more stable security force for the country of Afghanistan." said Urbany. "Our team is here to help provide the best outcome possible whatever the circumstances."

• Date Taken: 08.04.2008
• Date Posted: 08.04.2008 10:13
• Story ID: 22093
• Location: AF