US, French team up to train Afghan National Army on artillery

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN

03.22.2009

Story by Spc. Melissa Stewart 

Combined Joint Task Force 101

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – Artillerymen from France and the U.S. teamed up to teach their Afghan counterparts about indirect fire assets at Forward Operating Base Shank, March 14.

Soldiers from Alpha Battery, 4th Battalion, 25th Field Artillery Regiment, teamed up with French soldiers from the 35th Airborne Artillery to teach 1st Brigade, 4th Kandak Artillery, Afghan national army, to operate American artillery weapons.

"Our mission was to bring the ANA over with the French and to show them our indirect field artillery piece," said Army Sgt. 1st Class Paul Fluharty, platoon sergeant for 2nd Platoon, 4-25 FA. "It is very important that they learn because they need to begin to assume responsibility when we leave [Afghanistan]."

ANA soldiers were instructed on the use of the M777A2 Howitzer. U.S. Soldiers demonstrated the steps to firing the weapon and then let ANA soldiers ask questions and explore the weapon for themselves.

"The lesson today was very interesting because there are differences between our weapons and American weapons," said Afghan Capt. Mohammad Dean, 1st Brigade 4th Kandak Artillery company commander. "American guns are very modern."

This training was not just a learning experience for the Afghan soldiers, but the U.S. and French soldiers learned as well. Many of the U.S. Soldiers teaching were lower enlisted, and for them this was the first time they had this sort interaction with the Afghans.

"The U.S. Soldiers get to work with and teach soldiers from other countries and also learn a little bit about their culture," Fluharty said.

French troops also assisted in training ANA artillery troops, and soon they will train the ANA exclusively on their artillery weapons.

"For me it's a new experience, it's my first time in Afghanistan. My troops and I are mentoring the ANA," said French Capt. Franck Petitfils, company commander of the 35th Airborne Artillery. "It's good for me and my guys to get some experience. The ANA seem to listen to what we are teaching and are happy to learn."

This is not the first time French troops have trained the ANA.

"We have been working with the French army for about a year and a half," said Dean. "They always try their best to be sure the ANA learn something new and useful."

The training provided by the U.S. and French soldiers is designed to help the ANA become a stabilizing force in their country, officials said.

"We have learned from other countries and I am very confident we can shoot the big guns," said Dean. "The ANA are becoming the backbone of stability in Afghanistan. I am proud to be part of that."

• Date Taken: 03.22.2009
• Date Posted: 03.22.2009 11:07
• Story ID: 31457
• Location: BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF