By Cpl. Zachary J. Nola

FARAH PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan — Before coalition forces can leave Afghanistan, they must first make sure the government has a reliable and proficient fighting force. Without one, the country is vulnerable to invasion and insurrection.

Both an Afghan army and police force exist, and the training of these forces is ongoing, but coalition forces must ensure Afghan national security forces aren't pushed through training quickly just to get them into the fight.

Through on the job training, Marines of 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 7, Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan, have found a way to ensure ANSF members are well trained and an immediate asset in the fight against the Taliban.

ANSF members recently got some of this training when they joined Marines from India Company, 3/4, for an operation to clear the Taliban presence from Buji Bhast Pass and the surrounding towns.

While the Marines of India Company admitted their Afghan counterparts still need additional training to be a premier fighting force, they were impressed with the knowledge and effort ANSF members put forth.

"The ANA did well," said Lance Cpl. Jordan T. Stevenson, 21, a rifleman with India Company, 3/4. "You go [into a compound] and they'd do everything you need them to do. You'd point out a locker and they'd know how to search it."

Marines take pride in knowing they can trust the Marines to their left and right during critical situations. Stevenson said he felt no different when it was an ANSF member instead of a Marine.

"I felt completely confident that the ANA were doing their job just as well as we were doing ours," said Stevenson, a native of Fletcher, Okla. "They did their job efficiently and effectively."

This training implemented by 3/4 is paying dividends since it is providing ANSF members with strong training and providing the Marines a helpful tool when interacting with Afghan locals.

"They know how to handle the people," said Lance Cpl. John J. Seguna, a rifleman with India Company, 3/4. "They're very important when it comes to the females and other cultural aspects. They know what's normal in a house and what to search."

While a language barrier existed during the operation, the Marines and ANSF members did their best to communicate through hand signals. Both groups also made sure to learn each other's names and shared chow and the occasional laugh.

Throughout the operation, the Marines and ANSF had to battle inclement weather. Rain, sleet, high winds and low temperatures attacked the clearing force throughout the day.

While the situation was less than perfect, it allowed the Marines and ANSF to share an experience that neither will forget for some time. Sharing these experiences will hopefully break down any barriers remaining between the two forces and create a sense of brotherhood between all those who were there, no matter their nationality.

Connected Media