Afghan Border Patrol Leader Inspects Outpost, Meets With Local Villagers

KANDAHAR PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

04.19.2010

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Howlett 

U.S. Navy Mobile Public Affairs Detachment-Afghanistan

KANDAHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan— Hoping to gauge the effectiveness of efforts to secure the border while discerning the needs of local villagers, a senior Afghanistan border patrol leader inspected the 5th Kandak Headquarters in Southern Afghanistan, April 15. Col. Ghuzai Sharif, commander 3rd Zone, inspected the roughly half-square mile complex in the Shurabak district of Kandahar Province, located along the rugged Afghanistan/Pakistan border.

The visit provided Sharif, and his International Security Assistance Forces, Afghanistan advisors, an opportunity to deliver supplies and equipment to his troops and meet with the elders of the local village.

The official party arrived by helicopter to the remote and mountainous station where there are nearby caves frequently occupied by the Taliban. Troops were waiting to offload bags of flour, building supplies, new ATVs and other military supplies. While the helicopters were being unloaded, Sharif formally greeted the rest of the station's troops who were assembled outside the main building. Afterwards, the troops quickly mounted their new, ISAF provided, patrol vehicles.

"This station is the most important in the Kandahar district," said Sharif. "It is closest to the border crossing with Pakistan. There's lots of enemy movement in the area and we are the fence providing security for our country."

After a brief visit with the district leader, the local police chief, and Col. Abdul Razaiq, the executive officer of the 3rd Zone, Sharif and his advisors rode to the local village where they met with Razai Khan and other village elders. During their meeting, the villagers provided specific requests they want from the ABP and their NATO partners, according to Razaiq.

While speaking with the village elders, U.S. Army Lt. Col. William Clark, Commander 8-1 Cavalry at Spin Buldak, also on the Pakistan border, asked them about the construction of a water system and made note to get them more help in completing the project. During this conversation t the elders brought up their newest concern — IEDs.

According to villagers, the roads are being planted with IEDs aimed at stopping the border patrol from carrying out their duties. The villagers specifically requested help from the coalition forces to remove the IEDs from local roads.

The meeting allowed Shariff an opportunity to strengthen ties with his fellow Afghans by discerning what steps his forces could take to assist them. As the number of available troops increase, Sharif is looking to expand his unit's services to the locals.

"This was a good chance for us to resupply our troops and assess their needs....and hear their concerns," said Razaiq. The ABP's relationship with the village is really good. We are bringing security to the village, which is really important to them."

Sharif spoke highly of his troops and praised the training they received from the Border Management Task Force, and specifically of the work done by the Security Forces Advisory Team manned by members of the 4th Battalion Combat Team and civilian instructors.

"We're here to help them train their troops and secure their own borders," said U.S. Army Capt. Greg Spears. "They are hard workers. We have given them the training they need, and the right equipment to do their jobs."

During the tour, U.S. Army troops who accompanied the official party were able to meet up with their Afghan counterparts and see first-hand the outposts the ABP mans and how they work and live. After the tour, the partners enjoyed a traditional meal of Nan bread, rice, and goat. Before the helicopters arrived to pick them up, the two groups were able to socialize and continue a process of friendship that developed during the ABP's initial training. At the same time, the coalition forces were able to identify the needs of the local population to continue helping to rebuild Afghanistan in an environment made safer by the ABP.

"The troops have had good training and it's a pleasure to see my advisors who came here with me," said Sharif of the advisory team. "I appreciate the help and advice from our partners. This was a good use of time to have these meeting and we ended up with good results," he said.

• Date Taken: 04.19.2010
• Date Posted: 04.19.2010 10:01
• Story ID: 48341
• Location: KANDAHAR PROVINCE, AF