Afghan Commandos receive Combat Action Badge for first combat operation

ORUZGAN PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

08.24.2010

Courtesy Story

NATO Special Operations Component Command-Afghanistan

Story by: Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan Public Affairs

ORUZGAN, Afghanistan – Soldiers from the Afghan National Army’s 2nd Company, 8th Commando Kandak, received the Combat Action Badge Aug. 24 for their actions in the unit’s first combat operation since completing their extensive training.

The Commando-led mission into the village of Qalab Shale was planned with the intention of disrupting Taliban operations in the area and loosening their hold on the village.

The actions of the Commandos resulted in the capture of four suspected Taliban fighters and the death of a high ranking Taliban leader. The operation also provided key information about Taliban actions in and around the village.

During the ceremony, the commander of the 8th Commandos praised his troops for their bravery in combat and their selfless sacrifice in the name of their country.

United States Special Forces Soldiers, responsible for the training and mentoring of the Commandos, presented the badges to each of the Afghan soldiers.

The Commandos, who are selected from among the Afghan National Police and the ANA, wore expressions of pride as they were presented with the first award of their young careers.

The CAB shows foremost the efforts of the Commandos to make Afghanistan a safer country for their people. It also shows the emphasis by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan on training troops to lead the way in the fight to push the Taliban out of their homeland.

• Date Taken: 08.24.2010
• Date Posted: 08.28.2010 03:19
• Story ID: 55293
• Location: ORUZGAN PROVINCE, AF