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PARWAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Soldiers with the 1st Company, 3rd Kandak, 201st Corps, Afghan National Army, and Troop A, 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment, Task Force Redhorse, spoke with Sabikhel locals about their role in the security of Afghanistan Jan. 19.
“It is important to let the people know that the Afghan government is doing its best to improve the security and continue to develop as a country,” said Naweed Achmad, ANA platoon sergeant. “My hope for Afghanistan is that it continues to develop, improve its security and everybody gets an education. I want to see Afghanistan grow as a strong country.”
“The ANA platoon sergeant wanted to mobilize people to do the right thing, to support the government in establishing security in the area,” said U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Peter Choi of Ames, Iowa, and the 1st Platoon leader for Troop A. “He was really calling for that support because he knows that the Afghan National Security Forces can’t fight the insurgency alone, they need the people.”
TF Redhorse, which is a part of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, Task Force Red Bulls, assisted the ANA with security and reinforced their message.
“I think having the United States behind the ANA helps prove to the people the importance of the message,” said U.S. Army Spc. Jeffery Hall from Carol, Iowa, and a medic with Troop A. “It helps to build the trust and confidence between the Afghan government and its people.”
The ANA trains with coalition forces every day to improve their ability and understanding of military operations and tactics. But skill will only take them so far in the battle; the support of the people will remain a deciding factor in the war.
“I was very impressed with the way the ANA platoon leader took charge of the security and the way he enforced the importance of security to the village elder,” said Hall. “He made it clear that this is a problem that needs to be solved within Afghanistan. The Afghan people need to take control of the future of their country.”
During the visit, soldiers with Troop A implemented the hand-held interagency identity detection system to collect biometric data on Afghan locals who worked on nearby Bagram Air Field, along with checking for proper and current identification and paperwork. HIIDES is a biometrics collection tool that helps the U.S. military to quickly identify and track known criminals, making sure they aren’t hiding among the general population.
Visits like these are an important step in helping the Afghan people to better understand the importance of security and their role in the fight against insurgency. Choi said the ANSF and Afghan government will need the help and support in order to make a stronger, brighter future for Afghanistan.
“One of the most difficult things for any government to do is communicate what it is doing for the people because the effect is not seen immediately,” said Choi. “That’s why I think it is very important for the government officials to go out and talk to people, to make them understand what is going on. It is important to spread those messages and make a connection with its people.”
| Date Taken: | 01.19.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 01.25.2011 05:27 |
| Story ID: | 64160 |
| Location: | PARWAN PROVINCE, AF |
| Web Views: | 47 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, ANA, TF Redhorse spread message of security, by SPC James Wilton, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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