New Afghan Airmen pass final hurdle before becoming quick reaction force

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

03.02.2011

Story by Vladimir Potapenko 

438th Air Expeditionary Wing

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan Air Force security forces personnel conducted mounted and dismounted patrol drills with the help of NATO Air Training Command-Afghanistan at the AAF Base in Kabul March 2.

The drills were the culmination of a four-week training course and the final validation prior to the course’s student’s graduation and transformation from security force personnel to quick reactions force team members.

“Our ultimate goal with this training is to provide critical skills in not only defending themselves and the AAF, but also the nation of Afghanistan,” said Tech Sgt. Sandra Dean, a security forces advisor with NATO Air Training Command-Afghanistan and the 439th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron. “We would like for our Afghan Air Force security forces’ students to be able to perform as a patrol leader/member during escorts and security patrols, but also to enable them to respond and defeat any hostile incident occurring in their area of responsibility.”

As their final test, SF students were tasked with planning and issuing an operational order, improvised explosive device recognition and response, mounted patrolling, dismounted patrolling, reaction to an ambush and causality care and evacuation.

“The skills learned during this type of training are crucial to my students since they will be charged with the defense of their nation and will be forced to use them as they conduct their daily duties, and aid in their ability to conduct patrol missions off base regardless if they have a vehicle available or not,” said Sgt. Dean.

Faced with challenging tasks, Sgt. Dean feels the SF troops performed well, demonstrating their progress and capability as a quick reaction force.

Up next, the airmen are scheduled to take part in a graduation ceremony honoring their achievement at the Afghan Air Force Base in Kabul March 5.

• Date Taken: 03.02.2011
• Date Posted: 03.04.2011 04:55
• Story ID: 66463
• Location: KABUL, AF