Polish forces, ANSF joint patrol offers security in Ghazni

GHAZNI PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

04.29.2011

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Task Force 101

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces and Polish Army soldiers from the 4th Platoon, 1st Infantry Company, Battle Group Alpha, Task Force White Eagle, conducted a combined patrol and organized a temporary check point near Qualah-ye Arezo Village, Afghanistan, April 25.

The mission’s purpose was to disrupt the enemy freedom of movement alongside main communication routes in Ghazni Province.

“The overarching goal of our operational activities is to ensure safety not only for ourselves, but primarily for the local people from Ghazni Province,” said Polish Army Lt. Col. Rafał Miernik, the commander of Battle Group A, who in Poland serves in 17th Wielkopolska Mechanized Brigade, 11th Armored Cavalry Division.

One soldier said the mission to Qualah-ye Arezo was TF White Eagle’s first patrol in that area.

“It used to be a dangerous place, and my experience told me that we can expect anything there,” said Polish Army Sgt. Piotr Śledź, commander of the 1st Team, 4th Platoon, 1st Inf. Coy, who currently is on his third deployment in Afghanistan.

Partners from the 1st Kandak, 3rd Brigade, 203rd Afghan Army Corps, and the Afghan police joined the ISAF patrol at Forward Operating Base Vulcan.

There the soldiers conducted operation checks on their equipment and reviewed the operational orders before beginning the patrol. For this mission, the ANSF would conduct the searches and operate the TCP.

“Almost every patrol is accompanied by Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF). It is an excellent opportunity (for them) to learn and improve their skills,” said Polish Capt. Damian Kidawa, commander of the 1st Inf. Coy, Battle Group Alpha. His soldiers helped the ANSF set up the checkpoints and pointed out areas for improvement.

“When we start our withdrawal and leave Ghazni, they will be able to take responsibility for their people and region,” said Polish Warrant Officer Grzegorz Pietruczuk, the patrol commander.

• Date Taken: 04.29.2011
• Date Posted: 04.28.2011 17:23
• Story ID: 69511
• Location: GHAZNI PROVINCE, AF