TF Redhorse brings training, confidence to ANP

PARWAN PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

05.01.2011

Story by Staff Sgt. Ashlee J.L. Sherrill 

Combined Joint Task Force 101

PARWAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Task Force Redhorse military police mentors conducted a 5-day accelerated training course with the Afghan National Police at Vehicle Patrol Base Dandar, located in Koh-e Safi District, May 1.

Although it was not the first training session at the ANP station, it was the first conducted since the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Task Force Wolverines, conducted sessions in 2010, said ANP Lt. Col. Gul Padsha, the ANP station commander.

“We are very thankful for the training,” he said through an interpreter. “Every time the Americans come to train, we learn something new.”

U.S. Army Sgt. Adam Berger, a Kansas City, Mo., native, who is a military policeman attached to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment., and also serves as the non-commissioned officer-in-charge of training, said they covered detainee handling, personnel search, handcuffing, control point operations, improvised explosive device awareness, police survival skills, ambush awareness, weapon fundamentals and first aid.

Troop B, 1st Sqdn., 113th Cav. Regt., a part of the 34th Infantry Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team, Task Force Red Bulls, soldiers assisted the PMT with the training.

“The purpose of the training was to give them the basics,” said Berger. “Bravo Troop conducts operations with this group of ANP and plans to work with them more in the future. We are here to familiarize them with the basics, so we can not only advance their skill level and build their confidence, but also make it easier for them to work with the American soldiers.”

One ANP officer, Safi Ulla, who has been an ANP officer for seven years now, said that he especially liked the rifle training.

“We don’t normally get target practice,” Safi Ulla said through an interpreter. “I really enjoyed being able to fire at targets. The only other time we shoot live ammunition is in combat.”

Padsha, said he would like additional training at the ANP station including sessions for the higher ranking ANP officers.

“There are many things that the leadership needs to know, more than regular policemen,” he said. “Whatever training the Americans are able to provide will teach us new things.”

After the training, Troop B held a graduation ceremony at the ANP station May 5. Task Force Redhorse commander, U.S. Army Lt. Col. David Updegraff of Wauconda, Ill., attended the ceremony and praised the ANP’s efforts in Koh-e Safi and their partnership with Task Force Redhorse.

The Koh-e Safi District sub-governor, Dr. Abdul Wheed, also attended and said that he appreciated all of their work in Koh-e Safi.

“If the security of Koh-e Safi is strengthened through training events like this,” he said through an interpreter, “then the security of Bagram and Kabul will also strengthen.”

• Date Taken: 05.01.2011
• Date Posted: 05.08.2011 18:30
• Story ID: 70076
• Location: PARWAN PROVINCE, AF