Combined CF, ANP patrol sees improvements in Afghan village

GHAZNI PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

05.12.2011

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Task Force 101

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Task Force White Eagle Civil-Military Co-operation group representatives, the District Development Team and Afghan National Police met with residents of Espandi Village, Ghazni province, May 12.

Their mission was to get feedback from the residents after cordon and search operations conducted by International Security Assistance Forces and Afghan national security forces May 11.

“During our stay in the village, there was a calm and nice atmosphere. There were many people and kids around us,” said Polish army Maj. Tomasz Wolszczak, TF White Eagle CIMIC group commander.

Soldiers encountered a group of children playing soccer. After a five-minute chat, they discovered some of the children could speak English.

According to Wolszczak, it’s a sign the education system in this area has significantly improved since the last visit. He said the change is largely thanks to the Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team, who managed projects including English lessons.

Because the village has very narrow streets and has many buildings, soldiers from 1st Platoon, 2nd Motorized Company, Battle Group Alpha provided the CIMIC and ADT specialists with security.

“Our goal was to provide the safe and secure environment for our specialists. Nevertheless it was also a very good opportunity to talk with the locals. You can always get useful information and gain goodwill of the population. After all, that is what we depend on the most,” said Polish army Lt. Piotr Sromala, patrol commander.

He said the residents welcomed the soldiers and the elders spoke with them openly.

“They shared with soldiers their insights concerning the operation in the village,” said Sromala. “They said that all searches were conducted only by Afghan security forces, and CF established an external cordon. They also discussed the insurgents’ activity in the area of Ghazni province.”

After talking about the operation, the discussion change to the progress made in the area.

“Youngsters drew attention to the development of education and the enormous change that has taken place since the overthrow of the Taliban regime,” said Sromala. “They pointed out a big step forward in education and school attendance by girls.”

After the meeting, children escorted the troops to their vehicles.

“Direct and unfettered talks are the best way to overthrow the barriers or cultural differences,” said Sromala.

• Date Taken: 05.12.2011
• Date Posted: 05.17.2011 19:42
• Story ID: 70556
• Location: GHAZNI PROVINCE, AF