Security Force Assistance Team 4 trains Afghan bodyguards

ARGHANDAB DISTRICT, AFGHANISTAN

09.14.2011

Story by Sgt. Ruth Pagan 

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – The four bodyguards arrived armed with the typical Afghan weapon: the AK-47.

Soldiers with Security Force Assistance Team 4, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, trained the Arghandab district governor’s bodyguards to help them become more proficient and accurate with their weapons.

“Because the governor is a strong leader, he is a threat to the enemy and must be protected by men who are confident with their weapons,” said Sgt. 1st Class Jason Watson of SFAT 4. “The training we set up is to help them become more accurate and comfortable in close range shooting.”

SFAT 4 trained the bodyguards on threat indicators, attack precursors, preformed drills with the M4 and held a close quarters shooting range.

The two senior bodyguards also carried Smith and Wesson 9 mm pistols, so the soldiers also made sure all four men were trained in pistol marksmanship.

“Two of the guys had never even touched a pistol before this,” said Watson. “They definitely improved from this training.”

“This was good training,” said Ramatullah, a bodyguard. “I feel that the governor is safer now because of this knowledge.”

This is not the last of the classes for the bodyguards. SFAT 4 is planning more training events to improve their skills.

“I am glad for this training, and [I] am excited to learn more,” Ramatullah said.

• Date Taken: 09.14.2011
• Date Posted: 09.16.2011 06:09
• Story ID: 77121
• Location: ARGHANDAB DISTRICT, AF