‘Jester’ Platoon trains Afghan Uniformed Police on first aid

FARAH, AFGHANISTAN

10.26.2011

Courtesy Story

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

Story by Capt. Bonnie Hutchinson
2nd Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

FARAH, Afghanistan – Treating a casualty is a skill all soldiers want to have, but never want to use. The Afghan security forces have the same sense.

Soldiers from “Jester” Platoon, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, provides medical training to their Afghan Uniformed Police partners at the AUP training academy in Farah province, Oct. 8.

The training began with a classroom portion that focused on casualty evaluation and tourniquet application.

Medical training is vital to the success of the AUP as they continue to become increasingly responsible for the security of Farah province.

“It is very important for the AUP to be able to treat their own casualties,” said Pfc. Joseph McChesney, “Jester” Platoon medic and the primary training instructor. “They cannot protect the local populace if they cannot protect themselves and render proper medical treatment on each other.”

After the classroom portion, the AUP trainees participated in practical exercises where they were able to effectively apply tourniquets to their battle buddies.

“Basic medical skills are essential to any security force,” said Capt. Orande Roy, HHC commander. “The need to trust your battle buddies to your left and right is something that knows no cultural boundaries. This trust allows them to focus on the mission and will make them a more effective fighting force.

• Date Taken: 10.26.2011
• Date Posted: 10.28.2011 05:45
• Story ID: 79164
• Location: FARAH, AF