Subscribe
TARIN KOT, Afghanistan – Afghan National Police have been working with soldiers of the 1-14 Cavalry to provide a safe and secure environment for local nationals living In the Uruzgan province.
The cavalry’s mission is to mentor and help assist the ANP in patrolling, logistics, and teach them how to be a sustainable police force.
“The Afghan National Police working with us have benefited themselves by becoming more interactive with the local community,” said 1st. Lt. Steven Haley, platoon leader, Second Platoon, Alpha Troop, 1-14 Cavalry Squadron.
The ANP have come a long way when it comes to interacting with the local population.
“When we first arrived in December the interaction level with the ANP and the locals was nonexistent. Since then, they’ve become more integrated with the local population, the locals trust and believe in their capabilities a lot more than when we first arrived,” said Haley.
The ANP have benefited through a variety of methods implemented by the cavalry soldiers.
“They have benefited from us because we try to instill in them the discipline, the confidence, and capabilities to maneuver and handle situations on their own,” said Sgt. 1st. Class Robert Lowe, platoon sergeant, Second Platoon, Alpha Troop, 1-14 Cavalry Squadron.
Right now the ANP is making the area more stable with the expansion of checkpoints.
“Throughout West and East Dorafshan and Tarin Kot proper there used to be checkpoints that were two clicks apart, but now some are within a couple hundred meters, with the expansion of the checkpoints it minimizes the maneuver capabilities of insurgents at night,” said Lowe.
The checkpoints are a vital asset and promote safety in more ways than one.
“Some of the bigger checkpoints host shuras and all the local elders and bosses will come by and discuss everything from security issues to crops, and any issues with the insurgency,” said Haley.
These shuras become a place where locals can talk freely without fear of reprisal from Insurgents. They are a sign of safety and progress for Afghanistan.
“The biggest thing that we are starting to see is [The ANP’s] initiative. They take a lot more initiative to do stuff and they have gotten a lot braver,” said Lowe.
When the ANP makes its presence known and is actively patrolling the Taliban takes notice.
“When they have those patrols the Taliban sees that and they don’t want to come around,” said Haley.
With each success, the ANP is more motivated.
“I am very happy with coalition forces, I like working with them so I can find the Taliban and [eliminate] them,” said Mohammad Rahim, the checkpoint commander of CP Kajak.
As the ANP and cavalry soldiers continue to work together the area will continue to improve.
“We have built really good relationships with the ANP since we have been here. I think the ANP are being set up for success,” said Haley.
| Date Taken: | 06.23.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 06.29.2012 08:17 |
| Story ID: | 90833 |
| Location: | TARIN KOWT, AF |
| Web Views: | 219 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Afghan National Police take charge with Cavalry Soldiers, by SGT Nevada Jack Smith, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
LEAVE A COMMENT