Coalition forces fortify Afghan Police Substation

News: Coalition forces fortify Afghan Police Substation

117th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment (Hawaii)

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Story by Spc. Nevada Jack Smith Subscribe To This Journalist

Sgt. Nevada Jack Smith

An Australian Army Royal Australian engineer uses a circular saw to cut into a section of wall at the Tarin Kot Police Sub Station, Tarin Kot, Afghanistan, July 19, 2012.

TARIN KOT, Afghanistan – Coalition forces worked in the blistering heat to build HESCO Barriers and bolster security to the Tarin Kot Police Sub Station, Afghanistan, July 19.

A combined effort of Royal Australian engineers and the Security Forces Advisory Team 28 led the project that would use HESCO Bastions to build a larger perimeter and add increased security to the PSS.

“We were directed by Combined Team Uruzgan to come here and improve the force protection measures at the police sub station in response to an incident that happened on the twentieth of May when members of Alpha 1-14 Cavalry and SFAT 28 were killed and injured,” said Australian Maj. Patrick Davison, 3rd Royal Australian Regiment Task Group.

The PSS is the main site SFAT 28 visits to mentor the District Chief of Police and his officers. Given their history there, the inclusion of additional security is important to the team.

“On May twentieth, 2012 we were hit by a suicide vest at that location and we lost a couple of good soldiers of SFAT team 28. Because of that incident, I’m really glad they are adding this security to the PSS,” said 1st. Lt. David Nesseth, SFAT 28.

The tragic loss of beloved brothers in arms did not deter the advisory team from accomplishing their mission and they continue to advise and mentor their Afghan National Police counterparts. Since they often visit the PSS, additional security is paramount.

“The area is in the middle of town so there are a lot of security concerns,” said 1st. Lt. Alex Pippett.

With the addition to already existing fortifications, SFAT 28 gains the advantage of being able to mentor and assist the ANP in a safer environment.

“This will make the adviser role safer,” Nesseth said.

The additional force protection measures are also a boon for the ANP Officers operating out of the PSS.

“It is so good that our allies are helping us to keep our facility more secure,” said Capt. Gul Agha, district chief of police. “I appreciate having the coalition forces working with us so that hand in hand we can work together to protect Afghanistan.”

An ancillary benefit is the construction gives the ANP officers a more fortified position to work from.

“This will benefit the officers that live and sleep at the facility. One of the biggest issues is they don’t feel safe at their own police station,” said Nesseth. “If we can do anything to help make them feel secure it will also benefit their job.”

Afghanistan is still a dangerous place and only a combined effort will bring it into an age of stability and security.

“I’m glad that we can all work together; with U.S., Australians, and the local police coming together to build a safer Tarin Kot city,” said Nesseth.

With the additional security at the station, the surrounding area is strengthened and serves as another stepping-stone on the road to progress.