PAKTYA PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Afghan uniformed police 505th Zone commander, Maj. Gen. Gul Nabi Ahmed Zai spoke candidly with U.S. Army Brig. Gen. John Uberti, deputy commanding general (Afghan Development), about the future of Afghan security forces, March 21.
The discussion followed tree planting and other Afghan New Year observances at the 505th AUP Zone headquarters.
Ahmed Zai spoke of the transition from purely Afghan army-led efforts to the need for combined action between the various Afghan National Security Forces and their coordination at operational coordination centers
“The OCCs were created by presidential decree,” said Ahmed Zai. “We need to empower them to conduct missions with unified forces.”
Ahmed Zai was referring to a decree from Afghan President Hamid Karzai that created a system of coordination centers tasked with synchronizing the work of the ANSF in response to armed conflict and natural emergencies.
“Operational coordination centers should have the authority to respond to emergencies as needed,” said Ahmed Zai. “For example, if a region is attacked the OCC should be able to contact units and the send them into the fight.”
Uberti recognized the need to train and empower servicemembers serving in the OCC system.
“We need to make sure the ANSF leadership is out their leading,” said Uberti. “We have to teach the OCCs how to say yes, when someone asks for help.”
Uberti also pointed out the gains made by the ANSF.
“Together the Afghan National Army, the Uniformed Police and the regional commands have made some good decisions throughout the winter,” said Uberti.
Ahmed Zai also noted recent ANSF successes throughout the region and discussed the increased cooperation and communication between ANSF forces and the civilian government.
In order to describe the need for good communication and rapid coordination, Ahmed Zai relayed an anecdote from the time of the Afghan monarchy.
“When the king was in power, there was a unit in Konar province that witnessed a foreign jet entering Afghan airspace, by the time the chain of command approved the order to shoot down the aircraft, six months had passed,” Zai said.
The absurdity of the Ahmed Zai’s anecdote was evidence of the enormous progress made by Afghan forces. He said the OCC system broke through layers of bureaucracy and unified diverse service cultures unique to the ANA and the AUP.
Uberti recognized the recent progress and the sacrifices made by Afghan security forces throughout the region.
“In the last week, there has been contact with the enemy .... We have some brave men out there in all our uniforms and we will always remember them,” said Uberti.
Ahmed Zai shared Ubertis sentiments and spoke of his great optimism for the future.
“I am very optimistic about our partnership,” said Ahmed Zai. “We are working side by side, working for the same goal against our common enemy.