KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan— Nearly as vital as the mission to mentor Afghan National Security Forces so they can provide safety and security in their homeland, is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' mission to build high-quality facilities where security forces may live and train.
For close to a decade, USACE, with its engineering, construction, contracting and business expertise, has been building much-needed public infrastructure in Afghanistan. USACE’s Afghanistan Engineer District-South added another recently completed military installation, the Afghan National Army’s 9th Commando Kandak (battalion) in Herat province, to that list.
“This project is significant to our mission in Afghanistan as it provides a high-quality training facility for the Afghan National Army commandos who have a strategic and critical role in this region,” said Jennifer Zimmerman, South District project manager who deployed from the USACE Portland District. “There is a sense of accomplishment throughout the whole district team that we were able to work closely with the NATO Training Mission – Afghanistan, the Combined Security Transition Command – Afghanistan, mentors and the Afghan-owned contractor to successfully provide a facility that allows the commandos to become a better and stronger security force in the area."
At a cost of about $18.5 million, the garrison includes several buildings, parking and other utilities designed to accommodate approximately 800 personnel.
“The installation will serve as an excellent facility where Afghan troops may live, work and train,” said Maj. Victor Millán, South District Herat Area Office officer in charge.
“This is a prime example of what happens when technical expertise and commitment to the mission combine,” said Nabil Abourialy, the Herat Area Office lead engineer. “The team understood the needs of the commandos and worked hard to deliver the garrison to them.”
Building quality kandak facilities in Afghanistan supports the International Security Assistance Force goal of transitioning and turning over security authority to the Afghan people, added Millán.