Photo By Lt. Col. Anthony Deiss | Soldiers of the 196th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, South Dakota Army National Guard,...... read more read more
BALA HISSAR, Afghanistan – What was once the site of a fifth century Afghan citadel overlooking Kabul, is now home to a small contingent of Afghan and U.S. military personnel who keep a modern-day eye on the capital.
Camp Bala Hissar, named after the ancient fortress it’s located near, is home to a Persistent Surveillance System – a floating aerostat (or blimp) with high-tech camera equipment – designed to better protect the people of Kabul and Afghan National Security Forces security operations.
Although the base is small, it has an important role in providing security for the city, says 2nd Lt. Lucas Scheibe, Camp Bala Hissar officer in charge.
“The aerostat provides surveillance for security forces operating throughout the city,” said Scheibe, member of the 196th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, South Dakota Army National Guard.
The system, suspended by a helium-filled balloon, tethered hundreds of feet in the air, provides high-resolution imagery and video, and when used with surveillance data from other security systems, helps security officials better anticipate threats around the city.
“The aerostat is able to rotate 360-degees and provide immediate coverage,” said Scheibe of Brookings, S.D. “If there is ever an incident, we can help to identify the location and report it to the local Afghan security forces so they can directly respond.”
The PSS has the capability to survey and closely monitor activity throughout the city and detect any possible enemy activities using high-definition, infrared and thermal imaging technology.
According to an ISAF press release, surveillance systems such as this have an impressive safety record and successful history of integrating with security systems to combat threats in eastern Afghanistan since early 2004. The Bala Hissar system has been in use in Kabul since 2009, and plans are underway to launch a new aerostat in the coming months.
Bala Hissar has a number of civilian and military personnel who keep the aerostat operating. With nearly a 100 security, operations and transportation personnel supporting the mission, Scheibe says improving Soldier quality-of-life is a base priority.
“Improving the base water infrastructure, dining facility, internet connectivity and fitness center are all important to long-term stability for the base,” he said. “Keeping everyone happy keeps them focused on the mission.”
Scheibe added fostering relationships with Afghan National Army personnel, who provide an additional layer of security for the camp, is also important for future stability.
“Meeting with the commander of the 6th Kandak Battalion and his company commanders to have dinner and talk security is important in building relationships and improving camp security,” said Scheibe. “This site has a long, military history of protecting the city, and together with the ANA, we are continuing that history.”
| Date Taken: | 07.25.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 07.25.2010 23:34 |
| Story ID: | 53371 |
| Location: | KABUL, AF |
| Web Views: | 1,090 |
| Downloads: | 190 |
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