Photo By Canadian Forces Lt Christian Courtemanche | A group of Canadian forces and Afghan national army soldiers prepare to return fire...... read more read more
By Kristina Davis
National Defence Canada Public Affairs
SPERWAN GHAR — He calls it the "wave factor". A wave in return is a good thing; no wave and it could mean trouble.
Simplistic? Maybe. Effective? Yes.
Corporal Matthew Iverson is a reservist from the Royal Westminster Regiment, attached to the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, part of the 2nd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment (2 RCR) Battle Group. A criminology student at the University College of the Fraser Valley, he did 10 months of workup training before, as he puts it, hitting the ground running.
Chatting in the searing heat at Sperwan Ghar, there's no relief. In fact, there's no point in looking for some shade. There isn't any.
From Abbotsford, B.C., Cpl Iverson says he joined the Army because it's something he always wanted to do. "I wanted to be part of something bigger than most people ever get to do," he explains thoughtfully.
Part of that has been working with the Afghan national army (ANA). After experiencing some joint operations, he says they are good at their jobs. "It's good to see they are well on their way."
And out in the countryside, from what he's seen, a normalcy is returning to everyday life. But, he adds, the infrastructure is more than dated. "It reminds me of Biblical times," he says.
As for the "wave factor", he's not naive. We've been in places they really did not want us, he says. And in early June, three members of the battle group were killed when their Gator was struck by a suspected improvised explosive device. Another six were killed July 4.
He readily admits his first dismounted patrols were a bit unnerving; but after the first half hour, kids were trailing along behind. Your senses, he adds, become incredibly tuned to your surroundings and the slightest nagging feeling is taken seriously.
Captain Andrew Vivian is also with 3 PPCLI and is the 2 i/c of Charlie Company. In the Army for 14 years, he's originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia, like Cpl Iverson, he too has experienced joint operations with the ANA.
"We're focused on building and reinforcing their capacity," Cpl Iverson explains. And while working with the ANA has it's obvious challenges in both language and cultural differences, they have invaluable knowledge of the area and the local population. Joint operations are often modified based on their input. "It brings an added dimension," says Capt Vivian, "it's a good partnership."
That partnership, says Lieutenant-Colonel Rob Walker, commanding officer of the 2 RCR Battle Group, is a critical piece to the puzzle. So, too, is the influence of the local Shuras in affecting change and influencing opinions about the Taliban. When the Shura can meet and debate without fear, it's a clear step away from past chaos.
Another measure of success is the degree to which operations are disrupting the efforts of the Taliban, including the number of attacks they are able to orchestrate. LCol Walker also points to the ever-increasing development projects, both large and small, that are dotting countless villages. "As those projects increase," he explains," it has a very positive impact."
And it has a ripple effect. With development comes trust and often a refusal to go back to the chaos. And despite the insurgents who are working equally hard to destroy that trust, LCol Walker says members of the battle group believe wholeheartedly in what he terms a "proper and noble cause".
Support from home for that "cause" means a lot. "Our success is their success," he adds.
| Date Taken: | 07.16.2007 |
| Date Posted: | 07.16.2007 12:26 |
| Story ID: | 11291 |
| Location: | AF |
| Web Views: | 104 |
| Downloads: | 74 |
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