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    Afghan instructors train students for urban operations

    KABUL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, AFGHANISTAN

    09.22.2013

    Story by Staff Sgt. Torri Ingalsbe 

    438th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

    KABUL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Afghanistan – Afghan Air Force security forces students at Pohantoon-E-Hawayee “Air University” participated in an urban operations training exercise Sept. 22 at the campus fire training pad.

    The training consisted of building and room clearing, and gave students the chance to put into practice the techniques they learned in the schoolhouse.

    “The practical training allows for more realism,” said Canadian Air Force Capt. Dave Maclean, PeH combat arms advisor. “The security force training is one of our biggest courses because everyone receives it.” Maclean is deployed from the 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario and hails from Saint John, New Brunswick.

    Maclean’s primary role is to advise and evaluate the Afghan instructors, leading to more Afghans training Afghans.

    “We discuss course material on a daily basis,” he said. “The instructors receive qualification on classroom instruction and evaluations at regular intervals. Once they complete the required hours, they are evaluated by the standardization and training department, and become full-fledged instructors within the discipline.”

    Leading the urban operations training was Afghan Air Force Lt. Col. Fida McKelival, chief of department for combat arms, PeH. McKelival said he was pleased with the training, and has high hopes for the next generation of Afghan security force soldiers.

    “The training was really good,” McKelival said. “If there are ever any problems with insurgents or threats, we can enter a room and clear it of the enemy.”

    McKelival explained the importance of this kind of training in both a classroom and practical environment.

    “Due to the Afghan nation, we come from different provinces,” he said. “They need training in a security forces unit and to understand urban operations. If something happens downtown or on a base somewhere, we have to ensure there are no civilian casualties and do so in a professional manner.”

    Mentors oversee the training at all levels, ensuring questions can be answered and the instruction is in line with the course material.

    “As a security forces advisor, we mentor the instructors on tactics and practical instruction,” said Tech. Sgt. Joel Wahowski, PeH security forces advisor. “We’re also there for any questions they can’t answer.” Wahowski is deployed from the 96th Ground Combat Training Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., and calls Hamburg, N.Y., home.

    PeH is similar to technical training or military occupational specialty school. After Afghan soldiers go through their basic military training, they go to PeH to learn specific job knowledge before advancing to their first duty station.

    “Security forces is one of the larger career fields,” Wahowski explained. “Sometimes we have multiple classes going on at once, with 120 students in five classes.”

    The advisors and Afghan instructors work closely together, ensuring successful training of the newest soldiers.

    “The good thing is the instructors are very receptive to mentor advice,” Wahowski said. “They really care about training their students properly, and they take pride in their work.”

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 09.22.2013
    Date Posted: 09.29.2013 01:05
    Story ID: 114430
    Location: KABUL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, AF

    Web Views: 125
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN