Courtesy Photo | Lt. Col. Richard Collins, Engineer Brigade Advise and Assist Team and 14th Engineer...... read more read more
By 1st Lt. Carly Schoenhoft
Joint Task Force Sapper
CAMP GHAZI, Afghanistan – The layers of surging hot and cold air swirling from the propellers of a UH-60 could take your breath away; the first sign of excitement for a meeting with the Chief of the Afghan National Army (ANA) Engineers, Maj. Gen. Muslem.
Members from the Joint Task Force Sapper ANA Engineer Development Cell traveled last week to Camp Ghazi to discuss construction of a permanent home for the new National Engineer Brigade (NEB). The addition of the NEB to the ANA engineer force introduces complex engineering tasks such as bridging and well drilling to the ANA. The construction of a permanent base serves as another step forward in the development of these new and advanced engineering capabilities.
JTF sapper soldiers and ANA key engineers arrived early to walk through the one of the buildings and take a general survey of the building’s condition as well as to inspect wiring, generators, and plumbing. The group quickly generated a list of projects to complete to create a proper home for the ANA engineers.
After completing this hasty review of conditions, the group found itself in Muslem’s office. This initial meeting focused on prioritization of the construction effort and laid a foundation for the development of a long term master plan for the base.
In a finely decorated office, Canadian, French, Afghan and American leaders huddled around cups of chai tea and a construction map; this sight was indicative of the times deployed forces are currently in. Lt. Col. David Hurley, JTF Sapper Deputy Commander, expressed, “this is truly a multi-national effort.” The meeting proved successful as the Engineer Brigade Advise and Assist Team (EBAAT) identified a location for bridge training, a motor pool, a permanent bridge park, and a site for well-drilling equipment.
“Today we continued to see the growth of a strong and independent Afghan Corps of Engineers,” stated Capt. Chad Livingston, JTF Sapper ANA Engineer Development Cell OIC. “I am proud to play a role in supporting the construction of a proper home for such an important organization.”
It was a repeated message during the discussions Dec. 10, that the ANA were eager to provide for themselves, that they had to take charge of this mission now. Hurley articulated by saying, “the Afghan engineers continue to make strides in the development of their engineering skills. They paved Afghan roads, made progress in the fight against IEDs and today have started to tackle the advanced engineer skill sets of well-drilling and military bridging.”
Sustaining these advisory roles is a critical task as the ANSF takes responsibility as they are still developing on all levels.
With a side of tea at these vital discussions with the Afghan Engineers, JTF Sapper will maintain these efforts and continue relationships as the ANA gains confidence and capability.
| Date Taken: | 12.21.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 12.28.2013 01:13 |
| Story ID: | 118663 |
| Location: | GHAZNI PROVINCE, AF |
| Web Views: | 308 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
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