Afghan air to Afghan ground: special units conduct integration training

Photo By Maj. Kay Nissen | An Afghan Air Force MD-530 helicopter flies over Afghan National Defense and Security Forces members during an air-to-ground integration exercise in Kabul Province, Afghanistan, Dec. 27, 2016. The intergration of air-to-ground training usied aerial fires and close air support capabilities to further develop ANDSF operations. (NATO photo by Kay M. Nissen)  

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

12.27.2016

Story by OF-2 Kay Nissen 

Resolute Support Headquarters

KABUL PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Members of the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces participated in air-to-ground integration training at a firing range here, Dec. 27, 2016.

The day-long training exercise was executed as part of the ANDSF winter campaign, which focuses on enabling Afghan partners to regenerate capability and capacity, and is supported by the NATO train, advise, and assist mission.

At a press briefing earlier this month, Gen. John Nicholson, NATO Resolute Support mission commander, emphasized that “during the winter campaign, the regeneration effort focuses on our Afghan special forces.”

NATO Resolute Support coalition members advised special forces units from the Ktah Khas, Special Mission Wing, General Command of Police Special Units, Afghan Air Force, and Afghan National Army Special Operations Command during the live-fire exercise.

Together, the units employed aerial fires from Afghan MD-530 helicopters and ground fires from mortars to hone skills in close air support, targeting, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and special operations.

• Date Taken: 12.27.2016
• Date Posted: 12.30.2016 09:48
• Story ID: 218993
• Location: KABUL, AF