MPs make a difference in security for Konar province

Photo By Lt. Neil Myers | Sgt. Nathan Byrd and Sgt. 1st Class Tommy Davis perform a dismounted patrol to observe activity in Konar province.  

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN

09.02.2008

Story by Lt. Neil Myers 

Combined Joint Task Force 101

By Lt. Neil Myers
Konar Provincial Reconstruction Team

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – A Germany-based, U.S. Army military police company arrived in Konar province, Afghanistan six months ago with a mission to train Afghan national police officers in one of the most challenging regions in the country. This mountainous area of eastern Afghanistan is a mere nine kilometers from the Pakistan border.

The 3/527 MP Co., based in Grafenwohr, Germany, support the mission of Task Force Spader in Konar province. Their motto is "Strike Deep."

Sgt. 1st Class Tommy Davis, from Leeds, Ala., said that his MPs are training the ANP in Kabul, Torkam Gate, Naray and Asad Abad.

"Everyone can do the other person's job," said Davis. "My medic has been a team leader, a driver and a gunner. We have performed rescue missions and accident investigations. Pretty much anything you ask them to do they do well."

The Soldiers teach the ANP to perform proactive policing in an environment that demands that the police react to terrorist activity.

"It's hard to investigate crime when you are also fighting insurgents and looking for improvised explosive devicess," said Davis, who explained the MPs train the ANP to conduct proper personal and vehicle searches, apprehension and detainment. They also concentrate on individual and squad movements, building entry procedures and reaction to IEDs.

"In addition to counter terrorism training we are training the ANP to perform problem oriented policing," said Sgt. Nathan Byrd, from Catawba, N.C. "We're getting them off the checkpoints and into the community to conduct basic police work."

The MPs believe that getting the ANP to interact with the community will go a long way towards changing their image in the minds of the Afghan people, said Davis.

"Once the security situation improves to the point where they can function as cops they will do fine," said Davis.

"The ANP are motivated and honestly want to learn" said Pfc. Benjamin Warnick, from Knoxville, Tenn. "It's nice to know we are making a difference. It's motivating to watch the officers properly clear a building."

Byrd sees that training makes a difference and that learning goes both ways.

"My cultural awareness and respect for Afghanistan has grown through this experience," said Byrd.

Spc. Latasha Jones, from Liberty, Miss., said the combined experience improved her public speaking skills.

"The language is a barrier," explained Jones. "Sometimes during training we use stick figures and physical demonstration and that actually helps build our confidence and leadership."

Davis is proud of his men, he said.

"I have been to Baghdad in some of the worst places you can imagine," said Davis. "My platoon is the best I've ever worked with. They are combat trained and experienced. About one third have previous tours in either Iraq or Afghanistan. We're a family. We are a very close unit."

• Date Taken: 09.02.2008
• Date Posted: 09.02.2008 15:28
• Story ID: 23134
• Location: BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF