Dutch soldiers provide security to International Security Assistance Force Regional Command-South commander

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

12.01.2008

Courtesy Story

International Security Assistance Force HQ Public Affairs

By the International Security Assistance Force Afghanistan Public Affairs Office

KABUL, Afghanistan — About 20 Dutch soldiers with the 42nd Tank Battalion out of Havelte, Holland, have been deployed to Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, since Oct. 14.

The mission of the Dutch soldiers during their six-month deployment is to provide a Force Protection Platoon to Maj. Gen. M.C. de Kruif, International Security Assistance Force Regional Command South commander, and his staff – providing them security outside the wire.

The Dutch soldiers are helping ISAF in assisting the Afghan government in extending and exercising its authority and influence across the country, creating the conditions for stabilization and reconstruction.

"It's important to provide security to the commander and his staff so they can see the development in the country and meet people outside the wire," said Lt. Patrick Boskamp, Force Protection Platoon commander and native of Beekendonk, Holland. "It's for a better future of Afghanistan."

Boskamp said the deployment has been going very well and that they have no complaints.

"We have been very busy and it has been going very well at the moment," said Boskamp. "It's another world out here. There is a lot of trouble on the outside, but we are doing our bit so Afghanistan will be a better place."

• Date Taken: 12.01.2008
• Date Posted: 12.01.2008 23:02
• Story ID: 27051
• Location: KABUL, AF