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PAKTYA PROVINCE, Afghanistan — Wading through a muddy field, in late February, the 2nd Commando Kandak, assigned to the 203rd Corps, has their eye on a crumbling qalat in the hills. The training mission: to seek out insurgent forces, a weapons cache, and a High Value Individual (money man).
The simulated training exercise, at Forward Operating Base Lightning, Afghanistan, quickly escalates when the Commandos conduct a directaction hit on the qalat and detain the people inside to perform a thorough search of the grounds. An hour later the exercise is over, and the combat advisors perform an after-action review to point out what was supposed to happen, what actually happened, and what needs to be improved.
"We are working to build the Commandos so they can eventually operate on their own against [militants]. We set up training scenarios to improve leadership, develop teamwork, and instil confidence," said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Michael Wise a Special Forces medical sergeant assigned to Company B, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (A). "Their dedication to training everyday is essential to mission success."
"This Commando Kandak is considered to be the best of the best," Wise said.
They are part of the Afghan national army and were formed, in late 2007, from volunteers of existing ANA Kandaks. The SF Operational Detachment Alpha also provides mentorship to the Kandak staff sections.
"The Kandak is divided into three cycles, red, amber, and green. Green Cycle conducts missions, amber cycle is dedicated to training, while Red Cycle guards the compound, go through advanced individual schooling, and takes a well deserved break," said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Samuel Portnoy, a Special Forces weapons sergeant.
The training focuses on small unit tactics, advanced combat marksmanship, demolitions, direct action and building leadership skills.
"There is a great deal of mutual respect between us. They respect our sacrifices in coming to their country and we respect their desire to defend theirs," Wise said.
Perhaps it is this sacrifice and this desire that feed the practical success seen by the Commandos.
"What makes all the long days of training so rewarding is when you see the Commandos take what you have taught them and then apply it," Portnoy said.
| Date Taken: | 02.24.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 02.28.2010 10:14 |
| Story ID: | 45954 |
| Location: | PAKTYA PROVINCE, AF |
| Web Views: | 220 |
| Downloads: | 178 |
This work, Commandos train to take down insurgents, by SrA Laura Goodgame, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
