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BAMBA SARAI, Afghanistan – It was Sept. 18 - election day in Afghanistan. The sound of gunfire and explosions could be heard in the barren land in eastern Lashkar Gah. On this day, Afghan security forces were solely responsible for the safety of their own people.
Soldiers with 1st Battalion Scots Guards sat underneath torn camouflage netting in a compound far away from any polling station. Since Afghan national security forces assumed responsibility of election security, soldiers with Scots Guards could remain back smoking cigars, watching TV, exercising or tanning next to the blue kiddie pool filled with canal water.
The period of rest and relaxation was well deserved for the Scots Guards, considering the exhausting events of the day prior.
Afghan police led a patrol throughout compounds and checkpoints the day prior to search for improvised explosive device factories in the area and to maintain security for elections. Soldiers with the Scots Guards followed closely behind to provide guidance and support.
Patrols, such as this one, are important to International Security Assistance Forces who are preparing the Afghans to take over their own operations in Afghanistan. The area of Lashkar Gah, the Helmand provincial capital, is now the home of credibility, as stated by the commanding officer of the 1st Bn. Scots Guard, Lt. Col. Lincoln Jopp. There are more Afghan forces manning camps and checkpoints than there are ISAF troops.
During the patrol, policemen provided their own perimeter security, reminded residents of the elections and gave them polling station locations.
As part of the mentoring process, Scots Guards soldiers remind Afghan forces to protect civilians at all costs, adopting the “hawk versus dove” mentality. Jopp went on to explain that ISAF followed existing counterinsurgency strategy to avoid civilian casualties at all costs. Whereas some Taliban members from outside the area, do not care who is injured or killed when carrying out their mission. Some Taliban members are adopting ISAF strategy in preventing innocent civilian casualties.
While Afghan forces partnered with ISAF maintain hold on the city, Taliban intimidation threats are still present. Jopp recalled an incident in which Taliban fined a local farmer $1,000, when his cow trotted on an IED meant for coalition soldiers. He and his dead cow were accused of wasting a perfectly good bomb.
Warrant Officer Class 2 John R.H. Ford, reconnaissance platoon sergeant major with Support Company, 1st Bn. Scots Guards said support is provided when needed. The soldiers also make sure Afghan police patrols and actions are tactical. The Scots Guards advise Afghan forces to use skills they’ve developed like proper use of metal detectors, accurate fire-movement and proper rules of engagement.
“We feel that every single patrol we go on should be partnered with the Afghans,” Ford said. “When possible, we let them take the lead with everything. We just stand back and advise.”
The unit is on their final month in Afghanistan. They suffered three fatalities and several wounded comrades. Frustrated and exhausted, the soldiers say they’ve noticed a slight progression of Afghan security forces.
“They pick things up slowly,” said Sgt. James Monroe an infantryman with 1st Bn. Scots. “They’re still far away from being able to lead on their own. They say they’re ready. During the elections the Afghan police and soldiers kept reminding us that they didn’t need help.”
During the elections, insurgents attacked a vehicle control point. Afghan police, partnered with the Afghan army, fought back with success and zero casualties.
“The Taliban knew the people were going to vote, so they shot and we were right there shooting back,” said Sgt. Toorjan Meenawall, commander of the 2nd Kandak, 3rd Brigade, 205th Corps. “I’m happy that even with the Taliban threats and no ISAF present, people still felt safe enough to vote.”
Meenawall is confident that security in Helmand will improve and hopes to continue to work with ISAF forces to gain peace in Afghanistan.
“They are very committed to providing peace and security to Afghanistan,” Ford said. “It is only right that we give them the best support and help that we possibly can.”
| Date Taken: | 09.18.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 09.23.2010 11:46 |
| Story ID: | 56839 |
| Location: | BAMBA SARAI, AF |
| Web Views: | 77 |
| Downloads: | 4 |
This work, Slowly but surely, Afghans regain their home, by SSgt Heidi Agostini, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
