New ANCOP Battalion Stands Up In Kabul

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

04.09.2011

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Ernesto Hernandez Fonte 

NATO Training Mission Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan - The Afghan Ministry of Interior in alongside NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan stood up Afghan National Civil Order Police Special Support Battalion April 9, 2011 during a ceremony in Kabul, Afghanistan.

The new ANCOP Special Support Battalion is the first stood in four years. Battalion assets include two SWAT teams, several explosive ordinance disposal teams, a heavy weapons company, transportation company and logistics support company.

"The ANCOP forces have the best morale and attitude of all the forces in Afghanistan. If we don't have good morale and attitude we won't be successful in operations," said Capt. Abdul Wakil, combat equipment officer, during the ceremony. "The good thing about ANCOP personnel is that they are encouraged by their families. They have been sent by their families to serve their country and their people. That is why their morale during operations is so good."

In addition to regular policing capabilities, the new battalion will provide the 1st Brigade special operations capabilities. These include the ability to conduct high risk arrests of barricaded suspects and deal with hostage situations with appropriate use of force. ANCOP are trained in both lethal and nonlethal force. Additionally, the battalion will provide logistical, transportation and medical support to units assigned or attached to its brigade.

"All Afghan forces are equal but the ANCOP is new. I joined to encourage younger generations to come and join ANCOP forces," said Senior Sgt. Mohammad Ahem when asked why he joined. "My experiences have been good. The ANCOP has a good reputation. The Afghans love ANCOP and these are good things for me. As long as I am alive, I want to work for ANCOP to stabilize my country."

The battalion is armed with modern equipment including light tactical vehicles, humvees, as well as several HF and VHF radio systems. Weapons include grenade launchers, sniper riffles, machine-guns, rocket propelled grenade launchers, AK-47s and explosive ordinance disposal kits.

In the counterinsurgency battle, ANCOP is the sword of the Afghan National Police supporting other police and army elements. Properly equipped and with high morale, Afghanistan's newest battalion is sharp and ready cut down the insurgency.

• Date Taken: 04.09.2011
• Date Posted: 04.10.2011 03:41
• Story ID: 68510
• Location: KABUL, AF