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Q: Colonel, good morning. If you could please, before we start, state your name, your rank, and tell me where you’re from.
A: My name is Mumtaz Karimi; I am a Lt. Col. In the Afghan Army. I am a graduate of the military academy and I am originally from Kunar province.
Q: Congratulations on your battalion graduating and being validated for deployment. Do you feel you and your men are ready to deploy to Helmand province?
A: Yes. We’re ready to leave and begin performing our missions. The planning has been conducted, and we are ready.
Q: How has your experience been working alongside U.S. Marines?
A: This is the second time I’ve worked alongside U.S. Marines. I was the operations officer for a Kandak in Marjah partnered with Marines before becoming a battalion commander. As for my Marine partners and mentors here, they are always helpful and compassionate. I’ve worked with Marines shoulder-to-shoulder for over a year and have great memories and think very highly of U.S. Marines.
Q: What do you think the biggest challenge for you will be in Helmand province?
A: Our biggest challenge will be transporting supplies from our depots to the receiving units. We’ve learned a great deal so far and will use that while conducting our mission.
Q: Do you think insurgents will continue to attack ANA Kandaks, like yours, once coalition forces are gone in the future.
A: No. Not at all. The soldiers in the ANA are the sons of Afghanistan and will not allow insurgents to attack civilians or us. If they try, we will destroy them – in all corners of this country. Our capabilities in the army are improving in areas like heavy machine guns and air power. The insurgents cannot stand against us.
Q: Colonel, thank you for your time and congratulations once again to you and your battalion on today’s graduation.
A: Thank you very much.
| Date Taken: | 04.20.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 04.22.2011 04:24 |
| Story ID: | 69158 |
| Location: | KABUL, AF |
| Web Views: | 139 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Interview: Afghan Battalion Commander, Lt. Col. Mumtaz Karimi, by 1LT Joshua Smith, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
