Fighting in history’s shadow: US seeks to improve Afghan quick reaction force

Photo By Sgt. Adam L. Mathis | U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Edward Duran of Downey, Calif., with Operations Company, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, Task Force Maverick, 1st Cavalry Division, directs his security force while providing security for Army officials during a visit June 27 to Bala Hesar, a fortress in Gardez, Afghanistan. The fortress serves as a base for a new Afghan quick reaction force. The visit was part of an effort by officials to determine what facilities and training the Afghan security members needed.  

GARDEZ, AFGHANISTAN

06.30.2011

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Task Force 1 - Afghanistan

GARDĒZ, Afghanistan – It’s called the high fort.

Perched in the center of Gardēz, an ancient structure known as Bala Hesar, meaning “high fortress,” has seen plenty of service in Afghanistan. Believed to have been built by Alexander the Great in the fourth century B.C., old artillery pieces on its highest tower along with a large spotlight indicate its more recent use.

During the early stages of the U.S. liberation of Afghanistan, according to The Christian Science Monitor, forces loyal to now President Hamid Karzai gathered at its base to take the city for its appointed leader.

And now, it is being used to defend the people of Afghanistan against the insurgency.

Afghan National Security Forces decided to use the ancient structure to house a quick reaction force comprised of Afghan National Army, Afghan Uniformed Police, Afghan National Civil Order Police, and Afghan Border Police. While strategically located near what needs protection, the buildings’ age presents a problem, one that drew U.S. Army leaders stationed at nearby Forward Operating Base Lightning out for an inspection, June 27.

“As an active-duty civil affairs officer, I use my previous experience conducting village assessments to ascertain the needs of 100-plus soldiers that are at the location,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Brian Horine of Phoenix, deputy commander of the Operational Coordination Center Regional-East. “Basic necessities such as clean drinking water, latrine and shower facilities, power generation and food preparation facilities were lacking. That established the baseline for us to plan for future support.”

Though it lacks many necessities, the advantages of stationing a force in the high fort are not easily dismissed. Afghan National Security Forces recently learned insurgents planned to cause some kind of trouble in the city. In response to the intelligence, ANA 2nd Lt. Asadullah, a squad commander with 3rd Brigade, 3rd Kandak, 203rd Corps, said officials formed this force and placed it near the expected problem.

“If something happened, we can show a reaction as soon as possible,” said Asadullah through an interpreter.

To help them in their mission, Horine said officials plan to hold another inspection with ANSF leaders to show them the problems associated with barracking troops in this location.

“As coalition forces, we can make recommendations as mentors, but the ultimate decision and implementation must be that of the ANSF leadership,” said Horine.

Regardless of the changes to come, the presence of the force offers some protection for the residents of Gardēz, and gives the Afghan security forces a chance to help their neighbors.

“I’m just happy that I’m here, and I’m helping my people,” said Asadullah.

• Date Taken: 06.30.2011
• Date Posted: 06.29.2011 16:58
• Story ID: 72963
• Location: GARDEZ, AF