SHINDAND AIRBASE, Afghanistan - Building a stronger, more educated, self sufficient country is a priority for the success of Afghanistan and the eventual hand off of the U.S. coalition force’s mission to the land’s people. Training is critical to accomplish this task. At a small post in western Afghanistan, a U.S. Army battalion is helping pave the way to make it happen.
The 298th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, Task Force Resolute, stationed on Shindand Airbase, Afghanistan, is in the process of expanding SAB eastward employing local Afghans to build a new U.S. compound to accommodate the installation of an Afghan National Army training facility.
The training facility will include a new runway to assist ANA soldiers in pilot training and an airport operations terminal. Currently, the proposed site is located where 298th CSSB conducts daily operations. In addition, a new basic training compound, billeting, a mess hall, and unit offices are currently under construction.
Moving locations of the 298th CSSB is a massive construction project that will include new billets, mess halls, latrines and shower facilities, all classes of supply yards, unit buildings and motor pools.
Spc. Mark Bingamon, far east expansion adviser, 298th CSSB, shared, “By moving our location, we are giving the ANA an area for training so they can learn the skills needed to accomplish their jobs and prepare themselves to eventually take over the coalition mission in their country."
Most of the work thus far has been completed by Afghan nationals through contracts awarded by coalition contract supervisors. The construction projects afford a way to help boost the local economy and give Afghan citizens a hand in rebuilding their country.
Capt. William Lowry, 298th CSSB, plans officer in charge shared, "This is yet another step that for us to assist the ANA and Afghanistan as a whole towards being self sufficient. To be a strong force, you must know how to complete the tasks of your job, for that you need training. We are helping them by providing an area for it. "
The far east expansion project is expected to be completed in mid 2012. Following completion of the relocation of the 298th, the runway construction will begin.
| Date Taken: | 09.06.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 09.06.2011 02:22 |
| Story ID: | 76498 |
| Location: | SHINDAND AIR BASE, AF |
| Web Views: | 271 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, New ANA training facility to be built on Shindand Airbase, by SPC Krista Payne, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
