KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – Members of the Afghan army, police and other uniformed services graduated from the challenging explosive hazard reduction course in Kandahar over the weekend.
The month-long course, designed to enable the safe detection and demolition of improvised explosvie devices and other explosives, is part of coalition efforts to train Afghan security forces for independent operations that protect civilians and security forces throughout their country. On successful completion of the course, the students are qualified as explosive hazard reduction technicians.
With the prevalence of IEDs in Afghanistan and their undeniable status as the weapon of choice for insurgents, the ability to detect and safely destroy them in the field is a key skill for the Afghan National Security Forces. As EHRTs, the 27 students who graduated will provide independent operational capabilities for their units throughout Afghanistan.
“By using realistic scenarios and current tactics, techniques and procedures, we are arming the students with the ability to find and remove IEDs from the battle space in a safe and controlled way”, said Warrant Officer Ian West of the Royal Australian Engineers.
The commander of Afghan National Civil Order Police training in Kandahar, Brig. Gen. Ghullam Mohaiddin, was the guest of honor and used the opportunity to challenge the graduates, reinforcing their responsibility to protect both civilians and service members.
In his address, he stated: “You are the future of Afghanistan and you are an important element in bringing stability and peace to our nation… the effort to protect lives in Afghanistan starts with you.”
A challenge that the students embraced when they yelled, “Zwand,” which is Pashto for "life," as they presented their certificates to their classmates.
The explosive hazards reduction course taught in Kandahar is one of many counter-IED and explosive ordnance device courses provided by Combined Joint Task Force Paladin, whose mission is focused on defeating the IED threat in Afghanistan.
The training efforts are focused on enabling Afghan security forces to independently operate and counter the insurgent IED threat and protecting Afghan citizens.
“The skills that these soldiers now possess will greatly enhance the counter IED capability of the ANSF. By delivering high quality and detailed instruction we have enabled the students to have the best chance of success on the battlefield and in the streets of Afghanistan”, said Sgt. Joseph Macklin, an instructor from the Royal Australian Engineers.
The explosive hazards reduction course is taught by coalition service members from Australia and the Afghan National Army.
| Date Taken: | 12.31.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 01.04.2012 04:36 |
| Story ID: | 82014 |
| Location: | KANDAHAR, AF |
| Web Views: | 78 |
| Downloads: | 4 |
This work, Afghan forces add to counter-IED capabilities, by LCDR Ronald Carpinella, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
