Assistant secretary of defense for special operations and low intensity conflict visits CJSOTF-Afghanistan

Photo By Chief Petty Officer Bill Gowdy | Michael Sheehan, assistant secretary of defense for special operations and low-intensity conflict, receives a command brief from Col. Antonio Fletcher, commander, Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan at Bagram Air Field, Parwan province, Afghanistan, May 12. The assistant secretary was in the region visiting forward-deployed forces.  

PARWAN PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

05.12.2012

Story by Maj. Cindi King 

NATO Special Operations Component Command-Afghanistan

PARWAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Michael Sheehan, assistant secretary of defense for special operations and low intensity conflict, visited elements of the Combined Joint Special Operations Command-Afghanistan, May 12.

In order to obtain firsthand information about recent special operations forces accomplishments, Sheehan made the trip at a critical juncture, as the role of coalition special operations forces in Afghanistan has become a key topic of discussion for military leaders in Washington D.C.

Sheehan, a former member of Company C, 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), traveled to Bagram Air Field where he was greeted by Col. Antonio Fletcher, the CJSOTF-A commander. This joint special operations command with nearly 6,000 personnel is partnered with Afghan National Security Forces, representing the Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Interior with the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Their mission is to provide security to rural Afghanistan and build the capacity for Afghan Local Police and local governance.

Fletcher, along with Command Sgt. Maj. Brian Edwards, provided an overview of the relationship between coalition special operations forces, Afghan National Army special forces and ALP. They also highlighted the significance of engaging village elders to support security, development and governance within their own villages.

“We achieve success when the leadership at the local level connects through the district center to the provincial and national level Afghan government, sharing the responsibility of sustaining security for villagers,” said Fletcher.

This bottom-up approach has contributed to stabilizing rural areas and has encouraged the continued development of ALP. This program is an Afghan Ministry of the Interior sponsored, village-focused security program. Coalition special operations forces assist in training and supporting ALP, enabling Afghans to protect their own residents.

Sheehan met with coalition special operations forces members who were partnered with ANA special forces when he visited a village stability platform in Sayedabad district, Wardak province.

“We work together as a team with ANASF and conventional infantry to conduct security operations and make the village safer,” said the coalition special operations forces team leader.

The priority of the partnered forces is to disrupt attacks by insurgents. Wardak province has previously been targeted by Taliban as they intimidate area locals and attempt to deter them from establishing their own security.

Before departing, Sheehan shook hands with Afghan soldiers and congratulated the coalition members for their commitment.

“Your accomplishments are extraordinary,” said Sheehan.

• Date Taken: 05.12.2012
• Date Posted: 05.16.2012 05:13
• Story ID: 88485
• Location: PARWAN PROVINCE, AF