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KANDAHAR, Afghanistan— Proficiency in combat medicine can often mean the difference between life and death on the battlefield, which is why soldiers with C Company, 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division came together with their Afghan National Army partners with the 3rd Brigade, 205th Corps to conduct medical training at Strong Point Syran, Afghanistan, Oct. 23.
The training is part of a larger program put in place by the leadership of both forces to bring together their Soldiers and better prepare the ANA as they begin to take on the brunt of fighting and responsibility in security operations.
“After sitting down with their platoon sergeant and discussing all of the training we could provide, we decided to focus on medical training and weapons,” said 2nd Lt. Joshua Medow, 1st platoon leader for C Company. “We try and train with our ANA counterparts every day before and after we go out on patrol.”
The training is designed to be of benefit to American and Afghan soldiers alike by allowing them the opportunity to come together and share the skills they use to save lives during combat situations.
“I provided a refresher training course on tourniquets, dress shrapnel wounds and how to dress a stump,” said Sgt. Jason Ayer, a senior line medic with C Company. “It will help reduce the number of combat related deaths.”
Training such as this is crucial as the ANA continue to take the lead in combat operations and begin to operate by themselves.
“One of the key things I wanted to get across is how to use the equipment properly,” said Ayer. “[I made] sure they use both friction buckles, and kept the tourniquet tight so it will be effective.”
Ayer used multiple techniques so the training would be as effective as possible for the ANA.
“Hands-on training is where it’s at,” said Ayer. “You can show someone a million times, but if they haven’t done it themselves then they don’t get it as well.”
The ANA were eager to receive the training so they would be able to save their buddies’ life during a crisis situation.
“I have noticed the ANA are really interested in medical training,” said Ayer. “When you are showing and teaching them, they are glued to whatever you are doing. They are very receptive to the training.”
The eagerness to receive the training and ability to pick up the skills quickly is an indication of the ANAs ability to take the lead in securing the nation.
“I see them when we go out on patrol using the skills and techniques we are training on,” said Medow.
With the training complete, soldiers of 1st Plt. hope to continue preparing the ANA and ensuring they are ready to take the lead.
“The more training you do the better you get, and the more effective the training will be,” said Ayer. “By training with them more, they will be able to train their fellow ANA soldiers.”
| Date Taken: | 10.31.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 11.05.2012 12:53 |
| Story ID: | 97311 |
| Location: | AF |
| Web Views: | 293 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Chosin soldiers come together to prepare the ANA, by SSG Bryan Dominique, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
