WARDAK PROVINCE, Afghanistan — When a report comes in that someone in Wardak needs help, the Afghan national army and the Afghan national police are trained to spring into action. Until recently, however, they didn't have an easy way to coordinate with each other. June 14, marked a turning point on better communications as the grand opening of the Operation Coordination Center-province facility will make their synchronization efforts easier.
"The OCCP is a place for the ANA, ANP, and [International Security Assistance Force] forces to have a centralized location in order to better coordinate between all three forces, but with the ANA and ANP spearheading efforts," said Army Sgt. 1st Class Wayne Trimble, acting officer in charge of the OCCP for ISAF.
The building itself is small and neat, surrounded by high stone walls that obstruct the view of the picturesque Wardak countryside. Within the walls of the compound geraniums bloom in neat planters and small trees provide needed shade. The beautiful setting makes it easy to forget the imminent threat nearby. That is, until the radio begins to crackle with the sound of reports coming in.
In a split second, men of all three forces leap from their chairs and set down their cups of chai. The report warns of a possible vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attack. Instantly a member of the Afghan national army sits down at one radio and a U.S. Soldier sits at another to spread the word.
It didn't take long for the OCCP to reach this level of competence.
"Once the building was complete, it only took the ANP and ANA a week to move in and get things running," said Trimble, a Detroit native, who despite his fair skin and piercing blue eyes fits right in with his Afghan co-workers. "The ANA and ANP are very dedicated to making their country a better place; they are really jumping in with both feet."
Provincial Gov. Mohammad Fidai; Members of the Afghan national army; Afghan national police; and Spartan Brigade, 10th Mountain Division all came to the OCCP for the ribbon cutting ceremony.
Guests were greeted outside the gate by ANP officers entrusted with event security. Under the colors of the Afghan flag were dozens of chairs all filled with people anxious to witness the historic event.
As the ceremony began, ANA Gen. Nezamuddin Choopan greeted the guests. After several speeches in Dari, the time had come to cut the ribbon. With the help of Fidai, Choopan cut the ribbon officially opening the OCCP.
"Today is a happy day," said Choopan. "We now have the OCCP to work together in, as we work together in Afghanistan. "
Choopan was not the only one feeling the excitement of this momentous occasion. ANA, ANP and U.S. Soldiers and civilians toured the OCCP while drinking chai and talking excitedly with each other.
"We are happy the Americans are coming to our country, the peace is coming with them," said Col. Fazalrahim Rahimi, ANA air force operations officer. "This new building is allowing us to work together with them and our own ANP much easier."
"The U.S. is just here to mentor and help [the ANA and ANP] out, but they definitely have the lead on this," Trimble said.
With ISAF's continued assistance, the ANA and ANP will move forward to counter insurgents with the new OCCP as a stable base.
"I'm really looking forward to seeing what we can get accomplished here," Trimble said with a smile.