AFGHANISTAN - The 215th Corps Marine mentors and local Afghan National Police at the Musa Qal’ah District Center hosted the first annual Youth Shura and Open House on Dec. 20.
The ANP, Afghan National Army and the Afghan Air Force’s Kandahar Air Wing provided static displays for the 40 youth participants.
It was a proud moment for the youth gathered around the Mi-17. For most, this was their first look at a helicopter and said the Mi-17 from KAW was the highlight of their day.
Major Azizullah, the AAF 379th Rotary Wing Squadron Operation Officer was very popular with the Afghan youth. Also in attendance were Afghan crewmembers 1st Lt. Kambar, flight engineer and Sgt. Bashir, crew chief. Many questions were asked about what type of education is required to be able to fly the helicopter.
Most of the youth had been actively recruited by the local Taliban and the Youth Shura showed the Musa Qal’ah river valley youth that other options are available for their futures.