U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Johnnie E. Grove serves a six-month tour as the non-commissioned officer in charge of Personal Security Detail Team Bravo for NATO Training Mission--Afghanistan’s commander at Camp Eggers. Grove deployed from Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., as the 42nd Security Forces Squadron NCOIC of combat arms training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Andrea Salazar)

KABUL– A local Fayetteville, N.C., native is serving a six-month tour as the non-commissioned officer in charge of Personal Security Detail Team Bravo for NATO Training Mission–Afghanistan’s commander at Camp Eggers.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Johnnie Grove is responsible for the overall security of the commander and his team during convoy missions around the local area and beyond. The team takes on responsibilities as drivers, machine gun operators, truck commanders and dismounted security.

“It’s a unique position and it requires a lot of dedication to make sure that the general gets to where he needs to be in order to accomplish his objectives,” said Grove. “By getting him there safely and on time, we help contribute to the NTM-A mission.”

Grove deployed from Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., where he serves as the 42^nd Security Forces Squadron NCOIC of Combat Arms training, helping assist Airmen with weapon qualifications prior to their deployment. This is his sixth deployment and first time in Afghanistan working in a joint and coalition environment as PSD.

 “This is definitely a different experience compared to my other deployments which consisted of working in the armory or flight line–being confined to the base,” said Grove. “Our job takes us out and about in Kabul and even further so it’s interesting to see the local culture and people; that aspect is good.”

In 1995, Grove enlisted in the Air Force as security forces and had already achieved a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke in 1994.

“I only planned on serving one term but the commander at the time offered me a temporary duty assignment to see the investigations side of security forces,” he said. “I liked it so much I decided to stick around.”

As a leader of his team, Grove expressed how he encourages his team to stay motivated.

“I try to lead by example. It’s not just doing that but its words of encouragement and understanding,” said Grove. “Especially when you have people who may not understand a process, sometimes you have to explain and relate with them to establish that common ground to motivate and inspire people to get the job done. 

In the beginning of the deployment, the team faced some challenging times learning to work with different personalities but ultimately pressed forward.   

“You have to be committed to the team; there can’t be any individuals,” said Grove. “We all make personal sacrifices, we’ve had our grievances and we’re able to work through them. The main thing is that we all want to accomplish the mission and be successful at what we do.”

Grove’s main goal is to have the team make it through every mission safely. He also has plans to take a vacation with his wife and four kids upon his return in April 2012.

“I’m proud of my team and my goal is for everyone to make it home safely,” he said. “I miss my family and I can’t wait to see them.”

Niaz Sarhadi (center), governor of Zharay district, stands with his district chief of police and other key elders from the district at a marijuana eradication event in central Zharay district, Sept. 5. (Photo by Capt. Kevin Sandell)

ZHARAY DISTRICT, KANDAHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Police officers with the Afghan Local Police in two villages in central Zharay district are coming forward in increasing numbers to turn in weapons components and improvised explosive devices to coalition forces.

A local police officer from the village of Rustum Aka alerted Soldiers from Combined Task Force Spartan’s 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, to a cache site, Feb. 14, where an 82mm recoilless rifle was hidden. He told the Soldiers that he would seize the weapon if they would provide overwatch through attack helicopters or other aerial reconnaissance assets. The Soldiers agreed, and the police officer was quick to recover the weapon.

The commander of coalition forces in the area, Capt. Moises Jimenez, said the weapon was heavily wrapped in clothing and rubber material, indicating that insurgents were planning to hide the weapon outside, even during the winter months. An Explosive Ordnance Disposal team on scene said the weapon appeared to be in excellent condition and fully operational.

Capt. Jimenez said the police officer’s willingness to turn in the recoilless rifle is a sign of growing trust between the village security forces and their Afghan and coalition security forces’ partners.

“The existing relationships between [Afghan Local Police] and Attack Company leadership has emboldened local police volunteers to actively pursue historic insurgent weapons systems and caches,” said Jimenez.

The next day, Feb. 15, another Afghan Local Policeman in Nalgham turned in a medium-sized IED that was filled with homemade explosive material, and rigged to explode using a command wire detonation system. The IED was detonated by an EOD team under controlled circumstances.

Afghan Local Police officers in Nalgham are becoming increasingly more active in finding IEDs with an aggressive counter-IED campaign. More than 200 IEDs have been turned in throughout central Zharay district since September.

U.S. Army Col. Brad Dreyer, senior NTM-A Advisor to the Deputy Minister for APPF, and Lt. Col. Hootak Zulgai, Chief of the Private Security Company/Risk Management Company Licensing Office at the Afghan Public Protection Force, present a risk management company license to Peter Kaye of Pilgrims Group, Feb. 21 2012 at APPF Headquarters in Kabul.

KABUL, Afghanistan –The Afghan Public Protection Force issued three more Risk Management Company licenses today as it continues to make progress toward assuming security responsibility for development projects, commercial businesses and convoys from private security companies.   

The three licenses, issued to Pilgrims Group, Scimitar and Silk Route, bring the total number of licensed risk management companies to five. Previously licensed were Edinburgh International RMC Ltd and Separ.

Risk management companies will provide security advice and expertise to their clients who contract for service with the APPF. Risk management consultants are experts in security, risk assessment and management of security operations. In addition to advising their clients, they will provide on-site training, advising and mentoring in order to help improve the capabilities of the APPF.

Lieutenant Colonel Hootak Zulgai, Chief of the Private Security Company/Risk Management Company Licensing Office at the Afghan Public Protection Force, congratulates Peter Kaye of Pilgrims Group, Feb. 21 2012 at APPF Headquarters in Kabul after Pilgrims was granted a risk management company license.

In August 2010, President Karzai ordered private security companies to be disbanded, and the APPF was identified to take over security responsibility from these companies. ISAF, through the APPF Advisory Group, has been working alongside the APPF to develop the processes and procedures necessary to execute the transition. The Advisory Group comprises experts in security operations, contracting, logistics, finance, and a host of other specialties who advise and mentor their Afghan counterparts in an effort to help them develop full capability.

Over the next four weeks, the APPF will be busy working to issue more Risk Management Company licenses, negotiating contracts with domestic and international customers for security service, and transitioning guards from private security companies to the APPF. 

All questions may be directed to:

Contact:            Lieutenant Colonel John Hutcheson, APPF Advisory Group Public Affairs

E-mail:             John.S.Hutcheson@afghan.swa.army.mil

Phone:              070-224-6643

عکس : بتاریخ 30 ماه جنوری سال جاری دو سرباز نیروهای امنیتی ملی افغان درجریان وقفه ای باهم درباره عملیات امنیتی پهلوبه پهلو صحبت می نمایند. عکس : مارکس مگگیل اردوی آمریکایی

بتاریخ 30 ماه جنوری سال جاری نیروهای امنیتی ملی افغان همراه با سربازان و اردوی ایالات متحده آمریکا و نیز افرادملکی افغان تحقیقات گمرگی را بالای وسایط و اسناد در بیرون شهر قندهار یعنی باغی پل انجام دادند. 

این تلاش های هماهنگی شده میان پولیس یونیفورم افغان ، پولیس گمرگ افغان ، پولیس سرحدی افغان و آمریت گمرکات افغان صورت گرفت.

بریدمل کریس میچینر فرمانده کندک استخباراتی نظامی 163  ، لواه محاربوی 504 از فورت هود تکزاس به افغانستان اعزام شده است ایراد فرمود ” این تلاش ها فوق العاده بود.”

وی گفت این یکی از چهارعملیات هماهنگ شده میان شاخه های متعدد نیروهای امنیتی ملی افغان بود.

وی اظافه کرد دیدن عملیات هماهنگ شده میان ایشان واقعا عالی و فوق العاده بود. زمانیکه آنان عملیات را اجرانمودند فهمیدند که آنان چه انجام می دهند و دلچسپی پیداکردند.

بناه به گفته میچینر ، جگرن لیسا وینیجر نیزنقش خوبی را جهت هماهنگی آنان ایفا نمود . وی دلچسپی های را برای انجام این ماموریت میان افغانان تماشا کرده است.

وینیجر بیان داشت ” این بار افغانان زمان و محل ماموریت را تعین نمودند و آنان نقش فعال را جهت هماهنگی و پلان سازی بازی نمودند .

هردو میچینر و وینیجر خاطرنشان ساختند که این ماموریت نه تنها برای پاکسازی سرک ها مفیدبود بلکه برای پایداری حکومت افغانستان جهت داشتن بودجه مهم است.

وینیجرافزود ” این بار مقامات گمرگ حقیقتا جاده های را مشخص ساختند که قبلا با داشتن اسناد گمرگی غیرصحیح پرداخت نکرده بودند .

وینیجر علاوه کرد که همکاران افغانش گفته است این ماموریت موفقیت عظیمی برای آنان بوده بخواطریکه از این بعد شورشیان و قچاقچیان را وادارمی سازد که به میتود و مقررات آنان عمل نمایند.

وی گفت ” آنان می بینند که چیک پاینت ها یا محلات تلاشی همیشه فعال می باشند و آنان باید پول گمرکات خویش را تحویل نمایند.

ضابط جاناتن لاسن بیان داشت ” این ماموریت دست آوردهای بیشتر خواهد داشت و علاوه کرد که ما تقویت آنان را می خواهیم یعنی زمانیکه ما ماموریت خویش را خاتمه بدهیم ببینیم که آنان ماموریت را بجای ما انجام دهند.

لاسن گفت ” من پیشرفت های خوبی را در این محلات تلاشی دیده ام ، باوجودیکه اینبار عبورومرور بیشتر بود اما آنان ارتباطات خوبی با هم داشتند تا به ماموریت که تعین شده بودند جامه موفقیت بپوشانند.

لاسن باردیگر گفت ” این بارافغانان درسطح عالی قرارداشتند. 

میچینرگفت که وی عقیده دارد توسعه حکومت مرکزی افغانستان نقش مهمی را جهت انجام این گونه ماموریت ها ایفا می نماید.

وی گفت ” حسابدهی در سطح ولایات و وزارت خانه ها وجوددارد و تطبیق این گونه پروسه ها باعث می شود تا پروسه شفاف جهت جمع آوری گمرکات تطبیق گردد. 

نماینده گان آمریت گمرگی افغان درحال اسکن نمودن تایرهای موتر می باشند. عکس توسط : مارکس مگگیل

وینیجر با فرمانده اش این گونه عملیات را گامی مثبت تلقی می نمایند . و ی گفت ” این ماموریت به افغانان فرصتی را مهیا ساخت تا توانایی های را که دارند بکار ببرند باوجودیکه عملیات پیشین فقط نقش نمایشی را داشت. 

نظربه نتایج این ماموریت عقاید براین است که  این نخستین ماموریت نخواهد بود که تمام نیروهای امنیتی باهم همکاربودند بلکه داشتن چنین عملیات برای امن و تامین افغانستان مفید است. 

میچینر گفت ” بخواطریکه افغانان ماموریت را دستآورد می دانند بازهم با یکدیگر کار خواهند کرد تا برای وطن خویش خدمت نموده و برای پاکسازی سرک ها باهم کار کنند. 

وی گفت ” ما ماموریت بهترازاین را توقع ندارم ، این نشان دهنده چیزهای بهتر است . درحال حاضر ما نیروهای خوبی را برای تطبیق این پروسه داریم . 

Two Afghan National Security Forces personnel walk side-by-day and share a light moment during a break from security operations just outside of Kandahar City. Dubbed Operation Bald Knob, the Jan. 30 event was planned and led by Afghans. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. H. Marcus McGill)

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan– Afghan National Security Forces, working aside American soldiers and U.S. and Afghan civilians, conducted customs inspections on vehicles and paperwork outside Kandahar City’s Bagh-e-Pol Jan. 30. 

The Afghan-led effort comprised of the Afghan Uniform Police, Afghan Customs Police, Afghan Border Police and the Afghan Customs Directorate.

“This was a herculean effort,” said Lt. Col Chris C. Mitchiner, commander 163rd Military Intelligence Battalion, 504th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, deployed here in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from Fort Hood, Texas.

This was the first of four operations where so many different elements of the Afghan Security Forces all worked together, Mitchiner added.

“It was awesome to witness their integration with each other,” said Mitchiner. “When they executed, it was obvious that they knew what they were doing and that they had a vested interest.”

According to Mitchiner, the 163’s operations officer, Maj. Lisa Winegar, also played an important role in bringing all these different pieces together. She, too, was quick to point out the sharp contrast between this mission and earlier customs efforts with the Afghans.

“This time the Afghans selected the location and the time frame. They took a very active role in coordinating and planning it. They’ve taken a much more active role and we are really just there to enable them,” Winegar said.

Both Mitchiner and Winegar noted that such missions not only make Afghan roads safer but help provide stability for the Afghan government by generating funds.

“This time the customs officials were actually identifying revenues that had not been paid based off of incorrect customs documents,” said Winegar. “Taxes were levied there on site.”

Winegar added that her Afghan counterpart said this was deemed a huge success by the Afghans because it may force insurgents and smugglers to reconsider their methods.

“They see that checkpoints can go up at any time. They have recouped funds that would have been lost had we not done the operation,” said Winegar.

Staff Sgt. Jonathan Lawson, of Beckley, West Virginia, platoon sergeant for the personal security detachment of the 163rd, said the mission had even larger, overarching goals.

“We want to empower them so that when it is time for us to leave we can see it cross over from us to them,” he said.

Lawson said that he has seen progress each time he has been involved in one of these check points. He noted that there were even more moving parts this time but that communications were great and the Afghans and their counterparts accomplished what they set out to do.

“This time, the Afghans were on top of their game,” said Lawson.

On his 4th deployment to Afghanistan, Mitchiner said he believes the development of the Afghan central government plays an important role in making missions like these possible.

“There is accountability at the provincial and ministerial level, and there is accountability within the government as a whole,” he said, adding that as more Afghans become involved with the process, those responsible will be more aggressive and comfortable in asserting their customs duties and responsibilities because they know they have their Afghan brothers are backing them up.

Winegar agreed with her commander regarding the positive impact of such operations

An Afghan Customs Directorate agent scans a truck tire for abnormality during the Jan. 30 operations just outside of Kandahar City, Afghanistan. Working alongside American forces, Afghan National Security Forces conducted searches of trucks for contrabands and ensured drivers had the proper paperwork to operating on Kandahar’s roads. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. H. Marcus McGill)

“This operation gives our Afghan counterparts the opportunity to see what they are capable of. The previous operations were almost like rehearsals leading up to this,” she said.

Based on the mission’s results, the belief seems to be that it will not be the last time so many moving parts come together to make Afghanistan a safer, more stable place.

“Because the Afghans viewed the mission as such a success, they will be eager to work with one another again,” said Mitchiner, adding that that Afghans are securing themselves and generating revenue for the government of Afghanistan by working together.

“We couldn’t have asked for anything better. It is a very good sign of things to come,” Mitchiner said. “We’ve got the right people now that are invested in the process. It is promising based on what I saw with this operation, without a doubt. “

Capt. Anas Khurasani, Afghan National Police 1-1-9 call center shift supervisor, answers a call at the Kabul call center Feb. 14. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Terri Barriere)

KABUL, Afghanistan — Time is one of the most critical components to survival during a crisis, and the amount of time it takes to reach help in an emergency situation can mean the difference between life and death.

To protect the citizens of Afghanistan, a national call center was established providing callers a direct line to the government, as well as access to immediate emergency assistance.

Initially established in 2008, the 1-1-9 call center provides Afghans an access line to report corruption and insurgent activity directly to the authorities or request personal emergency services.

Canadian Lt. Omar Masood, 1-1-9 project manager, said the call center has increased the populace’s confidence in the government, as well as give the citizens an increased sense of security and control.

“This definitely shows the people of Afghan that their government cares about their safety and each call that comes in is a success for GiROA,” he said.      

According to Masood, the call centers are Afghan led and run, with minimal advising and training from U.S and European coalition forces, allowing ordinary citizens to work hand-in-hand with the government to make Afghanistan safer and corruption free.

The centers are modeled similarly to most emergency service centers. Phone calls are received by civilian call takers, who assess the situation, and forward calls to the appropriate agencies. Masood said calls are kept anonymous per the callers request based on the nature of the call.

Capt. Anas Khurasani, Afghan National Police 1-1-9 call center shift supervisor, said on a typical day the center receives calls related to traffic, fires, improvised explosive device locations, verbal altercations, physical altercations, insurgent activity and medical emergencies.

“That’s the benefits of the 1-1-9 center, this number can handle all types of problems, our call takers have been trained to do so,” he said.

Though 1-1-9 is a fairly new service in Afghanistan, Anas said he values his job because he knows he is appreciated.

He remembers one particular call where he and his team were able to make an immediate impact on the outcome of the situation.

A Ministry of Interior Afghan Uniformed Police patrol vehicle departs for a mission below the slogan, ". Afghan Ministry of Interior photo by Obaidullah Bahram and Fawad Wahidy.

“One of my call takers got a report about an insurgent placing IEDs and called the 1-1-9 center,” he said. “We immediately reported the information up and a team was sent to the site. They discovered the IED and diffused it. Also, as soon as we got the report they stopped ANP and ANA convoy movements in the area so no one got hurt. The citizens appreciated our help, the ANP and ANA appreciated our help and the minister of the MOI appreciated our help.”

Anas said in some cases they’ve had citizens go up to the ANP on the scene and kiss them to thank them for taking such good care of them as a result of 1-1-9 efforts.

However, the job satisfaction extends beyond the ANP officers who manage the center; the call takers who operate the lines also expressed an overwhelming sense of pride in their jobs.

“I love my job,” said Damana, 1-1-9 call center operator. “In the one year I’ve been working here I’ve gotten to interact with a lot of different people I would not have otherwise. I love to help people, I feel I am honestly helping people here and everyday when I come here I get to help solve problems. I hope to work here for my country a long time.”

Masood said currently, there are call centers located in Kabul, Laskar Gah and Kandahar, but plans are to put locations in Herat, Nagarhar and Mes soon in order to provide each region with a call center staff in the local area familiar with the language, customs and locations.

Though some areas had direct lines to report insurgent activity to coalition forces, Masood said 1-1-9 is fundamentally different because of the emergency service access it offers and should be used for official use and emergency situations only.

“Due to the high rate of corruption and crime here, this is an outlet for people to stand up against that and stop the people responsible by holding them accountable for their actions,” Masood said. “With that being said, the main challenge we’re having with the centers are nuisance calls, but we’re coming up with solutions to try to deter the crank callers.”

He said one of the options being looked into is charging a small fee for the currently free service. The charge would be per call rather than for amount of time spent on the call, and once the amount of crank calls decreased, the fee would be dropped.

“Despite the amount of illegitimate calls received, 1-1-9 is still providing a good service,” masood said. “Even if it was just one call a week it would still be worth it because it’s still providing a means for the populace to talk to the government and get emergency help.”

Afghan students at the Special Police Training Center prepare to enter a mock compound during a room entrance and clearing exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Joseph Seavey)

Col.  Hamayon Ayani, 1-1-9 call center chief, said the citizens of Afghanistan have somewhat of a responsibility to use the call center as much as possible for its intended purpose.

“We established the call center to assist the people of Afghanistan and to support and assist the police as well,” he said. “It is an easy way to contact the police and this way people should feel comfortable that they have easy access to the government. People need to use the call center to stop corruption, and decrease security issues in our country.”

“This was created for them, they need this, so they should use it. I am confident that once someone uses 1-1-9 to solve their problems and it works they will continue to use it, ” said Ayani.

Shindand Air Base Tower - Photo by Dr. Ronnie L. Holley

SHINDAND – The NTM-A G7 Language Branch English Mobile Training Team is succeeding in their mission in Afghanistan; the evidence is visible on the ground and in the sky. 

Afghan National Security Forces who just a few months ago were students attending English classes at the Kabul English Language Training Center – KELTC – are now learning aviation and flying solo at Shindand Air Base. 

Several former English students at KELTC have completed the introductory flight school and are now attending undergraduate pilot training.  Recently KELTC Site Lead, Joseph O’Connor was able to witness the first Cessna 172 solo flights of four former KELTC students. 

“Often teachers do not get to see the results of their work; however, my visit to Shindand gave me the unique opportunity to see prior KELTC students using English to successfully fly their first solo flights,” said O’Connor.  “Learning to fly is a challenging task, especially if you are learning to fly in a language that is not your native one.”

“I was proud to see my former students successfully interacting with their U.S. instructors in English and accomplishing their goals of being a pilot.  I am equally excited to take back their success story to my current KELTC students to inspire them to continue their studies so that one day they will complete their first solo flight.”

These pilots are the first Afghan forces to be totally trained as pilots within Afghanistan in more than 30 years.  Prior to this, Afghan pilots received their advanced flight training on foreign soil.

“We are on the verge of something big here,” said O’Connor, “the beginning of a new and modern Afghan Air force.”

The importance of developing English language skills of Afghan National Security Forces continues to grow.  In fact, the need to expand English training is ever more apparent. 

Upon completion of his first solo flight, Lt. Poor receives feedback from his aviation mentor. All feedback is given in English. (Photo by Dr. Ronnie L. Holley)

“The development of the English Language Training Program is critical here at Shindand,” says Lt. Col. James G. Bands, USAF, Commander, 444 AEAS. 

Currently, a contract teacher provides English instruction in the afternoon four days a week.  The training helps to maintain the student’s current language skills, but it’s not focused enough to allow aircrew to increase those skills, Bands said. 

“The development of a program here at Shindand will allow for safer operations not only in flying operations but the interaction between aircrews, maintainers and the advisors.”

The NTM-A G7 English Language Mobile Training Team is working to meet these growing mission needs with plans to provide U.S. teachers and an extensive English language curriculum for Shindand with intensive and non-intensive class options.  Current plans include establishing an English language training program that will provide specialized, technical vocabulary training to ensure the mission’s success.

“As the center for flight training in Afghanistan, it is critical that Shindand have the best ELTP program in this country in order to train not only the students, but the instructors that will be eventually selected to train Afghanistan’s Air Force,” Bands said.  “Without a program here at Shindand, the ability for the coalition to turn over the operations will be significantly delayed.”

The NTM-A/CSTC-A G7 English Language MTT works closely with the civilian aviation contract instructors who serve as mentors and advisors.   Gerard Rowe, a mentor from the i3-Corps, said that strong English language skills are critical to success.

 “As English is the international language of aviation, it is imperative all pilots have useable English skills.  The Introductory Flight School and Undergraduate Pilot Training here, is taught 100 percent in English and without interpreters – making solid English skills mandatory for our student pilots.  I can tell you our students’ English skills improve rapidly during the course of their training – it is an impressive thing to behold.”

Lt. Walid Noori receives congratulations from Lockheed Martin Program Manager Tony Mattox. (Photo by Dr. Ronnie L. Holley)

Rowe said that his instructor pilots’ jobs include overcoming language barriers during their instruction a task known from the outset.  As these students learn more English, they must also logical problem solving skills. 

“As pilots, we have a need for relatively quick logic, reason, and deduction that may not be taught / learned outside the Western world’s educational system.  Our students have all succeeded in completing IFS completely taught in English,” he said.  “The ability to hear and think in English, without internal translation, was required to be successful.  That is a significant accomplishment.”

To build upon the English training conducted at KELTC, the NTM-A G7 English Language Mobile Training Team supports a total English language immersion environment to enhance the language learning that takes place in the normal classroom setting.  Known as ‘ThunderLab,’ the program provides conditions for living and working together with Coalition Forces to promote the Afghan English language learners/pilots language acquisition.  The current goal is to move the present ThunderLab location at Kabul International Airport to Shindand, where it will be closer to other student pilot programs.  

Special acknowledgement for the need of the ThunderLab program and extensive effort in support of the ThunderLab program comes from Lt. Col. Daryl Sassaman, USAF 438 AEW, who reaffirms that English language training is essential to the success of the Shindand Pilot Training Program. 

“December saw the first class of Initial Flight Screening candidates enter the program.  These seven Afghan Lieutenants were graduates of the ‘Thunder Lab,’ a 24/7 leadership, aviation, and English language immersion environment,” Sassaman said.  “They received their formal English language training at the Kabul Education and Language Training Center and are the first students to receive all of their English and Flight training inside Afghanistan.”

Lt. Ajmal Azizi receives congratulations from Mr. Gerard Rowe, his aviation mentor. (Photo by Dr. Ronnie L. Holley)

The biggest challenge with the program, he said, is the timeline for getting each student to the required English proficiency level.  Because each student learns at a different rate, it’s difficult to generate the number of students to fill an entire flight training class.   The Thunder Lab concept has helped to reduce the timeline for training the AAF lieutenants. 

“By transitioning the Thunder Lab and English Language Training to Shindand, each student will be able to better focus on English training,” said Sussaman. “The move to Shindand will eliminate most of the distractions associated with the city of Kabul.   Additionally, the Thunder Lab is designed to introduce the concepts of aviation, to include: aerodynamics, aircrew communications, and flight procedures which prepare them for follow-on flight training.”

Tony Mattox, Program Manager, Flying Training of Lockheed Martin, agrees.  He said that safety is priority in ‘the flying business’ and being able to communicate clearly is vital to overall success. The student pilots must be able to not only understand but be able to relay in clear, concise, communications what they are intending to do while flying.  During an emergency situation, there is no time for miscommunications.

“I believe that ThunderLab has provided these extremely important building blocks to the students that it has allowed them to continue learning even in the high demand environment of flying,” Mattox said. “We have seen a marked improvement in their language skills in the short time that they have been in our program. We fully expect this trend to continue as they make the next step into the undergraduate pilot training program.”

“I believe we all as a team have come a long way, and I am extremely proud to be a part of this history in the making,” said Mattox.  “From their beginnings at KELTC and through ThunderLab, this group of seven extraordinary lieutenants in IFS ‘Class 12-01’ has demonstrated drive and determination that is very admirable. “

Mattox said they’ve stepped into shoes that have been unfilled for many years and will continue to mold Afghanistan’s Air Force into what he believes can be a bright and fantastic future.

KELTC Site Lead Joe O’Connor with former English students(from the left), Lt. Sherzai, Lt. Shah Poor, KELTC Site Lead Joe O’Connor, Lt. Ghaznavi, Lt. Walid Noori. (Photo by Dr. Ronnie L. Holley)

“Although they may not realize it yet, these seven are in comparison to our Apollo program; although not astronauts, they are opening doors for all future Afghan pilots. It has been an honor to witness their professionalism and dedication to becoming an AAF pilot,” said Mattox.  “As we say in the flying business, the road to wings can be a very bumpy one and takes discipline, drive, and endurance of which all seven have demonstrated successfully.  I am pleased beyond words to be a part of this delicate and vital process.”

The NTM-A G7 Language Branch English Mobile Training Team teachers from the Department of Defense Education Activity and the Defense Language Institute serve at several locations throughout Afghanistan on six-month and year-long tours.  The training team is responsible for providing instruction and instructor development to Afghan National Security Forces to prepare and support the U.S. Security Assistance objective of obtaining qualified ANSF candidates for both national and international training.  The G7 Language Branch provides English language training to more than 6,000 members of the Afghan National Security Forces.

عکس : معاونین دوکتورین حیوانی در حال آماده گی واکسین نمودن گاوها دریک عملیات بنام " عملیات صحی سم " در قریه مولدار شرق ولسوالی ژیری می باشند

ولسوالی ژیری ولایت قندهار – افغانستان –  بتاریخ 4 ماه فبروری سال جاری به تعداد 1000 حیوان زراعتی درشرق ولسوالی ژیری جهت کاهش تلفات و امراض درونی واکسین گردید.

به اساس پروگرام ” عملیات سم صحت ” که توسط سربازان نیروی ویژه مشترک اسپارتن غند پیاده  87 طرح ریزی شده بود همراه با دوکتورحیوانی بنام دوکتورظاهر با باشنده گان محل ملاقات نمودند تا سیستم واکسین را درآن قریه تطبیق کنند.

 دهاقین و باشنده گان محل از 57 فارم زراعتی حیوانات را جهت واکسین نمودن به مولدار آورده بودند. 

آنان به تعداد 870 گوسفند ، 53 گاو و 100 بزرا واکسین نمودند.

دوکتورظاهراظهارداشت ” باوجودیکه تعداد واکسین شده حیوانات بیشتر از توقع بود اما نتیجه ای خوبی را در پی داشت اینکه فامیل ها بخواطرتداوی حیوانات شان مستفید گردیدند .”

وی گفت نگهداری این حیوانات بطور صحی از امراض به فامیل ها کمک می کند که درآمدهای خوبی از آنان داشته باشند.

عکس : صدها گوسفند درجایی مشخص برای واکسین انتقال داده می شود.

هدف از ” عملیات صحی سم ” جلوگیری از امراض بوده که به حیوانات دیگر سرایت نکند و هم چنان نشان دادن طروق مختلف جلوگیری از امراض و کاهش دادن مرگ و میر حیوانات می باشد تا سیستم صحی خوبی را برای مالداران تشریح نمود.

زراعت و حیوانات زراعتی منبع اولیه درآمد باشنده گان ولسوالی ژیری می باشد .

 قوماندان کندک پیاده 87 اظهارداشت ” نیروهای اییتلاف توجه خویش را بالای توسعه پروگرام ها برای باشنده گان قسمت های مرکزی و جنوبی و توسعه سیستم نگهداشت صحی حیوانات درولسوالی ژیری مبذول داشته است. “

Veterinary assistants prepare to vaccinate cows during the “Operation Healthy Hooves” stop in Moldar village of eastern Zharay district.

ZHARAY DISTRICT, KANDAHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Over 1,000 farm animals in eastern Zharay district were vaccinated and de-wormed in one day, Feb. 4, in an effort to improve the animals’ nutritional status and reduce their mortality rates.

Through a program called “Operation Healthy Hooves,” and facilitated by Soldiers from Combined Task Force Spartan’s 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, the Provincial Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Zahir, met with an elder in the village of Moldar to determine the best spot for conducting the veterinary visit. Farmers and village residents from 57 compounds brought the animals to a central spot in Moldar.

Over 870 sheep were vaccinated and de-wormed, 53 cows were vaccinated, and nearly 100 goats were de-wormed and vaccinated.

While the number of animals vaccinated was larger than expected, the end result was beneficial for the hundreds of families who raise animals to support their daily lives, said Dr. Zahir.

Hundreds of sheep move to a spot in Moldar to receive vaccinations through the “Operation Healthy Hooves” program.

“Keeping these animals free of disease will ensure their owners continue to raise healthy animals that provide food and income for the families living here,” said Dr. Zahir.

The purpose of the “Operation Healthy Hooves” program is preventing disease that can spread into animal populations, teaching farmers and land owners about raising poultry, reducing death rates among farm animals, and promoting an increase in capabilities within the Afghan veterinary healthcare system.

Agriculture and farm animals are the primary source of income and livelihood for families living in Zharay district. Expanding the program to the district’s central and western regions, and promoting animal health and well-being continues to be a key focus for coalition forces, said leaders from the 2-87 Infantry Battalion.