NTM-A Photo Library

Shindand Lt Noori and Tony Mattox of Lockheed 1001

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A Day in the Life of an Afghan National Police Recruit - Episode 12 - Graduation (33 photos)

A Day in the Life of an Afghan National Police Recruit - Week 11 (12 photos)

Week 6 - ANP Basic Training (17 photos)

ANP Sidearm Safety (5 photos)

Shah Wali Kot children's school opens (2 photos)

Afghan Air Force in Fire Training (2 photos)

Afghan National Police master vehicle recovery techniques (3 photos)

Afghan Air Force literacy (3 photos)

ANP at RTC-Bamyan (4 photos)

With more than 800 Afghan National Police in the security lead in Bamyan Province, one of the next steps is furthering infrastructure.

Mongolian Trainers receive NATO Medals (2 photos)

Contracting Officer Representative Training (3 photos)

Thunder Lab produces Afghan Air Force “Best of the Best” (4 photos)

Eight Week Afghan Border Police Course (4 photos)

Week 3 - A Day in the Life of an ANP Recruit (10 photos)

Week 2 - A Day in the Life of an ANP Recruit (16 photos)

National Police Training Center Wardak Graduates ANCOP Policemen (5 photos)

After three months of rigorous training in the intense heat of an Afghan summer, 142 Afghan National Civil Order Police recruits gathered at National Police Training Center Wardak to celebrate their accomplishments during a graduation ceremony Aug. 24.

Afghan Air Force Medical Evactuation (2 photos)

Afghan Air Force medics, with help from coalition advisers, facilitated a critical medical evacuation effort recently as a result of a bombing in Herat Province that killed 22.

Week 1 - A Day in the Life of an ANP Recruit (18 photos)

Following Afghan National Police recruits through training. See weekly webisodes at ntm-a.com!

Senators Casey, Whitehouse and Blumenthal at NTM-A HQ (3 photos)

Afghan Gender Relations Seminar (3 photos)

This is the fifth class that Dr. Baldry has taught in Afghanistan. The class covers topics that include abuse on women and children.

Sen. Levin pins awards at NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan HQ (3 photos)

Uruzgan Afghan Local Police (3 photos)

Afghan Local Police from Khas Uruzgan District in Uruzgan Province repelled Taliban insurgents during a patrol of Hoseyni village. As the one-year anniversary of the birth of the Afghan Local Police nears, many rural districts have seen considerable security and economic improvements because of the new police force.

Camp Shorabak (5 photos)

Saving the lives of our K9 friends (5 photos)

Camp Hero (3 photos)

Photographs taken at Camp Hero, Afghanistan

Canadian MGen Day at Afghan OCS (3 photos)

Canadian Army Maj. Gen. D. Michael Day addresses female Afghan National Army Officer Candidate School students at Kabul Military Training Center

NTM-A Commander tours northern facilities (3 photos)

NTM-A Commander LTG William B. Caldwell, IV, tours training, supply and production facilities of the Afghan National Security Force.

100,000th Afghan National Security Force Literacy Program Graduate (3 photos)

Sgt. Maj. Cenference 10-13 July (3 photos)

KABUL - The Eighth Annual Sergeants Major Conference, an event held to train and set goals for the senior enlisted personnel of the Afghan National Army, was held at Kabul Military Training Center, July 10-13.

Equipping the police at RTC - Bamyan (4 photos)

Afghan National Police training at Regional Training Center - Bamyan (7 photos)

Afghan National Army Training at Regional Military Training Center Gardez (7 photos)

U.S. Ambassador to Mongolia visit troops (6 photos)

National Military Academy of Afghanistan Cadet Graduation Ceremony (5 photos)

NMAA's 3rd Affirmation Ceremony (7 photos)

The National Military Academy of Afghanistan, the Afghan National Army degree-granting officer’s training academy, held an Affirmation Ceremony in honor of its third graduating class in Kabul, Afghanistan, March 14.

Photos by the Afghan National Army (2 photos)

This is a starter set of photos taken by members of the Afghan National Army trained in photography and other Public Affairs elements by Coalition Forces

Latvia and Lithuania Flag Induction Ceremony (2 photos)

Latvia and Lithuania were recognized as the newest contributing nations to NTM-A during the flag raising ceremony.

NMAA Ribbon Cutting for new school building (1 photos)

The ribbon cutting celebrates the opening of a new building containing 32 classrooms and a library as well as increasing student capacity by more than 300.

Oath to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (1 photos)

Afghan National Army NCO candidates swear an oath to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan at Ghazi Military Training Center in a ceremony held 3 Feb 2011. The present class consists of 400 Afghan soldiers; the oath ceremony takes place in the mid-point of the 8-week course. The turkish army is responsible for the advanced NCO training, providing 9 officers, 9 NCOs and 9 specialist sergents working shoulder to shoulder with 9 officers and 26 NCOs of the ANA.

Heavy Weapons Training (6 photos)

Soldiers assigned to an Afghan National Army train with mortars and anti-tank heavy weapons at the Combined Fielding Center in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Kabul Melli Jan 16, 2011 (2 photos)

KABUL, Afghanistan – Kabul Melli, a local industry success story, has delivered nearly 200,000 pairs of boots to both the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police. Signed to an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract, Melli makes and delivers boots in response to Afghan National Security Force needs. Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology Mr. Malcolm Ross O’Neill visited their factory for a first-hand look at their products and processes, Jan. 16. “Our first emphasis is always on meeting the needs of our forces,” O’Neill said. “However, we will continue to leverage our contracting efforts in pursuit of job creation and development of the local manufacturing economy. The goal is to locate existing Afghan companies in key manufacturing sectors that can provide the skills and goods we need. Ultimately, our objective is to provide the impetus for a self-sustaining Afghan economy that provides better opportunities for its citizens."

ANCOP assists Afghan schools (08DEC10) (3 photos)

Afghan Police, NATO force team up for project Kabul (6 Dec. 10) (2 photos)

Triple deuce receives meritorious unit award (28 Nov 10) (2 photos)

Elite Afghan police force trains to serve (30 Nov 10) (3 photos)

Afghan Air Force refocuses on Personal Accountability Inventory (2 Dec 10) (1 photos)

UK officers instruct Afghan Lieutenants (2 Dec 10) (1 photos)

Afghan Air Force distribute humanitarian aid to Kabul neighorhood (3 Dec 10) (1 photos)

Afghan Air Force Radio Maintenance Graduation (14 Nov 10) (2 photos)

A job well done (15 Nov 10) (3 photos)

Thousands compete for military university admission (5 Nov 10) (7 photos)

Mi-17 Flight Engineer graduation (5 Nov 10) (2 photos)

Stockade-athon 15K (5 Nov 10) (2 photos)

Afghan Air Force Gardez Mission (3 Nov 10) (3 photos)

Afghan Army Combat Medics Train At Camp Leatherneck (6 Nov 10) (1 photos)

Afghan Minister of Defense Wardak Recognizes NATO Service (8 Nov 10) (1 photos)

NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan Now One Year Old (8 Nov 10) (2 photos)

Afghan Air Force Brings Aid to Badakhshan (28 Oct 10) (3 photos)

UK pilots train Afghan Lieutenants (25 Oct 10) (2 photos)

Mongolians arrive to train Afghan Airman (25 Oct 10) (1 photos)

Ambassador Holbrooke visits Afghan training center (25 Sept 10) (3 photos)

1-Year Review (96 photos)

Afghan National Army Basic Warrior Trainee Navigates through obstacle course (13 Oct 10) (1 photos)

Australian Army Sergeant Teaches Afghan Nation Army Officers Artillery Setup (12 Oct 10) (1 photos)

Afghan National Army Basic Warrior Trainee sits through a Literacy class (14 Oct 10) (1 photos)

Afghan National Army Basic Warrior Trainee simulates throwing a hand grenade (13 Oct 10) (1 photos)

Afghan National Army Officer Candidtes shoot M-16s (12 Oct 10) (3 photos)

ANA performs Military Operations in Urban Terrain (11 Oct 10) (2 photos)

Afghan National Civil Order Police reaches out to local citizens (12 photos)

By G. A. Volb NTM-A KABUL, Afghanistan – The dingy-yellow structure sat 50-feet off the main highway with two stories of classrooms darkened due to a lack of light fixtures – heavily-armed guards patrolled the grounds protecting grade schoolers attending the school. From the windows peered the faces of children, preteen and older, girls and boys, all willing to risk their lives for a better future through education. The local Afghan National Civil Order Police contingent, willing to do its part to ensure the school’s success, arrived with thousands of dollars worth of school supplies. What began as a community relations venture between coalition mentors and their Afghan National Civil Order Police counterparts in April, now stood ready to go nationwide following donations to the school here Oct. 7. ANCOP representatives handed out pens, pencils, erasers, notebooks, glue sticks, and crayons to the student population of Amir Dost Muhammad Khanmore. It was the first of its kind, according to coalition mentors, since the entire program was planned and executed by Kabul’s Afghan Civil Order Police. Such ventures by Afghan National Security Force components look to make a difference in communities, build relationships and improve their own credibility among citizens. “We began the program seven months ago,” said U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Brian Garbinski, senior enlisted advisor to ANCOP, “but this trip marked the first executed entirely by the civil order police. They’re essentially self-sufficient now.” Garbinski said they try to make up to three visits to different provinces delivering school supplies and clothing each month, but always stop by the Amir Dost School because they consider it ground zero for the program. ANCOP Commander Maj. Gen. Mohamed Sharif Amin wants to see “every student with, not just one notebook for all of their courses, but one for each class. “Our people, especially the students, are always happy to receive school supplies that help further their education,” said Sharif, “but we’re also delivering clothing, medical supplies and food when we can. I want to see similar efforts in Gardez, Herat, Kandahar and Helmand too, not just Kabul.” First-grader Sirya wasn’t quite sure what to make of all the goodies being dropped off at her school as she stood on a ledge behind a broken window screen – but she knew what she likes. “I like the notebooks,” the six year old said shyly, fingers in her mouth, “and the pencils too.” Her reaction was typical of the children, and exactly what ANCOP was hoping for. “This shows the people of Afghanistan that ANCOP cares about their future,” said Garbinski, originally from Union, New Jersey. “Such programs help build trust and respect between both parties.” As the students ran off into their classes, their hands full of supplies, smiles could be seen from behind the warped, discolored windows of the school house. A simple gesture by ANCOP had, seemingly, made a difference in the lives of the people they serve.

Afghan National Police set up Ring of Steel (5 Jun 2010) (11 photos)

Afghan Air Corps Air Base Defense soldiers graduate training (5 Jun 2010) (5 photos)

Afghan Security Forces challenge training gap (5 Jun 2010) (5 photos)

ANCOP graduation June 6, 2010 (9 photos)

Members of the Afghan Air Corps provide much needed school supplies to a school (7 Jun 2010) (15 photos)

Vice Adm. Bill Gortney visits Sailors at NTM-A in Afghanistan ( 7 Jun 2010) (25 photos)

ABP HQ in Mazar E Sharif (7 Jun 2010) (14 photos)

Command Leadership meeting (8 Jun 2010) (2 photos)

Afghan children show off artwork (8 Jun 2010) (3 photos)

Afghan Army Air Corps coordinates and load their first “heavy load” (9 Jun 2010) (5 photos)

Beast performed for coalition forces at Forward Operating Base Eggers (9 Jun 2010) (32 photos)

Afghan Air Corp Gardez Run (10 Jun 2010) (6 photos)

Afghan Air Corps Simulator Training (10 Jun 2010) (3 photos)

Making the streets of Kabul a safer place (10 Jun 2010) (2 photos)

5th Zone ABP border crossing point to Uzbekistan (11 Jun 2010) (9 photos)

Afghan Border Policemen graduate (12 Jun 2010) (3 photos)

Camp Shaheen Regional Hospital treats everyone (12 Jun 2010) (5 photos)

Afghan Air Corps ground crew preps a mission (12 Jun 2010) (2 photos)

A soldier walks the new construction at Kandahar Air Field (12 Jun 2010) (1 photos)

Police District 12 construction (13 Jun 2010) (4 photos)

Afghan Army Air Corps coordinates and load their first “heavy load” (14 Jun 2010) (1 photos)

Tolo Tv interview (14 Jun 2010) (2 photos)

Afghan and NATO military members unload equipment (14 Jun 2010) (4 photos)

Lt. Gen. Lessard Visits Camp Eggers (14 Jun 2010) (2 photos)

Turkish Soldiers Salute in Kabul (14 Jun 2010) (5 photos)

Afghan Police train with Italian Carabineri (29 Sep 2010) (9 photos)

Afghan Females perform weapons training (29 Sep 2010) (7 photos)

ANCOP Welcome Home Concert (14 Jun 2010) (19 photos)

Brig. Gen. Mustafa Colak and Col. Can Bolat visit Afghan National Police (14 Jun 10) (12 photos)

Construction at Afghan Defense University (14 Jun 2010) (8 photos)

Afghan Medical Graduate Fairly receives assignments (15 Jun 2010) (4 photos)

Afghan Army Training (16 Jun 2010) (22 photos)

Hungarian Defense Minister Visits Camp Eggers (18 Jun 10) (2 photos)

Struggle to find Afghan-made Products (19 Jun 2010) (3 photos)

Afghan National Civil Police on Patrol (21 Jun 2010) (10 photos)

United Nations Visits Afghans Training (22 Jun 2010) (4 photos)

Awards Ceremony at National Military Academy of Afghanistan (22 Jun 2010) (11 photos)

Eikenberry, Holbrooke visit NATO Training Mission- Afghan Headquarters (23 Jun 2010) (3 photos)

Afghan Minister of Defense meets with NATO training Mission (23 Jun 2010) (2 photos)

Afghan Minister of Defense receives award (23 Jun 2010) (1 photos)

Afghan Art Exhibit (23 Jun 2010) (1 photos)

Director of U.S Central Command Operations visits Kabul (24 Jun 2010) (1 photos)

Afghans Learn Fire Fighting (26 Jun 10) (4 photos)

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air force Visits (26 Jun 10) (6 photos)

Dr. Kem Talks With Maj. General Parent About the construction of the Afghan National Defense University (26 Jun 2010) (5 photos)

Afghan Air Force Service Commitment Signing ( 27 Jun 2010) (3 photos)

Cheif Master Sergeant of the Air Force James A. Roy visits the 438th Air Wing (27 Jun 2010) (6 photos)

Afghan Air Force Humanitarian (27 Jun 2010) (2 photos)

$Work continues on the \$

Work continues on the "Thunder Lab" (28 Jun 2010) (23 photos)

Football builds Comradeship (28 Jun 2010) (7 photos)

Afghans Graduate Basic Mechnics Course (28 Jun 2010) (2 photos)

Jeremy Renner visits Coalition service members in Afghanistan (28 Jun 2010) (5 photos)

Ribbon Cutting (2 photos)

111th Division Grand Opening (30 Jun 2010) (2 photos)

ANAF Traines in Logisitics (2 Jul 2010) (11 photos)

Afghan First initiatives paying off for ANSF (23 Sept. 2010) (7 photos)

Afghan First initiatives paying off for ANSF By G. A. Volb NTM-A CAMP EGGERS, Afghanistan – The International Security Assistance Force initiative of going Afghan First regarding contracts is paying off with newly established local factories turning out goods in support of security forces, while employing hundreds. Kabul’s Safi Apparel Corporation is one such success story, employing 700 locally and producing up to 100,000 Afghan National Army, Afghan National Police and Afghan National Civil Order Police uniforms per month. Fifty percent of its workforce is women. “Most companies excelled rapidly through the learning curve to achieve very high standards as rated by the Clemson Apparel Research Institute and Natick Soldier Center Team who have recently conducted an assessment of the Afghan Military Apparel Industry,” said Army Col. Anthony Pelczynski, NTM-A’s chief of acquisitions and contract management. It’s a win-win situation, as far as he’s concerned, as security forces are provided quality equipment and businesses have the chance to “participate in the growth of the new Afghanistan.” “The manufacturers know how important it is to deliver a quality product that meets specifications, on time and on cost,” the colonel emphasized. The program is successful due to a combined effort between Afghan Ministries of Interior and Defense, NATO Training Mission – Afghanistan and Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan. “Expectation management and open communications between the government and the manufacturers are important to the development of the industries and economy as a whole,” offered Pelczynski. Like elsewhere in a global economy, businesses have to offer quality products at an affordable price. Safi’s ability to compete for business, according to its 32-year-old General Manager Abdul, hinges on its ability to stay competitive; the challenges he faces now are in securing the raw materials needed to make the uniforms. Currently these materials come from the U.S., Pakistan, and China, but he’d prefer to obtain them here in Afghanistan. “It takes us about two hours to produce one full standard uniform set,” Abdul offered with obvious pride is his voice. Pelczynski thinks he knows why Safi employees are proud of what they do. “Their workers are very much aware that these uniforms and other clothing items are for their brothers, fathers, uncles and sisters who serve in the security forces across the country,” said Pelczynski, a 1983 graduate of Virginia Tech. “It also shows they take pride in producing quality uniforms for the men and women who provide security for their country,” said Air Force Capt. Danilo Dingle Jr., program manager for the uniforms branch. “It gives Afghan security forces Esprit de Corps, an identity, something they’re proud to wear every time they put on their uniform.” Safi, however, is far from leveling off. “They all look forward to the opportunities to find new markets that build upon their capacity, efficiency and high-quality standards that have become their trademark,” said Pelczynski. To realize these opportunities, companies must do several things. “The companies must have a long-range plan to find new markets and other opportunities to at least sustain, if not grow, their production beyond the ANSF orders,” said Pelczynski. “They must look out for the welfare of their work force. The initial orders are very large in order to meet the high demands of initial issues, but as we reach our goal of a fully trained ANSF, the requirements will become sustain quantity buys over time. Cost, schedule and performance are the important factors we are emphasizing in our programs.” “I’m amazed at how they continue to look forward, toward improving and advancing their business opportunities,” added Dingle, a Sacramento State graduate assigned to the Pentagon’s Air National Guard Bureau when not deployed. “They have invested in different manufacturing machines to handle additional production capacity and to expand beyond uniform production -- they’re looking at markets outside of Afghanistan.”

ANF Performs Slingload (2 JUL 2010) (4 photos)

Independence Day Activities (4 JUL 2010) (10 photos)

Senator John McCain and Senator Joe Lieberman Visit Camp Eggers (4 JUL 2010) (7 photos)

Tunnel to Towers Run Commemorates 9/11 Fire Fighters (24 Sep 2010) (3 photos)

ANA Infantry school teaches .50 cal (27 Sep 2010) (2 photos)

Women owned businesses succeeding, support ANSF (23 Sept. 2010) (4 photos)

By G. A. Volb NTMA CAMP EGGERS, Afghanistan – Women-owned and operated businesses supporting Afghan National Security Forces here have signaled gender empowerment, social progress and improved industrial infrastructure. For 29-year-old Angela, deputy managing director of Sarco Abad, it’s a bit more than a job. While the company produces some 64 products --from sleeping bags to socks -- and plans on growing from 12 employees to more than 200 in the near future, she has a far greater goal in mind. “Our mission is to empower all women and children,” she said with pride. “Especially in rural areas where there is very little in the way of classes for women; we want to teach them the law, about human rights and skills they can use in life.” But first things first, as Angela knows her goals won’t be realized unless the business succeeds in meeting customer demands for quality, quantity and timeliness. Despite the seriousness of her business in today’s Afghanistan, highlighted by a small army of security personnel dotting the factory landscape, they’re making the most of the opportunity. “We’re having fun,” the well-spoken Angela said, “but as is the case with any business, it’s difficult in the beginning while we’re still developing our strategies, our plans to succeed and to expand. It’s very important that we focus on the quality of materials, produce products acceptable to our customers, and that we meet their deadlines for delivery.” It was in August that the group of women put their plans into motion after being awarded one of three women-owned business contracts from Kabul Regional Contracting Contingency. Such successes are the culmination of initiatives from ISAF’s Afghan First Policy, NATO Training Mission – Afghanistan and Combined Security Assistance Command – Afghanistan’s local acquisition program management team, and the Central Command’s Contracting Command. NTM-A’s chief of acquisitions and contract management agrees that Angela and her company face certain challenges, but not insurmountable ones. “Entrepreneurs who take up the challenge have to work extremely hard to adopt new manufacturing infrastructure and processes to produce products that meet our demand for quality as well as affordability,” said Army Col. Anthony Pelczynski, a 1983 graduate of Virginia Tech. “Many companies are now building brand new facilities or significantly upgrading existing facilities, purchasing new equipment and hiring new work forces to meet the demand for locally produced commodities for the ANSF. “There is a new spirit of optimism in these factories and facilities,” he continued. “The large orders we place for items such as uniforms, boots and other individual clothing items to meet the rapid fielding of the ANSF enables the businesses to cover a lot of the risks associated with new starts. It is the first step to self sufficiency. “ Pelczynski also pointed out there are collateral benefits associated with these contracts. As requirements transition from initial fielding to sustainment rate quantities, the companies will have the resources and skills to branch out – to develop new markets and new opportunities with reduced risks. “Some even invest in local vocational education centers to develop people with the specific skill sets needed to operate and sustain their business; skills required include accounting, program management, production control and quality inspections, plant facility management, and information management,” said Pelczynski. “Some manufacturers are starting to offer literacy classes, child care, and meals for their employees. This is very progressive management.” Both NTM-A and CSTC-A want to encourage positive examples like this, companies who manage their assets and human resources with exceptional results. It’s hoped that over time this positive movement will permeate and lift up a culture and people who have been in an armed struggle for over 30 years. And that fits right into Angela and the rest of her management team’s plans, as they’re already preparing for the future when the company will diversify and offer programs that benefit her employees and Afghanistan society as a whole. “We’ve spent a long time in war, so there are a lot of women in Afghanistan who are uneducated,” said 19-year-old female manager Arzoo. “In fact, many don’t even know their own religion or what their rights are under Islam -- so education is a priority. If we’re able to educate them, they will educate their children and the rest of their family; and that will make for a better Afghanistan.