ETT leads ANSF to solidarity

 

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan--  Although the brunt of American and Coalition forces are used to assisting Afghan Forces during many operations, the Afghan National Security Forces still require mentorship to help solidify the respect and acceptance of the Afghan people.

Embedded Tactical Trainers are Soldiers whose primary goals are training and coaching Afghan National Army and Police in-and-out of operations.

“Our biggest job is showing ANSF what right looks like,” said Army Maj. Chris P. Guziec, district commander for the ANP ETT.

“We take what they think is right and mold it into something that is workable,” said Guziec, an Army National Guard Soldier from Buffalo, N.Y.  “This helps them better understand the steps to take and the reason for the changes.”

Guziec said this type of training requires flexibility for both groups, along with consideration for Afghanistan’s cultural and religious foundation.

“We are the ANP’s mentors; making sure they are being professional at their jobs and not exploiting their power,” said Army Cpt. Jason E. Knueven, district team chief for the ANP ETT.

Knueven, a National Guard Soldier from Lemars, Iowa, said he notices positive changes in each of the missions he oversees.

The most recent mission involved the ANA and ANP securing several villages and searching houses based on intelligence gathered by coalition forces and ANSF.

“They were being professional at their job,” Knueven said. “They weren’t going in and stirring up the houses.  The people took it really well because the ANSF were doing it the right way.”

Even those working with the ANSF in operations and exercises see improvement in their proficiency.

"It’s a slow process and a gradual process, but I definitely see an improvement in the way they plan and execute missions and control their forces,” said 1st Lt. Brian M. Kitching, 2nd Platoon Leader, Company B, 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division.

“The local populace needs to be able to build that trust with its own military and police,” said Kitching.  “ANA and ANP working to catch the bad guys will do that.”

Kitching said the ANSF has to do more than catch bad guys to earn the trust and respect of the Afghan people.  Civilians need to know they can rely on their military and police to protect them.

“The good people want the bad people out too, but they have to trust the people searching their homes,” said Knueven.  “Our presence helps ensure their guys are not tempted to do anything other than act professionally.”

 

 

An Afghan National Army soldier searches a vehicle at a checkpoint during Operation Jam Morad, Sept. 12, in Ghazni Province, Afghanistan. Operation Jam Morad, an Afghan National Security Forces-led operation, involved four towns in Ghazni Province suspected to contain weapons. (US Army photo by Spc. Nathan W. Hutchison)

An Afghan National Army soldier checks an area of recently disturbed soil searching for possible hidden weapons or explosives during Operation Jam Morad, Sept. 12, in Ghazni Province. (US Army photo by Spc. Nathan W. Hutchison)

Contact Information – CJTF-82 Public Affairs Office Tel – 0093-799-063-013

DSN: 318-431-7852

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

< Prev		Next >