OMLT Mentors the Afghan National Army at FOB Bostick

KUNAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – As the Afghan National Army private squeezed the trigger on his M-16, he inadvertently closed his eyes as the weapon recoiled causing his round to stray off target.

Fortunately, U.S. Army Sgt. Wade G. Trigger, of Carsonville, Mich., an infantryman with the Operational Mentor and Liaison Team at Forward Operating Base Bostick, was observing. Wade provided immediate feedback to the ANA soldier, helping him improve his marksmanship June 21

The OMLT program is a Northern Atlantic Treaty Organization-International Security Assistance Force initiative aimed at improving the capacity of the ANA by deploying small teams to work with ANA forces.

“We assist them by helping them understand the tactics, techniques and procedures used by coalition forces as well as helping to mentor them as a unit to help them become more effective,” said U.S. Army Maj. Robert S. Walker, of Williamston, Mich., the OMLT operations officer, Task Force Bandit.

In addition to their combat and medical training, the OMLT at FOB Bostick has coordinated drivers training, vehicle and generator mechanic training, and radio communications training for the ANA soldiers.

The ANA has improved their logistic capabilities under the OMLT by training and working in the Combined Tactical Operations Center.

“The combined TOC has grown from one ANA representative to two ANA, two Afghan Border Police and two Afghan National Police,” said Master Sgt. James L. Light, of Holly Springs, Miss., the operations sergeant major with 1st Squadron, 32nd Cavalry Regiment.

“Coordination throughout the battlefield has improved immensely with the Afghan National Security Forces being in the TOC,” said Light. “It has cut our reaction time down by 45 minutes.”

Working in the TOC, the Afghan National Security Forces have developed a better understanding of the importance of tracking their elements on the battlefield.

“When we go out on mission, we will know exactly where our members are,” said ABP Sgt. Haya Khan. “This helps us to properly identify friendly and enemy forces on the battlefield.”

“The ANA have made noticeable progress in their training,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Kurt M. Kehoe, of Escanaba, Mich., the OMLT deputy commander. “They don’t quite need as much support. They have developed over the years and their logistics systems are a bit more defined and developed now.”