Eastern Afghan leaders, citizens, and soldiers work together for change

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (SEPT 26) – Afghan civilians, leaders, and soldiers worked together along with International Security Assistance Force soldiers to make their villages and districts safer and more secure in the Kunar province.

Afghan National Security Force elements from the 3rd Kandak, Afghan National Army, and ISAF service members from the United States Army’s Task Force Lethal, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, work with each other to build on the stability and security of villages, towns, and cities in districts across Kunar province and beyond.  Increasingly, they find themselves receiving help from some friendly faces.

An Afghan citizen from the Sarkani district turned in six TC-6 Anti-Tank Mines and three MK-7 Mines to the Manogai district center, Sept. 16.

The Manogai district sub-governor led soldiers from Task Force Lethal to the district center, and the soldiers safely removed and disposed of the mines.

The local citizen was rewarded under the Small Rewards Program, which provides incentives to Afghans who turn in weapons and ordnance and provide tips and information on insurgent activity.  The program has seen a steady increase in positive results as Afghan citizens continue to take a proactive approach to regaining the safety of their villages and districts.

In the Dara Noor district, members of 1st Platoon, Company C, 2-12th Inf. Reg., trained Afghan National Army soldiers from Weapons Company, 3rd Kandak, on the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon and long-range rifle marksmanship on Combat Outpost Able Main, Sept. 15.

The training covered the fundamentals of use and maintenance for the M249 SAW as the TF Lethal soldiers taught ANA soldiers how to disassemble, clean, and reassemble the weapon. ANA long-range marksmen were taught fundamentals of firing, zeroing, and the proper use of the wind and elevation adjustments.

In the neighboring Pech district, Afghan National Army soldiers from 2nd Company, 3rd Kandak, and Soldiers from Task Force Lethal, conducted a joint traffic control point to prevent the movement of weapons and wanted insurgents in the Pech River valley, Sept. 14.

The ANA and ISAF service members exchanged ideas and the ANA learned new techniques while practicing the skills they already have. This mission is just one of many that focus on building and improving the Afghan security forces that stabilize the area and ensure the safety of Afghan citizens.