NATO weapons modernize ANA

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (February 23, 2009) - Coalition Forces are outfitting the Afghan National Army by providing hundreds of weapons and dozens of up-armored humvees through the NATO Force Modernization Project.

The ANA 203rd Thunder Corps will receive hundreds of weapons including M-16 rifles, M-249 squad automatic weapon, M-203 grenade launchers and M-240B machine gun. They will also receive approximately 40 up-armored humvees by the time the fielding is complete.

“The program is intended to help modernize the 203rd Thunder Corps force,” said Army Lt. Col. David Viggers, coordinator for 203rd Thunder Corps’ up-armored humvees and NATO weapons issue. “We are trying to bring them up to our standard. Then, they’ll be better suited to accomplish the mission here.”

The AK-47 assault rifle is currently the firearm issued to most ANA soldiers, but a few have started fielding the more accurate M-16 rifle.

Coalition forces are assisting ANA soldiers by training the trainers and helping to develop training regiments for the other Afghan soldiers.

So far the transition between weapons has been smooth.

“They are receiving the new equipment quite well,” said Viggers. “From most of the soldiers I have talked with, once they get to know the M-16 rifle, they learn to accept it and like its capabilities.”

Some of the ANA soldiers have already become proficient with the M-16 rifle.

“We have some really good shooters here,” said Viggers.

The Afghan soldiers are learning to drive and maneuver the up-armored humvees.

The most lauded feature of the up-armored humvees is its capability to withstand most IEDs.

“They appreciate the added protection the up-armored humvees bring,” said Viggers.

“The drivers are picking the training up pretty quickly.”

However, the force modernization program does not accept all applicants.

Soldiers are hand-selected and receive a battery of medical exams, said Navy Lt. Cmdr. Denise Grechas, surgeon medical mentor for the 203rd Thunder Corps.

Exams include blood pressure, heartbeat, vision and a visual search for any physical deficiencies. Immediately following the exams, the selected soldiers receive a few rounds of immunizations. The medical in-processing can take up to two days.

The soldiers who pass, are then tracked in the medical system and begin training shortly thereafter.

If a soldier has poor eyesight, a pair of glasses is ordered for him.

Grechas believes getting glasses for the soldiers is an added benefit of the fielding program. Obviously, the ANA soldiers need to see where to shoot and drive, but the glasses help them in daily life as well, said Grechas.

Once the medical exams are completed, ANA soldiers begin their training. However, medical care is not forgotten. Health and sanitation is of paramount concern, which is why the 203rd Thunder Corps has produced picture pamphlets on sanitation.

A healthy corps is integral for its effectiveness, said Grechas.

A safe and stable Afghanistan is a goal of the 203rd Thunder Corps and the Coalition forces involved in this program.

“I think it will be rewarding to see them take a step forward as far as the modernization of their military and [to see] the effect it’s going to have on the Afghan population if we can help secure the country quicker,” said Viggers.