Afghan unit learns new area of operation

Written by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Gary A. Witte Saturday, 13 March 2010 02:42

KUNAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – An Afghan National Army unit met with villagers in eastern Afghanistan’s Naray district this week to introduce itself and hear residents’ concerns.

Leaders with the ANA’s 1st Coy, 1st Kandak, 2nd Brigade, headed meetings with elders in the Arzigal and Nangal villages, thereby continuing efforts to bring residents closer to their government.

“They were very friendly,” ANA Lt. Said Rahman, a platoon leader, said after talking with men in Nangal, March 8. “We got acquainted with the elders.”

The unit, which arrived at Forward Operating Base Bostick about a month ago, is working with International Security Assistance Forces to learn more about the area. It has visited three other major villages in the district, including Saw, Shirgal and Kamtali, since its arrival.

U.S. Army Capt. Stoney L. Portis, troop commander for Troop B, 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, Task Force Destroyer, said ANA meetings with the populace are essential. His Soldiers have served as support for the missions.

“We’re working for long-term solutions,” Portis said of the ANA missions. “Their direct involvement is the link between security for the people on behalf of the government and the government’s ability to improve the quality of life for the people.”

During the March 6 meeting in Arzigal, 1st Sgt. Zahoorullah Noori, the ANA unit first sergeant, discussed concerns voiced by the residents. Those who participated in the meeting said residents asked for security forces to be closer to the village – even requesting an observation post be placed nearby.

Portis said the meeting produced results. Just two days later, a pair of elders from the village appeared at the base’s front gate, asking to meet with the ANA about problems in the community.

After the March 8 meeting, Rahman said the villagers described the difficulties they had in receiving support from the Naray district since they are originally from Nuristan province. He said the villagers promised to cooperate with the government and asked for help in the future.

Portis said the missions, which also help the new ANA unit become familiar with the geography of the district, will continue for about another month.

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