Wardak security improves with AP3

WARDAK PROVINCE, Afghanistan – The security situation in Wardak province is improving with the help of an initiative known as the Afghan Public Protection Program.

“The effectiveness of the AP3 in Jalrez district resulted in an increase in security and led to an increase [Government Islamic Republic of Afghanistan] governance effectiveness in Jalrez, Maydan Shar and Nerkh districts. The Jalrez security improvement was noted by Time Magazine in an article about the program June 2010,” said, U.S. Army Lt. Col.  Matthew McFarlane, the 1-503rd Battalion commander of the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team.

The International Security Assistance Force started a program that recruited young men to serve as “guardians” for their villages after participating in a three-week training program. The guardians would secure key community sites, roads, bridges and buildings. They carry AK-47 rifles for protection, however they do not have arrest authority. They operate out of checkpoints throughout Wardak province.

“Recruiting slowed for a short time before Haji Ghulam Mohammad volunteered to serve as the program commander. He influenced many more recruits to join the program in winter and spring 2010, filling the program to almost 1,200 guardians,” said McFarlane. 

“The program helped recruit fence sitters and former low-level insurgents to support GIRoA. Recently, the program has lost some guardians due to some logistics and pay issues. Task Force Bayonet continues to work to improve deficiencies identified as the pilot program grew, and is trying to promote the idea of an improved management structure for the organization, a pay increase for the guardians and some improved weapons to provide a better defense,” he added.

“The guardians have made tremendous sacrifices and are doing their part for the people of Afghanistan,” said U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. John Bagby, the command sergeant major for the 1-503rd Infantry Regiment, of the 173rd ABCT. “This program has brought better security to the doorsteps of the people who they protect, and although there have been setbacks, they continue to work to ensure continued progress in the areas they patrol.”

“AP3 members are locating and clearing [improvised explosive devices] independently of U.S. assistance in an effort to control their own areas,” added U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Dennis Woods, 4-319th AFAR, Task Force King command sergeant major.

“We are confident that the security improvements that our Afghan partners are making in Wardak will result in lasting improvements for the citizens in the province,” said Woods.

Recently, Afghanistan exported agricultural products for the first time in almost 30 years, an accomplishment partially credited to the increased security provided by AP3 and other Afghan organizations, Woods said.

“Compare the turning point in Iraq with the turning point in Afghanistan. The Afghan AP3 is very similar to the Sons of Iraq in that it represents a rise in local control,” he added.