Afghan Army Builds on Engineering Skills

Defend America News ^ | Sep 29, 2005 | Capt. Cenethea Harraway

[SandRat]

Two Afghan National Army engineer soldiers demonstrate their new skills as one operates an Italian-made bulldozer and the other gives hand signals. The demonstration was a part of the Afghan National Army engineer training course graduation ceremony. Office of Security Cooperation-Afghanistan photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Victoria Meyer

Afghan Army Builds on Engineering Skills

The training covered heavy engineer machinery operation, force
protection, and natural disaster and relief operations.

By Army Capt. Cenethea Harraway
Office of Security Cooperation-Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan, Sept. 29, 2005 -- The Afghan National Army recently graduated 26 engineers from a six-week training course that built upon their engineering skills at Camp Invictia, on the outskirts of Kabul.

This was the second graduation of Afghan National Army engineers from the course and highlights the ongoing partnership between the International Security Assistance Force and the Office of Security Cooperation-Afghanistan to increase the capabilities of the Afghan Army.

The Multinational Engineer Group of International Security Assistance Force's Kabul Multinational Brigade conducted the training course which consisted of realistic, hands-on training and timely examinations to ensure course objectives were met.

"I have a very good feeling about my profession as an engineer. We can destroy the enemy's bunkers and clear paths for friendly forces. I will go back to my unit and train my soldiers and fellow noncommissioned officers."

Afghan National Army Sgt. Gulrahman

Afghan National Army Brig. Gen. Mohammad Amin Wardak, chief of Education for the Ministry of Defense, told the graduates the training was important to the Afghan Army's success. "This training is vital to sustaining the [Afghan National Army]," he said. "Take the skills learned here from our international friends and use them in your daily tasks.

"The [Ministry of Defense] is committed to providing the necessary machinery to equip all support units," Wardak said.

Italian and Greek instructors presented most of the course instruction, and the students enjoyed the opportunity to train on equipment from three nations -Italy, Greece and the United States.

Training was conducted in phases, starting with learning the basics of operating heavy engineer machinery like excavators and bulldozers.

The following phase covered force protection, with students applying their new skills and using engineer equipment to erect various force protection defenses at the new Afghan National Army compound at the Pol-e-Charkhi range. The intent was to teach the engineers how to operate in a working area and train to defend a forward operating base.

The final training phases focused on horizontal construction and natural disaster and relief operations, using their previous training in a field environment.

An Afghan National Army engineer from the 4th Kandak (Battalion) explains to his commander, Afghan National Army Lt. Col. Aminjan (second from right), the process of building a force protection barrier with concertina wire. Office of Security Cooperation-Afghanistan photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Victoria Meyer

An Afghan National Army engineer renders a salute to Afghan National Army Brig. Gen. Mohammad Amin Wardak, the chief of Education for the Ministry of Defense, as he is presented his graduation certificate. Italian Army Capt. Umberto Cuvzio (right), the chief of Operations for the Multinational Engineer Group, assists as other senior officials from the Afghan National Army and coalition forces look on. Office of Security Cooperation-Afghanistan photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Mason Lowery

"I have a very good feeling about my profession as an engineer. We can destroy the enemy's bunkers and clear paths for friendly forces," said Afghan National Army Sgt. Gulrahman, a platoon sergeant from the 3rd Brigade, 201st Corps' 4th Kandak (Battalion). "I will go back to my unit and train my soldiers and fellow noncommissioned officers."

Afghan National Army Capt. Abdul Mobin demonstrates his new engineering skills as he operates an Italian-made tracked excavator. The demonstration was part of the Afghan National Army engineer training course graduation ceremony. Office of Security Cooperation-Afghanistan photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Victoria Meyer

Afghan National Army Lt. Col. Aminjan, the kandak commander, echoed the sentiments of his noncommissioned officer. "I feel good about the progress of the [Afghan National Army] and we should be able to support the [Afghan National Army] units any time in combat and during deployments," he said.

"We have been trained by [International Security Assistance Force] and coalition forces to clear and destroy the landmines, to work with heavy machinery like bulldozers and excavators, and we know how to build ranges, dig trenches and prepare defensive positions for tanks and other artillery," said Aminjan. "Now, we have the skills to support our units!"

"The engineering course was difficult, but the involvement of coalition forces, trainers and trainees produced good results," said Italian Army Lt. Col. Walter Corvaglia, the MNEG commander. Corvaglia said that due to the successful coalition partnership, the training will be repeated in October for the next class of Afghan National Army engineers.

[SandRat]

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[PatriotGirl827]

Cool story! I love to read this stuff.

[E.G.C.]

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