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In June and July, however, coalition forces in the area saw the most anti-coalition activity of the year, Nazario said. Between the months of June and September, Forward Operating Base Baylough took fire from 48-107 mm rockets, 39-60 mm mortars and numerous rocket-propelled grenades. Since the area was made safer for coalition forces, Nazario's soldiers have helped to open two schools and a district headquarters for the Afghan National Police, and worked to train police and Army National Army soldiers. "For (our platoon of Afghan National Army), we started from basic training, like for any U.S. soldier," Nazario said. Before the Afghan National Army soldiers started to patrol with Nazario's squad, they were taught about weapons systems and movement through the field, Nazario said. From then on, they became a consistent part of the coalition security element, he said. "If the [Afghan National Army] and [Afghan National Police] have the logistical support they need from the government, they'll be good to go," Nazario said. Nazario said he hopes Zabul Province continues to receive support from the coalition and the local government as he and his soldiers head back to Forward Operating Base Baylough to continue peacekeeping operations. "(The people) can sleep relaxed and not worry about Taliban coming in and harassing them," he said. "The government's here to help them out, and if they ever need us, we're just a few kilometers away." |
