Afghan airmen begin law enforcement patrols

  • Published
  • By Capt. Jamie Humphries
  • 438th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
KABUL, Afghanistan (AFNS) --  Afghan air force security forces members initiated the first-ever law enforcement patrols on the AAF compound in Kandahar recently.

Working with advisers from the 738th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group and with a goal of providing security on the AAF compound, the Afghan military police team began their routine law enforcement mission.

Officials said the patrols were initiated by base leadership and explained the unit is rapidly closing in on becoming the first fully operational security force unit in the AAF.

Not only will the patrol units be responsible for enforcing AAF rules and regulations, they are also enforcing and correcting AAF uniform standards and providing corrective actions, said security forces advisers.

Currently, there are nine law enforcement soldiers with a company NCO and one officer in charge of operations.

"This event is a huge step in the (Kandahar Air Wing) security forces becoming the first fully operational security forces unit in the Afghan air force," said Master Sgt. Terry Gilbert, of the 738th AEAG. "The law enforcement section was planned, coordinated and implemented almost entirely independently. KAW security forces leadership knew what their squadron was lacking, found a way to make it happen and executed the mission once they had the plan in place. The fact that they have created a culture where they identify a problem, establish a solution and execute without involvement from advisers is a testament to their ever-growing ability to take on the security of their nation."

Initial patrols took place on the AAF compound at KAW, but officials say they are currently working a plan with the commander of Kandahar Airfield to implement a partnered patrol on the rest of the installation.

Before implementing a plan that will team AAF patrolman with other seasoned security forces professionals, officials say the Afghan airmen will continue to perfect their law enforcement skills through training and day-to-day operations.

"The future for the KAW SF law enforcement is in their hands," Gilbert said. "As they work to acquire equipment, knowledge and so forth, they will continue to become a complete, professional security force."

Although patrols have begun, experts explained teams will continue to train together in an effort to provide a safe environment for both AAF airmen and advisers assigned to the group.

"I am very happy that we were able to implement this huge step in becoming a fully functional, independent air force," said Maj. Sher Afzal, the KAW security forces commander. "We now have an Afghan force responsible for enforcing laws, rules and regulations on Kandahar Air Wing and this is very important, not only for security forces, but for the Afghan air force in general."