US, Afghan air force partner for security drills

  • Published
  • By U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Daryl Knee
  • 16th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (AFNS) --  Airmen partnered with their Afghan air force counterparts  for the pinnacle of a month-long security training sessionNov. 6 through 7.

After classroom lessons regarding the laws of armed conflict and weapons discipline, the soldiers of the Kandahar Air Wing Security Kandak, a squadron-level unit, began their field work with Humvee familiarization.

"These guys are super-motivated," said Capt. Matthew Kowalski, from the 443rd Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron/NATO Training Command - Afghanistan. "If I came out here one day with some parachutes and told them we'd be jumping out of a plane, they'd shout and push to be first in line."

As mentors, it is Captain Kowalski and his team's job to assess skill levels and foster steady, measured growth. So, instead of directly teaching quick-response tactics, the mentors took turns riding in a Humvee with an Afghan driver and practicing dismount procedures.

Tech. Sgt. Michael Smith, a 443rd AEAS adviser, said he said he wants the AAF members to be aware of their surroundings all of the time, so when the time comes to act, they will be ready.

"We are good soldiers," said Afghan air force Sgt. Shed Didther, from the KAW Security Kandak. "And this training helps us get ready to take over outside these walls."

By the time the security team began dismount training, a small crowd of other Afghan soldiers had formed. Among the onlookers was Afghan Air Force Capt. Sher Afzel, Security Kandak deputy commander, who expressed his pleasure with the improvement he has seen in his troops.

"I hope we and the coalition forces have this same partnership forever," Captain Afzel said. "Not just for the present situation, but forever, always.

"We're not in the position we're supposed to be," he continued, "but we're going forward."

One of the advisory squadron's priorities is to push the junior soldiers to be as professional and technically proficient as the NCO or officer corps, Captain Kowalski said. As a motivation tool, the security drills reinforce feelings of importance and self-worth - ideals the force once lacked.

"Of course, these guys can work gate security," the captain said. "Our mission is to be able to provide training to make them a self-sustainable air force. Essentially, we're trying to put ourselves out of a job."

When teaching, the mentors take the time to get the Afghan NCOs interested and motivated, said Master Sgt. Chris Edgerton, a 443rd AEAS adviser. Once trained, the idea is for those people to go on to train junior members until the air force reaches that sought-after sustainability.

"We've got a good group here," Sergeant Edgerton said. "It's definitely rewarding; we create strong relationships not only with the leadership, but with the NCOs and the junior soldiers."

The feelings of friendship and commitment are shared by many throughout the Security Kandak, he said, but the point was driven home by their lead Afghan enlisted soldier.

"Specifically for the mentors here, I respect that they came from far away to help," said Afghan air force Sgt. Sayeed Mohammad, the KAW Security Kandak NCO in charge. "We've done a great job by ourselves, and we've done even better once they got here."