Airman shows way for Afghan National Army recruiters

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jennifer Lindsey
  • Air Force Recruiting Service Public Affairs
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNEWS) --  To serve and protect the nation is one of the top three reasons U.S. citizens take the military oath of enlistment, and Staff Sgt. Matt Leas learned firsthand that it is also the top reason Afghans join the 207th Zafar (Victory) Corps.

The 364th Recruiting Squadron systems administrator recently returned from leave following his seven-month deployment at Forward Operating Base Camp Stone, located near the ancient city of Heart, in western Afghanistan. While there, he served on an Air Force "in lieu of" assignment with the U.S. Army 207th Regional Security Advisory Command from July 2006 to February 2007, to help alleviate the operations tempo for Soldiers who train the Afghan National Army 207th Victory Corps.

Based on his past experience as a recruiting squadron marketing NCO, Sergeant Leas was embedded with the 207th Victory Corps as a tactical trainer for public affairs and recruiting. His mission: to coach his fellow Afghan Soldiers on recruiting techniques, and how to use positive community and media relations to share their recruiting message with more people through the local television and radio news programs. Proper preparations, in accordance with local customs, were keys to successful visits, the NCO said.

"When we drove up to the village, kids would run up to us from everywhere," he said. "Then the elders would come out and the Afghan soldiers would ask them for their permission to give a recruiting presentation. While the recruiters shared information about joining the Afghan Army, I drank tea and spoke through an interpreter with the village elders, according to their custom. I was the 'friendly face' to the locals and offered advice to the recruiters as they needed it."

In about six months, Sergeant Leas and soldiers of the 207th Victory Corps traveled to about 100 villages, recruiting more than 700 men. In addition, the 207th initiated a historical first program to recruit women into the Afghan National Army. The primary reasons Afghans joined the ANA were similar to those of people who join the U.S. military -- patriotism and employment.

"Recruiting is tough there," Sergeant Leas said. "A few join because it is a paying job, but most join because they have a strong desire to have a hand in rebuilding their country after enduring years of terror."

In recognition of the Airman's exceptional work, U.S. Army Col. Mike Shute, Regional Security Assistance Command commander, awarded him the Meritorious Service Medal.

"I knew his warrior ethos, professional expertise and motivated persona would lead him to great accomplishments in the theater," said Master Sgt. Richard Boyles, the 364th RCS first sergeant.

After a full day of coaching, Sergeant Leas' favorite part of the day was sitting around the evening camp fire with his Afghan counterparts.

"Listening to the soldiers as they talked about their families and personal goals, and knowing that I had a part in helping them achieve their goals felt good," he said. "I got to really experience Afghanistan and learn a lot from its people."

Although members of the 364th RCS supported the NCO's efforts in Operation Enduring Freedom, they were also relieved to hear of his return.

"Sergeant Leas is the type of Airman you want on the front lines and back at home because of he has such an effervescent 'can do' attitude," said Lt. Col. Donald Hale, the 364th RCS commander. "His smile lights up a room, and I'm glad he returned safely to us."

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