International Security Assistance Force

Issue 52 December 2008

MIRROROFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF ISAF

ANA Training center opens at Camp Marmal Page 6

Panjsher paves way for Afghanistan’s move to green power Page 20

Command Sergeant Major’s holiday message Page 22 COMISAF Intent MIRROR n full partnership with the in support of Afghan National growing institutions of the Security Forces against the IIslamic Republic of Afghan- insurgents’ strategy and oth- istan, and within the means ers who forcibly oppose the allocated by NATO and the progress of this campaign. many nations supporting the We will assist in demonstrat- mission, ISAF demonstrates ing the growing capacity of NATO’s commitment to the ANSF to meet the GIRoA’s security, reconstruction security challenges, and will CONTENTS and the extension of govern- operate in such a way as to ance in Afghanistan. Further, demonstrate respect for the ISAF demonstrates both the Afghan people and their cul- will and capacity to apply irre- ture in order to effect their di- sistible force by, through, and rect support of our endeavor. ISAF Mission Conduct military operations in the assigned area of operations to assist the Government of Afghanistan in the establishment and maintenance of a safe and secure environment with full en- gagement of Afghan National Security Forces, in order to extend Gen. David D. McKiernan government authority and influence, thereby facilitating Afghani- Commander, ISAF stan’s reconstruction and contributing to regional stability.

ISAF operations are divided among five regional commands: Editorial Staff: Regional Command Capital (approx strength 5,900) Royal Navy Captain Mark Windsor •HQ ISAF in Kabul (Composite) Chief, Public Affairs •HQ RC-C in Kabul (FRA) Regional Command South (approx strength 23,800) US Navy Lieutenant Dave Hecht •HQ RC-S in Kandahar (CAN) Chief, Multipurpose Public Affairs Regional Command West (approx strength 2,500) Editor •HQ RC-W in Herat (ITA) (approx strength 4,300) US Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Regional Command North Aramis X. Ramirez •HQ RC-N in Mazar-e-Sharif (DEU) Layout and Design Regional Command East (approx strength 16,400) •HQ RC-E in Bagram (USA) Contributors: US Air Force Techical Sergeant Laura Smith Writer/Photographer

US Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Monica R. Nelson Writer/Photographer Front Page: Back Page: Photo by: Photo by: US Marine Corps Corporal U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd John Rafoss Class Aramis X. Ramirez Class Aramis X. Ramirez Writer/Photographer

2 ISAF MIRROR DECEMBER 2008l MIRROROFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF ISAF CONTENTS Pages 4-5 Regional Command Capital

Pages 6-7 Regional Command North

Pages 8-9 Regional Command South

Pages 10 Refugee camp survivor works to save others

Pages 12 ISAF Visit to Indira Ghandi Children’s Hospital

Page 14 Regional Command East

Page 16 Regional Command West

Page 18 Training camp prepares ANA troops

Pages 20 Nation in the spotlight: Turkey

Page 22 Eye on Afghanistan

ISAF Mirror is a Headquarters International Security Assistance Force Public Affairs product intended for the information and entertainment of ISAF and associated person- nel. Though articles have been edited, opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policies of NATO, Joint Forces Command Headquarters Brunssum or ISAF. The Mirror is published every two months (March, May, July, September and December) and distributed among the regional commands. View it online at www.nato.int/isaf. Submissions to ISAF Mirror should be related to ISAF operations; however, other articles may run based on their appeal to an international military audience. Articles should be sent in Microsoft Word format and photos should be at least 4.5 cm at 300 dpi resolution. Include identifying information of authors. E-mail submissions to richard.hecht@ hq.isaf.nato.int. The deadline for submissions is the 25th day of the month prior to publication. To contact the editor, call DSN 318 686 2466 or e-mail [email protected]

www.nato.int/isaf ISAF MIRROR DECEMBER 2008 3 Regional command + capital

n Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Army sol- diers deployed to the International Security Assistance Force patrol around Kabul on Oct. 1. --photo by U.S. Marine Corps Corporal John Rafoss Doing their part Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia* troops help take

*Turkey recognizes the Republic of control of ISAF headquarters force protection Macedonia by its constitutional name

u.s. marine corps corporal john rafoss “The [citizens of the former Yugo- little bit scary, but now we are very used ISAF HQ Public Affairs slav Republic of Macedonia] are here be- to them and they are normal thing. The cause we joined the coalition forces and work is hard here, it is not easy. We pproximately 130 soldiers want to make a contribution in building work 24 hours a day, seven days a week. from the former Yugoslav democracy and peace in Afghanistan,” It’s hard work, but it is very responsi- ARepublic of Macedonia, said Capt. Vasil Mitevski, an engineer ble. We have to give 100 percent at all 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion, 1st officer. times.” Mechanized Infantry Coy, 1st Mecha- “We are an infantry unit, but we are “We have good cooperation with nized Infantry Brigade, have been de- here for peace keeping operations and the people of Kabul,” added Mitrushev, ployed to ISAF Headquarters since July keeping the peace in Afghanistan,” said a native of St. Nicholas, former Yugo- 10. Mitevski, a native of Valandovo, former slav Republic of Macedonia. “Some The soldiers are helping ISAF in Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. of the people know us and call us by assisting the Afghan government in ex- The soldiers conduct mechanized name when we patrol in their neighbor- tending and exercising its authority and and foot patrols around the city of Ka- hoods.” influence across the country, creating bul. They also provide a quick reaction The citizens of the former Yugoslav the conditions for stabilization and re- force, a general security platoon, and Republic of Macedonia of today are just construction. security to the front and back gates of as brave and professional as the soldiers The mission of the soldiers during Camp ISAF. of their forebears who, for generations, their six-month deployment is to pro- “This is my first time in Afghani- had been trained in the hard school of vide force protection and security to stan,” said Cpl. Ivan Mitrushev, a ma- danger and war. the ISAF headquarters 24-hours a day, chine gunner. “I like being in Afghani- But this time they are not here for seven days a week. stan. In the beginning, patrols were a glory, but for peace. 4 ISAF MIRROR DECEMBER 2008l View from above Members of the Geospatial Shop at ISAF headquarters work hard to show a map is more than just a map

Cortes. “Then there are Regional Commands, then under the RC’s are the Provincial Reconstruction Teams, the Task Forces, and spe- cial elements. We are also the li- aison element with Afghanistan’s mapping agency. We have provided them some training and we try to co- ordinate their production for some needs we have, like understanding their city names.” “In Afghanistan, you can call a village three different names,” con- tinued Cortes, “and all of them are correct. But the problem is, you put one name on one map and a differ- ent name for the same place on an- other map, and we are going to have a problem, especially in the auto- matic system. If you try to create a database with the different names, for example using two u’s when you spell the city name, and then the next time you write the same city n Staff members of the Geospatial Shop at ISAF headquarters perform quality assurance on maps they had printed out for distribution to various sources on Oct. 27. --photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Monica Nelson name you use two o’s, for the auto- matic system, they will be two differ- ent places.” u.s. navy petty officer 1st class monica nelson terrain analysis for them, and we Romanian Army Lt. Col. Lawren- ISAF HQ Public Affairs made some 3D movies to help find ciu Mandocescu placed an order for “ ou have to understand the out the best way for them to fly. They maps Oct. 27 and plans on using one terrain you are fighting didn’t end up flying, they ended up of the maps he receives from the ge- Yon,” said German Army taking the parts over the road, but ospatial shop in his preparation for a Master Sergeant Bjoern Ehlenberger, we showed them what our shop, our Presidential and Provincial Council production manager in the Geospa- team, was able to do.” Election 2009 brief with ISAF CJ-5 tial shop at International Security “Everybody needs maps for plan- about the upcoming election. Assistance Force citing the impor- ning and operations,” said Spanish Geospatial Operator German tance of maps in the fight against the Army Major Miguel Cortes, ISAF Master Sergeant Jenoe Heidrich insurgency. Chief Geospatial Officer. Receiving produced the maps for Mandocescu. ISAF’s geospatial shop recently about 10 to 15 requests a day, the “They want to have one map for demonstrated its broad range of geospatial shop uses from one to the upcoming voting registration skills when part of the bridge for two plotter rolls of 30 meter paper and one from the previous voting Bala Murghab, Afghanistan, recent- to support ISAF employees in their registration, 2005,” explained Hei- ly came to an impass in its journey missions. drich. “They want to compare the through Regional Command West. The types of maps requested in a sites, the stations, how many they “This was an ISAF project where job order vary from terrain analysis, had in the previous and how many they support the Afghan people with special, rescue, satellite imagery, they have now.” a bridge over a big river,” explained and the standard map versions of “Also, we want to send the map Sergeant Ehlenberger. the country as produced by the Af- to the Independent Electoral Com- “They transported the parts of ghan nation. Eighty percent of the mission in Kabul,” said Mandocescu. the bridge on the road, but they got satellite images used to make the “This commission prepares the elec- stuck in RC West. They tried to get maps have been updated within the tions and deals with the voter regis- some information from us on how last two years. tration process. We at ISAF want to they could fly the parts from one “We at ISAF are the top of the help this commission have a secure town to another town. We did some geospatial pyramid here,” explained election in 2009.” www.nato.int/isaf ISAF MIRROR DECEMBER 2008 5 Regional command + NORTH

northern exposure German-led Police Training center is to give more police knowledge Center was opened follow- where it is needed,” said Achim Schmitz, Aing a ribbon cutting cer- the detective superintendent of the Ger- emony hosted by German Ambassador man Police Project Team [GPPT] here. Verner Lauk and Muhammed Atta, the The amount of time needed for train- Balkh Province Governer, in Mazar-e ing depends on the type of training that is Shrif, Afghanistan Oct. 14. needed for a certain team, he added. German Police at the new center will There are currently ANP training as assist in the training of Afghan National Quick Reaction Forces, which are learn- Police, Afghan Border Police as well as ing anti-riot techniques to help with high story and photos officers in the Criminal Investigation De- riot areas that are near the borders, said submitted by partment, and the center can currently Achim. In the two week QRF Training accommodate up to 200 ANP at one there are three teams with 35 students . Regional Command North time. “We are trying to teach them basic Public Affairs “The objective of the training at the police training skills,” said Lt. Kurosch

6 ISAF MIRROR DECEMBER 2008l Camp Marmal becomes the home of the new German-led northern exposure training center for the Afghan National Army Moayad, a training expert here and a po- “In order to be a police officer you easier for the nationals here to train ver- lice officer with the Niedersachsen police have to be able to speak to the people sus trying to get to Kabul where the main department in Germany. “We also want and communicate with confidence.” He police training academy is located.” to teach them field style first aid so they said. “One technique we use is mak- “A lot of the students do not have will know what to do if they are ever in ing them do a report on what they have a solid education and are very idepend- a situation where someone is shot or learned the prior day every morning in ent,” said 1st Lt. Thorsten Schwarz the something.” front of the rest of the students, and also ANP training expert team leader, and First we give them a training class at the last part of the day.” police officer with the Saarland police then the rest of the time we practice The German Police eventually want department in Saarland Germany. “We hands on with them, he added. to give the training over to the Afghans, hope to aim the training toward teach- “Another thing that is really key in and allow them to train their own po- ing them to work as a team in their eve- breaking through to them is trying to lice. ryday life as well as in there police work build their self confidence,” said Moayad. “Next year the plan is to expand the and build the confidence that is needed “Some of them are very shy and need to training center and actually make it an to create a better, solid police force for learn how to speak up.” Academy,” said Achim. “This will make it Afghanistan.”

www.nato.int/isaf ISAF MIRROR DECEMBER 2008 7 Regional command + SOUTH

HERE TO TRAIN French mentoring teams travel southern afghanistan training the future of the country’s military forces story and photos by u.s. marine corps corporal John Rafoss

8 ISAF MIRROR DECEMBER 2008l n International Security As- corps headquarters. The teams de- sistance Force Operational ploy for at least six months in order to AMentoring and Liaison Team build enduring relationships with the (OMLT) has been operating out of ANA and maximize mentoring effect. Uruzgan Province since Aug. 16. “We like to go into the villages Approximately 60 members of and show ourselves to the people and the French Marine Corps and the show them we are present,” said an French Foreign Legion have been ANA soldier who is being trained by training the Afghan National Army in the French. “I enjoy it a lot. We are weapons drills, mine detection, medi- happy to work with the French. They cal techniques, signal training and are polite and nice people.” daily life duties. Maj. Pierre Andre Poutout, a “We are training the Afghan sol- French Foreign Legion doctor, has diers to be self-sufficient in operations been teaching medical technical skills and to help improve the security of to some of the ANA medics. this region,” said Lt. Col. Eric Berthi- “My ANA medics are great guys aux, French OMLT commanding of- and they want to learn a lot,” said ficer. “It is a very interesting mission Poutout. “They are very motivated and it is a good challenge for us.” and are very interested in our country The French are help- and language. It is interesting to work ing ISAF in assisting the with them. They listen to what we tell Afghan government to them.” extend and exercise its Besides training, the French have authority and influence been living with the ANA and accom- across the country, cre- panying them on combat missions. ating the conditions for Working together while conducting stabilization and recon- aggressive patrols and defensive work struction. trying to root out the insurgents has Part of the ISAF led to a close and fruitful partner- OMLT Program, which ship. is aimed toward devel- “We are doing good mentoring oping the ANA, OMLT’s and living close to the Afghan sol- are comprised of 12- diers,” said Berthiaux. The level of the 19 people who embed [Afghan soldiers training] is improv- with ANA battalions, ing day by day, because they want to brigades, garrisons and progress and improve themselves.” www.nato.int/isaf ISAF MIRROR DECEMBER 2008 9 U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Monica Nelson sits down with one refugee camp survivor who has made it his mission to aid those with similar life challenges

10 rising ISAFABOVE MIRROR DECEMBER 2008l n Air Force Chaplain Christian Biscotti meets with Wakil as they plan out the refugee camp mission that took place on Oct. 31 at the Des- tille Gardens of the ISAF headquarters in Kabul. --photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Monica Nelson

orn in Krialam in the Lowgar province, Afghan native Ab- sonal touch that only a helping hand and a smile with genuine eyes dul Wakil, spent 15 years of his life in a Pakistan refugee can give. Bcamp. He knows about food rations, knows the struggles As Wakil continues to serve refugees like the one he once was, of a community of families to raise their children on impure water he remembers his past in the Pakistan refugee camp. and hoping they do not catch malaria. He knows about the loss of “We were all depending on others,” said Wakil. “When they family members. would come, we would get something. If not, that was it.” “Since being in the refugee camp with many Afghans, I had a Barek Aub, a land allocation camp of internally displaced people dream that I could see Afghans happy, see Afghan people going to near Bagram, Afghanistan, represents a camp that has benefited di- school, Afghan girls going to school, families living in their own hous- rectly from the cooperation between Afgan natives, like Wakil, and es,” said Wakil. “This was the biggest encouragement for me to could the country’s international partners. Since its foundation two years come back and be able someway to help my people.” ago, refugees were living in tents. In the past year, though, funds Today Wakil serves as the Afghan National Director of the non- came in for 350 houses at Barek Aub. governmental organization Sozo International assisting the Afghan “The project is not finished yet because we are being careful people in transformational development of health care, education in making sure the neediest families get their houses first,” Wakil and economic initiatives. noted. “We are careful because this project is for widows and the “Sozo International is all about partners, and no one can do the disabled, not for everybody.” whole thing by themselves. We need partners. Some are an expert Funds also supported the building of a school which 2000 chil- on one side, and some are an expert on another side. But when dren share, a comprehensive health center where a daily medical we work together, we become friends and are able to help a lot of clinic runs and a well that provides water to the camp. Each month people,” said Wakil. Wakil organizes food distribution, too. Help for the Afghanistan people continues to come from gen- “I love the people of Afghanistan, and I love our partners,” he erous contributors around the world, and some much closer to said. “I was born for this. I will do it because the people of Afghani- home. stan are in need. We had 30 years of war. As Afghanistan is moving Through a connection at Camp Eggers in Kabul, Afghanistan, toward democracy and an independent government, and the people Wakil and his team from Sozo International were introduced to have a right to move around, I chose to help, with my freedom, Chaplain Christian Biscotti of International Security Assistance Force to help my people, no matter which tribe – Pashtun, Tajik, Hazara, (ISAF) Headquarters in Kabul. Biscotti led ISAF’s Volunteer Commu- Uzbek, etc. - I’m here to help. Everything I can, no matter day or nity Relations and Resources (VCRR) group, and he and Wakil set up night.” a meeting to discuss some of the country’s needs. As for the relationship Wakil has built with the volunteer “We [were] in agreement that we would work together for group from ISAF: “I come every day almost three times a day here, Afghanistan,” said Wakil. “[Sozo International’s] agendas, objectives, and I do not get tired of it,” he said about ISAF Headquarters. “I goals and missions were very close and almost matching the mission see how many people really care about the Afghan people and how statement of VCRR,” said Wakil. much people really want to see Afghanistan built faster and that Together – with Sozo International’s other worldwide partners grows my heart every day. I want to just live here. I wish this kind – refugee camps, orphanages, schools and hospitals in Afghanistan of understanding of our country and the feeling these people have have received supplies, equipment, basic necessities, and the per- towards us could go to every Afghan.” I chose to help, with my freedom, to help my people, no matter which tribe... ABOVE www.nato.int/isaf ISAF MIRROR DECEMBER 2008 11 “ ” THEARE BLESSED CHILDREN Members of the Volunteer Community Relations & Resources group spend a morning with the children of Afghanistan’s only pediatric hospital

lthough it was an early morning, mem- sion was Navy Lieutenant Jessica Gandy, one bers of Volunteer Community Relations of the founding members of the VCRR who has A& Resources (VCRR) appeared in high completed 58 missions with the group in the six spirits as they geared up for a goods distribution months she has been deployed to Afghanistan. mission at the Indira Ghandi Institute of Child, Af- “The goal was for each servicemember to ghanistan’s only functioning pediatric hospital on have personal interaction with a child who is in Nov. 4. severe pain,” she said. “I really wanted each per- The group is made up of servicemembers son to look each child in their eyes and show and civilians of the different nations that work them love and hope and that they were cared out of the International Assistance Security Force about. Missions like this always pulls on my (ISAF) headquarters in Kabul. heartstrings. I’ve been at this hospital quite a few Among those who spearheaded the mis- times, and having seen two children die, it’s nice 12 ISAF MIRROR DECEMBER 2008l THE CHILDREN Members of the Volunteer Community Relations & Resources group photos and story by u.s. navy petty officer 2nd class aramis x. ramirez spend a morning with the children of Afghanistan’s only pediatric hospital additional photos by u.s. navy petty officer 1st class monica nelson

to see the children light up; and we don’t have to how blessed we are – speaking from an American speak Dari or Pashtu because love is universal.” point of view – and how much we take advantage The mission also served as a learning experi- of what we have.” ence for those members of the group who had yet Gandy said she plans to have a weekly mis- to visit the hospital like U.S. Army Sergeant Carla sion with VCRR prior to her deptarture at the end Hockaday, who has been an active member of of November to include more hospital visits as the VCRR since her arrival to ISAF in September. well as visits to different shools. “Knowing the country and knowing how the The children’s hospital distribution followed people live, I didn’t expect much, but I was im- an introductory visit to the hospital by Air Force pressed by the facility and how they are able to Chaplain Eric Whitmore, who had a met with work with what little they have,” she said. “It was hospital director Dr. Al-haj Khalilullah only a week a joy playing with the kids and it really shows us prior to the distribution. www.nato.int/isaf ISAF MIRROR DECEMBER 2008 13 Regional command + East

The Power of fghanistan’s first windmill farm began operations Ain the Panjsher province Nov. 13. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held outside the Panjsher gover- nor’s home to celebrate the event. The ceremony was attended by GREEN high ranking Afghan officials, in- Panjsher province’s new wind farm helps Afghanistan cluding the country’s first Vice Presi- dent Ahmed Zia Massoud, who spoke take its first steps into the green power intiative. about the successes of the province, which is known for its untapped natural resources and was home to Afghan national hero Ahmad Shah Massoud, a prominent Mujahideen commander during the Afghan-Sovi- story and photos by et war in Afghanistan. U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Aramis X. Ramirez “It is hoped this project will sig- 14 ISAF MIRROR DECEMBER 2008l n Rear Admiral Matthieu Borsboom, Deputy Chief of Staff for Stability for International Security Assistance Force Headquarters, meets with Afghanistan’s first Vice President Ahmed Zia Mas- soud at the dedication ceremony of Panjsher’s new wind farm on Nov. 13. nify the start of big positive changes, construction Team who operate as of ISAF commander General David not just for this area, but for all of Af- part of the International Security As- McKiernan. Immediately following ghanistan,” Vice President Massoud sistance Force (ISAF) based in Kabul. the ceremony, Rear Adm. Borsboom said. In his speech before the crowd, joined the Honorable Haji Bahlol Ba- The wind farm, which is an eco- Vice President Massoud also further hij, provincial governor of Panjsher friendly hybrid power generation and explained the location choice for Af- for an informal luncheon. distribution system, will generate the ghanistan’s first wind-farm. “Panjsher can be called an exam- main source of power for the Panjsh- “Security will always be a concern ple,” Rear Adm. Borsboom said. “They er Government Compound to which for anything we develop in this coun- have a vision, both short term and it is connected and the immediate try,” Vice President Masood said. “But long term for development and there’s surrounding areas. Panjshir’s geographical location and not enough recognition that goes out The two-year project began in well-established security made this to the hard work of the governor, his April 2007 and was constructed by province a good choice to usher in the staff and the people who reside in the local Panjsher residents under the development we hope to bring to our province. They work together, as Gov- supervision of contractors from Em- country.” ernor Bahij explained, for the contin- power Consultants LTD based out of Rear Adm. Matthieu Borsboom, ued success of the province, and that New Zealand and the assigned mili- ISAF Deputy Chief of Staff for Stabil- shows signs of a promising future for tary members of the Provincial Re- ity, attended the ceremony on behalf all of Afghanistan.” www.nato.int/isaf ISAF MIRROR DECEMBER 2008 15 Regional command + West

n Holfat, 5, was presented to ISAF Regional Command West soldiers after a full recovery from his cleft palette operation on Nov. 9, 2008. --submitted photo w Taking care of their own Regional Command West soldiers coordinate facial operation for local ISAF employee’s son

courtesy West in getting the attention of Dr. ISAF Regional Command West Public Affairs Bovar, who is a native of Herat and a long-time acquaintance of Chaplain olfat Qobatkhel, the five Angelo. Upon his recovery, Shakur year old son of Shakur and Holfat formally thanked all ISAF HQobatkhel, no longer soldiers currently deployed to ISAF suffers from a cleft palette thanks to Regional Command West at a pres- two caring soldiers from the Inter- entation ceremony Nov. 9. national Security Assistance Force “I’m very happy now, because my (ISAF) deployed at Regional com- son is healthy. This has been possi- mand West in Herat. ble thanks to ISAF Italian soldiers”, Italian Corporal Maggiore Scelto Schacur said to the crowd of Italian Gianluca Guzzo and ISAF Regional soldiers. Command West chaplain Don An- ISAF Regional Command West gelo saw the culmination of months Commander, Brigade General Serra, of hard work as Dr. Bovar an Afghan offered his congratulations to Holfat doctor who lives in Canada per- and his family. formed the surgery on Holfat in Sep- “It is ISAF’s aim to help the Af- tember. ghan people to improve their life Guzzo and Angelo had worked standards,” he said. “It is also to al- n Holfat stands with ISAF Regional Command West closely with Holfat’s father, a local low them to achieve basic needs in Chaplain Don Angelo at a thank you presentation on worker for ISAF Regional Command health, education and security.” Nov. 9, 2008. --submitted photo 16 ISAF MIRROR DECEMBER 2008l ISAF PROFILES

n U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Yevsey Golderg sits with a family at a refugee camp in the outskirts of Kabul on Oct. 9, 2008. --submitted photo Gifts from the heart ISAF doctor earns Bronze Star for humanitarian efforts

u.s. navy petty officer 2nd class aramis x. ramirez feeling that kept him going during dren at the hospital, the families [for ISAF HQ Public Affairs the 15 months he spent deployed to which] we distribute thousands of t’s high noon and the sun the International Security Assistance dollars worth of supplies. It such a beats down on a relieved face. Force (ISAF) Headquarters where he self-satisfying feeling to know, and IA face that looks down at the served as the a medical officer at Role hope, that I’ve made a difference, if hands that fiddle with a box of Raffine One as well as a Joint Staff Officer in only in one person’s life.” pencils. U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Yevsey the Combined Joint Medical Advisors Throughout his time at ISAF Goldberg explains the significance of Office. Headquarters, Goldberg filled his a single pencil. Goldberg, who was originally off time with charitable work, which “It’s funny how you can go to Wal- slated for a six-month deployment, included founding Volunteer Com- Mart and buy these without think- extended his tour twice, this after munity Relations and Resources ing,” he said. “Take just this one pen- serving a year in Iraq and promising (VCRR) with four other ISAF person- Taking care of their own cil, and you go to a hospital here in himself to never deploy again. Be- nel. Together, the group worked to Kabul, give it to a child and just look cause of his efforts, he was awarded distribute donated supplies and food at their face as it completely lights up the Bronze Star. to local schools, refugee camps and with joy. That’s a feeling we never get “I just realized the importance hospitals. Goldberg completed close when we go to the store to buy these of the work we do out here,” he ex- to 60 missions with VCRR in less [pencils].” plained. “So many people need help, than seven months. Goldberg, 44, said it was such a and I see it in the faces of the chil- Goldberg will return to his home command at the naval hospital in Jacksonville, FL. He said that al- though he will be back home, he will still do as much work as he can to maintain the relationships he helped build between the people of Afghani- stan and ISAF. “I might take a little break,” he joked. “But I want to help establish a non-profit organization that will con- tinue to help the people of Afghani- stan. Of all the things I love about this country, what I will miss most are the people. I have made some great friends and I will continue to work with them because these peo- ple and this place is something [one does] not forget.”

“ISAF Profiles” features an individual or group for outstanding work in support of the International Security Assistance Force and NATO. To submit the n U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Yevsey Goldberg meets with doctors of the Indira Ghandi Institute of Child premature names of a person or group for consideration, email baby ward in central Kabul on Oct. 29, 2008. --photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Aramis X. Ramirez the Mirror editor [email protected] www.nato.int/isaf ISAF MIRROR DECEMBER 2008 17 Serving the people Military training center prepares troops for ANA service

u.s. air force technical sergeant laura smith ISAF HQ Public Affairs

egular Afghan citizens are transformed into soldiers Ron a daily basis at the Ka- bul Military Training Center (KMTC). KMTC is the main training loca- tion for the Afghan National Army Training Command and the ‘force pro- vider’ for Afghanistan’s national de- fense. The center provides initial Ba- sic Training to recruits and advanced training for Non-commissioned and Commissioned Officers. KMTC is located in 20,000 acres outside Kabul and has more than 8,000 recruits in training at any given n Afghan National Army soldiers return after completing a field training exercise during the Non-commissioned time. The goal of the KMTC is to pro- Officer Academy at the Kabul Military Training Center (KMTC), Nov. 15. The KMTC trains more than 30,000 vide Afghanistan with a skilled army soldiers per year and is the force provider for the Afghan National Army. --photo by U.S. Air Force Technical capable of disarming and dismantling Sergeant Laura Smith illegal factions, fighting terrorism and erating Course at KMTC. “That’s why training grounds, which provides 250 assuring the security and progress for we train our soldiers. Our Army is in mentors from a multinational force. the political process for Afghanistan. a basic state. If we had a good Army French, American, British, Romanian “It is the duty and responsibility we wouldn’t have aggression from Al and Polish personnel assist Afghan of the Army to serve the people and Qaeda and our other enemies.” instructors by providing feedback on maintain the sovereignty, independ- KMTC is supported by the Com- lesson plans and operations but are ence, and borders of our country,” said bined Training Assistance Group, only there to assist; all training is con- Col. Sharif Ahmad, Chief of Staff Op- housed at Camp Alamo within the ducted by Afghan instructors. “There is always an Afghan giving the class,” said Captain Rob Simmons, Long day’s journey Combined Training Assistance Group. “We provide mentors for the instruc- ISAF aids Afghans in annual pilgrimage tors. “If the Afghans are going to stand on their own two feet they need to be u.s. marine corps corporal john rafoss tain Senol Nazikkol, Hajj planner for able to deliver the instruction without ISAF HQ Public Affairs ISAF. any kind of mentorship. Plus Afghans pproximately 45,000 Af- ISAF is prepared to support the listen better to an Afghan. An Afghan ghans started their journey government in activities related to instructor giving his own experience ANov. 12 to Mecca as part of the Hajj to include monitoring, assist- and relating those experiences to the the annual Hajj. ing and responding to requests within lesson he’s giving—students respond The Hajj is an annual Muslim pil- its capabilities, helping to ensure the well to it.” grimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia that event’s success. The training center offers several each Muslim strives to complete at “One of ISAF’s main aims is to in- courses including Basic Training, Ad- least once in a lifetime. crease the positive image of [the gov- vanced Combat Training, Officer Can- The Afghans began leaving for ernment of the Islamic Republic of didate School and Non-commissioned Mecca through Kabul International, Afghanistan] in the eyes of the Afghan Officer Academy. The Basic Training Mazar-e-Sharif, Herat and Kandahar people,” Nazikkol said. course is 10 weeks long and is required International Airports. Helping ensure that pilgrims en- for all new recruits. During Basic “Hajj is the most important reli- joy a smooth departure on their Hajj Training recruits are trained on vari- gious process that the Government is one way that ISAF can do this. ous military topics with the goal be- Islamic Republic of Afghanistan has The Afghans will return from ing the production of soldiers who are to organise,” said Turkish Army Cap- Mecca in January. all “infantry first.” Advanced Combat 18 ISAF MIRROR DECEMBER 2008l n An Afghan National Army soldier prepares an 8-digit grid coordinate while attending the Squad and Platoon Leader course at the Kabul Military Training Center. --photo by U.S. Air Force Technical Sergeant Laura Smith

n A recruit looks over his shoulder during train- n Afghan National Army recruits train on hand gre- ing on hand grenade throwing at the Kabul Military nade throwing at the Kabul Military Training Center Training Center --photo by U.S. Air Force Technical --photo by U.S. Air Force Technical Sergeant Laura Sergeant Laura Smith Smith

Training follows the initial course and Sharif, Herat, Gardez, Kandahar and focuses on the speciality the recruit will Darulaman. three days per week to improve their perform during service. The Officer On challenge the KMTC faces is abilities. Candidate School and NCO Academy the literacy rate among new recruits. “We see 20 to 30 percent of re- concentrate on molding future leaders The soldiers who can read and cruits coming in that are literate” said of the Afghan National Army. More write are assigned positions in the ar- U.S. Army Major Brian Foley, Com- than 30,000 service members train at eas of logistics, medical services and bined Training Assistance Group. “It’s KMTC every year and another 8,000 communications. The soldiers who a struggle right now but that’s a result train at satellite locations in Mazar-e cannot read and write attend training of 30 years of war.” www.nato.int/isaf ISAF MIRROR DECEMBER 2008 19 Nation in the Spotlight Turkey Rebuilding a nation BG Levent Colak leads talks on Operation TOLO, a plan to help shape the future of Afghanistan’s security and reconstruction courtesy ISAF HQ PAO Media Plans

ver the past two months a small ISAF briefing team headed by Othe ISAF CJ-3, Brigadier Gen- eral Levent Colak, has travelled around Kabul presenting the concept of operation for Operation TOLO (“sunrise” in Dari) to various critical Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Ministries. The ISAF briefing team, on behalf of General McKiernan, the ISAF Com- mander, has briefed Ministers, Deputy Ministers, and their staffs from the Min- istry of the Interior (MoI); the Ministry of Defence (MoD); the Independent Directo- rate of Local Governance (IDLG); the Min- istry of Education (MoED); the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock (MoAIL); the Ministry of Energy and Wa- ter (MoEW); the Ministry of Rural Reha- bilitation and Development (MoRRD); the Ministry of Hajj and Islamic Affairs (Mo- HIA); and the Ministry of Finance (MoF). A Day of Celebration The intent of the briefings, to these October 29, 2008 important Ministries, is to provide an overview of Operation TOLO which is predicated on a comprehensive integrated approach designed to bring greater se- curity, reconstruction, and development across Afghanistan. These Ministries will play a vital role in achieving the overall ob- jectives of Operation TOLO. The ISAF delegation has been led by Brigadier General Colak. He has been ac- companied by Dr. Sherwood McGinnis (ISAF Political Advisor), COL Paul P. Cale n Brigadier General Levent (ISAF CJ-35) and LTC Egil Daltveit (ISAF Colak serves a plate of au- J-2). ISAF CJ-9 and the LOC have also thentic Turkish food during provided assistance in facilitating these the Turkish Independence briefings. Day celebration in the Des- tille Gardens of ISAF Head- quarters on Oct. 30. Nation in the Spotlight features an ISAF/NATO --submitted photo country’s efforts in Afghanistan.

20 ISAF MIRROR DECEMBER 2008l A time for peace Command Sergeant Major offers holiday message for ISAF troops

iuniasolua t. savusa ISAF HQ Command Sergeant Major Turkey s we enter the holiday season from our posts across Afghani- Astan, we can easily remember the holidays back home – times of joy, camaraderie and the celebration of time honored traditions. Because we serve our countries, we know that sometimes we do not always get to enjoy those wonderful privileges but we are comforted knowing that our family and friends are safe back at n Command Sergeant Major Iuniasolua T. Savusa home. Here in Kabul and all over Afghan- addresses a group of recipients of the NATO istan, I know that the work our service Service medal in front of the main building of the members are doing is the greatest gift that International Security Assistance Force Headquar- we can give – the gift of bringing freedom ters on Nov. 16, 2008. --photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Aramis X. Ramirez and democracy to those who would other- wise suffer under tyranny and terror. Everyone serving in this theater a diverse set of cultures, but we all share easier. Our families are our greatest treas- knows that we are in a struggle against common values -- our unparalleled cour- ures. Indeed, without their support, we violent, determined extremists. Yet each age, skill, and commitment to victory. could never be successful in our endeavors. and every day our service members fear- We labor to succeed at a difficult mis- I urge you to take advantage of all the lines lessly stand in harm’s way to assist the sion, far from family and friends, under of communication that we have here in Af- Afghan people in their quest for security, difficult living conditions, and facing un- ghanistan to communicate with your loved economic stability, and a viable and stable certain dangers. We do have the advan- ones regularly. Remember, that they are government. At times, these may seem tage of seeing the results of our labors facing struggles and hardships too because lofty and far-removed goals, but when I -- Afghan men, women and children who of the extended separation. So please take look at the countries that form this coali- are able to go about their daily routines a moment to thank them for their contin- tion, I am heartened by the unity of our freely and without fear. Because of the se- ued love and support. effort. Among the coalition, you see coun- curity you enable, these men, women, and I also encourage you to take a moment tries that were formerly divided by war children are able to work to build a peace- to thank your comrades-in-arms who are who today stand united as strong partners ful, prosperous Afghnistan. serving beside you. You should all be able helping to bring safety and security to the I read an anonymous quote recently to depend on each other, just as your home Afghan people. that stuck with me because of its particu- country depends on you. ISAF service members -- be proud lar resonance. It read, “Some people live As Command Sergeant Major, I thank A Day of Celebration of your achievements this past year. You an entire lifetime and wonder if they have you, as do your respective nations, for the have fought hard alongside the Afghan ever made a difference in the world, but hard work and endless sacrifices you con- National Security Forces to make life bet- the soldiers don’t have that problem.” I tinue to make on behalf of the ISAF mis- ter and more secure for the Afghan people. share this quote with you because I know sion and the Afghan people. We may fol- There is still much work still to be done We that we share the pride and satisfaction of low different traditions, different beliefs are in Afghanistan to win a lasting peace, service to our countries and the people of and different religions, but we are all unit- and we will not stop short of this mission. Afghanistan, even if it means being away ed in a cause that is greater than each of us Our success depends on the contributions from our loved ones during the holidays. individually – and for this reason we will of you all: the 70,000 men and women This is not the first holiday season I succeed in this vital mission. God bless from all 40 representative nations. We have spent away from my family, and I you and your families. may come from different countries and know from experience it never gets any Happy Holidays!

www.nato.int/isaf ISAF MIRROR DECEMBER 2008 21 EYE o n AFGHANISTAN

n A child peers over his mother’s shoulders as residents of a refugee camp line up for a distribution of winter supplies by the Volunteer Community Relations and Resources group on Oct. 31, 2008. --photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Aramis X. Ramirez

n Local village children come out to greet members of the International Security Assist- ance Force (ISAF) Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) team assigned to Camp Whiskey. --photo by U.S. Air Force Technical Sergeant Laura Smith

n Spanish Army Captain Santiago Rubio, CH-47 Chinook Helicopter pilot briefs passengers on Camp Arena’s flight line prior to an International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission, Sept. 27, 2008. --photo by U.S. Air Force Technical Sergeant Laura Smith

22 ISAF MIRROR DECEMBER 2008l n U.S. Navy Cmdr. Gregory Harris colors with an Afghan boy in the Indira Ghandi Institute of Child Burn Ward while other service members and civilians assigned to Interna- tional Security Assistance Force Headquarters in Kabul pass out stuffed animals and crayons to other burn victims on Nov. 20, 2008. --photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Monica Nelson

n Italian Army Corporal Paolo Faraone, Task Force Diavoli, performs security at Interna- tional Security Assistance Force (ISAF) For- ward Operating Base Delaram, Oct. 6, 2008. --photo by U.S. Air Force Technical Sergeant Laura Smith n Local village members gather to meet with members of the International Security Assistance Force during a humanitarian mission near Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bala Murghab, Oct. 3, 2008. --photo by U.S. Air Force Technical Sergeant Laura smith

www.nato.int/isaf ISAF MIRROR DECEMBER 2008 23 24 ISAF MIRROR DECEMBER 2008l