Romanian Forces Roll Future on Highway 1

Home , Camp Holland, Highway 1 (Afghanistan), Operation Achilles, Operation Silver (2007), Qarghayi District, Task Force Uruzgan

Building the Romanian Forces roll future on Highway 1

Trade training school assembles skillsets in Uruzgan

n Operation Achilles n International Women’s Day n How surgery changes local boy’s life n News and features from every RC In this month’s Mirror May 2007 Romanian armored per- 4 News sonnel carriers enter n Update on Operation Achilles Highway 1 in Zabul. Cover Photo by Catalin Ovreiu n COMISAF Media Roundtable Carpathian 5 NATO & HQ ISAF Hawks secure n News at press time Zabul ...... 6 RC-Captial turn to page 8. n Erdem takes command

Celebrating Women’s 7 RC-South Day in Qalat (RC-S) n Achilles spurs development Homeward-bound Royal Marines make last charge 8 Romanian Forces n Feature on security role in Qalat and Kandahar 10 Passing on skills n Trade training gives Afghans knowledge to build future 12 Down south n ISAF troops pass out more than candy to local children n Qalat holds Women’s Day 13 Nursing students n Zabul graduates nursing aids/students Women in Qalat, Zabul province, celebrate International Women’s Day with song March n Canines remain top asset in 8. Photo by Captain Kevin G. Tuttle force protection For more on the festivities ...... turn to page 12.

2 May 2007 ISAF MIRROR Contents 14 ANAP training n ISAF troops provide instruction in

Uruzgan The ISAF Mirror is a HQ ISAF Public Information product. Articles, where n Australian reconstruction team possible, have been kept in their origi- nal form. Opinions expressed are those completes tour of the writers and do not necessarily reflect official NATO, JFC HQ Brunssum or ISAF policy. Photo credits are attrib- uted to the authors of the submission, 15 RC-West unless otherwise stated. Submissions can be e-mailed to: n Farah gets new education center; pressoffice@isaf-hq.nato.int new commander Articles should be in MS Word format (Arial), photos should be at least 4.5cm 16 Waheed’s surgery and 300 dpi resolution. The ISAF Mir- ror is published monthly and aims to n Boy finally smiles after skin grafting be available by the first Friday of the month. n New medical center going up For more information, please call the 17 PRT school donations editor at 0799 511230. The electronic version of this magazine n Heat stress and you can be downloaded online at: www.nato.int/isaf 18 RC-East EDITORIAL STAFF n ISAF, Mehtar Lam PRT help flood Lieutenant Colonel Maria Carl Chief, Public Information victims Technical Sgt. James Fisher 19 Celebrating Now Ruz Editor n Volleyball tourney brings in new year Technical Sgt. Michael Voss Assistant Editor n Officials confer on Laghman projects Sgt. Ruud Mol 20 RC-North Photographer n Tornadoes come to Mazar-e Sharif n OMLT gets new commander Back 21 ANA leads MEDCAP cover n Soldiers go to remote area to help

Afghans Villagers in Pol e Khomri. Photo by Sgt. Ruud 20 Compass points Mol n A new portrait for women in RO Forces 3 NATO and HQ ISAF COMISAF holds OP Achilles update: press roundtable 82nd Captures Taliban commander By Technical Sgt. Michael Voss By Sgt. Tony J. Spain es. The 82nd has played a key role in the ISAF Public Information Office U.S. NCE Public Affairs ongoing operation. International Security and Assist- ance Force Commander General Dan KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghani- “Our Paratroopers coordinated a con- McNeill held his first Afghan media en- stan -- At the request of the Islamic Re- voy and night air assault in the Ghorak public of Afghanistan’s government, sol- Valley of the Helmand Province,” said 1st gagement April 10. diers from NATO’s International Security Lieutenant Mathew Catalono. ISAF X Commander’s first media Assistance Force and the Afghan National “The main effort is actually the British; roundtable discussion gave the Afghan Security Forces launched a major opera- we are a supporting effort to help isolate people a face to go with the NATO vi- tion targeting Taliban and drug traffickers and prevent Taliban from escaping,” added sion for Afghanistan. in southern Afghanistan March 6. Along Captain Tom Reinner. He shared experiences of his visits with the RC-South commander’s promise, “This is the largest multi-national com- to the Provincial Reconstruction Teams “Operation Achilles” has been focused on bined ANSF and ISAF operation launched in the North. He described in detail the bringing stability to the region. to date and it signifies the beginning of beauty of the land and cooperation be- “Operations will focus on improving a planned offensive to bring security to tween the Government of Afghanistan security in areas where Taliban extremist, northern Helmand and set the conditions and ISAF. foreign terrorists and narco-traffickers are for meaningful development that will fun- McNeill detailed ISAF’s use of PRT’s trying to destabilize the government of damentally improve the quality of life for to assist the people rebuild the country Afghanistan,” said Major General Ton Van Afghans in the area,” said Van Loon. after decades of war have left much of Loon. Although Achilles’ focus is on improv- the infrastructure in shambles. “We also intend to empower village ing security conditions, its overreaching “There are currently 25 PRT’s in the elders to take charge of their communities purpose is to assist the government of Af- country,” said the 30 year veteran. “It is as they have been doing so in other parts ghanistan to begin reconstruction and eco- my suggestion to NATO that we have of southern Afghanistan, without the influ- nomic development in the area. one PRT in every province in Afghani- ence of Taliban extremists,” he said. “Strategically, our goal is to enable the stan.” The multi-national force operating in Afghan government to begin the Kajaki “We work hard so that our recon- the northern region of the Helmand prov- Project,” said Van Loon,. struction and security efforts go hand ince involves 5,500 soldiers, including 1,000 Van Loon noted the Kajaki multi-pur- and hand,” said the ISAF commander. soldiers from the Afghan National Security pose dam and power house will improve A prime example of this is the suc- Force and up to 1000 Paratroopers from the water supply for local communities, re- cess of the Kajaki Dam, added the the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division. habilitate irrigation systems for farmlands, General. While many objectives have already as well as provide sufficient electrical power Using ISAF forces to secure the area been met, including driving the Taliban out for residents, industries and commerce. around the Dam provides engineers of many areas where they were had previ- On Wednesday, soldiers from the Af- the opportunity to examine mechani- sously attemtped to terrorize local residents ghan National Security Force captured a cal problems, install a new hydro-elec- and stage attacks on ANSF and ISAF Forc- high-ranking Taliban commander and sui- tric generator and up the plant’s electric cide bomb attack facilitator during the sec- production from five to 51 kilowatts. ond day of “Operation Achilles.” COMISAF then turned the forum “Operations will Mullah Mahmood, was arrested at an over to the more than 20 members of focus on improving ANSF check point as he tried to escape the local press. With confidence in the dressed in a burka, a veil worn by Islamic success of the ISAF mission he took in security in areas women here. each question, and fired back answers where Taliban “The capture of this senior Taliban and examples of how the ISAF and Af- ghanistan relationship are turning the extremists, foreign extremist is another indicator that a more normal life is returning to the Zahre and corner against the insurgents. terrorists and narco- Panjwaii districts, and is a testament to the “Just like I and the others who work traffickers are trying great work the ANA is achieving,” said Van at ISAF do our jobs for this country Loon. everyday, so must the people of Af- to destabilize the “Yesterday’s security crackdown in Pan- ghanistan,” he said. government of jwaii is an example of the ultimate goals of He left the journalists with a meta- “Operation Achilles.” With stability pro- phor of an ISAF solider with a shovel in Afghanistan.” vided by the ANA, much needed recon- one hand and an assault weapon in the --Major General Ton VanLoon struction will commence for the people of other: “Either will defeat the enemy,” he 9 southern Afghanistan,” he added. said. “Which would you prefer he uses? Sometimes, it may require both.”

4 ISAF MIRROR May 2007 News at press time NATO & HQ gan province for at least two years. It will NAC visits operate in direct support of ISAF ele- ISAF troops ments. Its role will be to enhance provincial security by disrupting Taliban extremists’ Afghanistan command and control and supply routes. foil ambush These forces will operate under an Austral- From staff reports ian commander working within the ISAF KANDAHAR – ISAF forces in Hel- framework. mand Province attacked and destroyed a NATO officials welcomed the new group of Taliban extremists April 18. The contribution, which underlines Australia’s band were attempting to setup an ambush continuing commitment to supporting the in the area to the North East of Sangin. Afghan government’s efforts to deliver a The attempted ambush involved more stable future for its people. than 20 insurgents supported by 4 vehicles. ISAF forces engaged the insurgents using a combination of troops, helicopters and US, NATO sign close air support. “Since the start of Operation Achil- les, ISAF and ANSF troops have engaged sign KAF memo Taliban extremist forces on more than 250 From staff reports occasions and these operations have been KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – The NAC officals arrive at Kabul successful in eroding the enemy’s ability to NATO Maintenance and Supply Agency International Airport April 16. destabilize the region.” said Major General general manager and the commander of -- Photo by James C. Fidel Tan van Loon, the commander of Regional U.S National Command Element (South) Command South, “This swift ISAF maneu- signed a joint memorandum of under- From staff reports ver is tangible evidence of our commitment standing here in mid-April. (April 19) -- The North Atlantic Coun- to ensure the region’s continued develop- Signing the memorandum were Maj. cil, NATO’s top decision-making body, vis- ment and to stabilize Northern Helmand,” Gen. Karl-Heinz Muenzner and U.S. Army ited Afghanistan April 16-19. The Alliance’s he added. Col. Richard Stephen Williams. It is one Supreme Allied Commander Europe, Gen- of many steps in the official transition of eral John Craddock, and the Chairman of NATO’s Kandahar Airfield, the largest op- the Military Committee, General Ray Hen- erating base in the south, from U.S. man- ault, were part of the contingent accompa- Australia agement to NATO. nying the Council. “In multi-national logistics, cooperation During the visit, the Council – led by is paramount,” General Muenzner said. “It the Deputy Secretary General, Ambassador increases is a significant event when individual na- Alessandro Minuto Rizzo - held meetings tions step back and allow an agency to take with Afghan President Hamid Karzai and commitment care of them.” other key members of the Afghan govern- Transfer of KAF is scheduled to be ment. From NATO staff reports completed this summer. The NAC also coferred with interna- In early April, Australia pledged to sig- tional community representatives from nificantly increase its military contribution the United Nations Assistance Mission in to the NATO-led International Security As- Afghanistan, the European Union, G-8 na- sistance Force in Afghanistan. The decision SHAPE marks tions and non-governmental organizations. was well received by the allies. The increase The Council also met with the Com- clearly illustrates the enduring Australian mander of NATO’s ISAF mission, General commitment to the security, prosperity and 40th at Mons Dan McNeill, and with NATO’s Senior Ci- democratic development of Afghanistan, From NATO staff reports vilian Representative in Afghanistan, Am- officials said. Mons, Belgium – The occasion of bassador Daan Everts. It also traveled to Approximately 400 Australian Defence the 40th Anniversary of SHAPE in Bel- various NATO-led Provincial Reconstruc- Force personnel are already contributing gium was commemorated at a ceremony in tion Teams. to a Reconstruction Task Force in Oruz- SHAPE cinema March 30. It gave officials Before concluding the tour, the Coun- gan province, working closely with Dutch the opportunity to recognize and honour 15 cil held discussions with several Afghan forces to deliver reconstruction and com- long-serving employees who have served at parliamentary committees on matters such munity-based projects. The total Australian SHAPE continuously for those 40 years. as security sector reform, border security, contribution should peak at nearly 1000 in NATO and SHAPE moved to Belgium in refugees, the rule of law, counter narcotics, mid-2008. 1967 when France withdrew from the inte- the media and education, and human and A Special Operations Task Group of grated military command structure. women’s rights. about 300 personnel will deploy to Oruz-

5 Regional Command Capital Erdem takes RC-C guidon

Commanders laud contingent’s performance in capital region, impact on Afghanistan

Brigadier General Pierre De Villiers returns a final salute to his troops as he prepares to relinquish command of RC-Capital to Brigadier General Kasim Erdem (at right in the second command row), as ISAF Commander General Dan McNeill (center) presides. Photo by 1st Lieutenant Serdar Eyiler

By 1st Lieutenant Serdar Eyiler ple, the number of Turkish troops reached RCC Media Ops officer 1,150. The overall number of troops in RC-Capital Kabul -- The Command of RC Capi- RC-C, primary comprised of forces from n Headquartered at Camp tal, which was led for the last four months Turkey, Italy and France, rose to 2,821. Warehouse in Kabul by French Army Brigadier General Pierre There are 13 countries participating in the n 2,821 troops, from de Villiers, was transferred to Turkish region. Army Brigadier General Kasım Erdem. The change in leadership drew a lot of 13 different nations During the ceremony, which was attended media attention, especially from members by ISAF Commander Gen. Dan McNeill, of the Turkish press. “I would like to start De Villiers thanked the troops for their A group of military authorities and with expressing my efforts for the fulfilment of the mission Turkish journalists landed at Kabul which was to provide security and stability International Airport the day before the deepest respect to in the capital and wished success to Erdem ceremony to cover the event and see con- those who lost their in conducting his mission. ditions at nearby installation Camp Dogan. Erdem thanked De Villiers for his great Just after the short reception at Dogan, lives in ISAF leadership and full commitment to the Lieutenant General Akın Zorlu, accom- operations. And I ISAF mission. panied by journalists, paid brief visits to also wish peace and “I would like to start with expressing Afghan authorities in Kabul, receiving a my deepest respect to those who lost their warm welcome. prosperity to the lives in ISAF operations. And I also wish Many guests and authorities from Afghan nation,” peace and prosperity to Afghan nation,” ANA, KCP, NDS, Ambassadors, Military the new commander said, further empha- attaches, representatives from ISAF HQ sizing RC-C’s commitment to advancing and Coalition Forces also were in attend- -- RC-C Commander the gains already made in the region. ance at the ceremony. Brigadier General With Turkey deploying 400 more peo- Kasim Erdem

6 ISAF MIRROR May 2007

Regional Command South Final charge for Operation Achilles spurs homeward-bound Royal Marines another season of Compiled from staff reports British Royal Marine Commandos took part in their final ISAF mission re- development and cently before returning home. Because of their experience and local knowledge, the homecoming of 42 reconstruction Commando, 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery and 59 Independent Commando Squadron Royal Engineers was put on hold so they could take part in Operation Silver. The Brits battled alongside their Afghan, American, Canadian, Danish, U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook helicopters conduct airlift operations in Dutch and Estonian allies for nearly two RC-South recently. Photo by Catalin Ovreiu days to drive the Taliban from the Sangin By Technical Sgt. Jim Fisher Van Loon said. “It signifies the beginning area of Northern Helmand. ISAF Public Information Office of a planned offensive to bring security to The outgoing UK Task Force com- The Afghan people have endured Northern Helmand and set the condi- mander, Brigadier Jerry Thomas, de- tough times for decades, and the develop- tions for meaningful development that will scribed the operation as a great success. ment and reconstruction needed to “get fundamentally improve the quality of life “The aim of the operation was to them on their feet again” is a long-term for Afghans in the area.” clear the Sangin area and re-establish undertaking, according to ISAF’s Regional The operation is being conducted at the the authority of the government of Af- Command South Commander, Royal request of the Afghan government, and ghanistan to allow them the opportunity Army of the Netherlands Maj. Gen. Ton is focused on improving security in areas to create an environment in which re- Van Loon. where the Taliban extremists, narco-traffic- construction and development can be- “Afghanistan has had a very harsh past, ers and other groups trying to de-stabilize gin. ISAF has now created that environ- and many very troubled years, and it will the government, ISAF said in a statement. ment,” Thomas said. take some time to get this country on its These forces have been hard at work in After their six-month operational feet again. So for that reason, we have Helmand province, which is also host to tour in Afghanistan, the troops of 3 to look at long term development and some exemplary cooperative development Commando Brigade were in the process how the soldiers can support the govern- activities, where ISAF troops are sup- of handing over to their replacements in ment of Afghanistan and the people of porting Provincial Reconstruction Teams 12 Mechanised Brigade when the green Afghanistan,” the general said. and non-governmental organizations to light for Op Silver was given. The commander of ISAF’s most fundamentally improve the quality of life As part of the operations, the Com- volatile region launched a major operation for people in the region. mandos, together with the Estonians and aimed at facilitating this kind of sup- A record of Taliban activity in the the Danes, pushed southwards towards port March 6. Operation Achilles, which province in recent months shows numer- the Sangin district centre. includes all forces and countries in ISAF’s ous attempts to disrupt projects like the After conducting an air assault to RC-South and is concentrated in Northern revitalization of the poorly-functioning the south of the town, U.S. and Dutch Helmand, is a comprehensive undertak- Kajaki Dam. The project, which will give forces, supported by Afghan, British and ing aimed at ending the Taliban’s efforts power and irrigation resources to more Canadian troops, advanced north to link to stifle reconstruction and development, than 1.8 million people in region, has been up with the Commandos who had expe- according to Van Loon. under attack almost from its inception. rienced sporadic fighting in the town. “Operation Achilles will eventually in- The Kajaki Dam symbolizes that ISAF Caught between these two pincers, volve over 4,500 NATO troops and close is striving to assist the government of Af- many of the Taliban fighters were forced to 1,000 [Afghan National Security Forces] ghan in delivering to its citizens’ prosperity to flee or face annihilation. personnel,” the commander said, at a news and freedom from being terrorized by the An ISAF information campaign conference after the onset of operations. Taliban, Van Loon explained. warned the population of the imminent The operation is the beginning of a “For the people of Northern Hel- offensive and that they should stay at major offensive, and the largest in NATO mand who are fed up with being trapped home. However, many decided to evacu- history. between the Taliban, foreign terrorists ate the town. By the operation’s end, Af- “This is the largest combined ANSF and drug lords, this operation is for you.” ghan Security Forces were securing the and ISAF operation launched to date,” town. 7 RC(S) Soimii Carpatilor! Romanian Forces roll on Highway 1, Carpathian Hawks ready to strike in Zabul province

Red Scorpions’ sting felt at Kandahar

Above: A Romanian Forces convoy patrols Highway 1 in Zabul March 9. Inset, a member of the Red Scorpions takes his post on the perimeter at Kandahar Airfield.

Story by Technical Sgt. James Fisher vital contribution, according to RC-South “[Qalat] is one of the Afghan Develop- Photos by Catalin Ovreiu Commander, Royal Army of the Nether- ment Zones that has done very well, and Staff Sgt. Daniel Fratostitanu, a perim- lands Maj. Gen. Ton Van Loon. the government of Zabul, together with eter sentry with Romania’s 1st Company, “What the Romanian forces are do- the Romanian task force and the American 92nd Infantry Battalion, has to take on all ing in Zabul is very, very important for Provincial Reconstruction Team and also the characteristics of his unit’s mascot, the the entire region,” Van Loon said. Zabul the Afghan National Security Forces, is red scorpion. As part of the team secur- contains a crucial segment of Highway 1 making a big difference for the Afghan ing the ISAF base at Kandahar, he must and the Romanian battalion is focused on people,” the general said. be alert, agile, and able to rapidly deliver a keeping traffic moving. The unit, places General Van Loon said that realistic debilitating strike. hundreds of soldiers on patrols and in goals for long-term development must be Like his countryman, Sgt. Maj. Sorin FOBs throughout the province. Keep- based on ISAF soldiers providing support Cotoi must maintain a sharp edge to meet ing the highway open and the province to the government of Afghanistan and the responsibilities of his mission. As a secure is key to commerce in the south ultimately, the Afghan people. The work squad leader at Forward Operating Base and Afghanistan as a whole, the general being done by PRTs, non-governmental Varner in Zabul Province, Cotoi and his explained. organizations and the Afghan government team of Carpathian Hawks are charged “Zabul Province is one of the areas will ultimately spell mission accomplish- with convoy support at a remote outpost where we are having success, and the Qalat ment for ISAF, he said. in what could be a dangerous and unpre- area is flourishing,” Van Loon said. “This Major Ovidiu Uifaleanu, commander dictable location. is due to the enormous amount of work of Task Force Zabul and the 812th These Romanian NCOs are among the the Romanians are doing.” Battalion, views his unit’s task from a more than 600 Romanian forces serving in Keeping the highway open has people cultural and historical perspective. Full Afghanistan, most in Regional Command on the streets, going to market and partici- of seasoned officers and soldiers, his unit South, where they are charged with a pating in economic recovery and develop- arrived in Afghanistan in January, and has series of vital missions. Whether from the ment, which is key to long-term recovery previously accomplished tours in Iraq and Scorpions at Kandahar, or the Hawks in and stability for the Afghan people, the Afghanistan. This is the major’s first tour Zabul Province, they are making an equally general said. as commander. (next page) 8 ISAF MIRROR May 2007 RC(S)

“We want to continue the good work come in and been very proactive,” Clay started by the [preceding] battalion, and to said. “You hear about the quality of their improve the quality of life for the people officers being very good, but their NCOs in this province,” Uifaleanu said. are also really take charge. It’s been very The battalion is working with ISAF interesting to watch.” troops from the U.S. to support the PRT Also interesting is the cultural im- in Qalat. print of the Romanian forces on parts According to U.S. Army Spec. Gil- of Southern Afghanistan. At Kandahar, bert Lamont of the 1-4 Infantry’s Bravo a landmark on the installation is the Company has experienced some of the Orthodox Chapel constructed for troops accomplishments first hand. there, replete with a spire modeled after “I went to the opening of the new centuries-old churches in Transylvania. hospital in Qalat. It gave me a feeling of In Zabul, Romanian troops from the really helping the people and making a dif- Carpathian town of Bistrita, have renamed ference,” Gilbert said. “That kind of thing FOB Varner as FOB Dracula, after the can break up the daily drudgery of life at region’s notorious Vlad the Impaler, the a FOB, to see how we are really making a inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. difference for the people here.” More important, however, is their Spec. Gilbert works alongside several impact on security. With traffic flowing on Romanian soldiers and said it’s been a Highway 1, and a safe environment for the pleasure. PRT and residents of Zabul, the Romani- Major Ovidiu Uifaleanu, commander of Task Force Zabul and “They’re nice guys, speak English fairly ans are getting it done. the 812th Battalion, surveys the well and are really fun to talk to,” he said. Fratostitanu discribed the responsi- landscape from the high ground Gilbert and fellow U.S. Army comrade Sgt. bilities in the watch towers surrounding at Forward Operating Base Lag- Gary Smith said they are impressed with Kandahar. Together with the 82nd Mortar man in Zabul province. the Romanians’ work ethic and experience. Battalion, his comrades are on point for “They are very hard workers,” Smith the installation, thwarting mortar attacks “For me as a person and as and a said, noting that several Romanian to keep operations going, supporting the soldier, I think we are discovering a very colleagues had spent nearly two years entire ISAF mission. different civilization, people and surround- performing the same functions together “We have to be vigilant,” the sergeant ings,” Uifaleanu said. “I hope our efforts in Iraq. said, talking about mortar and rocket to sustain this young democracy will be U.S. Army Maj. Christopher Clay, Major attacks emerging in his line of site just be- successful.” Uifaleanu’s deputy commander, said the low the horizon. “They come from three- Making life better for the area’s inhabit- unit, led by the Romanian soldiers is lean- to six kilometers away. It could be very ants is the goal, the task force commander ing forward. bad for this base if we didn’t see them and said. “It’s been rewarding to see how they’ve alert the base. We have to provide clear information to prevent an attack or inter- vene to make sure people take cover.” Thanks to the Romanians’ agility and ability to deliver a quick and deadly strike, ISAF is able to deliver security and recovery for the people in Zabul province, and Southern Afghanistan.

“I think we are discovering a very different civilization, people and surroundings. I hope our efforts to sustain this young democracy will be success-

Staff Sgt. Daniel Fratostitanu ful.” 8 May 2007scans ISAF the MIRROR perimeter at -- Major Ovidiu Ufilaleanuu Kandahar Airfield, March 7. 9 RC(S) Passing on skills to build ... TF Uruzgan Trade Training School teaches Afghans to put down the sword, pick up the saw

...the future A Tarin Kowt resident learns basic carpentry and other requested skills at the Task Force Uruzgan Trade Training School. Story by USAF Tech. Sgt. Michael Voss security, age and some degree of literacy. broadcasts, but recently, instructors have Photos by Sgt. Rud Mol “Most Afghans who do not learn a noticed the success of students like Najin ISAF Public Information Office skill to become a tailor or carpenter would Blah has increased interest through word On the outskirts of Tarin Kowt, a small most likely be sitting in the bazaar selling of mouth. Provincial Reconstruction Team com- things like cigarettes,” said Trade Training Each student, upon graduation of the prised of Dutch, Americans and Austral- School Lead Instructor, Warrant Officer 29-day course, receives their own toolkit ians, known as Task Force Uruzgan, is T.J. Watson. to take with them. This includes a tape making great strides toward achieving Each student who takes part in the measure, hammer and other tools, so that peace, stability and a better way of life for month-long class, earning $3.50 per each along with the skills they have learned at the people of Afghanistan. day of instruction, begins with a Safety the school, they can improve not just only One such example is the Australian and Use of Common Hands Tools Intro- their own, but the community’s way of life. 1st Reconstruction Task Force-run Trade duction. Because the Australians that teach at Training School operated on Camp Holi- “When most of the students get here, the school are aware that they will return day. it is totally alien to them, and the use of home soon, the challenge is not to teach The school opened its doors in No- safety equipment is nearly unheard of,” one Afghan, but to spark the teaching vember 2006, giving local residents a way said Watson. spirit in all their students. The real success to learn in-demand skills such as masonry, The Generator Maintenance Course is the passing on of these skills between generator maintenance and carpentry. is in such demand that the school has the current students in their own commu- It gives students, some with education purchased both small generators used to nity and future students of the school. ranging from 6th to 9th grade levels, skills power small shops, and large generators, Eventually Afghans who have com- in areas that can be put to use in their used to power schools or hospitals, as pleted the course will become instruc- own communities and daily life. To make instruction aids. tors for future courses, providing both sure the right people are allowed into the The school announces class openings continuity and a connection of the school school, potential students are screened for to the Tarin Kowt community via radio and the people of the Tarin (next page) 10 ISAF MIRROR May 2007 RC(S)

Kowt community. “We have five students who have successfully completed the course and shown ability to pass on information to their own people,” said Watson. “They have been taken on as local national instructors.” An example of just this type of success is Najih Blah, an Afghan from Tarin Kowt, who started working at Camp Holiday filling barrier walls for eight dollars a day. He was later recognized for his potential and became qualified as an interpreter. Blah completed the Basic Carpentry course at the Trade Training School, and will soon become the first Afghan to teach other Afghans at the school with minimal assistance. Over the course of the seven months Najih has worked at Camp Holland, he has managed to afford to take his father to Kandahar for surgery on his legs, and because of his success he has basically become the head of the family. “We know that we can go in a secure area, and build or repair a site for the Afghan people, but when we leave, what was accomplished was minimal,” said Capt. Lachlan Simond, Public Informa- tion Officer at Camp Holland. “But ...the future when you teach them how to do it and become partners with the students, they teach others so they have a stake in it, then you have really accomplished something.” Above, students work on preparing wood for the saw. Below: an in- One of the big PRT projects in Tarin structor displays propper sawing technique. Kowt is to reopen the public school. Much of the looted furniture is being replaced with new chairs, benches and desks built by the students at the school. “Students who would normally attend school in Tarin Kowt but cannot because the school is damaged, come here to learn skills,” said Najiblah. “This cooperation means the people of Tarin Kowt don’t view us as giving them handouts, but they have a real vested interest,” said Simond. The continued success of projects like the Trade Training School are signs that the troops of Task Force Uruzgan reconstruction are fighting the same war, but understand that keeping the Afghans involved in their own future provides an opportunity to make great strides toward achieving peace, stability and a better way of life for Afghanistan.

11 RC(S)

by Soldiers from Task Force Grizzly, said ISAF troops at KAF Repp. “I am real proud of the coalition forces give local children that are working here. They all come here with smiles on their faces, and they want to more than candy do the right thing,” said Repp. “It just makes you feel good inside any- Story and Photos by Army Sgt. Tony J. time you can help out these kids and put a Spain, 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment smile on their face,” said Sgt. Sally Cook of KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Afghani- the British Force Protection Wing. stan – Coalition forces held a free dental The bazaar, a market where local Af- hygiene class and handed out humanitar- ghan vendors sell merchandise, is held once ian packs to more than 30 local children in a week here. conjunction with the weekly bazaar March “The whole idea behind the bazaar is 10. a win-win situation for everybody,” said Children at the Kandahar Airfield Soldiers from the International Security Bazaar use their newly-acquired Repp. “It is a win for the local nationals Assistance Force passed out tooth brushes, toothbrushes and dental goodies who come in and sell their things and it is tooth paste and water to the Afghan chil- March 10. a win for all the coalition soldiers to come dren. They then gave a class on how to in and be able to interact with the local na- properly brush their teeth. ISAF soldiers then passed out humani- tionals.” “I noticed that a lot of the kids here all tarian packs consisting of sugar-free candy, Repp noted that the bazaar has created had brown teeth and that we give them a lot soccer balls and school packs. around 300 jobs and provides a secure envi- of candy,” said Chief Master Sgt. Mark E. The event was coordinated by Soldiers ronment for both customers and vendors. Repp, Joint Defense Operation Center. “So from the Joint Defense Operation Center “A lot of these vendors will sell a cou- I thought, ‘What can we do to mitigate this and the dental supplies were donated from ple of things and make about thirty to forty brown teeth problem?’ The obvious answer Wing Commander Marguerite Reith, Den- bucks, which is like a weeks worth of work was to teach them how to brush their teeth tal Defense Service, British Royal Air Force for them,” said Repp.“It’s a good thing, this and give them some tooth paste and tooth and Dr. Tom Kelly, a dentist from Chapin, is where the hearts and minds are being brushes,” he said. S.C. The humanitarian packs were provided won.” Qalat celebrates International Women’s Day By Air Force Capt. Kevin G. Tuttle and have more of a partnership.” played a great role in keeping women Qalat Provincial Reconstruction Team The Zabul Provincial Council’s secre- down,” Arman said in a speech to the QALAT, Afghanistan – The women tary, Fauzia, who helped arrange the event congregation. of Qalat felt secure enough to celebrate for the women of Qalat, said her goal was “Saying that God is against education is International Women’s Day here March to give women a voice for equality and a nothing but lies. How can they [the enemy] 8 at the girl’s school, but stressed the venue to express the sentiment. argue that the rights of women are against importance of increasing security in the “I helped arrange this celebration today Islam? These evil people just want to de- province, especially for women. because this is the holiday for women stroy our country by burning our schools In an event attended by Zabul Prov- across the world. I wanted to do this so and keeping oppression of the people ince’s governor Del Bar Jan Arman, local women could ask for their rights. We are high,” the Governor said. Afghan leaders, the United States Agency trying to show the government that wom- Another issue women are looking to for International Development and State en are equal and can perform governmen- rectify is the right to choose a husband. Department, the Qalat Provincial Re- tal positions,” she said. “All over the world “A woman should have the right to construction Team, the United Nations women are celebrating this day. I’m really choose who she wants to marry, not have and others, several women reiterated that proud that our women are showing up and it forced on her. We should be able to safety and security issues need to be tack- demanding better treatment in spite of the choose our husbands and be treated with led, in addition to women’s rights being security concerns.” respect,” Fauzia added. increased. The governor was pleased to see more Although this is the third year Zabul “The women are now attempting to get than 70 women and girls in attendance and has celebrated International Women’s Day, rights, but the security is not good,” said praised them for having the courage to it is the first time the event was so large Maryam, a 36-year-old resident of Qalat come out in celebration of the special day. and attended by so many key players of and teacher of third and fourth grades at He said setting aside one day a year is not the province. the girl’s school. “I’m requesting ISAF and enough to show the vital role women play For the women of Zabul and across Coalition Forces to make security better so to society. Afghanistan, that could be a good sign for women can get their rights. Women’s rights “Unfortunately, we haven’t paid enough things to come. are getting worse when we should be equal attention to women and the enemy has

12 ISAF MIRROR May 2007 RC(S) Zabul’s first nursing students graduate education back into the community. It gives them a sense of ownership.” When students attend ZPH, they must Dogs inspect goods at the KAF pay close attention to their patients’ ail- bazaar ments because the next day during classroom time they have to present their cases to the class, King said. Canines remain “We do presentations in class, going over the cases we saw the previous day. The man’s best friend students present the cases and we look at in force protection what the labs are and if they fit the diag- nosis. Then we go over treatment plans,” Story and photos by Sgt. LeeAnn Lloyd, 22nd King said. Mobile Public Affairs Detachment “The class has broadened my knowl- KANDAHAR, Afghanistan--Braum. edge,” said 19-year-old Hedayatullah, a na- Gromett. Sheika. Benny... tive of Qalat. “Not only theoretically, but These are the names of some fighters also practical work here at the hospital. I against the enemies of Afghanistan. Abdul Khaliq Wardak removes enjoy the operations when I come to the Braum, Gromett, Sheika and Benny are stitches from a boy during nurs- clinicals. The first time I saw an operation, canines with the American K-9 Detection ing clinical training at the Zabul it made me want to be involved and learn Services, Inc., a civilian company based in Provincial Hospital. more about it.” Miami, Fla., sent to detect narcotics and ex- Story and photo by Captain Kevin G. Tuttle One of the youngest students in the pro- plosives, the four-legged fighters are assets Qalat Provincial Reconstruction Team gram at 17 years old, Abdul Khaliq Wardak soldiers say are indispensable. QALAT, Afghanistan – Zabul Prov- said he wants to be a nurse to provide a When Staff Sgt. James Crews, a wheel ince, an area of Afghanistan in dire need much-needed service to his people. mechanic with Echo Company, 2nd Bat- of medical help, now can benefit from the “The school has helped bring me to a talion, 82nd Aviation Brigade, came to Qalat Provincial Reconstruction Team’s level where I can provide services to the lo- Afghanistan in January, he said he didn’t Nursing Assistance Program to alleviate cals and this hospital,” Wardak said. “The imagine he would be pulling security at some of the strain. instructors are very knowledgeable and the entry control points at Kandahar Airfield. The 12 students who graduated in local doctors have told me I’ve learned a lot The dogs have provided him an immense March needed to pass an exam given by the by going to the PRT.” source of relief, he said. And Crews speaks Ministry of Public Health, can now work While it remains to be seen how many from personal experience. Since his mis- in the Zabul Provincial Hospital as nursing will begin work at the hospital, the founda- sion began in January, two attempts to get assistants. tion laid in their medical education affords explosives onto KAF have been thwarted. “The students are aggressive, energetic the students a springboard for a future in “There was a bottle on the side of the and eager to learn. They want jobs after- the medical field. road where the trucks wait to enter. It was wards and want to work in the hospital,” “I would like to stay here and help my wrapped in [duct] tape. One of my wanding said Air Force Capt. Jaqueline King, the own people, but if I’m needed in other dis- guys was doing a police call and all local na- head instructor for the class at the PRT. tricts of the province, I am certainly will- tionals were in the holding area. He came “They’ve learned about pharmacology, ing to go. I’m in this program so I can help across the bottle and thought it looked sus- minor surgical procedures, routine patient reshape our future and help my province,” picious, so they sent a canine over to check care, basic nursing skills and CPR,” she Hedayatullah said. it out. The dog immediately went up to it said. and sat still right by it,” Crews said. Besides two hours per day of lecture and According to Crystal Greer, a dog han- classroom learning in the year-long course, “I’m in this dler, that is called a “passive response”— the students also go to ZPH three times per program so I can one that indicates the presence of a poten- week for nursing clinicals and hands-on ex- help reshape our tially explosive odor. In this case, the dog perience. was detecting nitrates, and the object was “I think the program is a good one for future and help my successfully safed. Zabul,” said King, deployed from Hickam province,” Dogs with these capabilities are definite- Air Force Base, Hawaii. “It’s a way to give ly the best friends for the sentries posted at them the education and have them put that --Hedayatullah Kandahar and the people they protect. 13 RC(S)

more training will become Afghan Nation- the class a couple months ago,” said Jen- al Auxilliary Police in the Tarin Kowt area. nings. “Those troops are out there working, Many of these men have little or no edu- taking part against the Taliban and their cation and normally live peacefully on the spring offensive.” outskirts of Tarin Kowt as farmers. They Currently there are more than 700 have attended training and taken arms be- ANAP deployed in the Tarin Kowt area,. cause of the struggle they have found their Many join for different reasons, perhaps country is facing. ordered by town elders because the forces By the end of the 14-day course, through need more troops. Some join looking for the language barriers, the group will have work. Photo by Sgt. Rood Mol learned the proper way to conduct vehicle “The end goal is for these ANAP sol- searches, anti-riot tactics and detainment diers to be basic law enforcers in districts ISAF troops in Uruzgan procedures. where there is not currently a lot of gov- Once they graduate the course they are ernment control,” said U.S. Department train ANA and ANP not expected to actively seek out and en- of Defence contractor and 25 year security By Technical Sgt. Michael Voss gage the Taliban fighters; however they will veteran, John Newcomer. ISAF Public Information Office be able to a keep a secured area from falling This group of 50 cadets graduates at the On a small portion of Camp Holiday, into enemy hands, officials say. end of March. The common denominator Uruzgan, the sounds of men’s boots com- Each of them learn weapons safety, with all of them is they are willing to do ing together, snapping to the position of marksmanship, and entry control proce- their best for Afghanistan’s freedom from attention can be heard, as a group of 52 dures among other necessary skills. They Taliban extremists. Afghan men in their mid-20’s are learning also have familiarization classes on the “The ANAP are not mean to attack, just security tactics from Dutch and American Afghan constitution, patrolling techniques to keep the Taliban out of already secured troops at Task Force Uruzgan. and ethics. areas and they do a good job of that,” said The group of Afghans, with a little “Over 100 Afghan soldiers graduated Jennings. Australian Reconstruction TF completes tour Story by Captain Haydn Barlow very well done. while initiating others for their successors A little more than a year ago, the Aus- “When they entered the Middle East to complete,” Crane said. tralian Government announced it would Area of Operations in September 2006, The success cemented their role as am- deploy members from the Australian De- they confronted a daunting range of tasks. bassadors in the region, and in the lore of fence Force to Afghanistan to assist in the Before they could commence operations, the ADF, he said. ISAF mission. they had to establish themselves in an aus- “They have been outstanding ambas- In September 2006, the 1st Recon- tere forward operating base. They also had sadors for Australia and have made a key struction Task Force arrived in southern to develop a working relationship with a contribution to restoring security and sta- Afghanistan’s Uruzgan Province. During new partner, The Netherlands, and form an bility in Afghanistan. Their achievements their six-month deployment, the 1st RTF understanding of the International Security have been of the highest order and are in established a trade training school which Assistance Force environment in which accordance with the finest traditions of the developed a local skilled work force; un- they would be working. Only then would Australian Army and the Australian De- dertook a series of quick impact projects they be free to focus on the complex en- fence Force,” Crane said. which instantly helped local communities gineering reconstruction missions assigned Lieutenant Colonel Jarvie and his team and delivered a range of complex engineer- to them,” Crane added. will continue to build on the progress made ing works to assist with the reconstruction Rapid adaptation paved the way for suc- by the 1st Reconstruction Task Force. of Afghanistan. cess, Crane explained. Later this year, the RTF will be joined in On April 8 of this year, the RTF’s first “The men and women of the 1st RTF Uruzgan province by an Australian Spe- commander, Australian Lieutenant Colonel succeeded magnificently in these endeav- cial Operations Task Group, consisting of Mick Ryan passed command of the RFT to ours, they quickly came to grips with their around 300 special forces personnel. They fellow engineer, Lieutenant Colonel Harry surroundings and learned to work with will enhance provincial security by working Jarvie. their Dutch counterparts. Before they to disrupt Taliban extremists’ command The ADF’s commander in the Mid- were fully settled, they quickly established and control and routes of supply in remote dle East, Brigadier Mick Crane, praised a trade training school for Afghans, which areas, officials said. the work and accomplishments of the 1st continues to generate a skilled workforce These disruption activities will directly RTF. for the local economy and is now housed support the RTF’s reconstruction efforts, “As their tour in Uruzgan province, Af- in a purpose-designed facility. They built support the development of the Afghan ghanistan, draws to a close, I congratulate trust in the villages of Uruzgan with their National Security Forces and reinforce the the commanding officer and all ranks of quick impact projects. And they delivered a legitimacy of the Afghan Government, the 1st Reconstruction Task Force on a job range of more complex engineering works they said.

14 ISAF MIRROR May 2007 Regional Command West PRT Farah gets new CG Story by Gina Gillespie PRT Farah PRT Farah is under new leadership following the transfer of authority ceremony April 7. The Farah guidon passed from outgoing PRT Commander Michael Horan to incoming Command- er Frank Hughlett. ISAF Commander General Dan Mc- Neill and RC-West Commander Briga- dier-General Antonio Satta flew in for the occasion. Local dignitaries present for the event included Governor Mul- lah Mohideen Baluch, Afghan National Army Chief of Staff General Bismul- lah Khan, and Afghan National Police General Saqib Aga, Chief of Police for PRT Farah’s Captain Jay Berendzen gives keys to Farah City’s new Farah Province. education center to Mr. Atiqullah, director of education. Photo by Shirinzoy Hughlett is a native of Sterling, Va. Rahim and a graduate of Virginia Tech where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Farah gets education center Political Science. Previous assignments include duty aboard the USS CHOSIN Story by Gina Gillespie needed to check on,” she exaplained. (CG 65) home-ported in Pearl Harbor, PRT Farah The new education center is unique in Hawaii; weapons officer and combat The rain failed to dampen the enthu- that lush landscaping and trees will invite systems officer aboard the USS RAM- siasm of the crowd gathered to celebrate people inside, rather than hiding the build- AGE (DDG 61); and director of train- the opening of the new provincial educa- ing behind security walls. On-site irrigation ing at the Center for Surface Combat tion center in Farah City recently. will allow for green space, trees and flow- Systems in Dahlgren, Virginia. The new building, funded by the PRT ering bushes. Another unique feature is the While in command of Beachmaster at a cost of $255,000, will be home to the Internet-enabled computer lab, which will Unit TWO in September 2004, he led regional education administration offices, connect teachers to information, opportu- the Joint Force Maritime Component and will have eight classrooms for training nities and new ideas. Commander’s Naval Support Element teachers. The new building came fully fur- At the opening ceremony, PRT Farah in Biloxi, Miss. in support of CJTF Kat- nished, including computers and Internet Commander Michael Horan called on the rina. access. citizens of Farah City to help keep their “I am honored and humbled to be Previously, the teachers were trained in children safe by supporting the Afghan here today in the presence of so many a school next door that they shared with National Security Forces. who have dedicated their lives -- and in students. This meant less space for the “While the insurgents conduct des- certain cases risked their lives -- to ad- students, which is already a scarce com- perate and cowardly acts without regard vance the quality of life for the Afghan modity. “Several sections of the education to the safety of innocent civilians and people here in Farah,” said Hughlett department had to work in one room, children, your Afghan Army Forces, Police during the ceremony. including management, finance and service and NDS along with ISAF forces are “This tour provides me a once-in-a departments,” said Mr. Atiqullah, director committed to end the terrorist threat while lifetime opportunity to work hand-in- of education. “It was very difficult to track ensuring that your children are guaranteed hand with a diverse, and some might say files and we were missing a lot of impor- all the opportunities that this building eclectic group,” he said. “I am confident tant files and records.” symbolizes,” he said. that working together, we will most suc- Azada, a student in the eighth grade, The land for the new building was cessfully accomplish our mission, by agreed that the new building was desper- donated by the Afghan government, and providing a bright and optimistic future ately needed. “In the past we had to go to the PRT engineers worked hand-in-hand for the children of Afghanistan and in a school to meet with the education direc- with engineer Ahmad Shah Barak to build particular Farah.” tor, check on our records or get textbooks. the centre. Outgoing commander Horan chal- The boys would tease us, therefore none The contractor, Nawid Bakhshie Con- lenged the Afghan people to quickly of the girls wanted to go there even if struction Company, also built the PRT- bond with the new PRT and to con- they had something very important they funded school in Pirkandar. tinue supporting their work. 15 RC(W) Med center A boy’s life-changing surgery going up at PRT Farah Story by Gina Gillespie PRT Farah Farah, Afghanistan -- A new medical facility is under construction at PRT Farah. Funded by CJTF76 at a cost of $43,000, the completed building will upgrade Farah from a Role 1 to a Role 2 facility, once properly staffed. This means casualties could be brought straight from the field to the PRT for Captain (Dr.) Afshin Arafin treatment, without requiring a further (left) with Waheed, and his medevac to Herat. father. Courtesy photo “We decided if we built a clinic capable of surgery, they could fly in a forward surgical team for specific mili- By Gina Gillespie “Waheed would tary operations, trying to reduce the PRT Farah Waheed’s life changed forever the day amount of time that elapses between never smile for me. he tried to reach a pot of boiling water the time a soldier gets injured and the When he got off the from a high shelf. The scalding water time he reaches surgery,” said Lieuten- burned his chest, face and left armpit, plane, he was hap- ant Commander (Dr.) Paul Johnstone, leaving him with limited mobility, and of PRT Farah. py. He was smiling, scars that would tear and bleed. The new facility will have an oper- He cried all the time. But Waheed’s life he gave me a high ating room with two surgical beds, an changed again the day his father brought in-patient facility, two large triage bays, five,” him to the PRT Farah Free Medical Clinic. a lab and full pharmacy. Patients can --Captain (Dr.) Afshin Afarin When Dr. Afshin Afarin saw Waheed, access a basic health clinic through a he knew he could help. Following months separate door for routine ailments. But finally, he connected with Lieuten- of bureaucratic roadblocks and frustra- Other features include floor drains for ant Colonel Claude Hawkins, a plastic tion, Dr. Afarin had recently sent another easy clean up, windowless construc- surgeon who agreed to perform surgery Afghan boy to America for surgery. That tion for the safety of patients, multiple on Waheed. As a bonus, an Afghan doctor experience taught him that persistence and sinks throughout the facility, and an in Bagram for training was able to assist patience could overcome red tape. on-site shower. An interior window in with the surgery. The Doctor pursued treatment for the doctor’s office will allow monitor- “He got to see first hand the tools that Waheed in the same way, but things had ing of the patients. Dr. Hawkins used, the skin grafting, the become more difficult. Captain Ann Since the arrival of the current PRT suturing. He had never done that before Simpson, a nurse stationed at Bagram Air medical staff in April, 50 casualties and he learned a lot of things, and was Base, helped Dr. Afarin connect with the have passed through the doors of the so impressed by how everybody worked medical staff there. But then frustration PRT aid station, with 43 of these casu- together,” Dr. Afarin said. set in as Capt. Simpson redeployed to the alties subsequently evacuated to Herat The surgery was a success. Waheed’s U.S., leaving Dr. Afarin with no liaison in via helicopter. range of motion improved significantly, Bagram. a large part of the scar on his cheek From Role 1 to Role 2 “Things became very stagnant. Every was removed, and his skin grafts healed. time we got travel coordinated, something Corporal Yeager from PRT Farah flew to Casualties will be able to fell through, something would happen. It Bagram to escort Waheed back to Farah. be brought straight from the just went back and forth for months on “Waheed would never smile for me. field to the PRT for -treat end,” he says. “I would tell Waheed’s father When he got off the plane he was happy. ment, without requiring a fur- to be ready to go next week, and then I He was smiling, he gave me a high five,” ther medevac to Herat. would have to cancel it. This happened Dr. Afarin said. “It took a lot of people four or five times. It was frustrating for to get this done. I appreciate all who were me.” involved.” 16 ISAF MIRROR May 2007 RC(W) Heat stress and your body

Dr. Paul Rockswold, MD drinking extra fluid and taking salt with food. ISAF HQ Deputy Medical Director The body sweats when the surrounding environment is too warm for excess heat to Body Temperature Control leave the skin. The hottest water molecules Our body temperatures remain steady in evaporate from the sweat and leave the cooler a fluctuating world. The outside temperatures molecules on the skin. The heat in the evapo- Children at Third District can typically range 100-140° F throughout a rated sweat is convected away. The remain- School in Farah. Courtesy photo year. It can easily change 30-60° F in a single ing cool sweat conducts heat from the skin. day. In rapidly changing conditions, the body The skin cools the blood, which then cools the PRT soldiers my struggle to adapt. This is medically called body. Sweating uses water and salt, which “hypothermia.” Insufficient heat loss results in must be replaced. The water and salt are also support education a high core body temperature called “hyper- needed for enough blood volume to achieve with donations thermia.” Despite outside temperature chang- good cooling from relaxed veins. es, the core temperature of our body usually Story by Gina Gillespie changes no more than 5°C or 9°F during an Obstacles PRT Farah entire lifetime. This tight control is needed so Surroundings: High temperature and radi- Paree is an Afgan girl who loves to that the chemical processes of life occur prop- ant heat from the sun or hot objects cause the study. Along with her five sisters, Paree at- erly and so that our proteins and other chemi- body to absorb more heat. This heat must be tends a girls’s school in the Third District cals are not damaged. eliminated. Poor air flow and high humidity of Farah City. They sit on carpets in over- make the cooling mechanism from sweating flow tents, since the school building has Heat Transfer less effective. This results in greater fluid loss. only six classrooms for 21 classes. But buy- It is useful to know how our body stays cool Restrictive clothing and armor can decrease ing school supplies are out of the question. in the summer. Heat transfer and production the ability to eliminate heat. Her father’s income is only 2000 Afghanis are important factors. Simply speaking heat is Activity level: Higher work level requires per month. due to energy in the motion of particles. Parti- more rapid elimination of heat. Carrying addi- “That isn’t enough to cover our living cles with higher amounts of motion are hotter tional weight increases heat generation. This expenses, like food, let alone paying for and have more heat. Transfer of heat is im- weight can be armor, additional equipment, or school supplies,” said Paree. portant in controlling body temperature. This body fat. Periods of rest allow this heat to be In an effort to help children like Paree, transfer is by a combination of three different eliminated with less sweat. the soldiers at PRT Farah place a high pri- methods: conduction, radiation, and convec- Body factors: Excess body weight in- ority on supporting education. The Civil tion. creases the work associated with activity and Affairs team is supported in their efforts by Conduction is the transfer of heat when results in more heat generation. Low blood private donations from the families of PRT high energy particles contact lower energy volume may occur due to insufficient intake soldiers. particles and that energy gets transferred. of water and salt. Alcohol consumption and Sgt. Joseph Paoli recently donated a trail- Heat is conducted from the coffee cup to your caffeine can cause loss of body water. Insuf- er full of school supplies to the students at hand. Heat is conducted from your feet to a ficient food intake can affect the production Third District School, and met them one- cold floor. Heat may be transferred from your of effective energy and result in less effective on-one as he handed out notebooks, pens, skin to the air of an air conditioned room. cooling by the blood. pencils, folders, paper, staples, staplers and Radiation is the transfer of energy from stuffed animals. After seeing the poverty high energy particles to low energy particles Actions in Afghanistan first hand, Paoli began an by electronic waves. In this case no direct con- Observe the following for heat stress en- informal organization entitled “Donations tact occurs between particles. The sun trans- vironments: for Afghan Children.” mits heat to you through radiation. Ones body n Acclimatize gradually by increasing ac- Donations poured in from friends, and transmits heat to the walls of a cold concrete tivity and exposure to the heat stress environ- from schoolchildren back home, touched bunker. ment by 10 or 15 minutes each day. by Paoli’s presentation to their class while Convection is the movement of high en- n Use the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature he was home on leave. ergy particles from one location to another. (WBGT) Index to guide maximum level of ac- “I went to the school and did a slide Steam from a warm shower convects heat to tivity and work/rest cycles. show for them and showed them what it the room. An air conditioner convects warm air n Consider the effects of clothing and ar- was like in Afghanistan, and how the kids from a room and replaces it with cold. mor on heat retention (body armor adds 5.5 to their age went to school, and told them what the WBGT Index) they needed. I showed them the school that Heat adaptation n Frequently sip fluids throughout the day, the funds from ISAF built in Pirkandar,” he The body makes efforts to control its tem- up to 1 liter per hour. The goal for fluid intake said. He told them about the child he saw perature. An individual can help or hinder is to maintain light colored urine. writing on a piece of trash because there these efforts. When veins under the skin relax, n Add salt freely to food when frequently was no paper. His network responded to warm blood can be cooled off by radiation or in heat stress environments. his call for assistance, and boxes of school conduction of heat from the skin into the sur- n Avoid direct sun when possible. supplies soon arrived in the mail. roundings. For this to work well, one needs n Get sufficient rest when possible. Other members of the PRT followed enough blood volume. The blood volume can n Limit alcohol use. suit, and received more of what the chil- be increased gradually through the day by n Maintain food intake. dren needed. 17 Regional Command East Being there in a time of need

A young girl living in Surkhakkan Refugee Camp in the Qarghayi district of Laghman province lifts a bag of humanitarian assistance supplies with the help of an Afghan National Police officer April 4. The Mehtar Lam Provincial Reconstruction Team and ANP delivered food, hygiene items and other supplies to 200 families displaced by recent flooding in the district.Photo by Master Sgt. Robyn Fees

ISAF, Mehtar Lam village elders for the assistance drop. ISAF flood assistance Officials and elders arranged for one rep- PRT provide help resentative from each recognized family to be present to receive their aid. According to ISAF Civilian-Mili- to flood victims Supplies distributed during the event tary Cooperation, hundreds of BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan included food items such as rice, beans, oil families were affected by flood- — Afghan National Security Forces and and flour, as well as personal hygiene items ing in four regional commands members of the Mehtar Lam Provincial and blankets. in April, including more than Reconstruction Team delivered humanitar- According to PRT leaders, the drop 900 in RC-West. ISAF troops ian assistance to people displaced by flood was Afghan-led with Afghan National Po- damage April 4 in the Surkhakkan Refugee licemen playing a leading role in coordina- were there to help: Camp in the Quarghayi District of Lagh- tion, distribution and security efforts. n More than 1,250 families af- man province. “The Provincial Reconstruction Team fected across Afghanistan, more The Laghman director of refugee stepped back for ANP to take the lead than 200 families evacuated in affairs and the Red Crescent director on this humanitarian assistance visit,” RC-East alone identified 160 families in the camp in need said Army Maj. Patrick Brennan, officer n1,660-plus food kits of humanitarian assistance. An additional in charge of the Mehtar Lam civil affairs delivered 40 families were identified by name in the team. “They were also solely responsible nISAF Engineers conducted area outside the camp. for coordinating, managing and providing damage assessments Laghman officials coordinated with security.” 18 ISAF MIRROR May 2007 RC(E) Afghans, PRT celebrate Now Ruz with volleyball Being there in a time of need Story by Army Staff Sgt. Giovanni Caligiuri the groundwork for a tournament with PRT Nuristan Raheem and Agha. KALA GUSH, Afghanistan – The early Raheem and Agha agreed to organ- morning sun slowly rose over the rocky ize the tournament while Nuristan PRT mountains, bringing with it not only a new members support their efforts in any way day but a new year for the people in Nuris- possible. That support eventually came in tan province. In the village of Lowkar, the form of donations of food, blankets, excitement and anticipation filled the air tarps and 90 new International Security March 21 for the first-ever sponsored vol- Assistance Force - Afghanistan volleyballs leyball tournament. for the schools and each team participat- In a show of unity, 30 villages from the ing in the tournament. In total, the PRT Nurgram district and the border village donated a lot of humanitarian aid to those of Lowkar, located in Laghman province, in attendance of the big event. entered a team in the three-day event in “The tournament is the culmination celebration of the new year. For the nearly of the hard work of Mr. Raheem and Mr. Players participate in the 800 spectators and players, the tournament Agha and their staff. It is great to see the first-ever Lowkar volleyball offered a brief escape from daily struggles tournament to celebrate Now positive effect such an event has on people to rebuild this war-torn region. Smiles, who live such difficult lives in very harsh Ruz. Photo by Staff Sgt. Giovanni Caligiuri) food, laughter and a sense of coming conditions,” said Staff Sgt. Justin Cardoza together were shared by all. Nuristan PRT met with Raheem and Mo- of the Nuristan PRT civil affairs team. “What better way to celebrate the new hamed Agha during an assessment of the Developing and rebuilding this war- year than to bring people together in peace school in Lowkark. The idea of a volley- weary country depends not only on build- and friendship,” said Lowkar Boys School ball tournament to celebrate the new year ing a viable economic, education, health headmaster and tournament organizer in March arose during the meeting. and security system throughout Afghani- Fazal Raheem. “This would not have been In trying to come up with a way to stan but on establishing lasting friendships, possible a few years ago under Taliban mark the special day, a member of the officials said. Working together with the rule, but with the support of the PRT in PRT’s civil affairs team thought a vol- people of Nuristan, ISAF forces believe Nuristan, happiness can be seen on the leyball tournament might be a good way the Nuristan PRT is building friendships face of the people here.” to usher in a new volleyball court for the that will serve as the foundation for a suc- Every successful endeavor springs from boys and girls school. Upon hearing this, cessful partnership in a stronger, brighter imagination, encouragement, and hard Lieutenant Colonel Todd Brown, the future. work. In early January, members of the Nuristan PRT commander, began laying Laghman gathering focuses on provincial projects From RC-East staff reports also participated in the proceedings. The develop his province and deliver assistance JALALABAD AIRFIELD, Afghanistan U.N. leaders discussed issues within their to its people. The progress we’re seeing in – The governor of Laghman Province and departmental purviews and briefed the large swaths of the northeast reflects the other key local officials, U.N. officials and assembled officials on matters of local level of coordination, planning and par- leaders from the Mehtar Lam provincial concern. ticipation of all the agencies working on Reconstruction Team plotted provincial An assistance team from Kabul was behalf of the people of the northeast.” progress during a development meeting scheduled to arrive in early April to help March 23 in Mehtar Lam. generate a provincial development plan. Gov. Gulab Mangal welcomed non- Leaders from Task Force Spartan, “The progress we’re governmental organizations to start the ISAF organization administering the seeing in ... the north- projects in northern Alishang and Dawlat northeast, expressed optimism about the east reflects the level Shah during the meeting, which focused level of Afghan National Security Forces, mainly on projects currently underway in governmental and non-governmental of coordination, plan- Laghman province. cooperation coalescing in support of the ning and participation Mangal spoke favorably about the state people of their four-province region. of security in the northeastern province “The Laghman government has made of all the agencies and urged that NGO-sponsored activities significant strides during the last year,” said working on behalf begin promptly. Major Eric P. Zenk, Task Force Spar- of the people of the Jose Belleza, eastern regional direc- tan spokesman. “Governor Mangal has tor of the U.N. High Commission for brought together a large and effective team northeast,” Refugees, and several members of the of governmental, ANSF, ISAF, NGOs --Major Eric P. Zenk U.N. Afghanistan Development Program and international aid organizations to help 19 Regional Command North Outgoing Commander Tornadoes roar into Colonel Matthias Kohnen addresses RC-N, Mazar-e Sharif his troops. Story and photo by Herbert Albring, Chief bers spent about 20 hours in their cockpits Master Sgt. Herbert Albring to cover a distance of 9000 kilometres. Mazar-e Sharif -- The German RC-North Commander Brigadier General Tornado aircraft of Reconnaissance Joseph Blotz received Poschwatta at the Squadron 51 “Immelmann” arrived in aircraft immediately after touch down and Mazar-e-Sharif safely April 5. The first of welcomed him and his troops. three waves of the jets, with Commander “I am happy and glad to have brought Thorsten Poschwatta on board, landed in the six German Air Force Tornado aircraft OMLT gets new Afghanistan as scheduled. According to to Mazar-e Sharif safely”, Pschwatta said. an announcement made by the control ”General, I report six Tornado aircraft of commander tower, the first Tornado jet touched down Reconnaissance Squadron 51 ‘Immelmann’ at 14:20, the last Tornado aircraft landed at to be in your area of responsibility!” Story and photo by Hans Didi 14:45 local time. The Bundeswehr Operations Com- RC-North Public Information Office The aircraft had been bidden fare- mand placed the Tornado aircraft under Mazar-e-Sharif -- Regional Com- well at the Schleswig/Jagel Air Base in NATO April 9. The Tornado aircraft mand North’s Operational Mentoring Northern Germany by the Minister of were ready to fly reconnaissance and air and Liaison Team recently received a new Defence, Franz-Josef Jung, April 2.The surveillance missions subsequent to local commander, with German and Afghan Tornadoes of the Air Force covered orientation flights by mid-April. Then the officials gathering here to participate in the distance between Jagel and Mazar-e- German Tornado jets conducted recon- the transitional ceremony. Sharif as scheduled after having made two naissance missions with special high-tech Afghan National Army General Naye- stopovers in the Mediterranean and in the cameras in support of ISAF. bi, Deputy Commander of 209th ANA United Arab Emirates. The aircrew mem- Corps, who works closely with the OMLT, was among those receiving praise from outgoing commander Colonel Mathias Kohnen In his speech Kohnen first thanked the soldiers of the Croatian OMLT, who had accompanied Afghan soldiers of the 209th to the southern region last year. Kohnen expressed his special thanks to General Nayebi. “General, there was not a single day on which you would turn down my official requests. Thank you very much for your hospitality and your willingness to accept my proposals,” the outgoing colonel said. He specifically thanked the U.S. hosts in Camp “Mike Spann.” After Kohnen said goodbye to his German soldiers, he reported to Brigadier General Joseph Blotz, who oversees OMLT’s in the region: “General, I report mission accomplished.” Blotz thanked Colonel Kohnen for his work. “You were faced with an enormous challenges which you excellently met,” Blotz said. The General released the outgoing Colonel from his duties and transferred The Tornado crews from the German Air Force’s Recconaissance them to his successor, Colonel Dietmar Squadron 51 touched down to a welcoming reception at Mazar-e Werstler, whom he wished the best of Sharif April 5. luck with the new challenge. 20 May 2007 ISAF MIRROR RC(N) New territory for ANA in North MEDCAP puts soldiers, medics Afghan National in remote regions

Story by U.S. Army Sergeant Margaret Nelson RC-North Public Information Office MAZAR-E SHARIF, Afghanistan– Soldiers, medics, and medical officers of the Afghan National Army’s 209th Corps recently engaged new enemies with a different form of battle plan. The ANA medics have been combat- ing the medical complications that arise from poverty and poor sanitation through Medical Civil Affairs Programs, and famil- iarizing people in previously unreachable regions with the ANA and their capabilities. The ANA’s 4th and 5th Kandaks have Army declared war against conditions responsible for claiming the lives of 600 children Kandak and local police officers of the Afghans for Afghans under 5 every day – poverty and poor sani- Afghan National Police provided security. “It’s very important that the ANA tation. These adversaries leave 54 percent “What makes this MEDCAP special is continue reaching Afghans in these remote of their children stunted and 40 percent that it was ANA-driven from beginning to locations. MEDCAPs are an important underweight, according to the latest statis- end,” said German Army 1st Lt. Andreas tool for the ANA and ANP to reach out tics compiled by UNICEF. Draht, OMLT head medical officer and and win the hearts and the minds of the Leveraging MEDCAPS mentor for the 209th Corps. “The process Afghan populace,” said Norwegian Forces and mentoring teams of its planning, coordination, to its execu- Colonel Knut Drivenes Senior, OMLT Their fifth and most recent mission tion is the basis for all military operations,” mentor for the 1st Brigade. “Without the took the ANA medical staff and their U.S. he said. support of your people, it doesn’t matter Embedded Team Trainers, and Interna- Draht explained the ANA soldiers in how strong your security forces are.” tional Security Assistance Force (ISAF) the 209th initiated those steps. They also Relationships were being built on Operation Mentor Liaison Team mem- wrote and published the operation order several levels, according to Norweigan bers around 300 miles southwest of their following their military decision-making Forces Captain Einar Berntsen, 209th, camps in Mezar-e Sharif. The journey process. 1st Brigade S2 mentor, “What I saw was took them into non-paved, rugged, mus- The ANA organized and coordinated Afghans for Afghans. Trust was being cle-wrenching mountainous terrain. In security with the ANP and their 4th developed between the army and police some areas, Afghans riding donkeys passed Kandak in Meymaneh, kept communica- with the villagers; and between the security them. tions flowing with the Norwegian-run forces themselves,” he said. “I saw the 4th Their destination was a village (name- Provisional Reconstruction Team made up Kandak Religious Affairs Officer commu- less for its protection) located in the of ISAF troops also in Meymaneh. nicating with the villagers. He was telling Qaisar District. This is an area believed to “This MEDCAP showed us that when them that the ANA is a Muslim army be a recruiting stronghold for the Taliban, given the responsibility to perform on which is contrary to what the Taliban is and a place where the ANA has never their own, they succeed,” Draht said. “We telling them.” been seen. are not just putting an ANA face on our Prior notification about scheduled “This is a wonderful opportunity to operations here in the 209th. We have MEDCAPS cannot be made due to secu- show our fellow Afghans that the ANA ANA-run operations.” rity and safety reasons. However word of … our government cares for them,” said The members of the “CMT” have mouth is very effective. The news about Captain Quamaradin, the head medicine become spectators. Their students have this MEDCAP traveled like a wildfire officer for the 209th Corps, 1st Brigade. graduated from the classroom, to serving throughout the area. Within an hour, hun- Their intent was to provide medical their fellow soldiers, to treating non-com- dreds showed up. Due to the overwhelm- assistance to the villagers of this district batants off the battlefield, and within their ing numbers and the time constraints, not while their fellow soldiers in the 4th own communities. all were able to be treated. (page 22) 21 RC(N)

(from page 21) soldiers. It’s a unique mixture of person- “Our villagers need our assistance. nel,” said ETT Staff Sgt. Bob Warren, They don’t have access to medical care in senior 4th Kandak non-commissioned these locations. I want to continue helping officer mentor. “This is the first time that them. The ANA does care. The Islamic they have pulled security like this and Republic of Afghanistan cares. This is the conducted crowd control operations, to in- best way that we can show them, when we clude searches.” “This MEDCAP is a great are not fighting our enemies,” said ANA training tool for them, and I’m impressed 1st Lieutenant Muhammad Zarif, 1st Bri- with how they handled it,” he said. gade medical officer. Additionally, the ANA and ANP were During this MEDCAP, close to 200 seen working as a cohesive team, showing men and more than 100 women and evidence of the strengthening of the rela- children were treated. The common theme tionship between the two main branches was diarrhea, gastroenteritis (stomach ail- of Afghan security forces. ments) and vitamin deficiencies caused by “This was a great field training exercise poor nutrition. The ANA medics assessed for my men to practice what they’ve been the male patients outdoors, taking their taught. I am happy with them. They also blood pressure, asking about their medical worked well with the ANP,” 4th Kandak histories and their chief complaints before 1st Sergeant Samullah said. “We are here being seen by the ANA medical officers. together with the ANP to protect our The ANA medical officers then further people in these areas. When we conduct investigated their complaints, prescribing MEDCAPs, we are known as heroes.” various medications and passing along The ANA are not the only advice on nutrition and preventative students here medicine. “This was the PRT’s first MEDCAP. The women and children were assessed Their eyes were open to the many benefits and treated separately, behind closed of the operations, and how they are run. It doors, by a German medical officer and is important for all PRTs to establish rela- German medic from ISAF’s Regional tionships with the ANA and ANP in their Command – North, Mazar-e Sharif. Both area if they are going to succeed in assist- are OMLTs. All the women remained ing this country’s reconstruction efforts,” veiled until being treated as their customs Drivenes said, adding. “The commander dictate. for the PRT in Meymaneh wants to know “I am very proud to serve our villag- when the next one will be held.” ers in this way and I am very proud of my medics,” Quamaradin said. “They did Partnership is the key an outstanding job. I also want to thank Draht said that viewing the ANA the OMLTs, ETTs, PRT and ANP. This relationship as a partnership elevates the MEDCAP would not have been possible 209th over other Regional Security Assist- without their training and guidance,” he ance Commands. “We view and treat our said. ANA counterparts as a coalition partner. If all coalition forces did the same, our Training value mission here would end more expedi- MEDCAPs are ideal for other training ently.” purposes too. This was the fifth MEDCAP for the “The 4th Kandak is actually a Head- 209th. All their medics and all but one quarters and Headquarters Company made of their Kandaks have participated in up of artillery, infantry and other types of MEDCAPs here. ANA doctors hope the concept spreads. “We are here together “The 209th is the only corps that conducts MEDCAPs with ANA doctors and Paving the way with the ANP to pro- medics. I hope this begins a trend with the tect our people in other Corps,” said Colonel Mohammad A local child helps to measure a road prior to paving in Pol e these areas. When we Hasan Kohbandi, 209th Corps Surgeon. “Our medics have been trained by the best Khomri April 17. Members of conduct MEDCAPs, we the Hungarian PRT there are military medics that Germany, the U. S., focused on improving the qual- are known as heroes ,” and other coalition forces have to offer. ity of life for people residing in --1st Sergeant Samullah Now they are equal in knowledge and will the region. Photo by Sgt. Ruud Mol utilize that knowledge to help all Afghans and anyone who needs medical assistance. 22 ISAF MIRROR May 2007 Compass points

Women in the Romanian Forces: A new portrait For Romanian Civil Dentistry Doctor Nicoleta Ghimus, shown working on a patient at Forward Operating Base Lagher in Zabul province, serving in Afghanistan is “very rewarding.”

Story and photo by Captain Marius Mihai was meant for me. extraordinary opportunity and I feel very 812 Infantry Battallion The commander needed an answer excited,” she said. Public Information Officer right away, and she didn’t have time to Before leaving in June, Ghimus strives In recent years, women have been tak- consult with her husband before making a to endure and provide the best care to her ing on an increasing number of roles in decision. patients. the Romanian Armed Forces. “I accepted the offer without my hus- “The challenges don’t scare me. For me Nicoleta Ghimuş (pronounced band’s input because I hadn’t time enough my secondary purpose in the mission is to Ghee-moosh) is a good example. She’s a to tell him. I had 15 minutes to make a de- succeed in what was previously an area of civil dentistry doctor with a practice near cision,” Ghimus explained. “Later, I spoke operations reserved for men.” Bucharest and also is a military reservist with my husband about my mission and he who belongs to a military unit based in was encouraging and supportive.” Targoviste. As a result of the selection She believes the mission has broadened “I saw a documentary process for international missions, she was her perspective and professional experi- about Afghanistan. activated, and since January, she’s been a ence. More precisely, there member of the 812 th Infantry Battalion’s “Here, I have an extraordinary chance Carpathian Hawks. The 812th is now to do much good for all coalition forces. was an Afghan woman deployed to Zabul province in Regional I feel better and I enjoy working with the trying to obtain a Command South. multinational soldiers. These six months Her desire to deploy was piqued about in Afganistan helped me to gain a new driver’s license. I was three months ago, when Ghimus saw a respect for the Hypocratic Oath. very touched by her ef- documentary about Afghanistan that aired A passion for helping people is behind forts. Three days later, I on the Discovery Channel. She received a her deepening committment. phone call several days after. “I love my job very much and I wish was called by the chief “It was two simple lucky days and two to be exact in my work, especially here in of personnel who asked happy sets of circumstances,” Ghimus the international military enviroment,” she explained. “One day, I was watching TV said. me if I wanted to partici- and I saw a documentary about Afghani- After spending more than three months pated in the mission in stan. There was an Afghan woman trying at Forward Operating Base Lager, Ghimuş to obtain a driver’s license. I was very already feels a sense of reward and ac- Afganistan. In that mo- touched by her efforts. Three days later, I complishment. ment I felt excited, and was called by the chief of personnel who “Maybe it’s strange, but I feel like a I knew that the mission asked me if I wanted to participate in the fulfilled woman for the simple fact that I mission in Afganistan. In that moment I perform medical services in special mili- was meant for me.” felt excited, and I knew that the mission tary conditions in a forward area. It’s an -- Nicoleta Ghimus