Freedom Watch Staff Military families can save considerable money by using low- or no-cost Space-A flights instead of using commercial airlines Commander to get back to their homes of record, Holmes pointed out. How- Air Force Maj. Elizabeth Ortiz ever, family members under age 18 must be accompanied by an NCOIC eligible parent or legal guardian, according to Defense Depart- Tech. Sgt. Aaron Cram ment documents explaining the new policy. Print Chief Family members using space-A transport under the new Air Force Staff Sgt. Daniel Bellis policy also require a verification letter signed by the military Editor sponsor’s commander verifying the servicemember’s deploy- Air Force Staff Sgt. Sarah Gregory ment, according to defense department documents. Staff Writer The new travel policy was enacted to mitigate some of the Senior Airman Christine Collier stresses of deployment encountered by servicemembers and their families, Holmes said. Visit the CJTF-82 Web site at Air Force The space-A travel program is a privilege, not an entitlement www.cjtf82.com Program offers cash, advanced assignment consideration and it is extended to military family members in recognition of their support to the mission being performed by their spon- RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – Airmen selected for sors and to enhance quality of life for servicemembers and their Freedom Watch is a weekly publication of an assignment to South Korea who apply for the Korea Assign- families, according to Air Force Air Mobility Command docu- Combined Joint Task Force-82. ment Incentive Pay Program can earn $300 a month and apply ments. CJTF-82 Commander Army Maj. Gen. for advanced assignment consideration. David M. Rodriguez The incentive program authorizes the monthly payments to RC East Public Affairs Offi cer Army Lt. Airmen who sign a written agreement to serve the prescribed Col. David A. Accetta tour length in South Korea plus an additional 12 months. Army Freedom Watch, a Department of Defense Korea Assignment Incentive Pay tours will be established as publication, is published each Monday by Evacuated Soldiers now get immediate combat injury pay the American Forces Network – Afghani- 24 months for unaccompanied Airmen or 36 months for accom- WASHINGTON – When Soldiers are evacuated from a com- stan Print Section, Bldg. 415, Room 205 at panied Airmen, when authorized. bat zone due to a combat-related injury, they no longer need Bagram Airfi eld, Afghanistan. Printed circu- Airmen may apply for KAIP: Prior to departing their to wait 30 days to begin receiving their Combat-Related In- lation is 5,000 copies per week. current duty station, upon arrival in South Korea, but jury Rehabilitation Pay. In accordance with DoD Instruction before their date eligible to return from overseas fore- 5120.4, this DoD newspaper is an authorized Now, CIP kicks in immediately, ensuring troops continue to cast window or initial vulnerable movers list date, or publication for members of the U.S. military receive an additional $430 dollars a month, even while they are upon arrival in South Korea and during their date of estimated overseas. recovering in a military hospital. The change is more in line return from overseas forecast window or initial VML. Contents of the Freedom Watch are not with what Congress envisioned when the program was created, Most Airmen may apply for advanced assignment consid- necessarily the offi cial view of, or endorsed said Craig Taylor, Combat Injury Pay program coordinator. by, the U.S. government or the Department eration 10 to 12 months prior to their DEROS or VML date. “This will alleviate the hardship of the stopping of the hos- of Defense. Colonels, chief master sergeants, lieutenant colonels and senior tile combat pay when a Soldier is medically evacuated from Deadline for submissions is noon local master sergeants selected for promotion and all judge advocates the theater of operation,” Mr. Taylor said. “Soldiers medically each Friday. All submissions are subject to are ineligible to apply. evacuated out of theater up until now had to wait one to two editing by the AFN-A Print Section. We can For more information, call the Air Force Contact Center at be reached at DSN 318-431-3338. months to see the CIP in their pay, and that is counter to what 800-616-3775. the Congress intended for the program.” COVER: An Afghan National Military members may be entitled to receive special bene- Army Soldier helps a little boy fits such as hostile fire pay, hazardous duty pay and imminent put on a pair of shoes. Opera- DoD danger pay while deployed to places such as Iraq or Afghani- tion Outreach provided clothing, Travel policy change benefits military families stan. That pay can add up to $430 dollars a month. Military Families often plan their finances around that toys and blankets while Soldiers WASHINGTON – Military families now can access military- special pay continuing for the duration of a deployment. But from Headquarters Security and supplied air transport to travel to their official “home of re- when a military member is forced to leave the combat zone for Support Brigade provided rice, cord” outside the continental United States when their spon- medical reasons, that pay stops. The CIP is meant to alleviate beans and tea to a village on the sors are deployed for 120 days or more, thanks to a recent policy the hardship caused by that unexpected loss of income. outskirts of Kabul. Photo: Lt. j.g. change, a military official said. Active-duty Soldiers who receive CIP will see this benefit Timothy Strickland Before the change, which became effective Dec. 6, family mem- annotated on their Leave and Earnings Statement as “Fly Deck Pay.” National Guard and Reserve personnel will see it bers could only use military space-available, or “space-A,” fl ights BACK COVER: A young Hazara annotated as, “other credits,” with an explanation in the re- to travel to their homes of record in the lower 48 states, said Air girl in Bamyan Province smiles Force Lt. Col. Michael R. Holmes, with the offi ce of the assistant marks section. for the camera. The Hazaras are deputy undersecretary of defense for transportation policy. Soldiers who believe they may be eligible to receive CIP “We have a significant number of military personnel whose should contact their Warrior Transition Unit chain of com- the third largest ethnic group in spouses and extended families may not reside in the continental mand, local Wounded in Action DFAS representative, or call Afghanistan and are predomi- U.S.,” Holmes explained. For example, he said, the states of 1-800-237-1336. Additional information about the program nately Shia Muslims. Hazaras Hawaii and Alaska and the territory of Guam, fall under the can be found at https://www.hrc.army.mil/site/Active/TAGD/ are said to be descended from criteria of the new policy. TSGLI_CIP_Page/index.htm. Mongols, a result of Ghenghis Khan’s invasion in the 13th cen- tury. Photo: Air Force Staff Sgt. Daniel Bellis 2 Freedom Watch Magazine Freedom Watch Staff

Commander Air Force Maj. Elizabeth Ortiz NCOIC Freedom Watch Tech. Sgt. Aaron Cram Print Chief Air Force Staff Sgt. Daniel Bellis Editor Air Force Staff Sgt. Sarah Gregory Staff Writer Dec. 24, 2007 Senior Airman Christine Collier

Visit the CJTF-82 Web site at www.cjtf82.com Secure treatment Freedom Watch is a weekly publication of 4 ANSF provide medical care to Zabul residents Combined Joint Task Force-82. CJTF-82 Commander Army Maj. Gen. David M. Rodriguez RC East Public Affairs Offi cer Army Lt. First-class medics Col. David A. Accetta 5 ANA medics complete new combat-medic class Freedom Watch, a Department of Defense publication, is published each Monday by the American Forces Network – Afghani- Victory day stan Print Section, Bldg. 415, Room 205 at Bagram Airfi eld, Afghanistan. Printed circu- 6 ANSF, Coalition Forces free district from Taliban rule lation is 5,000 copies per week. In accordance with DoD Instruction 5120.4, this DoD newspaper is an authorized Demolition Derby publication for members of the U.S. military ANA, Coalition engineers continue joint training overseas. 7 Contents of the Freedom Watch are not necessarily the offi cial view of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government or the Department Safe haven of Defense. U.S. team opens shelter for Afghan women Deadline for submissions is noon local 9 each Friday. All submissions are subject to editing by the AFN-A Print Section. We can be reached at DSN 318-431-3338. Lending a caring hand ANSF medically treat more than 700 Afghans COVER: An Afghan National 11 Army Soldier helps a little boy put on a pair of shoes. Opera- Is the doctor in? tion Outreach provided clothing, Army private defi nes combat medic professionalism toys and blankets while Soldiers 13 from Headquarters Security and Support Brigade provided rice, beans and tea to a village on the outskirts of Kabul. Photo: Lt. j.g. Timothy Strickland

BACK COVER: A young Hazara girl in Bamyan Province smiles for the camera. The Hazaras are the third largest ethnic group in Afghanistan and are predomi- nately Shia Muslims. Hazaras are said to be descended from Mongols, a result of Ghenghis Khan’s invasion in the 13th cen- 4 9 13 tury. Photo: Air Force Staff Sgt. Daniel Bellis Freedom Watch Magazine 3 Afghan National Security Forces, as- sisted by Coalition forces, provide den- tal care to an Afghan citizen. Courtesy photo

ANSF provideM oremedical than care security to Zabul citizens

Courtesy of Combined Joint Task Force - 82 Public Affairs ANSF and village elders also discussed a civil reconstruction project to build a well that would remain operational despite sea- AGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Secu- sonal fl oods. Brity Forces, with Coalition forces civil affairs Soldiers, held “The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan will be providing funds a meeting with local elders and citizens of Hazarkhel and Gol Ka- to construct a well with a wall to protect it from the spring fl oods,” lay Villages, Zabul Province. said a Coalition forces civil affairs Soldier. Afghan security forces along with key leaders, discussed ways The villagers also expressed their satisfaction with the radio to improve the economic situation and identify the humanitarian station provided by IRoA. needs of the Afghans. “We enjoy the music that is played on the station very much. “Thank you; we feel safe and appreciate the Afghan govern- Whenever we are inside, the radio is on at our (home),” a villager ment’s support,” said a villager. said. The villages are poor farming communities often intimidated Several of the ANSF were familiar with the villagers from pre- by the Taliban. The villagers expressed concerns for their security, vious key leader engagements and spent time discussing current but also noticed a vast improvement due to the ANSF’s presence. events in the area. “We are thankful for the medical clinic because we know we “Overall, the engagement was an overwhelming success as we will receive excellent medical treatment. My 2-year-old son was are making concerted efforts to strengthen the bond between the injured in a vehicular accident,” a villager said. “He received a ter- ANSF and the local population,” said an ANSF soldier. “Villagers rible head injury; luckily, he was assisted by the ANSF and treated throughout this region understand that the ANSF are committed by the medics at the fi rebase and he healed signifi cantly.” to the people of Zabul Province.”

4 Freedom Watch Magazine Graduation day: ANA medics complete new combat-medic class

Story and photo by Army Pfc. Daniel Rangel 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

ORWARD OPERATING BASE FHUEY, Afghanistan – The fi rst class of medics from the Afghan National Ar- my’s 201st Corps, 3rd Brigade, 5th Kandak (battalion) graduated from a combat-medic class during a ceremony held here in Nan- garhar Province. Army Lt. Col. Paul MacKenzie, senior advisor to the ANA 201st Corps, 3rd Bri- gade, spoke during the graduation ceremo- ny. “You are learning important skills to not only share with your Soldiers, but also to share with your communities throughout Afghanistan, wherever you are stationed and wherever you go throughout your pro- fessional life,” MacKenzie said. “What we are trying to do is not only Army Lt. Col. Paul MacKenzie, senior advisor to the Afghan National Army make you more complete medics and Sol- 201st Corps, 3rd Brigade, presents a combat medic patch and certifi cate diers, but also in our own way, trying to to an ANA Soldier during a graduation ceremony outside Forward Operat- make you better citizens of Afghanistan,” ing Base Huey in Nangarhar Province. Mackenzie added. “Because the duty of any citizen of a country is to contribute the class and has already scheduled a new ANA Soldier Muhammad Quasim, who to that country the best you can with the class for the day after graduation. participated in the class, understands the skills you have.” “There’ve been nine Soldiers through importance of using the knowledge he has The class was designed to bring Af- the class so far and we have another class been given. ghans closer to self-suffi ciency. Mackenzie of 10 starting,” Brooks said. “They really “It’s great because during battle we’re expressed this idea in his remarks. picked up the information quickly. There going to have casualties,” Quasim said. “When your unit goes to a shura to meet were some classes I thought were going to “But, by doing this, we can save the life of with the local people and they come to you take a lot longer and be harder to grasp, that person.” and say, ‘I have a child who has an injury. but we’ve had outstanding interpreters Quasim also understands the students Where are the Americans to help us?’ You and support from the ANA medical offi - can take their knowledge and help their lo- can say, ‘I can help you. You don’t need cers.” cal communities. the Americans. I have the skills,’” MacK- Spc. Eric Detrick, Co. C, BSB, 173rd “It’s a benefi t to us and our village be- enzie said. ABCT, was also a member of the three- cause if some person becomes sick or in- Sgt. 1st Class Jason Brooks, Company Soldier embedded training team who con- jured, we can treat them,” Quasim said. C, Brigade Support Battalion, 173rd Air- ducted the class. “We’re very proud of that.” borne Brigade Combat Team, the senior “We’ve just been trying to get these Army Master Sgt. Eric Post, an advisor enlisted person working at the medical guys some good training so they can save to the Afghan National Army 3rd Brigade clinic at Foward Operating Base Fenty, some lives out there,” Detrick said. “With- Surgeon, led the team of ETT mentors. was instrumental in putting the fi ve-day out the medical skills we’re giving them, Post expressed his desire to see the class class together. they wouldn’t be able to help their guys grow to the point where the students can “They’ve learned everything from how out.” become the teachers so the ANA will be- to clear an airway, to trauma assessment, Detrick explained that the team’s most come more independent of Coaliton forces’ to using different types of bandages and daunting challenge was the language bar- help. wound dressings to stop bleeding,” Brooks rier. It was at fi rst, but with the right help, “We want to identify the top-notch sol- said. “They’re learning a basic level, which the challenge was quickly overcome. diers and make a teaching class to train the is basically a combat-lifesaver level. There “We were kind of worried that some trainer,” Post said. are going to be intermediate and advanced medical terms that we use wouldn’t be Before beginning the graduation cer- courses, which will have more medical recognized in their language, but the inter- emony, Post paid perhaps the biggest com- tasks and be more like what a U.S. Army preters were awesome in describing what pliment one Soldier can pay to another. medic does.” we were trying to get across to them,” De- He said to the class, “I will fi ght with Brooks is optimistic about the future of trick said. you any day.” Freedom Watch Magazine 5 ANSF, Coalition forces declare a victory

Courtesy of Combined Joint Task Force - 82 Public Affairs

ELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan H– Afghan National Security Forces from the 205th Corps, under the leader- ship of Afghan National Army Brig. Gen. Muyaiden, raised the Afghan national fl ag high above the Musa Qalah District Cen- ter as part of the largest operation in years to remove insurgents from Musa Qalah, Helmand Province. “These insurgent leaders had placed a stranglehold on Musa Qalah since February, hurting the economy and harming Afghan citizens,” said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, Combined Joint Task Force-82 spokesman. “The ANSF were able to drive the insur- gents out of the area. Now the people in this Afghan National Security Forces greet residents in the Musa Qalah Dis- district will be free of Taliban tyranny.” trict Center after several days of combat operations in Helmand Province. The fi ghting began when ANSF Kanda- Photos: Army Cpl. Wayne K. Pitsenberger ks, advised by Coalition forces, conducted a reconnaissance patrol in Now Zad. Taliban gets and destroyed the threat. The enemy The Taliban continue to make false insurgents attempted to stop the ANSF-led radioed for reinforcements from positions claims on the Internet about the battle. force by fi ring from established fi ghting posi- south of the fi ghting when they realized In one report, the Taliban claimed to have tions. Enemy fi ghters fi red on the ANSF us- their defensive fi ghting positions were being killed several Coalition forces and captured ing small-arms, rockets and mortars. ANSF destroyed. two abandoned tanks. They also claimed to returned fi re with small-arms and machine- The Taliban tried to take refuge in villag- have captured large amounts of ammuni- gun fi re, quickly putting the Taliban on the er’s homes and use the remaining civilians tion and military equipment. defensive. as protection as the ANA advanced. Another Internet posting claims Coali- The Taliban moved to different fi ghting “The enemy attempted to take advan- tion forces dropped leafl ets telling Afghan positions in an attempt to fl ank friendly tage of the Pashto code of hospitality by civilians to leave their homes or Coalition forces as the battle escalated. ANSF identi- using civilian homes as fi ghting positions,” bombs would destroy them. fi ed the enemy’s hardened fi ghting positions Muyaiden explained. “The villagers recog- “These claims couldn’t be further from and engaged them by calling in precision nized the Taliban were abusing the code and the truth,” Belcher said. “The leafl ets re- munitions strikes. The bombs hit their tar- refused. It’s a testament to their courage and quested residents stay safely in their homes resolve to help end this confl ict quickly.” during the operation and the Islamic Re- At the same time, Coalition forces iden- public of Afghanistan would defeat the tifi ed a prominent Taliban leader providing insurgents. We know the Taliban set up instructions to a large number of insur- fi ghting positions in civilian homes. We also gents. ANSF quickly manuevered to engage found suicide vests, improvised explosive the insurgents by fi rst using small-arms and device-making materials, and stockpiles of machine-gun fi re, then calling in precision munitions stored in civilian homes; however, munitions, ultimately destroying the en- we have a standing policy to mitigate dam- emy. age to civilian property.” After a short consolidation and reorgani- ANA soldiers from the 205th Corps, as- zation of men and munitions, the ANSF-led sisted by Coalition forces, successfully se- force resumed their effort to drive out the cured the center of Musa Qalah after several Taliban. days of fi ghting. “The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan The hundreds of ANA troops who moved will not stand for the Taliban insurgency into the town center met very little resis- any longer and will drive the Taliban out of tance. Musa Qalah if they ever attempt to return,” “ANA forces will continue to focus on Belcher said. “The Taliban saw, fi rst-hand, providing a safe and secure environment for After recent combat operations in Musa Qalah in Helmand Province, ANSF defeating them at every turn.” the people of Afghanistan in their efforts the national fl ag of the Islamic Re- “With the fi rst phases of the operation to foster the rule of law, reconstruction and public of Afghanistan fl ies from the complete, it is safe to say that our training economic development; all while the Afghan highest peak in the heart of the and preparation have proven successful,” national fl ag once again fl ies over the district city, symbolizing a victory. Muyaiden stated. center of Musa Qalah,” Belcher said.

6 Freedom Watch Magazine ANA, Coalition engineers continue joint training

Story and photo by Spc. Gregory Argentieri 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs

ANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Afghan combat Nengineers and Coalition forces destroyed two weapons cach- es during joint demolition training here. About twice a month, Soldiers from Company A, 173rd Special Troops Battalion (Airborne), 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, and 4th Kandak, 3rd Brigade, 201st Corps, Afghan National Army Soldiers hold joint demolition training with unexploded ordnance. “We like to do joint demolition training with the ANA. We partner with them,” said Army Capt. Jonathan Zimmer, Alpha Co. commander. “They are combat engineers, this is their skill, and we are combat engineers too.” Besides demolition training, the Soldiers of Co. A teach basic rifl e marksmanship and drill and ceremony to the ANA. This is the second company of ANA Soldiers to come through Forward Army Sgt. Stephen Dodge, a combat engineer from Operating Base Koghyani since the 173rd arrived in May. Company A, 173rd Special Troops Battalion (Airborne), “At some point, we want to turn this country over to them,” said explains safety procedures before exploding a weap- Army Sgt. Stephen Dodge, a combat engineer from Co. A, who was ons cache during a joint demolition training mission lead trainer for the demolition mission. “We have to ‘backbone’ with the Afghan National Army’s 4th Kandak, Engineer the ANA and get them up to speed, so they’re able to accomplish Company, 3rd Brigade, 201st Corps. those daily tasks and missions, from demolitions, to patrolling, to holding down security on a FOB.” personnel mines and sometimes we get improvised explosive device Zimmer also sees the necessity of the training and says it’s good making material.” for both armies. “This country is fi lled with ordnance left by the Russians since “We train them and we get the training benefi t, but also, they the ‘80s,” said Dodge, who has completed two advanced schools for get the training. We have a good working relationship with the combat engineers. Before this deployment, he sacrifi ced his leave ANA,” Zimmer said. and chose to go to school for six weeks to become an explosive ord- Coalition forces have a reward program which pays money to nance clearance agent. This qualifi cation enables Dodge to take Afghan citizens for recovery and turn-in of weapons caches. The care of any unexploded ordnance. intent is to encourage Afghans to make their country safe. The “EOCA is a valuable class to have, it relates pretty well to the caches destroyed during the training were turned-in as a part of mission, Dodge said. “It’s what I’ve been doing every time I’ve the program. deployed.” “Usually what gets turned-in are rocket propelled grenade Zimmer said the ANA Company they are currently training is heads, RPG boosters, mortar rounds, old ammunition, grenades, very well trained, strong and fully capable of doing independent [and] mines,” Zimmer said. “We’ll get some anti-tank mines, anti- operations. IRoA coordinates with Coalition to provide winter jobs

By Army Sgt. Timothy Dinneen “It helps Afghans because it provides ter approach,” Cade explained. Combined Joint Task Force - 82 them jobs to help them live and stay busy Afghans will be hired to shovel snow from Public Affairs through the winter,” said Air Force Maj. less traveled and alternate routes. Although Frederick Cade, chief of reconstruction, the contracts are negotiated locally, the Af- AGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan engineering operations, CJTF-82. “It also ghan minister of public works, on behalf of B– The Islamic Republic of Afghani- keeps lines of communication open with the IRoA, works closely with the Coalition stan has coordinated with Coalition forces the Coalition and local governments.” to assure the projects success nationwide. this winter to provide Afghans jobs as part The program differs from last year’s in- “It’s a coordinated effort involving local of the Afghan First program’s snow and augural effort in that contracts are negoti- to national government representatives con- ice control effort. ated by individual PRTs with local govern- tinually giving them more responsibility by According to a Combined Joint Task ment contractors instead of a centralized larger participation in the hopes they will as- Force-82 offi cial, the program’s objectives contract blanketing the entire country. sume complete control of the projects in the are to ensure all major roads and passes are Cade said by decentralizing the con- future,” Cade concluded. open to allow movement of food and other tracts, specialized agreements can be de- The Afghan First program is designed winter supplies to local markets as well as termined to best suit each particular area to increase opportunities for Afghan eco- ensure mobility for CJTF-82 units in sup- instead of a one-size fi ts all approach. nomic development and expansion. The port of combat logistics patrols and pro- “Agreements can be negotiated to help program applies to civilian and military vincial reconstruction team support. specifi c area needs instead of a cookie cut- organizations across Afghanistan.

Freedom Watch Magazine 7 ANA embrace leadership role in Nangarhar

Story and photos by Spc. Gregory Argentieri 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs

ANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghani- Nstan – Coalition Soldiers from For- ward Operating Base Koghyani conducted a combined mission led by Afghan National Army Soldiers to pass out humanitarian-aid supplies on their way to a shura at Memlah Gardens. The shura was held to address some concerns the village elders had expressed about the Afghan National Police. Afghan Capt. Hanifullah, Engineering Company, 4th Kandak, 3rd Brigade, 201st Corps commander, and his Soldiers chose the mission’s route, stopping along the way to Army Capt. Jonathan Zimmer (right), Alpha Company commander, 173rd hand out wool blankets, shoes, rice and other Special Troops Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Afghan items to help lessen the impact and hardship National Police Lt. Col. Ziarat Gul Ahmad Zai (center), Chief of Training, Unit of the upcoming winter. 03 and Afghan National Army Capt. Hanifullah (left), Engineering Company, 4th Kandak, 3rd Brigade, 201st Corps commander, talk with the Koghyani Convoy leader, Army 1st Lt. Michael District sub-governor and village elders at a shura in Nangarhar Province. Carvelli, and his Soldiers from Alpha Com- pany, 173rd Special Troops Battalion, 173rd Hanifullah was ready for the job and Co- ani District. The elders added the people Airborne Brigade Combat Team, remained alition forces were willing to let him take the were angry and these projects would gener- on the sidelines pulling security and support- lead. ate needed goodwill. ing the ANA. “Captain Hanifullah made the call on the Zimmer stated there was a plan for a new “I was the leader of this mission,” said spot; he knows what he’s doing,” said Army district mosque and that he would take the Hanifullah. “I was happy because my per- Capt. Jonathan Zimmer, Alpha Co. command- requests to the Nangarhar Provincial Re- sonnel did a good job and the people were er, 173rd STB. “He knows how to persuade construction Team. The elders responded very happy.” the folks and the folks are going to remember positively saying they too would continue to it. He passed out humanitarian aid to key push for the projects by working with local areas like choke points where you would put offi cials and the sub-governor. IEDs and things like that. He made a good “Captain Hanifullah understands COIN call on the areas where we stopped.” (counter insurgency operations), he under- At Memlah Gardens, Hanifullah and stands he has to persuade the people to sup- ANP Lt. Col. Ziarat Gul Ahmad Zai, chief port the government of Afghanistan, support of training, Unit 03, led the shura. the army, support the police and basically The Koghyani District sub-governor turn away the Taliban or [anti-coalition mili- and the local elders voiced their objections tia],” said Zimmer. to what they saw as unsuccessful and un- This is Zimmer’s second tour with the announced searches of their homes by Co- 173rd ABCT in Afghanistan. He was here alition forces and the ANA. They also ex- in 2005 and can see how the country has im- pressed concerns that some ANP may have proved. taken items while performing searches dur- “My last ANA unit was pretty squared ing routine vehicle checkpoint operations away and this one is even better, so it’s like and the ANP were not distributing humani- every time I see a new ANA unit, these guys tarian aid earmarked for them. are getting good, they’re getting really good,” “They aired out all the stuff and came to said Zimmer. “This unit right here is fully ca- an agreement. The lieutenant colonel for the pable of doing independent operations; they ANP says he’s got it and will take care of his have already proved it.” men and this won’t happen again,” said Zim- “We are making sure everybody under- mer. “We were basically the conduit, making stands that the ANP and the ANA are there sure the shura went well and the topics dis- to support them and we support the ANP Afghan Sgt. 1st Class Abdul Qadir, cussed were actually resolved.” and ANA,” said Carvelli. “We’re not leading a platoon sergeant for the Engineer Company, 4th Kandak, 3rd Brigade, After addressing their grievances, the el- anymore. The ANP and ANA tell us where 201st Corps, gives a boy a pair of ders asked for a new health clinic to be built they want to go and what they want to do and shoes. in Memlah and a girls school for the Koghy- we’re there to support them the best we can.”

8 Freedom Watch Magazine U.S. team opens shelter for Afghan women

Story and photo by with a desk and chairs, ten steel-frame Air Force Staff Sgt. Mike Andriacco bunk beds with mattresses, an interior 455th Air Expeditionary Wing European-style restroom, an exterior Public Affairs one-stall restroom, a well, a perimeter security wall, a guard house and a gen- APISA PROVINCE, Afghanistan erator house,” said Air Force Master K– In a first for Kapisa Province, Sgt. Charles Liston, the Bagram PRT’s the Bagram Provincial Reconstruction structural superintendent. Team unveiled a new women’s shelter It took nine months for local contrac- during a ribbon-cutting here. tors to complete and the Bagram PRT Khuweja Abubaker, the Kapisa pro- provided more than $86,000 for the vincial governor; Safura Kohistani, the project, Liston said. director of women’s affairs for Kapisa Along with the ribbon cutting, sever- Province; and members of the PRT were al Afghan women put on an exhibition on-hand to mark the historic occasion. of handcrafted items. The purpose of the shelter is to pre- “Many members of our team bought serve a woman’s honor, said Army Capt. items at the exhibition as gifts, which Jordan Berry, the PRT’s civil affairs not only helped with their Christmas team leader for Kapisa Province. shopping, but it also put money into the “A woman who is a victim of domestic local community,” said Air Force Capt. violence cannot go to the police or an- Erick Saks, the PRT’s executive officer. other man for help or she will lose honor Saks added that the exhibition was with her family,” he said. “The shelter is another example of progress in Afghan- run by women and staffed by women.” istan and the changing view of women’s Army Capt. Jordan Berry, Bagram Any woman who is a victim of do- roles in the country. Provincial Reconstruction Team mestic violence, or who is temporarily “The money collected at the exhibi- civil affairs team leader, tours a newly-opened Afghan women’s displaced from their home or family, is tion provided income for the local wom- shelter. The Bagram PRT provided eligible to use the shelter, said Berry. en,” Saks said. “There are few business more than $86,000 in support of “The shelter is a facility consisting opportunities for women in Afghanistan, the project, which was completed of eight rooms, one kitchen, one office so we were glad to help them out.” by local contractors. Destined Company visits school in Bar Narang

Story and photo by Army Sgt. Brandon Aird 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs

UNAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Paratroopers from Des- Ktined Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), also known as “The Rock,” visited a school nestled along the banks of the Pech River in Bar Narang, Afghanistan. During the visit, Army Capt. Michael Jackson and Army 1st Sgt. Mitchell Rucker, Destined Co.’s commander and fi rst sergeant, talked with school teachers and village elders about the possibility of future projects to improve the school. “Education is very important,” Jackson explained. Afghan National Police helped Destined Co. provide security while Jackson, Rucker and Narang Sub-Gov. Haii Tahulam took a short tour of the school. Jackson talked with school teachers about the possibility of renovating some of the pre-existing buildings and the potential to build some new classrooms. “I need your input so I can sell the project and try to get fund- ing,” Jackson explained. After the tour, Tahulam handed out bags donated by Destined Co. to schoolgirls. The bags contained pens, pencils, notepads and Narang Sub-Gov. Haii Tahulam hands out school sup- plies at a school in Bar Narang. The supplies were do- other school supplies. nated by Destined Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd In- Before Destined Co. left they provided humanitarian aid and fantry Regiment (Airborne). promised to visit again soon.

Freedom Watch Magazine 9 Commander sends message to troops General meets with mentors, discusses challenges

Story and photo by Marine Staff Sgt. Luis Valdespino Jr. Combined Security Transition Command – Afghanistan Public Affairs

HOWST PROVINCE, Afghanistan K– It’s not every day a command- ing general makes himself personally available to discuss troops’ daily chal- lenges. So when Army Brig. Gen. Robert J. Livingston Jr. visited Camp Clark, the troops spoke up. Livingston, the Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix VI commanding general, stopped in to see Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen assigned to Afghanistan Region- al Security Integration Command East at Camp Clark, just west of Khowst city. The general planned to spend a couple of hours conversing with the troops, but Army Brig. Gen. Robert J. Livingston Jr, Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix he ended up doubling his time because he VI commanding general, speaks to Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen assigned to wanted to hear about the many factors mentor Afghan National Security Forces at Camp Clark in Khowst Province. that affect the mentors’ mission accom- plishment and ensure they know their Very few district centers are being at- plained that the “pull system,” which re- input matters. tacked and at those that are attacked, quires subordinate commands to pick up Livingston opened discussions by ex- we’re holding off the insurgents, Liv- supplies from Camp Phoenix in Kabul is plaining that he understands the troops ingston explained. going away and distribution is going to a are accomplishing more than initially “We’re taking losses, but not as badly “push system.” expected. The command had originally as we were. All district centers are being “We cannot accept anything other expected to provide embedded training taken back (by ANSF) within a week,” than a proper supply system,” he said. teams to mentor the Afghan National Livingston explained. “You’re doing “The (area of responsibility) is huge Army. However, shortly before their ar- a good job making things happen out and is very difficult to traverse – as the rival to Afghanistan, they were also there,” the general said. “We’re trying Soviets and everybody else found out,” tasked with providing mentors for the to create a democracy where the people Livingston said. “Fifty or 60 miles might Afghan National Police and later for the serve the country of Afghanistan rather as well be 700 U.S. miles.” Afghan Border Police. than one particular person. We’ve got a No matter their ranks, the mentors The added requirement to work with po- lot of things ahead of us, but I believe have a lot of responsibility in ensuring lice mentor teams meant fewer mentors for we’re heading in the right direction.” they can meet their missions. each team. Fortunately, the 82nd Airborne Still, the Soldiers doing the mentoring “You’re in a – I don’t care what your Division Soldiers in the area agreed to pro- said they continue to run into challeng- rank is – a very senior position as a men- vide additional security and fi repower sup- ing obstacles. tor. You’re essentially doing the old job port for the ARSIC East mentors. Getting supplies, for example, can of the Special Forces. You’re, in many “We were either going to do it, or not be complicated, said Army Master Sgt. cases, two advisors by their lonesome,” do it,” said Livingston. “The only way Jeffrey Lowe. “We haven’t been getting the general said. “You’ve got to feel com- that we were going to hold the ground things coming down the chain from Gar- fortable hitting up your chain of com- that we gained (with the Afghan Na- dez,” the ABP mentor said mand. tional Security Forces) ... (was) for the Another ABP mentor, Army 1st Lt. “Our job is to help you get your job (Afghan) police to become more effective Robin Crumpler, asked for clarification done,” Livingston said of the leaders’ than they were this summer.” on how to address supply shortages and roles. “My sole job at (Camp) Phoenix is Taking on the mission has made a pos- logistical issues as they arise. to support the mentoring chain.” itive difference. According to the general, the chain of On this day in particular, the CJTF “They’re a whole lot better,” Livings- command recognizes the supply system Phoenix VI commander ensured that ton said of the ANP. concerns and is addressing them. He ex- message was loud, clear and heard.

10 Freedom Watch Magazine ANSF medically treat more than 700 Afghans

Courtesy of Combined Joint which afforded the team the op- Task Force - 82 Public Affairs portunity to better assess the situation in Arghandab from a ANDAHAR PROVINCE, woman’s point of view,” a Co- KAfghanistan – Afghan alition Soldier explained. National Security Forces, along ANA Soldiers, the Afghan with Coalition forces, treated National Police chief and the more than 700 Afghans during district chief handed out more a two-day operation here. than two tons of humanitarian The ANSF conducted a vil- supplies including rice, beans, lage medical outreach in Ar- fl our, cooking oil, salt, tea, ghandab, treating hundreds of shoes and winter clothing. men, women and children. Afghan citizens expressed “The VMO … was an over- their delight while being treat- whelming success,” said an Af- ed by an Afghan National ghan National Army Soldier. Army medic. An Afghan woman with her children waits to be seen “We are trying to limit the Af- “I cannot begin to tell you by Coalition forces who treated more than 700 Afghans ghans’ suffering.” how happy I am that I received at a medical outreach clinic in Arghandab, Kandahar While many boys and girls free medication and food,” said Province. Courtesy photo showed up for medical care, or- a village elder. “I am poor, so I ganizers were surprised to see cannot buy these things in the ing hand-in-hand with the “Even though there is a lo- many women seeking help as bazaar. Most people in Kanda- ANA and ANP ensuring every cal clinic, it doesn’t always have well. Historically, few women har are just like me.” possible security measure is im- enough medicine available,” he have attended medical out- While serving the needs of plemented,” a Coalition Soldier said. “I’m very pleased to pro- reaches in this area. Afghans, ANSF always have an said. vide this type of service to the “Unlike previous VMOs in eye toward security because of The ANSF commander ex- locals because most people in Shah Wali Kot, the ratio of insurgent activity in the area. pressed his joy serving Afghan this area have never received women to men treated was 1:1, “We mitigate this by work- villagers. this level of treatment.” Coalition forces break ice on future Parwan development

By Senior Airman James Bolinger Ives wants to reinforce the river banks The colonels also toured the Charikar Combined Joint Task Force – 82 soon, while the water is low. Hospital where TF Med is building the struc- Public Affairs “We just want to shore up that wall be- ture and capacity of the Afghan healthcare fore the spring fl oods,” he said. system. ARWAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan After meeting with the sub governor, “The medical staff is very dedicated, P– Task Force Cincinnatus and Med Ives and Iddins stopped by Afghanistan’s they’re hard working and in many areas are commanders met with several Islamic Gov- oldest hydro-electric plant, which was built well trained, but in other areas they could ernment of Afghanistan offi cials to discuss around 1920. The generators for the plant use some bolstering of their training,” Ives the rebuilding of infrastructure and develop- were brought on wooden ships from Britain said. “That is one of our missions we want ment of healthcare in the province. to India. They were then put on the backs to help train them.” Army Col. Jonathon Ives, TF Cincin- of elephants and carried into Afghanistan. While the hospital currently treats trau- natus commander and Army Col. Bart Id- The plant once generated four megawatts ma patients and has a very active surgery dins, TF Med commander, fi rst met with the but now only produces half a megawatt, or program, the facility could use improve- sub-governor of Jabal Saraj about the local 500 kilowatts. According to Ives, the plant’s ments. bazaar. workers have kept it running decades longer “Some of their equipment is adequate Earlier this year, a fl ood wiped out a bridge than the equipment was designed. and some of it is obsolete,” said Iddins. and several shops at the Jabal Saraj Bazaar. The colonel’s plan is to replace the gen- “What we are attempting to do is get better The river basin is now nearly twice as wide as erators inside the plant. equipment here – more importantly train it was in the spring. Bargram Provincial Re- “If we could use everything that they them how to use and maintain it.” construction Team engineers devised a plan have here, the canal systems, the water sys- Iddins believes it will take more than two to shore up the banks of the river and save tems and just replace the generators, then years to bring in the modern equipment and the remaining shops in the bazaar. we could get six-to-seven megawatts out of train the staff to use it. “Our discussion with (the sub-governor) this power plant,” Ives said. “It is probably The visits to the sub-governor’s com- was about getting labor to fi ll the gabion about a $12 million project and will prob- pound, power plant and hospital represent baskets with rocks,” Ives said. “Essentially ably take two-to-three years.” a future for Afghanistan. it is a manual labor process. If he could do If the hydro plant is renovated it would “We are building the infrastructure that that, then they have some ownership over not only power Jabal Saraj, but also a local allows the government to reach people and the project.” cement factory and industrial park. provide basic needs,” Ives said. Freedom Watch Magazine 11 Extra effort in kitchen keeps morale high

Story and photo by the same meals over and over, but they Army Sgt. Brandon Aird choose not to. The leadership at “The Rock” 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team give the cooks freedom to use their imagina- Public Affairs tion when preparing meals. “We get to put our personality into our ORWARD OPERATING BASE cooking,” explained Spc. Jesse Ramirez. FFORTRESS, Afghanistan – “‘The “Being able to add your own touch makes Rock’ believes highly that food service things more exciting.” support improves morale,” explained Smith explained that their dining facility Army Sgt. Joseph Smith. was able to receive extra cooking utensils, Smith is the dining facility manager at which enabled them to cook a larger variety Forward Operating Base Fortress and a of food. member of 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry “We can make omeletes, crab cakes, que- Regiment (Airborne), which is known as sadillas – pretty much anything you want,” “The Rock.” said Smith. “We even have taco night.” Paratroopers in Destined Company and a The three cooks work 12-to-16 hours a platoon from Chosen Company, live at FOB day, said Spc. Nicholas Krueger. Fortress, near the Chowkay Valley in Kunar “Not all our time is spent in the kitchen,” Province, Afghanistan. Krueger explained. “We also help pull FOB The FOB got its name from the 30-foot security, download convoys and organize walls and four guard towers that surround supplies.” it. Luckily for Destined and Chosen Compa- Recently, Smith and his team stayed up nies, FOB Fortress is home to three cooks more than 32 hours in the kitchen to make from “The Rock’s” support company, Fu- sure Destined and Chosen Co.’s Thanksgiv- sion Company. ing meal was one to remember. The cooks prepare food for 150-200 Sol- “We take pride in our cooking,” said diers who call the FOB home. The food comes Ramirez. “Thanksgiving is our time to show Army Sgt. Joseph Smith, Forward Op- in prepared packages, which are unloaded, off.” erating Base Fortress dining facility prepared and cooked by Smith’s team. “We work long hours, but we enjoy see- manager, cooks quesadillas. Smith explained they could simply cook ing happy Soldiers,” Smith said. Coalition lawyers plan legal-training conference for Parwan Story and photo by Senior Airman James Bolinger Combined Joint Task Force - 82 Public Affairs

ARWAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Several Combined Joint PTask Force – 82 lawyers and members of the U.S. Embassy here met with Parwan Province’s governor and chief justice to sched- ule a legal training conference for province offi cials. U.S. Embassy lawyers train province legal offi cials on Islamic law and anticorruption as part of the Justice Sector Support Program. “The purpose is to develop justice capacity in the province of Kapisa,” said Navy Capt. Stephen Sarnoski, Task Force Cincinnatus staff judge advocate. “Our goal is to get the prosecutors, police, cor- rectional offi cials and judicial offi cials together with private attorneys to build judicial capacity in the province.” The Justice Sector Support Program “is a brand new effort on the Navy Capt. Stephen Sarnoski, Task Force Cincinnatus part of the embassy and the military staff here to work together with staff judge advocate (right) and Gov. Taqwa and Par- wan Province chief justice (left) plan a Justice Support Afghan offi cials,” said Saronski. “We would like to have conferences Program Conference to build legal capacity. like this in all the provinces.” The TF Cincinnatus lawyers support a four-province area and the police and attorneys to continue developing capacity in the months to conference – the second they have organized – will evaluate what legal come,” said the captain. duties Afghans are capable of performing, said Sarnoski. Sarnoski has high hopes for the upcoming conference. TF Cinncinatus and the embassy lawyers will listen to the Afghans’ “I would like to see not only additional knowledge for us to de- concerns about what they think they should be doing and what re- termine what facilities they need, but also develop their capacity to sources they need, but don’t have. understand and implement their laws to build relationships between The conference is only the beginning of training for the Afghans. prosecutors, police, judges and develop their criminal justice system “We will follow up (the conference) with training for prosecutors, as a whole,” he said. 12 Freedom Watch Magazine We need a medic! Army private defines combat professionalism

Story and photo by stands for massive hemorrhage, Army Pfc. Daniel Rangel airway, respiration, circulation 22nd Mobile Public Affairs and head trauma. It’s all things Detachment you can look at in your initial as- sessment as you’re packing up ANGARHAR PROVINCE, your casualty to get them on to NAfghanistan – “It’s a very higher-facility care.” prestigious thing to be called ‘Doc’ Becker’s instruction sticks with when you’re around people you work her students who practice the with,” said Army Pfc. Sarah Becker, techniques she teaches, said ANP 173rd Brigade Combat Team (Air- 2nd Lt. Abdul Waqaf, operation borne), Special Troops Battalion, team leader. Headquarters and Headquarters “We review it with our Sol- Company, Military Police platoon. diers,” Waqaf said. “We get a lot “It means they respect you. It’s not of good training from [Coalition about the rank, it’s about what you forces]. If we don’t review, then can do for them.” we will not be able to remember.” Becker has spent most of the year ANSF listen to Becker because deployed as an Army medic gaining she brings with her ample combat the respect of Sky Soldiers across experience. Over the summer she the Nangarhar Province. She spends was attached to the 66th Military much of her time teaching Afghan Police Company in Camp Tork- National Police her specialty and ham by the Pakistani border here held her last class in Jalalabad. in Nangarhar Province. She has This isn’t the first class she’s been on convoys that have been taught either. Becker estimates she Army Pfc. Sarah Becker, 173rd Brigade Com- attacked while with the 66th MPs has held between 20 to 30 classes bat Team (Airborne), Special Troops Battalion, and has treated numerous combat since she’s been in Afghanistan. Her Headquarters and Headquarters Company, injuries. supervisor, Army Staff Sgt. Victor Military Police platoon, greets local children “I actually had four traumas Diaz, explained why there is such a before teaching a fi rst-aid class in Jalalabad. that I took care of,” Becker said. high demand for these classes. “They were on different days “We always get new [ANP] coming in,” Diaz said. “So we’re [only] about a week apart.” constantly training the new personnel for each situation such When she’s not conducting a class or treating injuries, Beck- as how to give first aid, how to react to contact and so on.” er is pulling security like every other Soldier in her platoon. The classes focus on first-responder care. Afghan National “The number one priority every time we get out of the ve- Security Forces are frequently faced with life or death situa- hicle is to pull security,” Becker said. tions on the battlefield and their knowledge of first aid can The life of a combat medic is stressful, the missions are save many of their own lives. And although the classes are plenty and the hours are long, but Becker handles the chal- focused on battlefield situations, ANSF forces are encouraged lenge well and manages to keep the spirits of the Sky Soldiers to take their new knowledge of first aid to help their local she works with up. communities with more common health issues. “She’s very friendly; she’s kind. She likes to work. She’s a In an evaluation of Becker’s performance in the field and in hard worker,” Diaz said. “She’s constantly going on missions the classroom, Diaz explained that Becker is a competent and because she’s the only medic we have in the platoon. If we thorough professional. have two missions in one day, she has to go on both missions. “She does an outstanding job. She knows what she’s do- We’ll come back from one and she’ll jump from one vehicle ing,” he said. “When she gives a class, she goes step-by-step. and go into the other. She never complains.” She doesn’t miss any steps. Soldiers ask her questions and she Becker is a well of inspiration to those around her. She answers in detail. That’s the way that we want her to do it.” loves the people in her unit and the local Afghans, especially Becker’s last class focused on having an ANP platoon learn the children. Her inspiration comes from helping people. the meaning of the acronym MARCH. “Being a medic, I get to help people,” Becker said. “I get to “MARCH is an acronym that one of my senior ranking not only help U.S. Soldiers but I help the kids too. And as you [Noncommissioned Officers] taught me,” Becker said. “It can see, it puts a smile on my face.”

Freedom Watch Magazine 13 Photos From the Field

Air Force Master Sgt. James Fleming, a Bagram Provincial Reconstruction Team member, places a stocking cap on an Afghan child in Kapisa Province. The Bagram PRT helps reconstruct Afghanistan by helping build schools, hos- pitals, shelters, government facilities and wells. Photo: Air Force Staff Sgt. Mike Andriacco

Have a photo you’d like to see in Freedom Watch Afghanistan? [email protected]

14 Freedom Watch Magazine An F-15E Strike Eagle crew chief at Bagram Airfi eld stands ready to marshal his aircraft. The fi ghter plane fl ies in support of ground troops participating in Operation Enduring Freedom. Photo: Air Force Staff Sgt. Joshua Jasper

A surgeon at the Egyp- tian Field Hospital at Bagram Aifi eld con- fers with a nurse while tranferring a post-op patient to the recovery ward. The Egyptian medical teams treat hundreds of Afghans daily and serve six- month tours. Photo: Air Force Staff Sgt. Daniel Bellis

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