General Dan McNeill assumes command of ISAF X

www.nato.int/isaf ISAF Mirror March 2007 HAVE YOU GOT A STORY? HAVE YOU GOT A CAMERA? Then you Commander’s Foreword could be one of the ISAF MIRROR General Dan McNeill journalists! Send your articles and photos about ISAF activities and who knows, you could could be in the next issue.

The ISAF Mirror is a HQ ISAF Public Information product. Articles, where possible, have been kept in their original form. Opinions expressed Front cover by WO2 Fiona Stapley are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect official NATO, JFC HQ Brunssum or ISAF policy. Photo credits are attributed to the authors Back cover by of the submission, unless otherwise Sgt. Maj Richard Frigge stated. Submissions can be e-mailed to: [email protected].

Articles should be in MS Word format (Arial), photos should be at least 4.5cm and 300 dpi resolution. The ISAF Mirror is published monthly and I am Gen. Dan McNeill and it is my profound honor to take command of the International aims to be available by the first Friday Security Assistance Force and the military members of 37 nations that comprise this great al- of the month. liance. I first served in Afghanistan from 2002 to 2003 as the commander of the Coalition EDITORIAL STAFF For more information, please call the forces. Afghanistan was a vastly different place then. The destruction resulting from two and Col. Tom Collins, editor on 0799 511230. one half decades was evident everywhere and in everything. Chief Public Information Officer Today, while we have many remaining challenges, Afghanistan is clearly on the road to recov- The electronic version of this magazine ery: a president and parliament elected by the people; a constitution that is among the best in Master Sgt. Paula Allen-Gibbs can be downloaded online at: Editor central and south Asia; an Afghan National Army and National Police that are growing in capa- www.nato.int/isaf. bility by the day; and reconstruction and development that are steadily improving the quality of life of the Afghan people. 3 Commander’s Foreword While it is ISAF that perhaps provides the most visible example of the international commu- 4 Afghan government assists citizens through winter hardship nity’s commitment here, our efforts involve much more than a military solution. Working in 5 Joint Intelligence Operations Center opens concert with governments, humanitarian and non-governmental organizations, and all who are 6 Together we will make Peace Progress party to this noble endeavor, we will enable the institutions of Afghanistan so that the Afghan 8 When ANA takes the lead of an ISAF operation people might enjoy self determination, education, health and the peaceful realization of their 9 Provincial Reconstruction Team on new paths - Wreckage in Baglan hopes and dreams. 10 Drawing competition held for children To be clear, we face great challenges in achieving these basic rights for the Afghan people, 12 Gen. Dan McNeill assumes command of ISAF X including a brutal enemy determined to impose its dark vision on the Afghan people. But in 14 Passing on knowledge the past several months, ISAF clearly has the initiative and we will maintain our forward mo- 16 Maimana PRT visit mentum in facilitating reconstruction and development. We will remain prepared to overcome 18 Farah PRT receives funding for cold frame and seed vegetable any threats from those who stand in the way of a better life for the Afghan people, to include production project conducting combat operations when we must. But these operations will be done to enable our 19 Farah city police chief holds Shura for locals, soldiers primary objective of facilitating reconstruction and development. 20 Operation OQAB 2-4 In the coming weeks and months, I will be visiting various ISAF units. I look forward to CONTENTS 21 Soldiers complete three unfinished projects working with each regional command and its various national elements as, together, we con- 22 NATO forces work with ANP to intercept enemy supplies tinue the all-important work of helping the Afghan people secure and rebuild their country. 23 Kandahar PRT conducts mine awareness training for Kandahar children

2 ISAF MIRROR ISAF MIRROR 3 RC(E) HQ ISAF Afghan Government assists citizens through winter hardship Joint Intelligence Operations Center opens

Story by Capt. Stacie N. Shafran The JIOC is capable of 24-hour operations and is HQ ISAF PIO located within a secure working area inside the HQ The Joint Intelligence Operations Center (JIOC), ISAF encampment. Personnel share common work a significant strategic and operational achievement stations and also have access to private planning in Afghanistan-Pakistan border security, officially rooms. opened Jan. 25 during a ceremony at Headquarters “In the short time they’ve been here, the Pakistanis International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). have been cooperating and communicating well The JIOC is unprecedented. Its debut publicly with the Afghans, as well as integrating themselves acknowledges ISAF, Afghanistan and Pakistan’s within the ISAF community,” said Major Zeigler. resolve to cooperate closely to counter terrorism Despite their differing languages, the team has and insurgent activity along their shared southern yet to experience major language barriers. “It’s a and eastern border. benefit that the Pakistani officers speak English, In the past, the primary venue for Afghan, as well as Dari and Pashtu, Afghanistan’s official Pakistan, and ISAF military leaders to share languages, and that we have translators who help us information or collaborate on issues of joint concern communicate with the Afghan officers,” said Major with reference to the shared border between Pakistan Zeigler. and Afghanistan was through bimonthly meetings at As for the JIOC’s extensive communication network, the four-star level Tripartite Plenary Commission. more than $100,000 worth of Communications and Last November, the Military Intelligence Sharing Information Systems (CIS) equipment is enabling Working Group (MISWG), one of the commission’s the intelligence mission. There are several secure Winter in many parts of Afghanistan is a responsible for initiating snow removal opera- sub-committees, finalized the planning initiative to communications networks and additional capabilities brutal conflux of snow and ice with tempera- tions when the snow coverage reaches 5-7 cm establish the JIOC and its concept of operations. will be implemented as the mission expands. tures dipping into the single digits and below. in depth. If the designated road has not been Now, Afghan and Pakistani military officers will “It’s been really rewarding to get the JIOC off the The resulting blizzards and snow drifts can cleared, citizens can contact their Provincial work, side by side, in one facility, in support of joint ground and to have a direct role in enabling the future cause tremendous damage to property, crops Coordination Councils for assistance. The campaign planning for operations, intelligence, stability of these countries and the ISAF mission,” said and farm animals, and render roads impass- Coalition’s Provincial Reconstruction Teams technical exchange of counter improvised explosive 1st Lt. Stacie Hartert, CIS control center engineer, who planned and implemented the JIOC’s communications able, cutting off critical supply routes used by work with the Department of Public Works to device (C-IED) information, and information capabilities. citizens to gather their food and living essen- offer mentorship and assistance in managing operations. “The JIOC will facilitate critical and timely Lieutenant Hartert and her team equipped the tials. the SNIC program when needed. information needed by the Afghan National Army facility with its own secure network that enables the The Government of Afghanistan, working The HCA program provides food, cloth- and Pakistan Army units operating along the border Afghan, Pakistani and ISAF officers to liaise with with Coalition forces, devised a comprehensive ing, and supplies to the regions citizens. This to prevent and disrupt insurgent activity common each other, as well as exchange information with “Winterization Plan” to assist the citizens in program is in effect all year long and has been in the eastern and southern areas of Afghanistan,” their respective countries. getting through the frigid season. refitted to include winter need items. said Maj. Andrew Zeigler, ISAF’s Government of “Trust is the focus; we have to support one another The government’s winterization plan, has In the last three months, the government has Afghanistan intelligence representative and facilitator in our efforts to ensure stability, security, and two primary areas of emphasis: The Snow and hired 93 jingo trucks to deliver over 280 pallets for intelligence sharing between the JIOC, ISAF and cooperation between both countries,” said Major Ice Control program and the Humanitarian Civil of HCA goods worth in excess of $800,000. the Afghanistan-Pakistan entities. Zeigler. “Without it our efforts will be fruitless. At this Assistance program. Governors throughout Delivery will continue through the winter, espe- The JIOC is manned by six Pakistani and six point, I’m very optimistic about the prospects toward the country’s eastern provinces, in cooperation cially to those villages located in remote areas Afghan liaison officers, as well as 12 ISAF staff stabilization and security as a result of everyone’s with the Regional Director of Disaster Relief where access to roads and towns are limited. officers. As members cooperate and collaborate efforts.” and Director of Public Works, collaborated to Citizens requiring HCA items need only contact on matters related to border security, the team will ISAF is currently comprised of more than 35,000 bring these services to districts throughout their local PCC or PRT to have their requests produce intelligence reports and distribute them troops from 37 NATO and non-NATO nations. Its their provinces. evaluated and granted. to the intelligence community and as necessary, primary role is to support and assist the Government Some 6,000 Afghans from areas all across “The Afghan government cares about the to other organizations also concerned with border of Afghanistan in providing and maintaining a secure environment in order to help in the rebuilding of the region were hired to remove snow and needs of the people and is established to serve security. Afghanistan. The JIOC is one milestone in support ice from designated provincial roads, district and assist the people in seeking a better life,” “We need everyone to understand that cooperation does not only rest within the JIOC, but between the of that overarching goal. centers, the Afghan National Police headquar- said Khost Governor Arsala Jamal. “The gov- citizens of Pakistan, Afghanistan and the international ters, clinics, schools and bazaars. Over 1,800 ernment, with the help of our coalition brothers, community that is working toward security. This is kilometers of road is slated for inclusion in the is committed to the security of Afghanistan and just one small step in support of that end state,” said project. to the welfare of the Afghan people.” Major Zeigler. During periods of snowfall, the contractor is

4 ISAF MIRROR ISAF MIRROR 5 RC(C) c h e c k p o i n t , crime scene investigation, Together, let‘s make peace progress crowd control and how to Story and photos by: defend against Ltn Sarah Boulanger (FRA) attack. Cpt Kamil Erdogan (TUR) “Police is the PIO RC-C guarantee of justice, public At the beginning of his command of and individual Regional Command Capital (RC-C), safety. A Brigadier General Pierre de Villiers peaceful future said “I will continue the work in for Afghanistan this multinational environment and depends on together we will carry on providing strong national security in our area of responsibility, security forces. side by side with our allies and I am very happy always in close-cooperation with to see your Afghan National Security Forces, eagerness of local authorities, population, and being trained. on support of the Government of RC-C will Afghanistan. Together, we will make continue to train peace progress”. programs for Musahi district police. The first program KCP by repeating such programs” said Colonel Ates, the whole area of RC-Capital Area of Operation. RC-C has organized exercises for Kabul City Police was conducted in mid-December, and 15 policemen deputy commander of RC-C during the ceremony. An Afghan and a French platoon were paired up and Afghan National Army since December 2006. For participated. A second one was conducted for 20 This kind of training was conducted again at the to enable each other to share their operational these programs all three battle groups of RC-Capital, policemen on the first week of January, and a third beginning of February. experience. This joint training work requires French, Turkish and Italian, committed themselves to one for 10 other policemen in mid-January. The last At the same time, the French Battle group worked a constant dialogue between the two unit the organisation of joint training with Afghan Police course began on 30 Jan. and ended on 5 Feb. 10 in collaboration with Surobi Police. For FR BG, it is commanders. Thanks to this training and the and soldiers. policemen attended this course. Until the beginning more important to develop that joint concept directly briefings to determine their improvement, a true RC-Capital commander, Brigadier Pierre de VILLIERS of February, 55 policemen collaborated with IT BG for on the ground. In the same way, they proposed to relationship has been established. Capt. Hayaduin, (FR-AR), stresses in his directives the importance for more efficient joint work on the ground. the policemen a 2-week training period in their area unit commander of 201st Corps Company, is very the police, Afghan soldiers and ISAF soldiers to develop Usually, on the first day of IT BG course, policemen of responsibility in Surobi to show them how French pleased with “the cooperation between French and were reminded about the theoretical and practical soldiers patrol. Afghan.” use of force and weapons. The French detachment in Forward Operating Each course is jointly reviewed in order to make On the second day, an Italian Base Hawkeye Surobi district began the collaboration security progress. Soldiers on each side gain platoon went to Musahi in with the city police at the end of January, and from this confidence in the other side and share their know- order to conduct joint vehicle time, they have conducted patrols together around how in a friendly way to increase their efficiency on checkpoint training. IT BG and Surobi. the ground. Regional Command Capital increases KCP set up joint patrols on the The deputy governor of Surobi, Habibul Rahman the collaboration between ISAF troops and Afghan third day of training. The last Malekzoi, said he Security Forces. day of collaboration, policemen was very happy with Soldiers on each participated in joint live range this Afghan-French side are happy competitions. collaboration and to meet and In Camp Dogan, home to the wishes a large discover another Turkish battle group, another joint development culture, because kind of joint training program was of these activities every one of performed for 25 policemen in a for the whole tree-day period. The purpose district. them can bring of this course was to facilitate Besides, during new elements joint patrols and checkpoint two weeks the to the others activities, to ensure unity and French battle and learn a lot. to improve mutual cooperation, group trained in It is important to cooperation work for joint training, in order to facilitate coordination and confidence between nationalities. Darulaman with develop a mutual combined operations during joint patrols or the manning In order to reach these goals, TU BG Gendarmerie 201st Corps of c o n f i d e n c e , Special Operations Company performed the 3-day of the checkpoints. This cooperation completes course Afghan National in order to be training program between 16 and 18 January. 25 actions led at national level. This is the best way to make Army (ANA) efficient during collective procedures easier. KC policemen received training on how to search to strengthen joint missions on Italian battle group organised four-day training (individuals, vehicles, buildings), the set up of a vehicle the security in the ground. 6 ISAF MIRROR ISAF MIRROR 7 RC(C) RC(N) When ANA takes the lead of an ISAF operation Provincial Reconstruction Team on new paths Story and photo by: Wreckage in Baglan Lcl Philippe Bou RC-C PIO Chief Story and photos by: Capt Andrea Nagy PIO PRT PeK Regional Command Capital keeps on developing privileged relations On a recent winter day trucks and cranes with Afghan national security forces. lined up on the outskirts of the city of Baghlan. Brigadier de Villiers in his guidance They worked for two weeks to carry away and wanted these relations to be as concrete collect the wreckages of armor scattered all as possible. They should aim at bringing over the countryside since the anti-Soviet jihad. the necessary support to the Afghan The project is sponsored by the Hungarian PRT institutions represented by ANA, ANP of Baghlan Province. The wrecks bared to their and NDS, so they can provide on their chassis served as a playground for the children: own security to Afghanistan and its population. they played hide-and-seek or - which is worse So, according to Brigadier de Villiers, – wargames in them. The wrecks, organic part initiatives realised at the lowest local level of the townscape by now, not only disfigured the are complementary to training received environment, but also kept alive the memories at national level. of a bloody war. On the occasion of the conception of The governor of Baghlan city wanted to ANA to command the manoeuvre phase. Following OQAB MAGNET operation, that will be change this, when he asked the PRT to transfer since there are a lot more wrecks throughout battle rhythm, large scale development operations conducted in Surobi district, COM RC Capital and the wrecks, that otherwise are the property of the province. his staff have begun a study, not only on a joint will be simultaneously conducted by CIMIC teams. Strengthen local police should then be able to the Afghan Government, to a designated area. Both the PRT and the governor of Baghlan city ISAF/ANSF initiative but on the possibility to leave The PRT’s EOD team checked the locations agree, that beside improving the townscape and the lead of the decisive phase to ANA 201 corps, maintain this level of security in the district with the and a local entrepreneur carried away the tank- removing war-reminiscences, the project helps making it then, a first in Afghanistan. support of RC Capital forces and a population that frames. changing the worldview of the next generation. The concept of ISAF success operation OQAB would have joined the “peace makers side” ALPINI, conducted in December 2006 in Musayi The reinforcement of security obtained in the The project began in early December and If this rising generation do not have to grow up valley has been adopted and completed. region through the combined action of the population, the transfer of the 31 wrecks was finished in among the war heritages playing wargames, So, phase one consists in dialoguing with the ANSF and ISAF then permits to reach phase 3 or one month by the beginning of January. The we might have contributed somewhat to a more population to determine its practical aspirations in consolidation phase. This last phase should see the transport of the most visible wrecks was only the peaceful, more secure future, which is the sound terms of security and development. Through dialogue increase in development and reconstruction initiated first phase of the wreckproject. It will continue, foundation of the reconstruction of the country. ISAF receive the trust the population and encourage since the beginning by the government. Indeed, the their participation to a common goal: “make peace government desires to get involved in all the regions progress.“ The authorities of the Afghan security of the country in liaison with organisation in charge forces have therefore actively participated in the of development (GO, NGOs…) shuras organised jointly with the government “ANA has made some tremendous progress. It representatives, Surobi district representatives and is motivated and is better and better equipped. We RC Capital staff. This phase is complemented on support ANA in a practical way to enable it to assert the ground with winter donations for the poorest day after day its commitment to the population. It is families. our mission” declared Brigadier de Villiers. The second phase consists in the deployment of national security forces in Surobi district. So, RC Capital has already begun in cooperation with ANA 201 Corps, different chiefs of police and NDS the draft for NATO orders. Joint terrain reconnaissance, meetings according to fields of expertise are under the authority of RC Capital Chief of Staff, Col LAUGEL. In the mean time, FR BG and ANA companies conduct joint training sessions. Thus, in March the deployment of forces for the operation in SUROBI district will be led by 201 Corps and the other national forces and ISAF will only be there as a support. Joint Forward Command Post (ANA/ANP/ISAF) will be deployed to enable

8 ISAF MIRROR ISAF MIRROR 9 RC(N) RC(N) Drawing competition held for children Story by: Capt Andrea Nagy PIO PRT PeK some of them imagined it as a mixture of The way to the Afghans’ hearts goes a modern airport and a railways station. through their children.” This motto was As a returning motive lots of children drew commander of the PRT found it an excellent were collected and the toughest part of the chosen by one of the Hungarian PRT’s wells reminding the PRT of the long-lasting initiative, so after getting the official approval, project began: classifying and sorting out mission teams in Baghlan Province. effects of water shortage. they started to visit the elementary and the 1400 drawings received. Almost all of Although the mission team changed its After picking the best twenty five drawings highschools of the province. The students the drawings portrayed a peaceful future motto to the meaningful slogan of ’Whereever for each of the schools, the prizes, which involved represented both genders and all with nice houses, green trees and flowers. you go, we have already been there’ since contained an ISAF schoolbag, toys and of the ages between 8 and 16. They gave Most of the children imagined themselves then, their previous motto is echoed in the schoolequipment such as pens, pencils, papers and color pencils to the students as doctors or teachers. Certainly some of new project of the PRT’s PSYOPS unit. pencilboxes, booklets were ceremonially and asked them to draw how they imagine the girls wanted to become famous singers, The PSYOPS has prepared television and handed over to the winners. their future, what they wish to become. just as some boys wanted to become radio broadcasts, disseminated newspapers The project had several benefits. First And the children drew and painted. soldiers, who guard the peace. Some and leaflets about the activity of the ISAF and of all children could feel to be involved in Some of them even prepared wall-posters children’s drawings reflected their present the PRT, performed roadshows where they the peace-making process in the province. for the PRT. After a month the drawings environment with donkeys and ducks, but showed introductory movies on Hungary and Secondly the PRT directly gained knowlegde CIMIC projects and glued posters on every on how Afghani children see their and their single bare wall they found in the province. country’s future. Thirdly these drawings These activites reflected the classical and have been used for preparing wall-posters well-tried PSYOPS methods, but they and leaflets, by which means the PRT were still not satisfied. They wanted to try intended to show the adult population of something different, something which can the province how their children wish to live. be a new method of reaching the population Thus people were addressed by their own of the province. So one day, they came up children and not by the PRT, which is one with the idea of a drawing competition for of the most authentic and trustworthy way schoolchildren. They gave the project the of communicating messages of peace and title of ’How do I imagine my future’. The development.

10 ISAF MIRROR OR ISAF MIRROR 11 February 4th, US Gen. Dan McNeill, assumed command of International Security Force X in the presence of President Hamid Karzai. Upon taking command, Gen. McNeill praised the efforts of President Karzai and Gen. David Richards and reaffirmed ISAF‘s commitment to facilitate the reconstruction of Afghanistan. RC(N) Passing on knowledge RC(N) Passing on knowledge continued from page 14 Political Parties gathered for first time in PRT Maimana rooted cultural traditions. The most effective and sometimes the only means to reach these people Thursday the 25th of January 2007 was an historic is direct interpersonal communication with them day in Faryab as all the three most important pnolitical or through community leaders, stakeholders, parties, Jumbesh, Azadi and Jamiat, gathered around family members or friends. According to the the same table to discuss the current state as well as experience of the PRT’s intelligence section, the future of the province. This was the first tripartite direct interaction with children - while supporting talks seen in Faryab. schools by different means - has contributed All representatives of the local political parties significantly to the improvement of security in expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to the province. gather and meet together. Another and non-negligible aspect of this According to Mr. Abdul Jalil Awer, the Deputy party project is, that it concentrates on the education of leader of Jumbesh in Faryab, “the time now is suitable women. The group of soldiers teaching the girls for discussing the problems. Political parties will have always include women, since communication different ideas, but one should sit together and try to with women and the recovery of female rights are find common solutions. Discussion and exchange of still sensitive issues in the Afghan society. The ideas in itself is positive”. international trends and strategies concerning All the parties assured that they do not have military development recently seem to shift in two units any more and that they do not support the use of weapons. They also said that violence and violent directions. One is to facilitate children education, demonstrations must be avoided. Mr. Mohammad the other is to support and educate women. Husain, the Azadi Party leader in Faryab said that Story and photos by: Capt Andrea Nagy PIO PRT PeK Although the ISAF, the United Nations and other “it was not a lie that in the past there had been used international and national organizations pay weapons and not politics. Now we are trying to resolve colours and basic sentences, in return they are particular attention to improve the situation of n a bright January morning girls of all ages tought the same things in Dari. the issues with politics, not with war”. O Afghan women, literacy rate for women was only “The goal is not to unify parties, but to have a unity and classes gather in the courtyard of Madan Girls Although this unique initiative is not a classical 5 percent in 2002 (not later data). Nevertheless, of ideas to move development and it is beneficial to High school. Excited chatting starts as the military reconstruction project, it serves long-term goals. there have been significant developments in discuss”, Dr. Said Ahmad Sadat, the Party leader of On the one hand, it improves languages abilities vehicles approached the school and shy smiles women’s situation. 27 percent of the National Jamiat in Faryab added. of Afghan children and also encourages them appear when the first soldiers get out of the cars. Assembly is represented by women and they The initiative for a joint meeting came from the to study. Ensuring and facilitating the education While the Psycological Operations members begin are visible in almost all of the public sectors. Norwegian-led PRT (Provincial Reconstruction Team), to install a big television screen and loudspeakers of children is a basic and essential part in the According to the soldiers participating in the the only actor in Faryab to provide neutral ground for to show the movie on the Provincial Reconstruction development strategy not only of Baghlan Province project, girls are very interested in taking part in discussions like these and to free parties from the Team and Hungary, the mission commander, who and Afghanistan, but of all the developing countries. the classes. ’Classes are very popular among local power games. organized this new project is already taken to the Passing over knowledge and information plays an the students. The news, that we had arrived at The media of Faryab was also invited to the scene teacher’s office by the school director for a cup of important role in shaping the worldview of the new the school spread immediately and as a chain after the closed door discussions chaired by the tea and a brief welcome. generation. reaction within a short time the classroom is filled Commander of PRT Maimana, Lt. Col. Arne Opperud. At the end of last year Mrs. Malolai, director of the On the other hand, this project ensures a platform with girls. At the end of the classes they keep “The meeting was a success. The party representatives high school turned to the Hungarian PRT of Baghlan for direct communication with Afghan children and asking what was the next time we come again.’- were organised and calm in their speeches and Province with a special and very innovative request. teachers, and so it is a genuine possibility to raise says Master Sergeant László Vígh, deputy of behaviour. It was true political dialogue with peaceful means”, Lt. Col. Opperud said. She asked the PRT to give English conversational the acceptance of the ISAF and PRT among the mission team 2. Local journalists were very happy, too. “As a resident classes to the pupils. She said her students were population. An average Afghan family has 8-12 The project, which has been going on for of Faryab it is great to see the parties together, and very eager to learn English, but they didn’t have members and approximately 50-150 students take two months now, seems to become a success any possibility to practice their knowledge with part in these classes. If these children going home that everybody could express their views on the needs story. Both parties harvest the benefits of direct of the province. Expressing different thoughts and someone who speaks it fluently and whose native to their families shares their experience and talk communication: the students while practicing language is neither Dari, nor Pasthun. warmheartedly about the soldiers, it can contribute views brings freedom of speech and democracy”, the English learn about the ISAF and the PRT and journalists told at the press conference. Although currently there is holiday season in to the number of supporters with 600-1500 people at the same time what they see is that instead The atmosphere was friendly and a lot of smiling and schools, students and also teachers are willing to and this means only those, who were engaged of the strict-faced soldiers carrying helmets hugs were seen after the meeting. The presence of the come to the school to improve their English. The directly. All of this has almost no or very low cost. and rifles, there are friendly, smiling people, local press let also the parties chat informally and find soldiers are not professional teachers, but they The Afghans are very friendly people, who who care about their life and their future. some touches between the key persons. enjoy speaking with the students about Afghanistan have extensive family connections. Moreover, “The presence of the media clearly worked as a and Hungary, the PRT and the ISAF. They read many of them are illiterate and do not possess any carrot for the parties. The PRT will organise same type SADA-E AZADI, the official newspaper of ISAF and television or other kind of multimedia equipment. of meetings later this year”, Lt. Col. Opperud stated. try to find out together what are the common points For them, human relations, human interactions are The theme of this first meeting was security. In the in the two nations’ traditions and culture. For those, exreemly important not only because of the poor future, other topics i.e. development and education who don’t speak English at all, they teach numbers, infrastructural conditions, but also because of deeply will be discussed, too. 14 ISAF MIRROR ISAF MIRROR 15 RC(N) RC(N) New mosque under construction

Workers creating Maimana carpets at the Women‘s Affairs Center

businesses. role two hospital, offer their expertise and The first micro-finance recipient visited owned experience daily to the Afghan hospital workers. a carpet weaving business. They had several Representatives from the PRT work closely with rugs under construction when the team arrived. the Afghan medical staff to train in the areas of The visitors were able to see the actual carpet trauma, anaesthetics and sterilization practices. weaving process and were very impressed. The Next the group visited the Meimana women’s second micro-finance recipient owned a bicycle center where they met Madame Sharifa, the repair shop. He was able to open his business director of the center. In coordination with the only because he was given a loan. PRT and local NGO money, she had established The group of visitors also had an opportunity a special crisis center for both abused women to tour the new projects well under way at the and women who were soon to face the Afghan Maimana hospital. These projects included a court system. Without the center, these women women’s dorm that was constructed to give the would have no where to find shelter. It is one of women a place to stay when their husbands a growing number of crisis center’s across the are in the hospital, a drug rehabilitation center country. Members of the Norwegian PRT preparing to take for local residents, a new laundry facility and The group ended the trip with a visit to the the group out on foot patrol new equipment for several different areas of the local Afghan National Army training camp where Worker in the bicycle repair shop hospital. they viewed some recently finiished facilities and In addition to the projects, soldiers from the some that are still under construction. One of PRT who are nurses and doctors in the camp’s which was a new mosque. The ministery of rehabilitation and rural through the local non-govermental organizations development along with ISAF HQ Information on the PRT‘s recommendation. Operations made a visit to Maimana PRT in Faryab The visit began with a foot patrol coordinated Province in the northwest region of Afghanistan by the PRT soldiers who provided security. The in order to view micro-finance projects and the soldiers escorted the reporters and the ministery Maimana hospitals recent new building projects. representatives through the heart of the city on They also met the director of women’s affairs in foot. The all-day venture allowed the guests to Maimana Madame Sharifa to discuss the opening visit several of the projects they had come to of a new crisis center for women. International see. and Afghan correspondents came along on The MRRD representatives wanted to focus the trip and had the opportunity to live and eat on meeting with micro-finance recipients. The amongst the soldiers from the PRT. Micro-finance projects are backed by the MRRD The PRT is Norwegian led, with Latvian and enable individuals to take a business load and Finish troops as well. In total there are through the Bangladesh Bank and various other approximately 126 soldiers at the Maimana finance companies. The loans range from one PRT. None of the projects would be possible – eight hundred dollars. They are meant to with constant diligence toward security and finance a small business or to enhance one that Recently stability the PRT provides for these projects is already established. More than 98 percent of constructed from beginning to end. Several of these projects the 2002 recipients in Maimana have already Maimana Public have been funded by the Norwegian government paid their loans in full and have grown their small Hospital 16 ISAF MIRROR ISAF MIRROR 17 RC(N) RC(W) Farah PRT receives funding for cold frame and seed vegetable production project Farah city chief of police holds Story and photo by: “The farmers that we trained will train others, allowing the project to increase year Gina Gillespie FMT PRT Farah Shura for locals, soldiers by year. The farmers talk to everyone they meet about the new growing techniques,” Story and photo by: Gina Gillespie FMT PRT Farah Agricultural improvement is one of the top says Abdul Qader, the Promotion Director at 200 of Farah’s most influential people priorities for the Provincial Reconstruction the Farah Department of Agriculture. gathered recently to discuss the future of their province. Soldiers from PRT Farah, government officials, Mullahs, and tribal elders from every district in the province met at the police station in Farah City for a village Shura and luncheon hosted by General Saed Aga, Chief of Police for Farah City. The two main issues discussed were security and economic development. Speeches were made by General Aga, the department of Rural Rehabilitation and Development, Mullah PRT Farah Commander Michael Horan Rahanni, the Commander of PRT Farah, and supports him in this endeavour. “You could tell the Minister of Education. this was a very good event,” says Cdr Horan, “All the time you say you support the speaking of the Shura Council. “It’s not giving government, but when you leave here you bikes away, it’s getting the government out to don’t do anything,” said Mullah Rahanni the people.” in his speech. “If you say you work for the For Commander Horan, the gathering government you must support the government. demonstrated the tremendous support We need results. After this meeting the things shown to General Aga from the tribal elders we promise must be followed up.” throughout the province. The speakers stressed that good security “He was definitely under fire this summer was essential before economic development when a lot of crime and security activities were could begin to grow. The gathering reached a little bit higher. Things have gotten better a consensus that the village elders needed for various reasons and he is the recipient for to use their influence to stop the youth in a lot of the adulation that has happened,” he Team in Farah. They’ve recently received The main goals of the project are: their villages from assisting enemy forces or says. funding for a Cold Frame and Seed Vegetable 1. To introduce cold frame growing techniques getting involved in crime. Positive fallout from the meeting was Production Project.” to the farmers Many meeting participants believe that the immediately evident. Within days of the A similar proposal ten times as large 2. To introduce vegetable seeds of improved most productive part of the gathering was the gathering, the Minister of Education visited was awaiting funding, but was in danger of varieties give and take between government officials the Push-e Rod district to meet with the missing the planting season. “We scaled 3. Subsidize farmers by providing produce and tribal elders. villagers face-to-face. Although the meeting down the size of the project to a funding for early markets using cold frame growing “It was a positive sign that if some of the was confrontational, the end result was an level that could easily be approved. It gives techniques tribal elders had a complaint, they were agreement to re-open two girls’ schools, us the ability to test the concept to see if it is 4. Provide incentives to abandon poppy vociferous in speaking out to the government,” allowing 270 girls to start re-attending school worthwhile,” says Maj. John Andrews, head production says Lieutenant-Colonel Scott Simmons from on a regular basis. of the Civil Affairs Team at PRT Farah. 5. Increase vegetable production 25 to 30 the Center for Army Lessons Learned. “To The GOA, ISAF, and the US Command One hundred and fifty farmers from two per cent for participating farmers me that was refreshing, realizing there was a in Bagram are encouraging a set schedule districts, Push-t Rod and Farah Center, sense of democracy at least on this local level for regular gatherings. This would allow the will take part in the project, and have The contract includes funding to purchase where they weren’t afraid to complain to the leaders to get ahead of any issues waiting for already received training in cold frame plastic for cold frames, as well as watermelon, local government.” them downstream. growing techniques from the Department of cucumber and eggplant seeds. Provincial Governor Abdol Samad Stankzai “Whether it’s monthly, quarterly or semi- Agriculture. strongly encourages government officials to annually, we are going to try and get these get out to the districts to visit their constituents. leaders out,” says Cdr. Horan. 18 ISAF MIRROR ISAF MIRROR 19I RC(W) RC(W) OPERATION OQAB 2-4 American soldiers complete three unfinished projects

in the area in order to attract people willing to construct Story and photo by: Story and photo by: roads, wells, schools and clinics. “There is only one Gina Gillespie FMT PRT Farah Gina Gillespie FMT PRT Farah thing more powerful than Col. Jabar’s ANA, and that is the assurance and guarantee of the village elders American soldiers from Provincial Multinational forces hit the road at zero-dark-thirty, that they will provide safety,” said Cdr Horan. Reconstruction Team Farah recently stepped heading to Khaks-e Safid district of Farah Province in Col. Jabar invited the villagers to join the ANA, in to complete three unfinished projects in support of OPERATION OQAB 2-4. reminding them it was a national security force Chegcheran, Ghor Province. The mission was Afghan National Army and Afghan representing all of Afghanistan. “We come as your On 31 May 2005, ISAF forces took control National Police led, supported by ISAF forces from representatives,” he said. “We come to learn how we of the former US Forces establishment at Provincial Reconstruction Team Farah and Regional are able to help you. We come to learn your problems Chegcheran, and American soldiers were Command West in Herat. and pass them to the concerned authorities.” He too, replaced with Lithuanian and Danish forces. Participants included a Civil Affairs Team, Police encouraged the villagers to come to Farah City and Three CERP (Commander’s Emergency Support Team, ANA, ANP and medical support. visit the Governor and police compounds to voice Reconstruction Program) projects were left Activities included Key Leader Engagement, village their concerns. Standing at his side, Mir Amza, hanging in limbo; a new dining facility, pharmacy assessments, house-to house searches conducted a 14-year-old village boy from Khost, drank in his and shower for the hospital; a new dormitory at the Chegcheran School; and Lal Wa Sargangal by blended teams of ANA and ANP officers, and message. “I am very happy that our ANA and ANP “We don’t leave American work unfinished,” Girls’ School. setting up several police checkpoints. are here today. They represent our government, and said Major Risher. “Somebody had to go The Americans decided that they commissioned House-to house searches turned up 35 kilograms our people. I want to join the ANA. I want to defend up there and it might as well be us because these projects, and they needed to complete of opium, four weapons and some ammunition. my land,” he said. we’re the closest PRT.” They were helped them,” says MSgt James Robinson, a member Maj. Danl Connelly heads the Farah Police Support The Civil Affairs team assessed the district for in their mission by of the Civil Affairs team Team, and was encouraged at the amount of future Humanitarian Assistance and possible building James Irish, the USAID at PRT Farah. So MSgt cooperation and sharing of resources shown by the projects. As with many districts, they found a lack of representative at Robinson and Maj. ANA and ANP. “I saw a lot of cooperation with the electricity and a shortage of schools and wells. Chegcheran, and Major Jeffery Risher, also But the area did have a traveling physician who “It’s all about the Filippo Mazio from the ANA and ANP working together,” he says. “This is the a CA team member, visits 20 days of the month, and contract teachers Italian Army in Herat. first time that I have been working with them where traveled to Chegcheran Afghan people seeing who held classes in the mosque due to a shortage of The provincial they actually blended the teams as they did in Khost to continue the work and Giga.” classroom space in the school. that their government governor was begun by their fellow particularly interested PRT Farah Commander Michael Horan and ANA Americans. is trying to do the in the completion of Colonel Abdul Jabar The completion of the the Chegcheran School talked with the village three projects had been right thing,” said MSgt dormitory, since the elders, and tried to delayed for a variety children who would impress upon them the Robinson. of reasons, including normally stay in the importance of engaging a dramatic increase in dormitory had set up government officials in the price of concrete temporary residence the district affairs. during 2005, the remote in the governor’s own “I encourage you to location and poor roads in the area and the lack home. see all the Ministerial of a skilled work force in Chegcheran and the But beyond finishing the buildings started Directors, the Director of province of Ghor in general. by fellow Americans, the projects were aligned Education, the Director MSgt Robinson and Maj. Risher were unable to with the goals of PRT Farah, winning hearts of Agriculture, Director visit the girls’ school at Lal Wa Sargangal due to and minds. “In doing so, if we can also help of Rural Rehabilitation its remote location and inclement weather. They support the Government of Afghanistan, then and Development,” he were able to visit the hospital and Chegcheran we should do that,” says MSgt Robinson. said. “It is very important School dormitory, and found minor, mostly “It seemed fitting for us to complete these that you engage those esthetic deficiencies to the buildings. Since the projects. Hopefully long term they will see that gentlemen in Farah projects weren’t yet ready to be turned over, they their government is trying to assist them as and invite them to come made a partial progress payment to the local best they can. It’s all about the Afghan people to your village.” He also contractor, Ansari Rehabilitation Association, to seeing that their government is trying to do the stressed the importance allow him to fix the deficiencies, and continue right thing.” of guaranteeing security with the work at Lal Wa Sargangal.

20 ISAF MIRROR IS ISAF MIRROR 21 RC(W) RC(W)

NATO-ISAF forces Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team Conducts Mine Awareness Training for Kandahar Children work with ANP to intercept enemy supplies Story and photos by: U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Brian Raley

The Afghan National Police together with NATO- ISAF forces established a temporary vehicle check point near the village of Tahktah Pol to prevent the trafficking of insurgent supplies and weapons on 12 Williams said. “They conducted their searches in an Feb. orderly manner while showing great respect, they While there, ISAF forces also toured a local village seemed to be very well led and organized during and ANP center to assess their needs and determine the operation, and they worked very well along side how they can best help Afghans in the area. Coalition Soldiers.” ANP, Canadian and U.S. Soldiers established a While others where checking vehicles, Williams toured the local ANP center and visited the village of Tahktah Pol to asses how ISAF forces can help the area. He discussed with local elders how to maintain security for them and ISAF supplies traveling on Highway 4. Soldiers also distributed military aide to children and residents of the village. Elders expressed the need for help The Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Master Cpl. Brendan Hynes. in the development of their irrigation Team, based here, conducted mine and Many of the children who attended the system, which supports their main livelihood of agriculture. unexploded ordnance awareness training mine and unexploded ordnance awareness Williams explained that the village for children employed by a recycling training previously received medical attention and the surrounding area seems to be company and for street children living in during a medical outreach patrol conducted relatively secure and friendly to ISAF Kandahar today. by the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction forces, but needs attention. Both ISAF Following the training session and a Team at the Kandahar City fire brigade’s vehicle check point on Highway 4 between Kandahar and the Afghan government have focused on areas further west and north of Tahktah snack, the children also received rubber compound Jan. 7. and Spin Buldak in Southern Afghanistan. For three boots, socks, gloves, colouring materials, The PRT consists of Canadian Forces hours the team thoroughly checked vehicles traveling Pol for several months due to increased insurgent the highway, which resulted in no seized insurgent activity. While, the region has not seen a heavy ISAF backpacks and stuffed toys. members, a civilian police contingent led by weapons or materials. Each vehicle cleared was given influence in recent months, the village and ANP center One child also received medical attention the RCMP, representatives of the Department military aid in the form of food and other necessities. has not been forgotten. for an infection on his foot. of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Though nothing was found, the checkpoint “For the ANP training center we will continue to conduct operations with those officers to both further “It’s great to see the children and to help out and the Canadian International Development demonstrated to Afghans that ISAF forces support any way we can,” said Air Force Maj. Tammy Agency. local police and will work together to rid the region of mentor and work with them as a team. In the near insurgency and continue to provide security. future we will try to meet their material needs and Tremblay. “The engineers who delivered The PRT conducts coordinated ISAF forces often work together with the ANP to requests,” Williams said. “In Tahktah Pol we plan on the training and are handing things out are interdepartmental operations to promote conduct such operations, but U.S. Army Col. R. focusing on projects which will assist the community having a great time, as well.” good governance and assist the Government and also employ fighting age males. We want to Stephen Williams, 207th Infantry Brigade commander, “The aim of this little training session is to develop a relationship with them to help us keep of Afghanistan to extend its authority in was particularly impressed with these ANP officers teach the kids three simple steps to follow the province of Kandahar, to facilitate the and their level of professionalism. them secure and to asses what requirements “This was one of the best ANP stations I’ve worked they need to better their health, agriculture and if they find a mine or unexploded ordnance: development of a stable, secure and self- with. They are very well trained and it seems obvious general quality of life.” don’t touch it; stay away from it and tell an sustaining environment for the Afghan that they have been mentored by Coalition forces,” adult, a policeman or an ISAF soldier,” said people. ISAF MIRROR 22 ISAF MIRROR 23 Kabul city Kabul