KABUL, Afghanistan (February 9., 2012) — Airmen from the 439th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron recently conducted a field training exercise as a course conclusion for Afghan air force security forces personnel.
AAF students enrolled in the basic fundamentals of combat skills training course demonstrated the skills learned over five weeks of instruction. The course is geared toward teaching the AAF SFS the basic concepts of defending an airbase.
“The main goal of the course is to teach our students the basics so they can effectively perform their job,” said Tech. Sgt. Daniel Kim, an adviser with the 439th AEAS deployed from Travis Air Force Base, Calif. “We are trying to get them to the point that they can defend an airbase and utilize the skills necessary to secure and clear buildings.”
The 14 Afghan non-commissioned officers learned the basic fundamentals of dismounted and mounted patrols, urban operations, Improvised Explosive Device recognition, challenging and searching individuals. They also had a basic M-16 class.
The students demonstrated they were capable of going on dismounted and mounted patrols, reacting to enemy fire, and utilizing techniques needed to secure and clear a building but the course did not come without its own specific challenges.
“The main challenge we face is the language barrier but we are blessed with outstanding interpreter support,” said Master Sgt. Michael Weiser, an adviser deployed from Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. “Another challenge is not having an easily accessible dedicated training area.”
The training was conducted at the AAF training compound and helped the student realistically respond to scenarios that they may face in a real-world situation commented officials.
“The better trained the AAF is, the less support the AAF will need from the U.S. Air Force and coalition partners,” said Kim. “This training goes into more detail than the training they have had up to this point.”
The students benefited from the training although the training course was not for certification and was intended to give them tools to better perform their day-to-day mission.
“The training was great and I think the training will be very beneficial for us as we continue to build our air force,” said AAF Sgt. Humayon.
This is an important step in the AAF Security Forces being able to operate as an independent security force, commented officials.