THE SPO TIMES

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TABEL OF CONTENTS:

P. 1 & 4-5: Afghan National Army holds Security Shura focused on logistics

P. 2-3: From our leaders

P. 6: First 2012 class of ANP officers graduate in Kandahar

P. 7: A day in the life of an ANA recruit in Helmand

P. 8: Kandahar, Helmand doc-tors meet to mend collective concerns

P. 9 & 14: Featured coalition P. 9 & 14: Featured coalition P. 9 & 14: Featured coalition

PartnerPartnerPartner

P. 10-11: Training center tran-sitions to Afghan control P. 12-13: Mentors invite ANA to participate in Army Ten-Miler shadow run

P. 15: Medical shura brings three parties together

P. 16: ANP in a box

P. 17: RSC-N photo medley

P. 18-20: Around the battle-field

Inter nal newslet ter for our ser vice member s and famil ies . . .

Volume 1 , Issue 6

The SPO Times is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. Contents of The SPO Times are not necessarily the official

views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, or the Department of the Army. The commanding officer for NTM-A DCOM SPO is Brig. Gen.

Clark W. LeMasters Jr. The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of Capt. Monika Comeaux, DCOM-SPO Public Affairs

Officer. Contact information: [email protected], DSN: 318-237-0470, Cell: 070-681-8709.

October 2012 THE SPO-TIMES

Afghan National Army holds Senior Security

Shura focused on logistics Story by Capt. Monika Comeaux, DCOM-SPO PAO

KABUL, Afghanistan – Senior military and logistics leaders

from the Afghan National Army, with some help from Regional Sup-

port Command-Capital and Deputy Command of Support Opera-

tions mentors, gathered for a logistics Shura Sept. 29 at one of the

national-level logistics warehouses known as ‘Depot 0’ in Kabul.

See LOGSHURA on p. 6-7

Participants of the Sept. 29 Senior Security Shura focused on ANSF logistics listen attentively

to a speaker . Photo by U.S. Army Capt. Monika Comeaux, DCOM SPO PAO

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DCOM-SPO Team,

The month of October is in the history books; it is now time to re-

flect on some of our great accomplishments. We have seen a lot of our

service members getting promoted to the next higher rank. Congratula-

tions to all of you! Being promoted to any grade in our services is an

honor which allows you more of an opportunity to mentor others and

assist them to the next level, "Build the Bench" and serve our great Na-

tion.

Camp Eggers had its' first Annual Army Ten-Miler Shadow Run

with over 200 runners in attendance. It was a great event that was spon-

sored by our MRW team, our volunteers and Base Support Group staff.

The run here at this tiny post of Camp Eggers took 16 laps around the

camp, with cheering fans and runners edging each other on.

The 16th Sustainment Brigade is starting to penetrate the DCOM-

SPO ranks as they start their ‘left seat, right seat ride’ of this operation. We will do a Transfer of Authority

ceremony on November 30th, to officially pass on the responsibilities held by members of the 13th Expedition-

ary Sustainment Command to the incoming members of the 16th Sustainment Brigade. The Team of 16th

SBDE are highly-trained professional ready to take on the task. Team DCOM-SPO with a sprinkle of the 13th

ESC is prepared to assist the 16TH in all ways possible as they continue to raise the standards.

Our monthly morale booster, the "Halloween SPOoktacular”, was a hit as these events have been every

month since we started doing them at Camp Eggers. Unfortunately there's no such thing as "a day off in the

combat zone", because the enemy gets a vote. BG LeMasters and I believe in working hard and we also be-

lieve in, as he would say, "laughing at yourself". We all must make some time to reenergize our batteries. The

morale boosters, leader's dinners, ethnic observance celebrations are just a few ways to allow a little fun.

Towards the end of October, we attended a Afghan National Security Force Logistics Development

Conference that illustrated the Afghan leaders are prepared and ready to take the lead. We as a coalition team

are a powerful combination with a wealth of talent and knowledge and we have to continue assisting them,

making them and their units more independent and self sufficient.

For those of you who are just arriving here and those who are about to leave, I have some words of

caution: it is usually the very first days after you arrive in theater, and the time you are about to go home or

just arrived home, when unexpected things may happen to you. Be patient and stay level-headed. I need you to

be alert on and off duty. If you are unsure about something, ask. There is no such thing as a stupid question.

Last and most important of all, Team DCOM-SPO, you are the reason for our success that includes our

Armed Forces, Contractors, DOD civilian and our Coalition Partners; everyone is making some sort of a sacri-

fice. We are all separated from our families; we all work in a dangerous environment. I want to commend all

of you for your service and support. It is all about you believing in yourself as a valued member of this team

and organization. I continue to challenge each and every one of you to be part of the solution; anyone can

throw salt. Once Again, I'm honored to serve in my capacity as the DCOM-SPO CSM, "BESIDE YOU", you

are the reason for our success.

CSM Terry E. Parham Sr.

DCOM-SPO/13TH ESC CSM

From our leadership

3

Team, as we roll into November there are several priorities that I

need you to focus on,

First, the arrival of the 16th Sustainment Brigade ADVON marks the

beginning of the transition of responsibilities from the 13th ESC mem-

bers of the staff. If you haven't looked at the 90-Day plan, please review

it. Ensure your continuity books, SOPs, POC lists and your "to-do" lists

are transferred to your replacements. Spend time talking about these

areas that require focus and are not complete. You have established

checklists and you will conduct briefings on the transition. You are the

key to ensuring that the 16th SB replacements understand their new mis-

sion.

DCOM-SPO is continuing work on transition of fuel management

responsibilities. The next major event is the signing of a memorandum of

understanding which spells out responsibilities of various Ministries involved with this important function.

The hard work of the Logistics Operations fuel team has laid the way ahead for our Afghan partners to take

over the management of approximately 1/3 of the total fuel requirements for the MOD and MOI. Additionally,

CW2 Upshaw and the MRB team have laid the ground work for another increase in the stockage levels for

Class IX repair parts for the ANA. Through Operation Steel Storm- we will see more repair parts arriving

over the winter months- with a goal of higher stockage levels within the Kandaks all the way to the Regional

Logistics Support Commands. The analysis supporting this effort will also be used to layout the plan for or-

dering parts for the ANP. Class IX repair parts are critical to enabling the ANSF organic maintenance pro-

gram.

The work of RSC-C and ANA Logistics Command has made improvements in the frequency of the distri-

bution convoys supporting the ANA. The combined work of our advisors and with the support of the Logis-

tics Command Commander, BG Basir, the number of Central Movement Agency convoys has increased and

the time between convoys was reduced. This will have a marked impact on the support provided to the ANA

and will go a long way to improving the confidence the ANA leadership has in the logistics system you are

developing.

Other areas we are working on include transition of Class V (ammunition) management, increased empha-

sis on the management of the ANA and ANP maintenance contracts, finalizing the transition timelines for the

organic maintenance capabilities for both the ANA and ANP and the final planning by RSC-C for the consoli-

dation of the Kabul contractor operated Depots and the TMSI lot into Depot 0 (ANA Central Supply De-

pot).....plus many, many other items.

As the weather turns colder and the leaves begin to fall, don't go into hibernation! Keep going to the gym

and stay fit. Eat right and take care of yourself, with the hours that you keep- it’s important that each of you

make time for some good PT and good food to keep your batteries charged!

"Shohna-ba-Shohna!" شاهنه به شاهنه

BG Clark LeMasters

DCOM-SPO/13th ESC Commander

NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan

DCOM-SPO/13th ESC

4

The purpose of the Shura was to inform ANA commanders on the capa-bilities of the national level logistics system and to pro-vide a forum for discussion on national logistics proc-esses and priorities. Among the invitees were all ANA Corps com-manders and senior logis-tics managers, as well as the Afghan Interior Minister and senior leaders from the International Security Assis-tance Forces (ISAF) head-quarters. “The message we are trying to get across here is all the progress we have made in logistics for the ANA,” said US Navy Capt. William B. Mattimore, logis-tics command advisor from RSC-Capital. “They have come a long way. This is an opportunity to show the rest of the ANA, the chain of command and the ministers, how far we have come, and how efficient these warehouses are.” Mattimore sees clear progress in ANA logis-tics development and thought it was very impor-tant to bring Afghan leaders together and organ-ize this senior logistics conference. “We have been building the ANA, increasing our numbers, it is now time that we focus on quality, not quantity,” said the Assistant Defense Minister for Acquisition, Technology and Logis-tics, Lt. Gen. Abdul Hamid Mohebullah through an interpreter during his opening remarks. “In or-der to provide security and peace for our people, we have to get the right logistics at the right place, at the right time”, he said. The 203

rd Afghan National Army Corps Com-

mander, Maj. Gen. Mohammed Yaftali, provided an update on their maintenance readiness, stat-ing that 80 percent of their Ford Rangers are op-erational. Several things are going well within his corps, he said, however there is a shortage of some Class II (clothing) items, more specifically

boots. They have 21,000 personnel assigned, but only have 3,000 boots to issue to his soldiers; therefore, his corps needs more boots. Other commanders raised the issue of the lack of Tashkil (authorization table for personnel and equipment)-authorized transportation assets, the need for more living areas or containers, or not receiving an annual logistics plan from higher headquarters. Afghan National Army Maj. Gen. Hotak, Army Support Command commander, briefed about the roles and responsibilities of ASC. Some of the subordinate ANA commanders are still not fully aware of this relatively new department in the Ministry of Defense, said Hotak. He further explained about the Regional Lo-gistics Support Commands, which provide sup-port to the ANA corps in their individual areas of operation, however fall under ASC command. Hotak also explained how the RLSCs support the ANA corps focusing on three major areas, which are materiel management, supply distribution and maintenance support. One of the updates provided during the

LOGSHURA from p. 1.

Afghan Minister of Defense Bismillah Khan Muhammadi addressed participants of the Afghan Na-

tional Army Senior Security Shura Sept. 29 at Depot 0, in Kabul, Afghanistan. Senior logistics lead-

ers from the ANA came together to discuss logistics processes, accomplishments and challenges.

The Afghan Interior Minister and senior International Security Assistance Forces personnel also

attended the conference to obtain visibility on the state of the ANA logistics systems. Once the con-

ference was complete, participants had a guided tour of Depot 0, to show them where some of the

Class IX spare parts originate from at the national level and to familiarize them with the orders

process. Photo by US Army Capt. Monika Comeaux, DCOM-SPO/NTM-A PAO

5

conference came from the Lo-gistics and Materiel Readiness chief, Maj. Gen. Abdullah, who explained in detail about how the MOD14 ordering form proc-ess will be expedited and simpli-fied in the near future. The main change being that the form will require the signatures of fewer managers between the unit where the order is placed and the regional or national depots where the order is filled. This topic attracted quite a few questions from the Afghan invitees, and it also attracted the interest of Afghan Defense Min-ister Bismillah Khan Muham-madi, who supported making the process shorter and more effec-tive. Attendees left the confer-ence with plenty of handout ma-terials and laminated smart cards that contained quick refer-ence charts on logistics proc-esses, to include the simplified MOD14 processing. Upon completion of the con-ference, organizers took the par-ticipants on a walking tour of one of the national-level ware-houses, to show them the Class IX (spare and repair parts) ware-house, explain the shipping process and allow the ANA leaders an opportunity to ask questions. The MOI plans to organize follow on conferences at least once a quarter, as it was stated during the event. Be-cause of the discussions during the conference, Lt. Gen. Sher Mohammad Karimi, the chief of staff of the Afghan Army called a second session on the following day for all commanders and lo-gistics chiefs (G4s) to further discuss the logistics issues of the ANA.

ABOVE: Afghan National Army corps commanders and senior logistics leaders arriving to the

ANA's Senior Security Shura focusing on logistics stop by a table displaying free issue items,

before entering the conference room on Sept. 29 at Depot 0, Kabul, Afghanistan. Conference

organizers wanted to raise awareness about the availability of some of the supplies that can

be helpful equipping the force and assist in winterization of base camps. These supplies are

slated to be moved from one national depot to another, and to avoid moving them twice,

once to the new location and for the second time as they are being issued to the units, organ-

izers hoped to receive on the spot orders and be able to deliver the items from their current

locations to the units in need of these supplies. Photo by US Army Capt. Monika Comeaux,

DCOM-SPO/NTM-A PAO

ABOVE: Senior leaders from the Afghan National Army take a tour of an ANA national logistics

warehouse on Sept. 29, after an ANA Senior Security Shura in Kabul, Afghanistan. The shura

focused on logistics issues and development. The tour aimed to show corps commanders

and regional logistics managers where supplies originate from in the capital region. Photo by

US Army Capt. Monika Comeaux, DCOM-SPO/NTM-A PAO

6

First 2012 class of Afghan National Police First 2012 class of Afghan National Police First 2012 class of Afghan National Police officers graduate in Kandahar Provinceofficers graduate in Kandahar Provinceofficers graduate in Kandahar Province

By Petty Officer 2nd Class Ronald Pitts, RSCBy Petty Officer 2nd Class Ronald Pitts, RSCBy Petty Officer 2nd Class Ronald Pitts, RSC---South Unit Public Affairs RepresentativeSouth Unit Public Affairs RepresentativeSouth Unit Public Affairs Representative

CAMP NATHAN SMITH, Afghanistan – Af-ghan National Police graduated new officers who have just completed the officer candidate school here Sept. 20, 2012. Most of the 69 officers are from Spin Boldak, a border town near Pakistan, while the rest of the officers are from Kandahar City. The six-month-long course which began back in April covered a wide range of police instruction from ethics, rule of law, civil rights, self defense, Afghan constitution, tactical weapons, and lead-ership in law enforcement. The latest class to graduate from the ANP OCS program is the first class to have graduated from the entirely Afghan-led course without coali-tion support or help of advisors, which marks a milestone for the ANP. It is also the sign of grad-ual transition from coalition forces to Afghan con-trol. “This was the first course the Afghans led

without support from the coalition – their determi-nation, resilience and passion reflected their de-termination to see their nations succeed,” said Staff Sgt. Jeffery Guzman, the Kandahar Training Center noncommissioned officer in charge. Many of the new officers will have to over-come some obstacles, as they begin working in their jobs. “The increased position comes with increased responsibility,” said Col. Christopher Reed, the Regional Support Command-South Commander as he addressed the graduating class, explaining that there will be challenges and they, as leaders must lead by example. The successful graduation of the new ANP officers this shows that the ANP are able to sus-tain themselves with providing instructors and conducting the training at their academies to fur-ther continue bolstering their ranks and contribut-ing to the security of the Kandahar province.

Hiji Torjhan, the land-

owner of Camp Na-

than Smith congratu-

lates one of the

graduating officers

and presents him

with his certificate

Sept. 20, during a

graduation ceremony.

The six-month long

course graduated 69

police officers.

US Navy photo by

Petty Officer 2nd Class

Ronald Pitts

7

A day in the life of an Afghan National Army A day in the life of an Afghan National Army A day in the life of an Afghan National Army recruit in Helmandrecruit in Helmandrecruit in Helmand

By Bill Putnam, RSCBy Bill Putnam, RSCBy Bill Putnam, RSC---Southwest Public Affairs OfficerSouthwest Public Affairs OfficerSouthwest Public Affairs Officer

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jeffery Haney, an infantryman

with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 167th Infantry

Regiment, takes an iris scan of an Afghan National

Army recruit during the biometrics phase of ANA in-

duction at the Regional Military Training Center South-

west in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Sept. 23. Danish Army Warrant Officer BT, takes the finger prints of an Afghan National Army

recruit during the biometrics phase of ANA induction at the Regional Military Training

Center Southwest in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Sept. 23. Just over 1,000 re-

cruits recently arrived to begin the nine-week ANA Regional Basic Warrior Training at

RMTC-SW. Biometric screening is one of the steps to vet and screen all recruits in

the Afghan National Security Forces. U.S. Army photos by Bill Putnam, Regional Sup-

port Command Southwest PAO

ABOVE: An Afghan National Army recruit rinses his

chai cup before getting in line for lunch at the Re-

gional Military Training Center Southwest Sept. 23.

BELLOW: Afghan National Army recruits wash their

hands in a hurry before getting lunch at Regional Mili-

tary Training Center Southwest .

An ANA recruit takes his tray of food for lunch during one of his first days of in process-

ing at the Helmand Province Regional Military Training Center Sept. 23. He will soon

start nine weeks of basic training with approximately 1000 of his classmates.

8

CAMP HERO, Af-

ghanistan -Afghan war

casualties rely on the medi-

cal evacuation services and

expertise of a broad range

of Afghan medical and ci-

vilian medical profession-

als.

Doctors representing

the full spectrum of medi-

cal groups here came to-

gether recently to answer

one big question about

these patients: What more

can we do to give them the

best care possible?

Doctors from the Af-

ghan National Army, Af-

ghan Air Force and Afghan

National Police, as well as

their Afghan civilian col-

leagues from Helmand and

Kandahar provinces came

together for a two-day

medical shura, better

known as a conference to the west-

ern world, in order to share their

experiences and tackle medical is-

sues head on, Oct. 10-11, 2012.

Afghan Army Brig. Gen. Dr.

Sayed Azim Hussaini said the dis-

cussion surrounding improved ways

to help medics smoothly evacuate

troops off the battlefield was the

most important topic of conversa-

tion at the event.

Attendees examined logistics

maneuvers and communication in-

volved with ambulance and heli-

copter retrieval of patients as well

as the training medics receive to

care for casualties.

Along with extensive discus-

sion surrounding battlefield evacua-

tion, the medical professionals also

shared what they had observed and

learned about several other topics,

including immunizations, orthope-

dic injuries and surgical wound

care.

The doctors in attendance came

from hospitals including the Kanda-

har Regional Military Hospital and

smaller troop medical clinics

throughout the region. Representa-

tives from the Kandahar Medical

School and Afghanistan’s Ministry

of Public Health also participated in

the discussion.

The attendees considered the

event a success.

“It went very well,” Azim Hus-

saini said. “It was one of the best

medical shuras in Afghanistan. In

three months, we’re planning on

having another one.”

International Security Assis-

tance Force (ISAF) partners echoed

Azim Hussaini’s sentiment and said

they were proud of the Afghan Na-

tional Security Force medical com-

munity’s growing self-sufficiency.

"[The Afghans] developed [the

shura] and they executed it," said

U.S. Army Lt. David Cole, 3rd In-

fantry Division and Regional Com-

mand (South) division surgeon and

mentor to KRMH personnel. "A

key thing that did not happen at this

shura was any mention of needing

ISAF assistance. Truly, this medi-

cal shura is a shining example of

Afghan National Security Forces in

the lead in Regional Command -

South."

Regional Support CommandRegional Support CommandRegional Support Command---West West West

Change of CommandChange of CommandChange of Command

Kandahar, Helmand doctors meet to mend collective concernsKandahar, Helmand doctors meet to mend collective concernsKandahar, Helmand doctors meet to mend collective concerns By Sgt. Ashley Curtins, 111th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment By Sgt. Ashley Curtins, 111th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment By Sgt. Ashley Curtins, 111th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Afghan Army Brig. Gen. Dr. Sayed Azim Hussaini, Kandahar Regional Military Hospital’s commanding

officer, speaks at a medical shura held at Camp Hero, Afghanistan, Oct. 13, 2012. Doctors from the

Afghan National Army, Afghan Air Force, and Afghan National Police, as well as civilian doctors from

Afghanistan’s southern and southwestern regions met to discuss various topics, including how to logis-

tically make the medical evacuation process smoother and more efficient for Afghanistan’s war

wounded. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Ashley Curtis, 111th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

9

Regional Support CommandRegional Support CommandRegional Support Command---West West West

Change of CommandChange of CommandChange of Command

See COALITION on p. 14

OC TOBER ’S FE ATUR ED COAL I T I ON PART NER S I M ON J . CH ARN OCK

What service do you serve in, in the United Kingdom?

I am a Logistician in the Royal Navy, and have previously served in

Aircraft Carriers (Her Majesty's Ships ARK ROYAL and INVIC-

NIBLE) and Destroyers (HMS LIVERPOOL and YORK); as well as

numerous joint organisations such as the UK Defence Support Chain

and the Joint Helicopter Command.

Where are you stationed in the UK?

I live in Bristol in the South West of England. It is a grand old city which used to be a wealthy port trading to-

bacco and ceramics - now it is a great night out, with good music and lots of pubs.

What was your job, duties and responsibilities at home before you deployed?

Before I deployed to Afghanistan I worked in the UK's logistics and acquisition Headquarters (Defence Equip-

ment and Support) in Bristol. I was on the ops team planning the deployment of Urgent Operational Require-

ments (UORs), ammunition and urgent spares to support British Forces around the world. This included Hel-

mand province, but also the recent Operation in Libya, as well as Royal Navy Ships around the world.

How long have you served in the Royal Navy?

I have served in the Royal Navy for eight and a half years.

What do you do now in DCOM SPO? I work in the J5 shop, developing future plans and concepts for the ANP logistics system. This is the first time

I have done J5 plans, so it is proving quite the learning experience.

How many times have you been deployed, to what locations? Besides numerous deployments with Ships, my last operational tour was working with a team in Ramallah in

the West Bank. We were developing the capacity of the Palestinian Authority Security Forces and working

with partners from the US, Canada, Netherlands and Germany (among others). I leant a lot from that tour

which is proving useful here. Land based deployments are very different to Ships, but one of the advantages is

you have the time in one place to build up a rapport with the country in which you are working.

When did you arrive to Afghanistan and how long are you staying? I arrived in mid-August in the heat, and will depart in mid-February in the cold. A mere six months I am

afraid.

What are the challenges and benefits of working with other coalition forces? We have a lot to learn from each other. Once I recovered from initial shock of capture, I have really enjoyed

working in a US led organisation. There have been lots of jokes, given and taken about out long history of

working together, including something about 1776 (which we didn't lose by the way, we just recognised your

right to independence). Besides this, I have enjoyed working with French and Canadian (and French Canadian)

colleagues. I have made some good friends who I hope to stay in contact with in the future.

What do you find rewarding about your job? Firstly the people I have met. I have made some good friends among my work-mates and heard some really

interesting stories. Secondly, any opportunity I get to get outside the wire and work with Afghans. It is great

privilege to make my tiny contribution to helping them rebuild their country and secure a future for them-

selves.

10

ADRASKAN, Afghanistan – Adraskan Na-tional Training Center (ANTC) formally transi-tioned to Afghan National Police (ANP) control at a ceremony held at the facility Sept. 29, despite a nearby attack killing one civilian, one ANP Officer and wounding another. This day could have put a shadow on the pending transition that occurred only hours after the attack. Instead, it galvanized the attendees. Prior to the beginning of the ceremony, partici-pants observed a moment of silence and listened to a Muslim prayer. Each keynote speaker remarked of the sacri-fices that had been made by the coalition and the Afghans. “Our Police are ready to take responsibility for this facility, and for this country, even if it takes our lives. These men and this ceremony demonstrates that,” said Maj. Gen. Mashooq Si-lab, Afghan Ministry of Interior training com-mander in his speech. Silab also expressed his appreciation for the coalition for their efforts. “Ten years ago, we (ANP) didn’t have any facilities. Now we have 11 permanent facilities in Afghanistan with the help of the International Security Assistance Forces. You have helped in many ways, working shoulder to shoulder with us, but the biggest contribution is the training centers, like ANTC, and we will never forget that. It is our responsibility to take care of this facility and to maintain it. On behalf of the Ministry of Interior, we thank you, and we will al-ways remember what you have done,” said Silab. Members of Regional Support Command West (RSC-W), tasked with the transition of ANTC to their Afghan partners also attended the ceremony with US Army Col. Keith Detwiler, RSC-W com-mander and his base transition staff in the lead. Also attending were ANP ANTC Commander Col. Fazi Ahmad Khalili and the Italian Carbinieri train-ing and mentoring cadre. Detwiler, speaking just prior to the official transition documents being signed said, “This

event marks the continued progress of transition in western Afghanistan. This progress is because of (ANP) Col. Khalili and (Italian Carabinieri) Lt. Col. Lingeri, their staff, instructors and mentors here. This progress comes at a very high cost, and we are reminded of this cost with the loss of life today. We will mourn their loss and vow to never forget them by continuing the work they started to bring peace and stability to the people of Afghanistan.” Detwiler concluded his remarks by looking to

the future. “This is a very proud day. However,

the proudest days are yet to come. Five, ten,

Training center transitions to Afghan control Training center transitions to Afghan control Training center transitions to Afghan control despite attack near facility killing twodespite attack near facility killing twodespite attack near facility killing two By US Navy Lt. David P. Varney, RSCBy US Navy Lt. David P. Varney, RSCBy US Navy Lt. David P. Varney, RSC---W/NTMW/NTMW/NTM---A Unit Public Affairs RepresentativeA Unit Public Affairs RepresentativeA Unit Public Affairs Representative

Afghan National Training Center (ANTC) Commander Afghan National

Army Col. Fazi Ahmad Khalili raises the Afghan flag to symbolize the

transition of the base to Afghan control at a ceremony held at the

facility on Sept. 29. US Navy photo by Lt. David P. Varney, Regional

Support Command-West/NTM-A Public Affairs Representative

11

twenty years from now, ANTC will continue to produce well trained police for Afghanistan. The coalition and our Afghan partners will always reflect on our past, but we must focus on our future… and that future is the peace and stability for the people of the great nation of Af-ghanistan.” US Army Capt. Frank Moy RSC-W base transition logistics advisor, who has transitioned several facilities to our Afghan partners remarked about the comprehensive process of tran-sition. “Transitioning bases in-volves far more than simply tossing our Afghan partners the keys and wishing them luck,” Moy said. “It is a deliberate, thorough, and transparent proc-ess during which we ensure that the issues and concerns of all stakeholders are hammered out long before the turnover docu-ments are signed." "It was great working with our Afghan partners, and with

RSC-W colleagues US Army Maj. Jeffrey Marsteller and Lithuanian army Lt. Col. Ginta-ras Vidzickas on the Adraskan Transition,” said Moy. “The rela-tionships and trust that we forged with Col. Khalili and his staff were invaluable as we worked together to develop so-lutions to challenges inherent in the transition process. It was certainly an interesting and fun experience." Khalili emphasized the qual-ity of training his staff will give to their students at ANTC. “My hope is that the quality of this facility represents the quality of output month after month from this facility,” said Khalili. “Most important are the trainees: when they come in, they know noth-ing. Here they will learn every-thing. After four months, they will enforce the rule of law to provide for a stable and secure future for Afghanistan.” Khalili concluded his re-marks, likening the training cen-

ter and the mentorship they’ve received from their coalition mentors to the Chinese proverb: “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a life-time.” ANTC is a $12.4 million

compound that provides training

site for the staff and students of

the Afghan National Police

(ANP), and Afghan National

Civil Order Police (ANCOP) as

well as additional facilities for

training Afghan National Police

recruits. Over 2,000 recruits are

trained annually at the facility in

specialized areas of law en-

forcement to include criminal

investigation and special weap-

ons and tactics. The compound

includes an administration build-

ing, barracks, dining facility, and

training facility.

US Army Col. Keith

Detwiler, Regional

Support Com-

mand-West com-

mander and Af-

ghan National

Police Col. Fazi

Ahmad Khalili,

Adraskan National

Training Center

commander,

shake hands after

transitioning the

training center to

Afghan control in

a ceremony held

at the site Sept.

29. US Navy photo

by Lt. David P.

Varney, Regional

Support Com-

mand-West/NTM-

A Public Affairs

Representative

12

CAMP EGGERS, KABUL, Afghanistan – Seven Afghan National Army soldiers working for the ANA Army Support Command and subordinate units had the opportunity to participate in the Army Ten-Miler shadow run here Oct.7. The ANA soldiers were invited by US Army Sgt. Maj. Jerry Charles, the senior noncommis-sioned officer of the future operations section of Deputy Command of Support Operations, NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan, and senior enlisted logistics mentor for the ANA’s Army Support Command. “Command Sgt. Maj. Muhebullah (ASC sen-ior noncommissioned officer) and I discussed his soldiers’ participation in the event in August,” said Charles. “His intent was to extend the invitation to each Regional Logistics Support Command to provide one or two soldiers to participate. Only soldiers from the ASC headquarters in Kabul par-

ticipated in previous events.” Fort this event, two RLSCs sent soldiers to participate, and that dem-onstrates my fellow sergeant major’s leadership-reach, added Charles. It took some organization, but after getting his commander to sign a letter authorizing the participation in the run, the units were eager to line up their best soldiers, said Muhebullah. “Four of them are from my headquarters; two of them came from Gardez and one from Kandahar,” he said. The day of the race the ANA soldiers showed up in outfits reflecting the colors of the Afghan national flag. The soldiers were applauded by the close to 200 runners in front of the NTM-A head-quarters, as they joined them at the start line. Coalition runners like US Army Capt. Nicole Gray, the DCOM SPO battle captain welcomed the idea of having our Afghan partners run in the race. “I like having the opportunity to have them participate in something that is just not related to our goals here. It's nice to see them getting to do something fun.” Gray participated in a total of six runs before, but all shorter than the ten-mile shadow run. She stuck to a training program to prepare for this particular competition. She ran with a battle buddy who she kept talking to and also used a Global Positioning Device watch to track her laps and not to lose count. ANA soldier Monir Khan, a medic from Re-gional Support Command-East under the ANA Army Support Command on the other hand said his unit’s rigorous physical fitness program was his train-up for the race. “I have always been ready to run,” said Monir through an interpreter. “Every morning my unit conducts physical fitness training… some days we run 20 kms,” he said with a proud smile. He tried to ‘tailgate’ some faster runners in the competition, to keep a good pace.

Mentors invite ANA Soldiers to partici-

pate in Army Ten-Miler shadow run

By Capt. Monika Comeaux, NTM-A/DCOM-SPO PAO

Afghan National Army Command Sgt. Maj. Muhebullah, the senior

noncommissioned officer of the ANA's Army Support Command, pins

a bib on one of his soldiers Oct. 7, Army Ten-Miler shadow run. to

participate in the run. Photo by US Army Capt. Monika Comeaux,

DCOM-SPO PAO

13

Charles said Muhebullah was very appreciative of the invite for his soldiers to participate in the run. “The Soldiers from the RLSC appreciated the opportunity to visit Kabul and their headquar-ters, but most of all compete in a coalition event,” said Charles. All but one ANA soldier completed the event in less than 78 min-utes, he added. Charles thinks that combined sporting events are a “great re-source to further partnership, re-earn host nation trust” and to pro-vide an opportunity for his coun-terpart to motivate his soldiers. “The gains of these types of events and opportunities with our ANA and Afghan National Police counterparts are immeasurable,” he said. “Maybe in time we could have an ANA and US Army foot-ball or volleyball competition,” recommended Muhebullah. “It would be great for them to have more interaction and more com-munication with each other…This is a good thing for both the ANA and the US Army,” said Muhebul-lah in conclusion.

ABOVE: Afghan National Army soldier Monir Khan, a medic from the ANA's Re-

gional Support Command-East gives his all during the Camp Eggers Army Ten-

Miler shadow run Oct. 7. Khan said he is in good shape because he conducts

physical fitness training every day with his unit. He stated that at times, his unit

has run 20 kms. Photo by US Army Capt. Monika Comeaux, DCOM-SPO PAO

RIGHT: Afghan Na-

tional Army soldiers

and Deputy Command

of Support Operations

Soldiers pose for a

photo Oct. 7 at Camp

Eggers, upon comple-

tion of the Army Ten-

Miler Shadow run.

Some of the ANA Sol-

diers serve in Kabul,

while others came

from Regional Support

Command South and

East to participate in

the run. Both parties

agreed that it was a

good team-building

event and a good way

to enhance coopera-

tion. Photo by US Army

Capt. Monika

Comeaux, DCOM-

SPO/NTM-A PAO

14

What new things have you learned so far, if anything, since you joined the SPO team? I think I have leant a lot about being a planner - my boss might disagree with me. Otherwise, I can now recog-

nise American regional accents, and almost sit through a whole American football game.

Where do you hope to see Afghanistan in 10 or 20 years down the road?

Stable, self-sustaining and most importantly peaceful. The future of Afghanistan will depend on the quality

and skills of the people who live here. The Afghans I have worked with are proud, resourceful and committed,

so I am hopeful for their future.

What do you miss most about home? Marmite and butter on toast; proper football instead of American football; and English cask ale in a country

pub on a cold day.

What would you want others to know about your country? Probably that I am one of a long line of British Servicemen to have worked in Afghanistan. The thing about

being British is wherever you go in the world you find that your ancestors have interfered at some point.

What "American" or "Australian" expressions have you learned since you arrived here?

I have learned a great deal about talking to people from the former colonies - but my favourite was an Austra-

lian abbreviating ambulance to 'ambo' in a General Officer briefing. Needless to say the General had no idea

what he was talking about!

COALITION continued from p. 9.

Regional Support CommandRegional Support CommandRegional Support Command---South Transfer of AuthoritySouth Transfer of AuthoritySouth Transfer of Authority

Between Sgt. Maj. Timothy Alston and Sgt. Maj. Carl Bellard Between Sgt. Maj. Timothy Alston and Sgt. Maj. Carl Bellard Between Sgt. Maj. Timothy Alston and Sgt. Maj. Carl Bellard

October 23, 2012October 23, 2012October 23, 2012

15

"Life and death are in the hands of

God - but health is in the hands of doc-

tors". Opening the first-ever North Medi-

cal Command Leadership Regional Con-

ference for military, police and civilian

medical leaders in Northern Afghanistan,

the deputy governor of Balkh province

Fiaz Habibullah set the stage: it's up to

Afghanistan's medical professionals to

improve the well-being of the nation.

The two-day shura of 16-17 Octo-

ber 2012 brought together the region's

senior Afghan National Army (ANA),

Afghan National Police (ANP) and Min-

istry of Public Health (MoPH) com-

manders and leaders. It was an opportu-

nity to highlight each organization’s re-

cent accomplishments, ranging from the

record 3,500 vaccinations provided by

the MoPH for travelers to the Hajj in

Mecca, the successful management of

two back-to-back mass casualty events

by the ANA's Regional Military Hospital

in July, to the ANP's establishment of

new regional clinics.

Coalition advisors underscored the

importance of the Afghans' initiative in

making progress. "Do not ever forget the

significant progress you have made in

the past few years", said German Army

Col. Jens Diehm, Medical Advisor for

the International Security Assistance

Force's Regional Command - North.

"We had a good example yesterday

[after an ANA patrol struck a roadside

bomb]: though ISAF helicopters picked

up the casualties, it was the regional hos-

pital that treated them. The Regional

Medical Hospital [North] has proven

itself capable, absolutely capable, of

managing even [the most serious] cate-

gory A patients."

As Afghanistan continues to rebuild

after over 30 years of war and the result-

ing ongoing challenges in supplies, edu-

cation and personnel, cooperation across

the country's medical professionals will

be key to success. "Think of a cord, woven of three individual strands", ex-

plained Colonel David Johnson, Medical

Training Advisory Team Lead to the

Afghan regional medical commander.

"The three strands, woven together, are

exponentially stronger. If you can bring

the ANA, ANP and MoPH system to-

gether, there's nothing you can't accom-

plish."

The shura also provided an open

platform for the three Afghan regional

organizations to speak frankly about

their challenges ahead - an opportunity

that their leaders quickly took up. Colo-

nel Kohbandi, ANA 209th Corps Sur-

geon, laid bare his frustrations about

medical records: "Our clinic has been

ordering patient charts for the past nine

months, and Kabul keeps telling us they

are on the way. I don't know to believe if

they have been sent, or if they even ex-

ist!"

Though sometimes heated, the pas-

sionate, no-holds-barred discussion be-

tween senior leadership reflected their

commitment towards their common

goal: better health care for all Afghans,

whether civilian, police or military.

Diehm lauded the Afghans' growing ap-

proach to open discussion and collective

solutions. "Talking frankly and passion-

ately about problems, and solutions, is

key", he explained. "I am very encour-

aged by the discussion at this shura - it is

something refreshing that even we in my

home need to be better at."

Although some broad common hur-

dles remain that must be addressed

above and beyond the regional level, as

challenges were mentioned the Afghan

leaders agreed on ways they can meet

them together. ANA Brig. Gen.Sultan

Gul Totakhil, Regional Command -

North medical commander, committed to

helping his ANP counterpart with oxy-

gen supplies using the regional hospital's

new oxygen generator. As the deputy

director for the local public health dis-

trict highlighted his gratitude for the

ANA's assistance with patient evacua-

tions during a recent flood, the message

was clear: cooperation between civilian, police and military medical services is

already bearing fruit for Afghanistan.

Integration of women into Afghani-

stan's plans for health care is also mak-

ing progress. The regional hospital's

women's division was well-represented

at the leadership conference, with about

a dozen female physicians and nurses

invited to attend. The health district's

deputy director highlighted family plan-

ning teaching sessions - 200 in the past

year - a public health initiative empow-

ering women in Northern Afghanistan.

With now 110 female physicians in prac-

tice - one-third of the region's doctors -

joining 80 midwives, with another 50 in

training, the gender gap in the Afghan

medical profession is closing.

As progress and development con-

tinue to come to Afghanistan, Diehm

reminded the Afghan leaders that coop-

eration is not only about delivering

medical care. "The ANA medical system

is the best service in Afghanistan; the

civilian system remains undeveloped,"

he observed. "The inequalities between

the two systems may lead to social ten-

sions between soldiers and civilians. Co-

operation may help not only improve

services, but also improve relationships

between civilians and the military in the

North."

The ANA Camp Shaheen's garrison

commander agreed. "If [the ANA] can

help the people, they will help us back",

he suggested, proposing that civilians

living in the camp's vicinity may be

forthcoming with tips about suspicious

activity around the base if they had ac-

cess to ANA medical care. Although the

general Afghan population is not entitled

to non-emergency medical care by the

ANA, Totakhil noted the past history of

ANA medical outreach to local civilians,

and suggested that if national leaders

allow it, it could be an opportunity to

explore.

Addressing the overarching concern

in the room, Diehm spoke to the coali-

tion withdrawal in 2014. "We will con-

tinue", he said, "to stand by our Afghan

partners throughout the upcoming time. We will remain as a fall back assistance

when you need us. But it is also impor-

tant for us to give you and see you take

the chance to lead."

Medical shura brings three parties togetherMedical shura brings three parties togetherMedical shura brings three parties together By Royal Canadian Navy Lt. Vincent P. Escanlar, Medical Training AdvisorBy Royal Canadian Navy Lt. Vincent P. Escanlar, Medical Training AdvisorBy Royal Canadian Navy Lt. Vincent P. Escanlar, Medical Training Advisor

16

Afghan Local Police receives preAfghan Local Police receives preAfghan Local Police receives pre---configured configured configured cloting and equipment shipmentscloting and equipment shipmentscloting and equipment shipments

By US Army Capt. Monika Comeaux, DCOMBy US Army Capt. Monika Comeaux, DCOMBy US Army Capt. Monika Comeaux, DCOM---SPO/NTMSPO/NTMSPO/NTM---A PAOA PAOA PAO

KABUL, Afghanistan – The

first of several “Afghan Local Po-

lice in a box” shipments left the Af-

ghan National Police Central Ware-

house in Kabul Oct. 14, arriving to

its destination on Oct. 17.

The pre-configured clothing

and equipment shipments are trans-

ported from the capital to the

ANP’s Regional Logistics Centers,

and there they wait untouched in a

sealed container until the gaining

unit shows up to sign for them.

The issues of certain ALP units

not getting their allotted equipment

arouse from discussions with the

regional commands and battlefield

circulations to certain areas, said

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 4

Laurie Moore, the supplies and ser-

vices branch chief in the DCOM

SPO Logistics Operations Cell.

The issue was also indicated by

some of the Special Operations

Joint Task Force-Afghanistan and

NTM-A’s Deputy Command of

Special Operations Forces teams,

said U.S. Army Capt. Ian Worces-

ter, the chief advisor to the ANP

Central Warehouse/Interim Logis-

tics Facility. “The supplies were not

recognized as ALP and were joined

with the large inventory, this creat-

ing obstacle to further distribution,”

said Worcester.

DCOM SPO hosted a series of

meetings identifying the problem at

the RLC-level. During these meet-

ings someone raised the idea of

packaging ALP orders in a manner

similar to medical supplies; pack-

aged and sealed, specific for each

unit, added Worcester.

The supplies shipped in this

manner include

Organizational

Clothing and

Individual

Equipment

items like uni-

forms, boots, T-

shirts and socks,

said Moore. The

shipments may

also contain

weapons, am-

munition and

medical sup-

plies, depending

on what the

gaining unit

needs, she

added.

The special

operations advi-

sors provide

Moore’s sec-

tion, with a

‘push order’ (order mandated or

pushed from the top down, vs. unit

ordering a shortage). She ensures

the orders are submitted in a timely

manner to the Afghan Material

Management Center-Police. Moore

also coordinates with the mentors

and trainers at Regional Support

Command-Capital for visibility.

The clothing and equipment

items are packed in wooden crates

recycled from communications

equipment shipments, said Worces-

ter. The ILF team developed a plan

for filling, banding, marking and

loading the crates specific to the

order. “Further refinement of the

order process is necessary to make

this a viable and sustainable plan,”

said Worcester, “however the first

packaged order was a success.”

These pushes are a temporary

solution to equip and re-supply the

ALP. The ultimate goal is to have

the RLC’s set up their operations so

they have ALP items on hand in

their warehouse inventories, and

they properly support ALP units in

the areas they cover, Worcester

said. “…[It] is a positive step in

empowering the ANP and ALP to

be self-sufficient and a strong step

towards transition,” said Worcester.

“As the convoys come and go, and

the ALP crates are received by

these units…they will know they

are supported by a system which is

no longer a confused barrier, but a

lifeline.”

An employee at the Afghan National Police Central Warehouse packs

Afghan Local Police uniforms in a crate in early October. The uniforms

are part of a pre-configured load that was pushed to one of the police

zones to equip the ALP. U.S. Army photo by Capt. Ian Worcester, chief

advisor to the ANP Central Warehouse/Interim Logistics Facility

17

Regional Support CommandRegional Support CommandRegional Support Command---North photo medley North photo medley North photo medley Courtesy photos from the past few monthsCourtesy photos from the past few monthsCourtesy photos from the past few months

Terry Fox Run

Maj. Harrell’s promotion

Spc. Birks in the Canadian

Maj. Harrell, Sgt. Maj. Serrano, Sgt. 1st

Class Dawson after the 9/11 Run

Staff Sgt. Vargas and Master Sgt. Rothrock in

the 9/11 run

18

From around the battlefield

A British Army military working dog rides on a British Royal Air Force

CH-47 Chinook helicopter to Camp Bastion, Helmand province, Af-

ghanistan, Oct. 8, 2012. U.S. Army photo by Bill Putnam

Afghan National Army soldiers wash up after the first lunch at an

ANA-run dining facility on Regional Military Training Center South-

west in Helmand province Afghanistan, Oct. 6.The ANA took over

operating and cooking food in the dining facilities on RMTC-SW

from contractors. The hand off was one step in taking over all

operations and maintenance at the training facility before the end

of the 2012 calendar year. U.S. Army photo by Bill Putnam

British Army Lt. Col. Ron Laden the officer in charge of the Regional Support Command Southwest Logistics Cell

greets Afghan National Army Lt. Col. Shahwali at the now ANA-run dining facility at Regional Military Training

Center Southwest in Helmand Province, Afghanistan Oct. 6. The ANA took over operations at the dining facility

from contractors. This handover takes the ANA one step closer to fully operating the training center by the end

of 2012. U.S. Army photo by Bill Putnam

19


U.S. Army Sgt. Jason Gist, executive administrative assistant from

the command group of Deputy Command of Support Operations

re-enlists at Camp Eggers on Oct. 12. Gist’s family had the oppor-

tunity to witness the re-enlistment via VTC. Photo by U.S. Army

Capt. Monika Comeaux

An Afghan National Policeman washes a HMMWV on a wash rack Oct.

9 in Regional Support Command-East, in Gardez. Photo by U.S. Army


ABOVE AND LEFT: What really makes a ’jingle-truck’

jingle? These small chains and bells create the typical

jingle sound as the truck rolls along. Drivers take ex-

treme pride in the decoration and ornaments on their

trucks. Photo by U.S. Army Capt. Monika Comeaux

20


Visitors to the Forward Operating Base Lightning dining facility, to

include Brig. Gen. Clark W. LeMasters, Deputy Commander of Sup-

port Operations, NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan, each fill up a

sandbag before being entering the facility Oct. 9. This initiative helps

replace fraying sandbags on the FOB. U.S. Army Photo by Capt.

Monika Comeaux

U.S. Navy Chief

Warrant Officer

William Velez re-

ceived his going

away gifts and

award Oct. 12 at

Camp Eggers. Velez

came from a main-

tenance back-

ground but mas-

tered ammunition

management and

was a very impor-

tant part of the

Class V team in the

Logistics Opera-

tions Section of

Deputy Command

of Support Opera-

tions. U.S. Army

photo by Capt.

Monika Comeaux

Regional Support Command-East service members line up to

receive their awards from Brig. Gen. Clark W. LeMasters Jr.,

and Command Sgt. Maj. Terry E. Parham Sr., the Deputy

Command of Support Operations command team on Oct. 9

at Forward Operating Base Lightning. U.S. Army Photo by


THE SPO TIMES

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