2011

Pakistan border incident investigation concluded

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 13:15:00 GMT

MONS, Belgium — A fact-finding investigation into the circumstances surrounding the friendly forces engagement between coalition and Pakistan military forces, on 25-26 November 2011 has been completed. The NATO chain of command extends their sincerest, heartfelt condolences to the families of those Pakistani Security Force members who were killed or injured in this incident.

The combined international and Afghan force was initially fired upon by unidentified forces, then believed not to be Pakistani military, and legitimately responded in self-defence. The investigation has ascertained that a series of mistakes were made on both sides in failing to properly co-ordinate their locations and actions, both before the operation and during the resulting engagement.

The combined force did not knowingly fire at the Pakistani forces. The investigation has substantiated that close air support was employed in self-defence in response to intense, heavy machine gun and mortar fire initiated by what turned out to be Pakistan forces near the border in the vicinity of Salala.

A thorough review of the operational plan and communications during the incident substantiate the conclusion that the Pakistani forces were not knowingly targeted and the action of our forces was legitimate within the Laws of Armed Conflict and within their Rules of Engagement.

Immediate steps have been taken to reduce the risk of similar incidents in the future. ISAF is also reviewing the manning, training, and certification of the Border Coordination Centres to assist in this effort.

We continuously work to improve liaison with the Pakistani forces and we are determined to work harder to ensure these incidents do not occur.

French Task Force Lafayette trains an ANA combat camera team

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 11:54:00 GMT

Trainee receives its diploma

From 30th November to 14th December, 2011, a combat camera team of the Task Force La Fayette led an imagery training course for selected members of the 31st Kandak (battalion), Afghan National Army (ANA), based in the Forward Operating Base (FOB) of Tagab in Kapisa. This is another step towards the autonomy of the ANA.

The French military imagery team, reinforced by an officer from the French Army PAO (SIRPA) coming from France, trained an Afghan team consisting of a sergeant cameraman, a soldier photographer, and an officer to manage the imagery team and its equipment.

The training included an initial phase to acquire the basic rules of imagery and text design. Then the trainees conducted intensive and personalized work through practical exercises. Throughout this course, the students had to learn the basic techniques of image capture and sound, then processing (photo selection and video editing).

The course concluded with an operational mission: the cameramen were engaged as an imagery team of the 31st Kandak during a patrol conducted in the market of Tagab.

The end of this training was formalized with a graduation ceremony on 14th December 2011.

However, once the training period was completed, the mentoring began. The French imagery team, based in Tagab, will continue to advise their Afghan counterparts until they are able to operate independently.

The objective of this training is to provide ANA Kandaks the opportunity to conduct internal and external communication tasks connected with their operations.

A similar training will be conducted in 2012 for other Afghan Kandaks.

Central Training Center graduates 229 policemen

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:25:00 GMT

Afghan National Civil Order Police (ANCOP) graduates and volunteers participate in a simulated riot control demonstration following a graduation ceremony at the Central Training Center Dec. 1. Graduates demonstrated their military and police tactics to Afghan and coalition observers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Andrea Salazar.)

KABUL — Approximately 180 Afghan National Civil Order Police and 49 Afghan Uniformed Police graduated basic training Dec. 2, at the Central Training Center in Kabul, Afghanistan.

The Italian Carabinieri are responsible for training the Afghan policeman instructors on subjects ranging from discipline, human rights, the constitutional law of Afghanistan, and basic policing techniques. The graduates spent a total of 14 weeks learning basic and advanced military and police tactics.

According to Italian Carabinieri CTC Training Element Commander 2nd Lt. Nicolo Morandi, all Afghan students complete training in discipline, human rights, the constitutional law of Afghanistan and basic policing techniques.

"The ANCOP course is divided into two basic and advanced phases,” said Morandi. "The first phase is 6 weeks and the second phase is 8 weeks, lasting a total of 14 weeks. The AUP course is 8 weeks that teaches them both military and police skills because the type of work they will do requires these abilities.”

Following the ceremony, the graduates proudly demonstrated their military and police skills to Afghan and coalition observers. The demonstration featured a simulated riot control situation and various drill techniques.

"I'm happy that I learned a lot and my family is proud that I am at the service of Afghanistan,” one student said.

The new policeman will soon head to various provinces to provide security and protection for the people of Afghanistan. The training they have received will give them the confidence and capabilities to perform their duties.

"I enjoyed teaching here,” said Italian Carabinieri Training Oversight Assistant Warrant Officer Abramo Trinco. "It was a great experience to get to know who they are and their background. I am confident that they will do a good job.”

Story by Senior Airman Andrea Salazar

NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan Public Affairs

Chief of Defence of Afghanistan, General Sher Mohammed Karimi Visits SHAPE

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 13:51:00 GMT

General Sher Mohammad KARIMI visits SHAPE. He is welcomed by SACEUR, Admiral James Stavridis and Honour Guard.

Picture by Sgt Peter Buitenhuis - RNLAF

Chief of Defence of Afghanistan, General Sher Mohammed Karimi visited SHAPE on December 16th 2011.

This first visit was an opportunity for General Karimi to meet SHAPE leadership and to discuss current operations in Afghanistan.

General Karimi met with Admiral James Stavridis, Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), with whom he exchanged views about ISAF and NATO's future commitment in Afghanistan. This office call was also attended by General Manfred Lange, SHAPE Chief of Staff.

General Karimi and his high level Delegation participated in a working meeting chaired by SACEUR and attended by SHAPE senior representatives.

This visit has strengthened the links and the coordination between the two leaders and their staff.

Unity of Effort between EU and NATO in counter piracy

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 13:35:49 GMT

Deputy Commander Operation ATALANTA Rear Admiral Christian Canova and newly appointed EUNAVFOR Force Commander Captain Jorge Manso paid a visit to NATO Operation Ocean Shield Force Commander, RADM Sinan Azmi Tosun, onboard his Flagship TCG Giresun.

Visit by Her Excellency Heidi Kutz the Ambassador of Canada to Portugal

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Visit by H.E Heidi Kutz, Ambassador of Canada to Portugal at JFC Lisbon NATO HQ on 13 December 2011

Oeiras, 13 December 2011 (MY). Her Excellency Heidi Kutz, the Ambassador of Canada to Portugal, accompanied by her Political Counsellor Mr. Juan Pablo Valdez, visited JFC Lisbon on Tuesday.

H.E. Heidi Kutz was welcomed and received by the Commander of JFC Lisbon, Lieutenant General Philippe Stoltz during the office call.

As part of the visit program, H.E. Heidi Kutz, was briefed about JFC Lisbon and the current missions.

Mass Reintegration of Insurgents in Qala-I-Naw

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:08:00 GMT

Qala-i-Naw, Afghanistan (14 December, 2011) —This morning, fifteen groups of insurgents from different parts of the province of Badghis have gone to the Badghis Provincial Government facilities (former Spanish contingent base and assigned to the Afghan Administration), with the common goal of abandoning the fight against the Afghan Government and ISAF forces and handing over their weapons.

Accessing by different parts of the city and ending the long day's march from areas such as Kadesh-Khordak, Golchin, Nakcherestán, Piwart, Gonbad, Kheir Khaneh, Hoze-zuri, Darr-e Bum and Arman, different groups, all of them led by their Commanders, arrived at various times at the end point where they were met by the PRT Commander, Colonel Felix Eugenio Garcia Cortijo, the Provincial Governor, Mr. Jam Arman and different national and local authorities.

After handing over their weapons and signing the minutes by which they pledged to abandon the armed struggle, Governor Arman welcomed them to the community and congratulated them on their brave decision to abandon weapons.

This massive abandonment of armed struggle with the corresponding delivery of weapons has been made possible, in part and according to the governor's words, thanks to the good job done by the Spanish contingent in the province of Badghis, creating conditions of safety, governance and confidence in the reconstruction that encourages the social rejection of activities of insurgent groups.

Spain, through the PRT, provides essential items of aid to every insurgent who lays down their weapons. This aid, even more valuable in one of the poorest provinces in Afghanistan, will allow veterans to get through this harsh winter until, once in the reintegration program, they learn a trade and be reintegrated into the labour market.

Afghan Government Peace Program, which Spain advises and supports, is an ambitious plan that aims to encourage the abandonment of weapons by insurgents providing, through various programs, for reintegration into Afghan society.

Currently, Badghis, with more than 1,200 former rebels, is a reference and model in this Peace Program to the rest of Afghanistan.

LtC. José María Rivera Moreno, Spanish Army,

Regional Command-West Public Affairs

Coalition members give blankets to needy orphans

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:17:00 GMT

U.S. Navy Lt. Khalid Kader and U.S. Army Capt. Pamela Rusinko hand blankets to orphans at Aschiana Center (an orphanage and school), in Kabul, Nov. 30. Coalition forces handed out 14 boxes of blankets to several groups of kids, ranging in ages from five to early teens. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Eric Lockwood)

Coalition forces donated 14 boxes of blankets to orphans at the Aschiana Center in Kabul, Nov. 30.

Minneapolis native U.S. Navy Lt. Khalid Kader stationed at Camp Eggers, Kabul, coordinated a mission with four other coalition members and the Afghanistan humanitarian aid organization Sozo International to give 1400 blankets and other items to needy orphans at Aschiana Center, an orphanage and school.

Kader was motivated to coordinate this mission at a time when he was longing for home.

"The idea of procuring these blankets and getting them out to the needy in Kabul came at a time when I was feeling detached from home,” he said.

Kader started searching in order to find a convergence between what was needed around Kabul and what he could do to help.

"I started asking around as to what the Afghans might need,” he said, "and blankets were the overwhelming choice. These are easily used, high value items to them, especially in homes with no heat.”

"The kids lined up at the entrance, came out one at a time, and were given a blanket and piece of candy,” said U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2^nd Class Aaron T. Butcher, from Tillamook, Ore., one of the volunteers for the mission. "It was cool to see the smile on the kids' faces.”

The volunteers toured the orphanage, which doubled as a school. Kader considered it a satisfying experience.

"This was one of the most rewarding experiences that I have had here in Afghanistan,” he said. "What we did today was look to do what any parent would want done for their child if they weren't around.”

One moment in particular affected him the most.

"My most memorable moment was when we walked into the classroom full of the young kids, sitting on the floor, clutching their new blankets with smiles,” he said.

Additional information on this and other efforts of Sozo international can be found at http://www.sozointernational.org/.

Activated in 2009, NTM-A is a coalition of 37 contributing nations charged with assisting the Government of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GoIRA) in generating a capable and sustainable Afghan National Security Force (ANSF) ready to take lead of their country's security by 2014.

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Eric Lockwood

NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan Public Affairs

Spartan 3 Helps ANP Protect 2,000 Afghan Elders During Recent Jirga

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:37:00 GMT

Spartan 3 Truck Commander Army Sgt. David Floyd discusses ways to position themselves with an Afghan National Army (ANA) officer to ensure proper traffic flow along a busy road near Afghanistan's "Loya Jirga” Sunday. (U.S. Navy photo by MC1(SW/AW) Chris Fahey)

KABUL – During the recent four-day Loya Jirga, members of Task Force Spartan 3 conducted more than 10 intelligence-led high-risk advisory missions to help Afghan National Police protect their country's 2,000 tribal leaders.

The jirga, or grand council, allowed elders to discuss national issues with President Hamid Karzai – a long-standing Afghan practice – and was publically condemned by insurgent leaders who pressed their fighters to disrupt by any means possible.

"The Afghan National Army, Police and Directorate of National Security units did an outstanding job protecting their people,” said Commander, NATO Training Mission – Afghanistan Lt. Gen. Daniel P. Bolger. "Despite attempts, insurgents failed to disrupt this process thanks to the outstanding performance of our Afghan counterparts and their coalition combat advisors.”

Stood up in early September, Task Force Spartan 3 was charged by Commander, Task Force Yankee Brig. Gen. John A. Hammond to serve as combat advisors to ANP officials at more than 50 different checkpoints within five Afghan police districts spread out across the densely populated city of more than 3.9 million people.

Spartan 3 mentors work shoulder to shoulder with ANP officers, demonstrating ways to identify possible vehicle born improvised explosive devices (VBIED), vehicle and personnel searches and how to set up traffic control points.

"We continue to see constant improvement,” said Spartan 3 Team Leader Army Staff Sgt. Mark Moon. "They search people and vehicles better without us having to point out which vehicles they should pull over. They are able to pick out the targets and secure threats themselves.”

Due to the culture, men are not authorized to search Afghan women. The action would be considered an offense to their honor. Female Soldiers assigned to Spartan 3 advise female ANP officers on how to thoroughly search other women. A job Spartan 3 women find incredibly rewarding.

"Our job is simple – we teach the female Afghan police officers how to better search women suspected of carrying contraband or weapons,” said Spartan 3 Gunner Army Specialist Lori Sorrells. "Personally, this is an amazing job. To interact with the ANP, get a grasp on their culture and to be in a position to help is a great honor.”

Story by Mass Communications Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Chris Fahey,
NATO Training Mission – Afghanistan Public Affairs

Afghan National Police Women’s Policeman’s training course graduates first trainees

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:06:00 GMT

The graduation ceremony marked the first of its kind for RTC-MeS, where 23 female police officers learned the finer points of law enforcement as they prepare to take on the responsibilities of fully trained police officers. (Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Kristina Newton)

CAMP MIKE SPANN, Afghanistan – Twenty three women graduated from the Afghan National Police Women's Policeman's training course at the ANP Regional Training Center in Mazar-e-Sharif in a ceremony Nov. 24.

The eight-week course is designed to lead female trainees to a level of competence and professionalism in all aspects of police activities.

During the course, the women received training in hand-to-hand combat, basic patrol practices, explosives identification, first aid, and post explosion procedures, as well as instruction on the use of force and lessons on the constitution.

"These police women have been put through a curriculum which is practical in nature and covers police skills,” said French Gendarmerie Lt. Col. Didier Rahmani, RTC-MeS commander. "They have demonstrated that they are flexible and adaptable and will be able to accomplish any task assigned to them.”

The training was conducted by coalition police trainers who aimed to give the students two fundamental qualities; a thorough knowledge of the processes and reactions necessary for a complete understanding of a given situation, and the ability to act decisively under pressure.

"Thanks to their training, these police women will be well prepared to accomplish their mission and perform in grueling conditions, both physically and psychologically,” Rahmani said.

The women attending the class were already employed by the ANP and the Afghan Border Police, but had yet to receive any formal training and were filling support roles.

After receiving this training, as members of the first womens course at RTC-MeS, they will be able to assist in any situation that requires female interaction.

"Women are so important to the law enforcement mission,” said Andrea Navar, WPC advisor. "They are necessary in search procedures, but can also bring gentleness to police operations so victims may feel more willing to cooperate.”

According to their trainers, the women took to the material with real drive and dedication; however there were hurdles that each woman had to overcome.

"There were a lot of cultural differences between the women from different tribes,” Navar said. "There were also issues with literacy and the fact some of the trainers were male.”

Courses were offered to help improve the literacy rate and by the end of the class each woman could read the Dari slides that were presented in class. They also learned that to be successful, they needed to work together.

"As time went by, the ladies learned to accept each other,” Navar said. "They realized that they all belong to one country.”

By Air Force Master Sgt. Kristina Newton

Regional Support Command-North/NTM-A Public Affairs

NATO Secretary General announces completion of the NATO Training Mission in Iraq (NTM-I)

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 23:43:00 GMT

NATO Secretary General Rasmussen

The North Atlantic Council has decided to undertake the permanent withdrawal of the NATO Training Mission-Iraq personnel from Iraq by 31 December 2011, when the current mandate of the mission expires. Agreement on the extension of this successful programme did not prove possible despite robust negotiations conducted over several weeks. NATO remains fully committed to our partnership and political relationship with Iraq, through our existing Structured Cooperation Framework.

The NATO Training Mission in Iraq, which started in 2004 at the request of the Iraqi authorities, has been a success. Our trainers can be very proud of what they have achieved over the last seven years, contributing to Iraq's security capacity and helping to develop a more sustainable, multi-ethnic security force. Since 2004, NTM-I has trained over 5,000 military personnel and over 10,000 police personnel in Iraq, provided courses for nearly 2,000 more in Allied countries, as well as over 115 million euro worth of military equipment and a total of 17.7 million euros in trust fund donations from all 28 NATO Allies for training and education at NATO facilities.

We are determined to build on the success and the spirit of our Training Mission to further strengthen our partnership and political relationship with Iraq, so that together we can continue to contribute to regional peace and stability, which is beneficial for the whole international community.

Danish MPA Begins Work With Operation Ocean Shield

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 17:28:00 GMT

Danish Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) and crew

Denmark has agreed to support NATO in the fight against piracy in the Indian ocean and Horn of Africa. For this purpose one of their RDAF Challenger aircraft has been deployed from Air Transport Wing Aalborg to the Seychelles.

The aircraft is equipped with a maritime surveillance radar and infra red/electro optical cameras. The advanced equipment onboard the aircraft can collect pictures and intelligence data, thereby assisting other NATO units in the area.

The Danish detachment, comprised of 18 people, arrived in the Seychelles on the 29th of November, and started operations on the 1st of December. Operations will be continuing till the end of January. Operational control of the aircraft is carried out via NATO's HQ in Northwood.

NATO Warship Disrupts Suspected Pirate Activities

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 17:16:00 GMT

USS De Wert

On 10 December, the NATO warship USS De Wert prevented a suspected pirate dhow from engaging in acts of piracy and forced it back to the Somali coast making further acts of piracy impossible at this time.

While engaged in a replenishment at sea, USS De Wert received intelligence reports that a dhow acting suspiciously was in the vicinity and looked to be preparing to conduct acts of piracy. USS De Wert was tasked with locating and tracking the dhow while being prepared to conduct a boarding the following morning. At first light, USS De Wert closed the range to the dhow in preparation to board the vessel, but a high sea state was not conducive for a safe boarding.

USS De Wert continued to follow the vessel at close range as it proceeded back to the Somali coast, where it could be contained and prevented from patrolling the sea for victims. This disruption will cost the suspected pirates valuable lost time, and assets from unsuccessfully deploying an action group.

"Although no suspected pirates have been taken into custody at this time, the outcome is equally successful. USS De Wert was able to intercept the suspected pirates and disrupt their actions before they were able to locate and hijack any merchant vessels transiting the seas. Furthermore, it demonstrates NATO's ability to coordinate multiple assets in locating, identifying and disrupting the threat at sea. USS De Wert has done an excellent job.” Rear Admiral (LH) Sinan Azmi TOSUN, Commander of the NATO counter piracy mission Operation Ocean Shield, commented on the action.

Background Information:

NATO has contributed to the international counter piracy effort off the Horn of Africa since December 2008. The mission has expanded from escorting UN and World Food Programme Shipping under Operation Allied Provider and protecting merchant traffic in the Gulf of Aden under Operation Allied Protector. In addition to these activities and as part of the latest mission, Operation Ocean Shield, NATO is working with other international bodies to help develop capacity of countries in the region to tackle piracy on their own.

Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2) is multi-national Naval Group that provides the NATO Alliance with the ability to respond quickly to crisis situations anywhere in the world. It is a capable, stand-alone task group and one of four Standing Maritime Elements that form a flexible core around which NATO can build a larger force to meet a wide range of missions. These include non-combatant evacuations, consequence management, counter terrorism, crisis response and embargo operations. Its command rotates amongst the contributing nations and SNMG 2 is currently commanded by Rear Admiral (LH) Sinan Azmi TOSUN, Turkish Navy.

NATO Forces currently in Operation Ocean Shield:

TCG GIRESUN (flagship)– Turkey

HDMS ABSALON – Denmark

ITS GRECALE – Italy

RFA FORT VICTORIA – United Kingdom

USS DEWERT - United States of America

USS CARNEY - United States of America

Railway project gets on track

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:00:45 GMT

A train waits to move on the train track between the Afghanistan border and Mazar-e-Sharif. (Photo by Army Sgt. Michael Reinsch, IJC Public Affairs)

Kabul, Afghanistan (Dec 07, 2011) – Mining minerals and raw materials is one of the most profitable businesses in the world. Whether its coal or raw metals, it's one industry that Afghanistan cannot afford to miss out on, but in order to do that, they need a way to transport the materials.

That is where the Railway Advisory Team comes in.

"The Railway Advisory Team is here to create a railroad authority in Afghanistan much like those found in the U.S. or Europe,” said Army Maj. Timothy Christensen, International Security Assistance Force Headquarters Afghanistan Railway Advisory Team. "We are capacity building and teaching Afghans about railroading.”

The Afghanistan Railway Authority, which is waiting for approval from the Afghanistan presidential cabinet, will be set up to monitor and regulate the railway industry in the country.

"We are teaching the Afghan people from the ground up on how to run a railway and connecting them with international industries to get that extra piece of knowledge so they can become the regulators of the railways in Afghanistan,” said Christensen.

They are here to help build the infrastructure for the Afghans and teach them about the railway industry. The next step is to help them build a national rail plan for all of Afghanistan, he said.

"Afghanistan has an amazing amount of mineral wealth in the ground, a lot of it is in coal and iron ore,” said Christensen. "Those two commodities cannot be moved economically without a railroad. In order to develop Afghanistan's economy to its fullest potential, a railroad will be necessary.”

Afghanistan has only 75 kilometers of railway right now, which is currently not operational.

This isn't the first time this has been done in a foreign country. According to Army Maj. Scott Meyer, ISAF Headquarters Afghanistan Railway Advisory Team, this is the same concept that was put into action in Iraq. Similar practices will be put in place in Afghanistan. Currently, the Railway Advisory Team has several Afghans working with them to learn the process.

"We will eventually begin training the Afghanistan Railway Authority personnel how to plan and operate a railway,” said Army Sgt. 1st Class Shawn Stokes, ISAF Headquarters Afghanistan Railway Advisory Team. "Right now we are trying to build a training plan for the ARA.”

Christensen added that eventually, the Afghans will be able to train their fellow countrymen and continue the program. "The members we will train will become the future leaders of the ARA.”

By U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kristopher Levasseur
International Security Assistance Force Headquarters

NATO Foreign Ministers discuss NATO operations and cooperation with Russia

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:01:28 GMT

NATO Foreign Ministers met in Brussels on 7 December 2011 to discuss NATO operations and cooperation with Russia. In particular, they focused on the situation in the northern part of Kosovo, NATO's ISAF mission in Afghanistan, and NATO-Russia cooperation.

Turkey Assumes Command of NATO’s Counter Piracy Task Force

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 13:48:51 GMT

RADm Mattesi (right) and RAdm Tosun

Wednesday, 7 December, Rear Admiral Sinan Azmi TOSUN (Turkish Navy), assumed the command of Operation Ocean Shield, NATO's counter piracy force, from Rear Admiral Gualtiero MATTESI (Italian Navy) who completed a 6-month deployment in the region.

As the handover was completed, Rear Admiral Sinan Azmi TOSUN stated "I am extremely proud to take over command of such a task force from my predecessor, Rear Admiral Gualtiero MATTESI. I would like to thank Rear Admiral MATTESI and his distinguished staff for the excellent job they have done over the period of last six months. They can be really proud of having played a considerable part in contributing to the decline in pirate activity in the Gulf of Aden in recent months. We had a smooth operational handover and now we are ready to continue this important task as NATO's counter piracy Task Force. Powerful and resolute units under my command will continue to fight against piracy with the same enthusiasm in order to safeguard the merchant community on behalf of NATO during the next six-month period. I wish Rear Admiral MATTESI and his staff a safe trip back home and to their loved ones.”

During their deployment RAdm Mattesi and his flagship, the ITS Andrea Doria rescued 26 members of the crew of the Motor Vessel Pacific Express which had been hijacked by pirates. Just three weeks later, the flagship freed the 18 crew of the Italian Motor Vessel Montecristo which had been pirated but which was intercepted and freed soon after. Three days later ITS Andrea Doria stopped the mother ship that launched the skiffs responsible for the attack and arrested 15 suspected pirates who are now awaiting trial in Italy.

Background Information:

Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2) is permanently assigned to NATO. It is a multi-national Naval Group that provides the NATO Alliance with the ability to respond quickly to crisis situations anywhere in the world. It is a capable, stand-alone task group and one of four Standing Maritime Elements that form a flexible core around which NATO can build a larger force to meet a wide range of missions. These include non-combatant evacuations, consequence management, counter terrorism, crisis response and embargo operations. Its command rotates amongst the contributing nations and SNMG 2 is currently commanded by Rear Admiral (LH) Sinan Azmi TOSUN, Turkish Navy.

NATO Forces currently in Operation Ocean Shield:

TCG GIRESUN (Flag ship) – Turkey

HDMS ABSALON – Denmark

ITS GRECALE – Italy

RFA FORT VICTORIA – United Kingdom

USS DEWERT - United States of America

USS CARNEY - United States of America

Maintenance advisers certify first Afghan Air Force expediter

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 11:37:00 GMT

An Afghan air force expediter uses a radio to coordinate maintenance and pass status updates to the maintenance operations center Nov. 23, 2011, at Kandahar Air Wing. (Courtesy photo)

KABUL, Afghanistan – Maintenance advisers recently certified the first Afghan Air Force flight line expediter at Kandahar Air Wing.

A direct maintenance commander delegate on the flight line, an expediter is responsible for efficiently utilizing manning and resources to effectively execute the flight schedule agreed upon by both maintainers and operators.

Advisers indicate the new capability will ensure better on-time takeoffs and flight line management and will benefit because there will now be a central focal point directing unity of effort.

"Having an expediter represents a paradigm shift on the part of leadership, insofar as relinquishing control is concerned,” said Carl Snider of the 738th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group. "It would have been unheard of just a few months ago for the commander to vest this much control in his younger officers. This is where the advisers' expertise comes in not just negotiating and advising that this is what is best for the AAF, but also as representation of the responsibility our leadership vest in us.”

The process of training a flight line expediter began when maintenance advisers first met with AAF commanders and explained the benefits of the new position and how the person could enhance the flying mission.

AAF commanders agreed and selected 1st Lt. Shukrullah who then spent two weeks in training which entailed prioritizing maintenance and keeping and reporting aircraft status.

"We are trying to build not only capability but capacity within the AAF. We don't just want them to have the capability to fix and launch aircraft,” explained Snider, deployed from Hurlburt Field Fla. "We want to build the capacity to maintain and launch aircraft on-time. This is a step towards that goal of an independent AAF, although still a ways off its little victories like these that we hope ultimately put us out of a job over here.”

Just last week, with coalition adviser support, AAF members began post-phase functional check flight training in an effort to further professionalize the AAF at KAW explained maintenance professionals.

Having expediter capability as well the introduction of post-phase functional check flight capabilities, will continue to improve maintenance operations and has already improved mission-capable rate by 11 percent over the last month and 35 percent since September Snider said.

"We continue to improve and make progress in the maintenance field,” said Snider. "Our AAF members are working hard and I'm proud of their effort. We will continue to make strides and hopefully the AAF airmen will continue towards a process of self reliance.”

by Capt. Jamie Humphries
438th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

NATO Warship Disrupts Pirate Attack Group in Gulf of Aden

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:35:00 GMT

USS Carney

Earlier this week USS Carney, part of NATO's counter piracy task force Operation Ocean Shield, worked with other NATO forces and coalition partners to disrupt pirate activity in the Gulf of Aden.

A Japanese maritime patrol aircraft patrolling the area on counter-piracy operations spotted a suspicious skiff with seven suspected pirates aboard and contacted the NATO flagship ITS Andrea Doria who in turn tasked USS Carney to investigate.

In a co-ordinated operation, Carney approached the skiff, while the patrol aircraft circled overhead. As the warship appeared on the horizon the skiff attempted to flee however it stopped when hailed.

The patrol aircraft and Carney observed the suspected pirates throwing items overboard. The items were visually confirmed by the patrol aircraft as ladders and other pirate-related equipment.

A team from Carney boarded the skiff and after a thorough search seized the excess fuel and other items useful to piracy activity, before ensuring the skiff had enough fuel to return to the Somali coast.

In 2009, 45 ships were hijacked in the region; so far in 2011, 21 ships have been hijacked effectively halving the number of ships taken. Naval warships have been in the region constantly providing a visible presence and deterrence and this has undoubtedly contributed to the pirates' lack of success.

This is a very clear example of the work that NATO and its partners have been involved in for the past three years in the region. Pirates should not be under the illusion that the Christmas season is a good time to launch pirate attacks – NATO ships will be patrolling just as they have done throughout the year.

Background Information:

Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 is permanently assigned to NATO. It is a multi-national Naval Group that provides the NATO Alliance with the ability to quickly respond to crisis situations anywhere in the world. A capable, stand-alone task group and one of four standing maritime elements that form a flexible core around which NATO can build a larger force to meet a wide range of missions that will include non-combatant evacuations, consequence management, counter terrorism, crisis response, embargo operations, etc.

NATO has announced its continuing commitment to counter-piracy by extending Operation Ocean Shield to December 2012.

Japan is a member of a multinational coalition providing airborne patrols and warships for convoy escort operations in the Gulf of Aden.

NATO Forces currently in Operation Ocean Shield:

ITS Andrea Doria (Flagship) - Italy

RFA Fort Victoria – United Kingdom

HDMS Absalon - Denmark

USS Carney - United States of America

USS De Wert – United States of America

P-3 Aircraft – Norway

Challenger 604 Aircraft - Denmark

NATO Foreign Ministers to discuss operations, partnerships and Chicago summit

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 10:35:00 GMT

The foreign ministers of NATO Allies and partner countries will meet in Brussels on 7 and 8 December to discuss current operations, the Alliance's relationship with its partners, and preparations for the NATO summit in Chicago on 20-21 May 2012.

Afghan National Army students compete in obstacle course

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 09:27:00 GMT

Students from the Afghan National Army 203rd Corps' 1st Brigade Regional Basic Warrior Training course hop through tires during an obstacle course competition at Khost Training Center Nov. 21. (Photo by Air Force Staff Sgt. Sarah Martinez)

KHOST TRAINING CENTER, Afghanistan – Students cheering and clapping could be heard during a friendly obstacle course competition at Khost Training Center Nov. 21. Sixty-five students from the Afghan National Army 203rd Corps' 1st Brigade Regional Basic Warrior Training split into two teams and raced through different obstacles to compete for special recognition at graduation.

"This was the unit commander's idea to have this competition and whoever wins will get a certificate at graduation and whatever other gifts we can give the winners,” said Muhammad Tahil, 203rd Corps 1st Brigade instructor.

To win the competition the students had to finish four different obstacles faster than the other team. The hurdles consisted of tire drills, balance beams, a pole maze and wall jumps.

"We are all very excited to go through the course,” said Rafula, a student participating in the competition. "Doing the course will show me if I can run well or not.”

The obstacles in the course test the students' agility, balance and coordination, which are crucial characteristics for the role of an ANA soldier.

"This obstacle course is good training because when we graduate and go to our permanent units, we will be doing missions that might require us to jump over a wall to search a house,” said Rafula.

During RBWT the students learn a variety of skills like squad attack, ambush techniques and marching. The course is eight weeks long and when the students graduate they will be assigned to different units around eastern Afghanistan.

In the United States an Army Soldier can be in basic training for 10 weeks and still might not know everything there is to know about his specific job.

So, for students attending RBWT it is important that they get quality training from quality instructors.

"All the instructors and officers are good people and excellent trainers,” said Rafula. "Because of their training I feel ready to go wherever they send me.”

By Air Force Staff Sgt. Sarah Martinez
Regional Support Command-East/NTM-A Public Affairs Specialist