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Posts Tagged War in Afghanistan
Female Engagement Team Marines bridge gap between Western, Afghan culture
By Sgt. Jesse Stence
CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan
Sgt. Meredith Burns has fielded numerous questions about females in combat since she deployed to Afghanistan as 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment’s Female Engagement team leader nearly six months ago.
The FET is a favorite target of media looking to document females on the front lines, but the real story is sometimes lost, Burns said.
The FET Marines aren’t meant to be interchangeable with infantry regulars; rather, they complement the coalition counterinsurgency strategy by reaching out to Afghan communities in a culturally sensitive way. They help amplify the voice of Afghan women.
When asked what civilian job is like being a FET Marine, Burns smiled thoughtfully, pondering the question.
Like a community organizer? A negotiator, a fund-raiser?
There are so many aspects of this job; it’s not just one thing, Burns finally said. There is no one civilian job I could compare it too. Read the rest of this entry »
Countering Global Insurgency
Posted by Gary in Threat Watch, Training on 21/Mar/2011 17:09
From: Counterinsurgency by David Kilcullen
Countering Global Insurgency
Since the United States declared a global “war on terrorism†following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, some analysts have argued that terrorism is merely a tactic, thus a war on terrorism makes little sense. Francis Fukuyama’s comment that ” the war on terror” is a misnomer… terrorism is only a means to an end; in this regard, a war on terrorism makes no more sense than a war on submarines†is typical. This view is irrelevant in a policy sense (the term “war on terrorism†is a political, not an analytical, expression) but nonetheless accurate. Indeed, to paraphrase Clausewitz, to wage this war effectively, we must understand its true nature: neither mistaking it for nor trying to turn it into something it is not. We must distinguish Al Qaeda and the broader militant movements it symbolizes—entities that use terrorism—from the tactic of terrorism itself. In practice, as I will demonstrate, the “war on terrorism” is a defensive war against a worldwide Islamist jihad, a diverse confederation of movements that uses terrorism as its principle—but not its sole—tactic.
– Excerpt from,  Counterinsurgency by David Kilcullen  -2010
Counterinsurgency
Posted by Gary in Threat Watch, Training, Warriors on 11/Mar/2011 20:11
Your company has just been warned for deployment on counterinsurgency operations in Iraq or Afghanistan. You have read David Galula, T. E. Lawrence, and Robert Thompson. You have studied FM 3–24 and now understand the history, philosophy, and theory of counterinsurgency. You have watched Black Hawk Down and The Battle of Algiers, and you know this will be the most difficult challenge of your life.
But what does all the theory mean, at the company level? How do the principles translate into action—at night, with the GPS down, the media criticizing you, the locals complaining in a language you don’t understand, and an unseen enemy killing your people by ones and twos? How does counterinsurgency actually happen?
– Excerpt from,  Counterinsurgency by David Kilcullen  -2010
Body of soldier Liam Tasker brought back to Britain with the ashes of his dog
Posted by Jack Sinclair in News, Warriors on 11/Mar/2011 09:55
“The body of a Fife soldier who was killed in Afghanistan earlier this month has been flown back to Britain, along with the ashes of his loyal dog who died just hours after him.
Lance Corporal Liam Tasker (26), from the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, 1st Military Working Dog Regiment, became the 358th British soldier to die in Afghanistan since 2001, after he was shot on March 1 while he and his springer spaniel, Theo, were on patrol in Helmand Province.
liamtasker2
While Theo initially survived the attack, he died on return to the British base at Camp Bastion.
The pair, deemed “inseparable” by colleagues, were flown to RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire from Afghanistan on Thursday.”
Lance Corporal Liam Richard Tasker killed in Afghanistan
No doubt Tasker and Theo were targeted because they were saving lives by finding IEDs
From: MOD
2 Mar 11
It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Lance Corporal Liam Richard Tasker, from the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, was killed in Afghanistan on Tuesday 1 March 2011.
Lance Corporal Liam Tasker and Theo - MOD
Lance Corporal Tasker deployed to Afghanistan on 8 September 2010 as part of 1st Military Working Dog Regiment. Having trained as an Arms and Explosives Search dog handler, he was attached to 1st Battalion Irish Guards on 19 February 2011.
On 1 March 2011, LCpl Tasker was taking part in a patrol with his dog, Theo, when they were engaged by small arms fire, during which LCpl Tasker was struck and died from the injuries he sustained. Sadly on return to Camp Bastion, Theo suffered a seizure and died.
Lance Corporal Liam Richard Tasker
LCpl Liam Tasker was born on the 11 December 1984 in Kirkcaldy, Fife, Scotland. He joined the Army in 2001 and was originally a vehicle mechanic in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. His passion though, was always dogs which led to his transfer to the Royal Army Veterinary Corps in 2007.
A trainer who had a natural empathy with dogs, he was a rising star within the Dog Training group. In 2010, he was posted to 104 Military Working Dog Squadron, St Georges Barracks, North Luffenham, Rutland, part of the 1st Military Working Dog Regiment.
From the onset of his operational tour in Afghanistan, he provided strong search and clearance capability for units across Helmand Province. In a short period of time, he had significant success locating Improvised Explosive Devices, weapons and bomb making equipment. His success undoubtedly saved many lives.
Lance Corporal Tasker was an outgoing, jovial and friendly character. He was extremely popular within the Squadron. His easy going, confident approach belied a consummate professional. He always strived to be the best and within the Squadron he was one of the best and he will be sorely missed by all in the Squadron.
He can never be replaced and will always be remembered. He was a fun, friendly, talkative character who always wanted the best from his dog, his troops, and himself.
He leaves behind his mother Jane Duffy, his father Ian Tasker, his brother Ian and his two sisters, Laura and Nicola, and girlfriend Leah.
Liam’s family said:
“There are three words that best describe Liam, larger than life. He lit up every room he walked into with his cheeky smile. He was the best son, grandson, brother and friend you could ever wish to meet. He died a hero doing a job he was immensely passionate about. We are so proud of him and everything he’s achieved. Words can’t describe how sorely he will be missed.
“Sleep well Liam you are forever in our hearts.”
Deadly Panjwai in Kandahar Province
Posted by Gary in News, Threat Watch on 28/Feb/2011 01:47
From: Michael Yon
27 February 2011
Filed from Tarin Kot, Urozgan Province
Panjwai has been one of the most dangerous areas of Afghanistan. Much Canadian, American, and Afghan blood has soaked into this ground.
Podcast: Michael Yon with Military.com
Posted by Gary in News, Threat Watch on 28/Feb/2011 01:28
Michael Yon – Back in Afghanistan
Posted by Gary in News, Threat Watch, Warriors on 23/Feb/2011 05:29
From: Michael Yon
Am back in Afghanistan but for now am outside the wire and not with troops. I saw these US troops today as they searched for bombs in Kandahar City.
Afghan Guards sacrificed their lives thwarting attack
Posted by Jack Sinclair in News, Threat Watch on 14/Feb/2011 16:31
KABUL, Afghanistan — “The heroes in the suicide bombing of the Kabul City Center shopping mall on Monday were not among the police officers or NATO coalition and American Special Forces soldiers who showed up later.
They were Gul Agha and Lal Mohammed, two poorly paid security guards who have what lately has been one of the worst jobs in Afghanistan — screening visitors at the door…. witnesses reported an exchange of gunfire right before the bomber detonated the explosives in his vest. The only fatalities were the bomber and the guards, the police said, and two bystanders were wounded.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/15/world/asia/15afghanistan.html?_r=1&src=mv
The Real Enemy in Afghanistan – Corruption
Posted by Gary in News, Opinion, Threat Watch on 8/Feb/2011 15:15
From IDGA
Afghanistan is easily one of the most corrupt countries most Americans have ever been to and conducting counter insurgency in this environment is extremely taxing and difficult. Corruption starts from the highest level official and goes to the lowest level private.
Oops – NATO hands big bucks to shopkeeper posing as Taliban commander
Posted by Jack Sinclair in News, Threat Watch on 25/Nov/2010 19:09
“It sounds like the plot from a spy novel or James Bond film.
But NATO chiefs in Afghanistan have been severely embarrassed by a shopkeeper who fooled them into thinking he was a Taliban commander during secret peace negotiations.
Astonishingly, the ruse went on for two months, during which time the ‘contact’ was paid a substantial sum of money.
He was also flown on a British military plane to three meetings designed to end the insurrection.
Despite suspicions about his identity, nobody disputed his claim to be Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansour, one of the Taliban’s most senior leaders.
It was only months later — and after the handover of piles of cash to keep him coming back — that an old friend of Mr Mansour said they had the wrong man.
They now believe he was nothing more than a shopkeeper from the Pakistani city of Quetta.”
http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/mehdi-hasan/2010/11/taliban-mansour-leaders
Body Armor – Free Webinar
Posted by Gary in Body Armor, Training, Warrior Tools, Warriors on 3/Nov/2010 21:52
From: IDGA
Armor Up: A Coalition Perspective on Personal Protective Gear
This FREE webinar will be on: December 8, 2010 9:00:00 AM EST
Presenters: Carl Thompson, Cameron Finch, Dr. Kelechi Anyaogu,
Body Armor is one of the most important pieces of equipment a soldier has and can mean the difference between life and death.
Amidst the heightened tempo of operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, body armor and personel protection equipment have attracted renewed interest. This interest has come from several sectors: military procurement, civilian defense production, operational units (regular and special forces), as well as command level strategists.
- Yet NATO and the US Military still face many challenges, including: The extremely high price of underperforming and obsolete technologies.
- The employment (or deployment?) of such systems in the field can have direct and immediate impacts on soldier endurance and performance.
- Aside from dollar cost per unit, the use of body armor exacts a certain physical toll—increased risk of heat exhaustion and reduced mobility and speed.
Body Armor in Action:
The first living Congressional Medal of Honor recipient since the Vietnam War, Staff Sgt Salvatore Giunta can attribute his survival to his personal protective gear. In Afghanistan Staff Sgt Giunta was shot in the chest while braving enemy fire to come to the aid of comrades and was saved by his ballistics vest.
Coalition Routs Taliban in Southern Afghanistan
Posted by Jack Sinclair in News, Threat Watch, Warriors on 21/Oct/2010 01:06
Joao Silva for The New York Times An American soldier looked out Tuesday from a guard post in Arghandab, Afghanistan, a strategic district in Kandahar Province north of the city of Kandahar.
“ARGHANDAB, Afghanistan — American and Afghan forces have been routing the Taliban in much of Kandahar Province in recent weeks, forcing many hardened fighters, faced with the buildup of American forces, to flee strongholds they have held for years, NATO commanders, local Afghan officials and residents of the region said.
Some of the gains seem to have come from a new mobile rocket that has pinpoint accuracy — like a small cruise missile — and has been used against the hideouts of insurgent commanders around Kandahar. That has forced many of them to retreat across the border into Pakistan.
Disruption of their supply lines has made it harder for them to stage retaliatory strikes or suicide bombings, at least for the moment, officials and residents said.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/21/world/asia/21kandahar.html?_r=1
Capt. Emily Naslund, USMC
Emily Naslund in Iraq
Capt. Emily Naslund, the commander of the Female Engagement Team posted this to a Minnesota running blog back in 2008 when she was a 1st Lt. and deployed to Iraq
My job title is 1st Platoon Commander, Truck Company, I MEF Headquarters Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force. How’s that for a mouth full? I’m stationed at Camp Fallujah, Iraq which is located about 3km (or as we call it 3 clicks) east of the city of Fallujah, and about 24 clicks west of Baghdad International Airport.
I have 37 Marines under my charge and our mission is to conduct tactical logistics convoys all over Al Anbar Province to deliver supplies such as ammo, food, water, fuel, etc. – and for the Air Force Bases, ice cream. I have run well over 100 convoys, traveling around 17,000 miles on the Main Supply Routes of Iraq.
We are here on a year-long deployment, but since we showed up as the advance party, and are leaving with the last wave, my time spent in Iraq will be 13 month and 2 days by the time we leave. When I return home I plan on first sleeping for a week straight – waking up only to eat American (non-chow hall) food. Then, hopefully I will start training for a deployment to Afghanistan.
… My Marines are amazing, hard-working, and genuine people who continue to amaze me on a daily basis. Please keep them in your prayers. This year has been hard on them, but they still have challenges coming up. Getting adjusted back to life in the civilian world will be difficult and will take some time.
Thanks again for the support and Semper Fi,
1stLt Emily Naslund
“Top Gunâ€
Female Marines Make Combat Patrols
The official US MC policy is that females may not serve in the Infantry, Armor, or Artillery units. That policy has been altered to allow Female Marines to accompany patrols into the Afghan countryside in order to communicate with the local men and women in ways that local customs do not allow their male counterparts to accomplish.
Cpl. Christina Oliver, center, and other female Marines attached to a male battalion patrolled recently in Helmand Province.
From: New York Times
MARJA, Afghanistan — They expected tea, not firefights. But the three female Marines and their patrol were shot at late on a recent day, when a burst of Kalashnikov rifle fire came from a nearby compound. The group hit the ground, crawled into a ditch and aimed its guns across the fields of cotton and corn.
more from NYT
Audio Interview with VMI grad, Capt. Emily Naslund. CO of the Female Engagement Team in Helmund Province Afghanistan.
From: CNN Blog
Naslund and some of the other 39 women of the patrol are featured in a recent article by The New York Times’ Elisabeth Bumiller. They patrol various areas, including Marja, Afghanistan. “You’ve got 19- and 20-year-olds walking around in the world’s most dangerous place, knowing what could happen to them, and they’re willing to do that anyway, and they’re willing to do that with passion,†Naslund told the Times. This mission, she added, “is going to be the highlight of my life.â€
More on female warriors in Afghanistan from NYT:
https://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/30/world/asia/30marines.html