Afghan forces lead combined patrol with U.S. Soldiers

By Sgt. Julieanne MorseJune 4, 2013

Afghan forces lead combined patrol with US soldiers
1 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Afghan National Army Maj. Wali Jan, commander of 4th Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 203rd Corps, leads his soldiers out of Combat Outpost Baraki Barak on a presence patrol and resupply mission with U.S. Soldiers, in Logar Province, Afghanistan,... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Afghan forces lead combined patrol with US soldiers
2 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – First Lt. Joshua Prior, assigned to Troop C, 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, conducts a presence patrol and resupply mission with Afghan Local Police members and Afghan National Army soldiers, near ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Afghan forces lead combined patrol with US soldiers
3 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Afghan National Army Maj. Wali Jan (right), the commander of the 4th Tolai, 1st Kandak, 1st Brigade, 203rd Corps, conducts a presence patrol and resupply mission with Afghan Local Police officers and U.S. Soldiers, near Combat Outpost Baraki Barak in... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Afghan forces lead combined patrol with US soldiers
4 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Soldiers assigned to Troop C, 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, conduct a presence patrol and resupply mission with Afghan National Security Forces through Baraki Rajan, near Combat Outpost B... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Afghan forces lead combined patrol with US soldiers
5 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Soldiers with the 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, members of the Afghan National Army and Afghan Local Police officers conduct a presence patrol and resupply mission through Baraki Rajan near Combat... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

LOGAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan (June 4, 2013) -- Afghan Local Police, Afghan National Army soldiers with 4th Tolai, 1st Kandak, 1st Brigade, 203rd Corps, and U.S. Soldiers with Troop C, 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, conducted a foot patrol, May 22, from Combat Outpost Baraki Barak, known as BBK, to make their presence known in the area and resupply Afghan National Army soldiers located in Baraki Rajan.

The patrol is a prime example of the transition to full Afghan security responsibility.

The Afghan National Army, or ANA, soldiers led the foot patrol, accompanied by the Afghan Local Police, who provided security. The joint effort moved through rural areas and through Baraki Rajan's main market. While patrolling through the market, the Afghan National Security Forces, or ANSF, members briefly talked with some of the shop owners.

"They just know the atmospherics; they know the people around here," said Staff Sgt. Ray Perez-Rosa, an infantryman with Troop. C. "They can tell the bad guy from the good guy."

Working together helps promote teamwork among Afghan forces for a better future for Afghanistan.

"I think the ANA is doing a much better job of providing the necessary security to allow the Afghan Uniformed Police and the ALP to establish their local security," said Capt. William Gillespie, the Troop C commander.

While on the foot patrol, the U.S. soldiers and ANSF members communicated through an interpreter.

"The interpreters are great," said Perez-Rosa, a native of Orlando, Fla. "We have a great set of interpreters here at BBK (who are) very motivated and very passionate about their job. They get it done."

"I love my job," said Shafiullah Berang, an interpreter with Troop C who helped bridge the communication gap during the patrol. "I'm very happy that they work together."

Working together now is step toward enabling ANSF to better conduct independent operations when coalition forces draw down.

"After the U.S. forces leave Afghanistan, I believe that Afghan forces are able to protect this country, and I am proud to serve my country," said ANA Sgt. Mohammad Jawad Sultani, a member of 4th Tolai.

Related Links:

Army.mil: Current Operations News

International Security Assistance Force

4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division on Facebook

RELATED STORIES