KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - An Afghan Uniformed Policeman signals to a vehicle driving down the street to pull over. The driver quickly complies and rolls down his window as he pulls up to the policeman.
What years ago would have been an unknown occurrence has now become a standard as the AUP from Police Substation one, with support from the 3rd Platoon, 563rd Military Police Company, 503rd Military Police Battalion (Airborne), conduct tactical checkpoints in Kandahar, Afghanistan, Aug. 3-7.
"The checkpoint was a counter narcotic operation," said 1st LT. Andrew Mason, who serves the platoon leader of 3rd PLT. "We are doing our part out here in the city to try and stem the flow of the terrorist financial networks."
The AUP led the way by running the operation on their own, relying very little on their American counter parts.
It would be easy for the AUP to let us do everything, but they have taken ownership of security, said Staff Sgt. Justin Webster, who serves as a squad leader with 3rd PLT.
"[There have been] multiple occasions where they have told us 'let me do my job,'" added Webster.
The training provided by the military police has increased the AUP's productivity and efficiency in policing operations during the four day mission.
"This is the fourth day working with the AUP, and they did a really good job today," said Mason. "It is nice to see them use the things we taught them and watch their improvement over the four day operation."
The MPs of 3rd PLT are happy to see the time and effort they have put in preparing the AUP has paid off.
"They have continued to show improvements," said Webster. "They know how to do it and they are anxious to operate on their own."
This new attitude in self reliance has become more prevalent as the U.S. led combat mission in the country approaches its conclusion at the end of 2014.
"The AUP are handling the transition very well," said Webster. "You can tell by just driving throughout the sector and seeing [the AUP] out there setting up their own check points and engaging the population."
Kandahar City was one of three areas in Kandahar province that has formally transitioned security responsibilities to the Afghans, with coalition forces performing in an advisory role.
The AUP's increased interaction with the public has helped raise the confidence the Afghan people have in their police force.
"When you drive by a street corner they will be out in the shops engaging the population," said Webster. "[Their positive influence] is evident when we talk to the people [and] they say how comfortable they are in the area and they know [the AUP] are there."
The AUP confidence has begun to show with the support of the Afghan people.
"As the AUP take the lead, it has given them the opportunity to take pride in their country and pride in their job," said Webster.
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