SEMBACH, Germany -- The 21st Theater Sustainment Command's 18th Military Police brigade brought in experts to provide a cultural, regional and socio-political framework that sets the stage for leaders to understand, visualize, describe and assess the operational variables in Afghanistan prior to the units upcoming deployment.
The Leader Development and Education for Sustained Peace Program instructors from Monterey, Calif., provided its insight to attendees in the Sembach Community Activities Center, Feb. 7 and 8, here.
Since 9/11, LDESP has trained thousands of Army leaders, conducting approximately 60 seminars each year. The training is available to all deploying U.S. Army units at the brigade, division and corps levels.
"Before deploying is when a unit can take the time to think and contemplate the cultural context in which they will soon operate and have the ability to ask questions before they are caught up in their day-to-day demands of performing their mission," said Jeff Haynes, LDESP instructor.
While in Afghanistan, the brigade will work hand-in-hand with Afghan counterparts working towards transition of the detention facility in Bagram to Afghan sustainability.
"To be effective in our mission, we need to understand the human landscape as much as the physical landscape," said Maj. Steven Bartley, operations officer with the 18th MP Bde..
"Just as it is impossible to truly understand a piece of terrain by simply looking at a map, it is also impossible to truly understand the culture without direct contact with people that have lived and shaped Afghanistan. This training created that opportunity," said Bartley.
This specialized training focused educating leadership on history, culture, insurgency, corruption, and media relations in Afghanistan. Also, this training placed particular attention to working with the Afghanistan National Security Forces and transitioning security to Afghan forces, communicating with people of Afghanistan and a discussion of insider threats.
"Having a better understanding of the Afghan people and ANSF personnel will assist in better communication and influence their Afghan counterparts while not unintentionally offending them or the Afghan people," said Haynes. "This will greatly contribute to their success."
"It is important that Soldiers understand the context in which they serve and how a seemingly innocent act or comment could have a strategic impact, good or bad," said Lawrence Saul, LDESP faculty coordinator and Naval Post Graduate College senior lecturer.
Understanding all aspects of the country and the Afghan people is crucial to gaining trust and fostering a mutually beneficial partnership with them, said Saul.
"Given our working proximity to ANSF, an understanding of the elements of Afghan tribes, languages and culture, however elementary, will prove to be exceptionally important," said Maj. Peter Spurr, intelligence officer with the 18th MP Bde.
"I have every confidence after engaging with the brigade staff, that 18th MP Bde. will have a successful tour and help the Afghans make a better future for themselves," said Jeffrey Dressler, senior research analyst and lead on the Afghanistan and Pakistan team for the Institute for the Study of War.
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