From mid February troops of the Training Team of the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT-14) of Ghor began a theoretical course on emergency management for members of the Afghan National Army Company, i.e., rendering assistance to locals in case of a range of emergency situations. During the cycle of lectures ANA officers will receive knowledge from their Lithuanian colleagues and likewise share their own experience.
According to the Commander of the ANA Training Team Lt Col Ričardas Stakelis, the courses are important and useful not only to the ANA officers but Lithuanian soldiers as well. ANA officers also shared their experience and knowledge, specific information about customs and culture of local residents that is vital for handling emergency situations fluently.
"ANA military transit to a higher level because they a re acquiring skills not only to apply new skills and knowledge but also to plan, make and implement decisions in accordance with military procedures independently," said Commander of the ANA Training Team.
ANA troops and the Training Team are also involved in joint patrolling in the surroundings of Chaghcharan and ore remote regions, the last joint patrol was organised into the village of Dowlat-Yra approximately 65 kilometers away from Chaghcharan. Patrols of that kind are really useful both to the PRT and ANA military. Local people find it crucial to know and see that Lithuanian troops are prepared to ensure security in the province just like they assist in training and preparing soldiers of the Afghan National Army.
A company of the Afghan National Army has been deployed in Ghor since last January. It comprises maneuver units, a support element and an EOD team, approximately a hundred of personnel in total. The main aim of deploying an ANA unit alongside Afghan National Police units is ensuring stability in the security situation in the province.
On the 4th of January, 2012, the town of Chaghcharan and the surrounding area were approved to joint the transfer of responsibility process in Chaghcharan. Responsibility of local security forces, i.e. ANA units and police, for the security in their country is gradually increased since then. The key role of Lithuanian-led Chaghcharan PRT is training of the Afghan National Security Forces with a focus on instructions.
Release by: PIO for PRT-14 1st Lt Tomas Pakalniškis
Photos by Petty Officer 1st Class Raimondas Sleževičius
