|
|
| Afghan Commandos Demonstrate Success | |
 Commandos from 3rd Company, 6th Kandak display sniper rifles and other weapons they use on missions at a modular demonstration Sept. 8 at the National Military Academy of Afghanistan, Kabul. The Commandos recited weapons knowledge and job specific information at the event which had more than 50 people in attendance. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Gloria Wilson/Not Released) Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan Media Operations Center During the event Commandos, who are reputed to be an incorruptible force to be reckoned with, stood behind tables laden with the equipment used on missions. As visitors approached their area, each soldier snapped to the position of attention, and then explained what the equipment was and how it is used in the field in a loud clear voice. More than 50 people attended the demonstration, including Adm. James G. Stavridis, Supreme Allied Commander Europe and commander, United States European Command, and Lt. Gen. William B. Caldwell, commander NATO Training Mission – Afghanistan and commander Combined Security Transition Command – Afghanistan. The Commandos have garnered much attention and national interest as their popularity with the Afghan public has grown. The demonstration was just one way for the Commandos to proudly showcase that they are truly the professional force people have been talking about. “Commandos are a force to emulate,” said Brig. Gen. Dadan Lawang, 1st Commando Brigade commander. “They are professionals, they are capable, and they understand that people are important. In turn, people recognize that the Commandos are capable and trust worthy. They have learned through experience that Commandos are the real thing.” With the Commandos currently in the limelight, having an event where they can present themselves and inform people face-to-face about what they do makes sense. Although the demo had U.S. and Coalition forces in attendance, the Commandos educate and display their capabilities everyday by spending time amongst the Afghan people, through village visits, shuras and key leader engagements. This was an opportunity to let those who don’t usually have the chance to see the Commandos in action learn a little bit about them and meet some of these outstanding individuals. “The Commandos work hard to defend their country and they wear their red Commando patch and beret with pride,” said the 6th Kandak commander. “Working with Commandos has been an experience like no other. As a Commando there is no ‘I’m this’ or ‘I’m that’, it’s ‘I’m a Commando,’ we’re brothers and it is an extension of your family. They all came together to put on today’s event and it’s like that with everything, they come together and accomplish great things.” Visitors couldn’t tell this was the first time the 3rd Company Commandos participated in the event such as this. Their presentation was impressive and organized, with each table representing a different capability, from the bags the medics use, to the 60mm rounds used by mortar teams. They had stayed up late the night before making signs and displays in preparation for, what to them, was a great opportunity. “Being a Commando is something we’re proud of and having people take time to come to this means we are doing the right things,” said a 3rd Company, 6th Kandak non-commissioned officer. “It was an honor to participate in today’s event.” |
|
