An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

AF officers advise Afghan police

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Sara Csurilla
  • U.S. Air Forces Central Public Affairs
KAJAKI, Afghanistan --  Four U.S. Air Force officers recently deployed to be lead advisers on a mission that not only embodies partnership between branches of the U.S. military, but also demonstrates partnership between nations.

The four Airmen are part of the Afghanistan National Civil Order Police Combat Advisor Team. The team is comprised of a group of highly trained U.S. Soldiers who are responsible for the team's security, the ANCOP 2nd Kandak, 3rd Brigade, and the Airmen. The team works side-by-side with U.S. Marines in order to conduct their mission within the battle space.

The team is based at a small, Marine-led forward operating base known as Whitehouse, located in Helmand province, Kajaki, Afghanistan.

ANCOP is a special Afghan police unit with nearly 5,400 men that have undergone 16 weeks of training and have a higher literacy rate than the regular Afghan National Police. The unit is divided into five brigades stationed in Kabul, Paktia, Kandahar, Herat and Mazar-i-Sharif. They were created in 2006 by a U.S. Army colonel and are generally considered a more elite force than the regular ANP who oversee them.

The ANCOP 2/3 Kandak deployed with more than 300 police; a number of them are placed at Whitehouse and the rest are dispersed throughout 16 patrol bases in the Kajaki district.

Several times a week, the adviser team visits the different patrol bases to meet face-to-face with its ANCOP counterparts to ensure operations are running smoothly and their logistics, personnel and communication needs are met.

Each officer has a specific role to fill when advising ANCOP.

Capt. Robert Fekete, deployed from Scott Air Force Base, Ill., acts as the senior logistics adviser for the team. He oversees and travels outside the wire to geographically separated patrol bases throughout the Kajaki district to advise his ANCOP counterparts on all logistics including mobility, supply, fuel, vehicles and weapons maintenance.

"When we [the U.S.] first started working with ANCOP, it was much more hands on training," said Fekete. "Now we are transitioning into more of an advise and assist role and setting the stage for them to work autonomously. Once the Afghans are capable of safeguarding and securing their regions on their own, it will allow for the withdraw of U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan."

Capt. Garret Moore, deployed from Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., acts as the communications adviser and electronics warfare officer for the team. He advises the ANCOP technical officer on all communication issues including radios and computers.

He also handles all the money allocated for the ANCOP and monitors the troop movement in the battle space while his team is outside the wire.

Maj. Heather Sullivan, also deployed from Scott, advises her ANCOP counterparts in all personnel areas. She takes care of personnel issues for the adviser team and also takes a special interest in ensuring they have good relationships with their Afghan partners.

"I think one of the most important parts of our mission here is maintaining good relationships with our Afghan partners," said Sullivan. "In the Afghan culture, relationships are very important and a crucial part in the way they do business. As an adviser, if we have to discuss sensitive issues or expect them to listen to our advice, we have to have a mutual respect and trust. Rapport is very important."

Lt. Col. Joel Briske, deployed from his commander position at the 90th Missile Wing Security Forces Squadron, F. E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., is now the commander of the adviser team. It is his responsibility to oversee all operations and advise the ANCOP while at FOB Whitehouse. He communicates directly with his ANCOP counterpart, Col. Zahir, commander ANCOP 2/3 Kandak.

"I love working with this team," said Zahir. "I feel very comfortable with them and have learned many things from them."

The adviser team also has one enlisted member who shares his wisdom gained from multiple combat deployments and years of experience as an Airborne Ranger-qualified NCO in the U.S. Army.

Sgt. 1st Class Ricky Royals, deployed from the 21st Military Police Company, Fort Bragg, N.C., acts as the senior enlisted adviser for his team of soldiers and also advises the commander on tactical training and TTPs for ANCOP.

After working nearly every day and for just a few months with the ANCOP team, Briske said they have already proven to be very successful and feels that this specific kandak will soon be able to work on its own with minimal support from U.S. forces.

"Kajaki locals have already displayed the trust they have in the ANCOP by going directly to them and sharing information about terrorist activity in their district," said Briske. "Their efforts have also led to the capture of several insurgents that attacked Whitehouse a few weeks ago."

In a few short weeks, the four officers will be replaced with a new adviser team and they will move on to work with another ANCOP kandak, helping bring order and peace to Afghanistan, step-by-step.