Shindand defenders take aim

Published June 6, 2011
By Capt. Jamie Humphries
438th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

KABUL, Afghanistan -- Security Forces advisors from the 838th Air Expeditionary Advisory Wing and Italian Air Force conducted 9 mm pistol training for 20 Afghan Air Force members recently.

The training, aimed to provide senior AAF officers formal instruction on safety, engaging a target and nomenclature of the weapon. The members also learned how to disassemble the weapon, clean, reassemble the weapon and clear the gun of any rounds.

The instruction was mechanical training only meaning all fundamentals were taught exclusively in the classroom.

"The biggest challenge was trying to teach in an environment where women are not always treated as equals, said Indian River, Mich. native Tech. Sgt. Vanassa Martinez, 838th AEAG. "Even though all of the officers were receptive and professional, you always have to remember that we both come from a different culture."

Although the class was an introduction to the AAF students, another key component to the training was practicing shooting fundamentals. The cadre used a coin to practice targeting in the classroom ensuring the students understood the lesson being conveyed. Although the primary reason for the instruction was training, the advisors hoped to build some relationships as well.

"We are making progress with the advising mission and once we lay down the foundation of security for the Afghans, hopefully they can build on this foundation and provide security that Afghanistan deserves and needs," said Master Sgt. Irwin Sealy, 838th Security Forces advisor. "Once this has been built, we should be able to step back and watch the growth continue. This is what advising is all about."