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Afghan Air Force celebrates Christmas by conducting security drills

  • Published
  • By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jared E. Walker
  • 438th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
KABUL, Afghanistan --  While Christmas is celebrated around the world, Dec. 25 in Afghanistan is just a normal day for members of the Afghan military. So instead of opening presents or peeping into candy filled stocking, Afghan Air Force Airmen and members of the 438th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron Security Forces advisors conducted an AAF Security Kandak exercise at the Afghan Air Force base in Kabul, Afghanistan.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Robert Shaw, a security forces advisor with NATO Air Training Command - Afghanistan, said that the drill went well, but there is still room for improvement.

"They are quite impressive, in that they adapt and react quickly to get the scenario or situation under control. It may not always be done to our standards, but they are able to resolve it satisfactorily in a timely manner. It was evident that they understood what they did wrong and what improvements could be made. The leadership reinforced the correct actions required for successful responses in the future," said Capt. Shaw.

Capt. Matin, the AAF Quick Reaction Force company commander said the exercises are good for his soldiers because it helps to train them and improve their skills.

"These exercises not only improve my soldiers' skills, but it will help the Afghan Air Force Security Forces, as soldiers, progress through the ranks and they will be able to train the younger soldiers," said Matin.

Shaw stressed the need for the Afghan security drills by saying that it is important for the Afghans to test their readiness and responses to various incidents and threats.

"These actions help improve the AAF security forces by helping them to identify any issues they may have during the exercise and helps them to self-correct and improve their response and communications," he said.

Shaw said that in the long run these drills help the Afghan military because by regularly testing the security forces in different roles, it helps expand their security toolbox.

"Ultimately, they need to be proficient in a myriad of air base defense, military police, quick reaction force, and other ground combat skills. It also helps builds their confidence and improves their teamwork," said Shaw.

Even though he believes today's exercise was a success, Shaw is certain that that the coalition troops must continue to train, educate, and test their Afghan Air Force partners so a capable, independent air base defense and fighting force can be built.

"It is great seeing the Afghan Air Force learn and develop into a functional force. They continue to improve and become a functional air base defense force that can protect Afghanistan's Air Forces across their nation. Without effective security the other Afghan Air Force missions will fail so their job is critical to enable the Afghan Air Force's combat flying missions," said Shaw.