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Regional Command - West to receive first AAF Life Support Technician

  • Published
  • By Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Jared E. Walker
  • 438th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
KABUL, Afghanistan --  Throughout Afghanistan, there is only one Afghan life support team and training center, but that is about to change.

Afghan Air Force Aviation Life Support Specialist Sgt. Gulbiddin has finished his month-long life support training in Kabul and will soon engage in operations that directly support the Afghan Air Force.

Tech. Sgt. Tim Kelso, Aviation Life Support Advisor, 838th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group, Shindand Airbase explained how he met Sgt. Gulbiddin.

"In Kabul, I have oversight of the manning to other detachments and every time I went out I could never find my personnel. Finally, on a trip to Herat, I made up my mind that I was going to find one of my guys."

Sgt. Gulbiddin, Afghan Air Force Aviation Life Support Specialist for Herat, explained he was on vacation when he was contacted and told an air advisor was looking for him.

Tech. Sgt. found Sgt. Gulbiddin working at a security gate and informed him he'd be working in aviation life support. Sgt. Kelso explained the specifics of the job such as how to take care of helmets, survival and communications equipment all which are essential for air crew members.

"When I found out I was going to be assigned to life support I asked some people about the program and they were positive about it. After that, I learned I was being sent to Kabul for training."

In Kabul, Sgt. Gulbiddin was trained by three American advisors and fellow Afghans who taught him how to prepare survival kits. During his time learning, he learned his main job as a life-support technician would be to help prevent the loss of life.

Sgt. Kelso said he was very impressed by Sgt. Gulbiddin's effort and work ethic.

"A month ago, he didn't know much about life support and he'd never worked with any of the equipment. I worked with him and I was blown away with how far he has come. It's absolutely perfect the Afghans of the shop took him in and made him one of their own."
With all of the training Sgt. Gulbiddin received while he in Kabul, he will now go back to Herat to pass on his knowledge to his fellow Afghans.

"I wrote down everything I was taught. I also have verbal and practical lessons too. Once I return to my base, my commander will send me the personnel and I will train them," said Sgt. Gulbiddin.

Now that Sgt. Gulbiddin has been trained in life support policies and procedures, he'll be the only Afghan between the forward operating bases, Shindand and Herat. The bases hope to train at least seven more Afghans as life support technicians.

Sgt. Kelso said now that Sgt. Gulbiddin is on his way to Herat, he is very impressed and happy with the way the training turned out.

"Words can't describe what this means to the career field of Afghanistan. Up until now, there were only the members here in the Kabul shop and now finally some of the detachments can get this training too. I know this is a stepping stone for more Afghans to get this training."