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.

Provincial Communication Center unites Kapisa Province

  • Published
  • ISAF Public Information office
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan --  The Kapisa Province took another step towards long-term stability as the Provincial Communication Center neared completion Jan. 4.

Members of the Bagram Provincial Reconstruction Team traveled to the Kapisa Governor's Compound to continue teaching Kapisa Afghan National Police officers how to operate the radio system as well as to file reports based on incidents around the province.

British Maj. Gen. Garry Robison, ISAF Deputy Commander of Stability, traveled to the event to met with Governor Abdul Sattar Murad as well to get a first-hand look at the on-going operations set in motion by the PRT, including the PCC.

"I think they recognize this will be an asset to (their security)" said Army Capt. Brendan McAlary, Bagram PRT operations officer.

McAlary, who coordinated and executed the implementation of the PCC, noted that the local government appeared unsure about the new system at first, but has since realized what the radios will mean to their communities.

"They're going to improve district-to-province communication," he added, noting that a $3 million dollar road project was also being implemented to connect all the district centers to the provincial capital.

During the block of instructions, ANP officers were taught map and grid reading, radio operations and how to send reports over them to insure quick responses to emergency situations.

The Parwan Province will also be implementing a PCC in the near future, with both provinces setting a template that eventually will be mirrored in other parts of the country.

The Provincial Security Council also met during this time frame, as local leaders as well as ISAF officials joined with Governor Murad and Gen. Robison to discuss issues that are affecting Kapisa Province as well as advancements and achievements that had been reached.

The weekly PSC gave Gen. Robison an up-close look at operations in the Kapisa Province as well as what issues still need to be addressed.

"It's a great privilege," said Gen. Robison. "I'm very keen to get out and visit all the provinces and particularly all of the PRTs. I believe PRTs can help with short-term projects."

He also stressed the importance of education to the long-term success of Afghanistan, sentiments also echoed by Governor Murad.

"By training and various professional courses to civil servants, we are able to answer to the people's needs in Kapisa," said Governor Murad. "The people are building confidence in their government's ability to take care of them."

Occurring at the same time in a different part of the compound was the final US Department of Agriculture Course for Soils, Crops, Agronomy and Animal Sciences.

The 20-week class, taught by Dr. Mike Gangwer, showed Afghan students comprised of cooperative farmers better methods to improve their livelihoods through better knowledge of their surroundings and how the make better usage of them.

Gangwer created a curriculum and taught the class, which will hold its graduation Jan. 6, here at the Jirga Center.