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PATROL BASE FULOD, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan - Afghan National Army soldiers from the 2nd Tolay, 2nd Kandak, led a presence patrol through Sangin, Afghanistan, May 11.
While the ANA have been partnered with Marines for many patrols before, this was the first time the 2nd Tolay soldiers took charge of this kind of partnered patrol. The Marines of Advisor Team 4 attached to Company C, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, took a back-seat role in the patrol and followed the ANA’s lead, allowing them to run the show.
When the soldiers lead the patrol, they plan the route, brief the plan and then maintain communications with their headquarters element throughout the patrol. The advisor Marines assist with air support if needed.
The ANA commander and squad leaders maintain command and control over the patrol from the first step. They are responsible for conducting improvised explosive device sweeping, posting security and coordinating with other maneuver elements in the area.
At a security pause, the ANA received a mission to push out farther and check multiple ANA outposts and the progress made on fortifying a new outpost. The commander gave his intent to the soldiers and they adjusted the patrol route to complete the new task.
“I think it was a good patrol because everything went according to plan while we were out there,” said Sgt. Jalaladdin Naqibullah, a squad leader for the 2nd Tolay.
The Marines of the advisor team fell into the patrol where the ANA patrol leader wanted them and were able to watch the way the soldiers conducted the patrol.
“We just go on the patrol with them to see where they are at and assess their development,” said 1st Lt. J. D. Gould, the commander for AT-4. “With the logistical support, the ANA could run their own battlespace here.”
As an advisor team, it is also important for the Marines to see firsthand how the patrols go because the Afghans culturally try to please people, said Staff Sgt. Adam T. Wilson, the team chief for AT-4. This makes it challenging because the soldiers focus on the good aspects trying to paint a pretty picture for the Marines. If the advisor team can get that clear picture than they can give the ANA better training suggestions, said Wilson, from Independence, Ky.
It is very important for the ANA to do as many Afghan-lead patrols as possible and improve on the minor issues, said Gould, from Buhl, Idaho. Being out as much as they can will let the people know they can provide their own security.
“It was a great patrol because people can see us and we keep the insurgents in check,” said Naqibullah. “When the Marines leave, we need to be able to secure the area to see what is going on.”
| Date Taken: | 05.14.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 05.15.2011 14:02 |
| Story ID: | 70421 |
| Location: | PATROL BASE FULOD, HELMAND PROVINCE, ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF, AF |
| Web Views: | 813 |
| Downloads: | 3 |
This work, ANA Leads Marines on Sangin Patrol, by Sgt Benjamin Crilly, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
