Photo By Cpl. Johnny Merkley | Nawa District Governor Haji Abdul Manaf speaks during his weekly radio broadcast to...... read more read more
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PINJADOO, Helmand province, Afghanistan – As coalition forces continue their shift to an advisory role in Nawa and Afghan National Security Forces take the lead in counterinsurgency operations, some areas within the district are more than ready for the changeover to begin.
The Pinjadoo precinct is one of the safest areas in Nawa district and has been for many months. As Marines with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment still maintain a reduced presence in the area, Afghan police forces stationed at the precinct believe the time has come for them to take responsibility for the security of their homeland.
“We are more than ready to operate by ourselves and take on new responsibilities,” said Mohammad Dawood, the Afghan Uniformed Police executive officer at the Pinjadoo precinct. “The police here have a really good relationship with the local people in the area which is a key element of success for Pinjadoo.”
Having a healthy relationship with the residents of Nawa is a major achievement for both the Afghan police forces and their Marine advisors. Dawood believes this could be the most important factor in maintaining security in this area of the district.
“When we are able to communicate with the people and hear their concerns, we slowly gain their trust and confidence,” said Dawood. “When people trust the police, we are able to locate the Taliban much faster than when there is tension between us.”
Working side by side, Nawa police forces and Marines have achieved good relations with district residents by holding weekly shuras at the Pinjadoo station. During the shuras, Afghan and Marine leadership discuss topics ranging from security to ongoing development projects in the district, and field questions from the elders in attendance. Recently a shura was held at the Pinjadoo police station, at which Dawood and 1st Lt. Jeffrey T. Turner, the commander of the Police Advisor Team and native of Bedford, N.H., spoke to the elders about upcoming events and future challenges for district police forces.
"Security in Pinjadoo is accomplished by everyone working together ... This is now the Afghan Uniformed Police area of operation, all we do is assist," Turner said. "I am completely confident that the police will conduct their jobs and the area will be secure."
While Dawood and the AUP will continue to strive for excellence and complete security for Pinjadoo, he explained to the people how much things have already changed in the year he has been at the precinct.
The AUP operating in Pinjadoo have expanded the safe zone for local residents from a one mile to ten mile radius in the last year alone. Dawood hopes to build off of this success with several construction projects - a hospital, school, local market and new mosque – beginning in the coming months.
“Since I took over, this place is 100 percent different,” said Dawood. “We’ve held 15 shuras here at the Pinjadoo station and every time we improve the way of life for the local people.”
Nawa District Governor Haji Abdul Manaf echoes this message of progress during his weekly radio broadcast to inform his people of important issues concerning their area of the district.
“If you are a good leader, you must listen to your people’s problems as well as inform them of everything you know,” said Manaf. “You must also hear the struggles and problems your people face and help them in everyway you can.”
With much already accomplished in the Pinjadoo precinct, it is difficult for the AUP and local residents not to share a feeling of hope. While Marine leadership also views Pinjadoo as one of safest areas in the Nawa, they remind the AUP not to let their guard down.
“There has been so much progress and improvement in this area compared to what it was before,” said Capt. Brian A. Pell, the commander of Golf Company, 2/6 and native of Cleveland. “But even with this progress, we must still strive for perfection and continue to do better.”
There is still more work to be done to guarantee a secure future for the people of Nawa.
Editor’s note: Second Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, is currently assigned to Regimental Combat Team 5, 2nd Marine Division (Forward), which heads Task Force Leatherneck. The task force serves as the ground combat element of Regional Command (Southwest) and works in partnership with the Afghanistan National Security Forces and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to conduct counterinsurgency operations. The unit is dedicated to securing the Afghan people, defeating insurgent forces, and enabling the ANSF assumption of security responsibilities within its operations in order to support the expansion of stability, development and legitimate governance.
| Date Taken: | 02.23.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 02.23.2012 00:40 |
| Story ID: | 84212 |
| Location: | PINJADOO, HELMAND PROVINCE, AF |
| Web Views: | 399 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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