Most military members would most likely agree that boots are the most important part of a combat uniform and that a poor quality boot can severely hinder a soldier's ability to accomplish the mission.
The Kabul Milli Trading Co. makes boots for the Afghan national army and Afghan national police and has since 2007. After complaints that the boots were falling apart after as little as one month of wear, the company made changes.
"For the past five months we have worked with our coalition partners to fix all the issues with the boots," said Farhad Saffi, the company's managing director. "In particular we have improved the materials and the soles of the boots."
To test the new boots, the company will deliver 4,000 pairs to various locations in Afghanistan Tuesday where they will be worn by ANA and ANP members for 30 days. They will also be tested by the Defense Supply Center in Philadelphia, and the test results, combined with feedback from forces in the field, will determine if more modifications are needed or if the boots are ready for full production.
According to U.S. Air Force Capt. Adam Pudenz, a Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan security assistance officer, the issues with the boots were not entirely the company's fault. He admitted that to provide the fast-growing Afghan Army and police force with the uniforms, boots and equipment needed, CSTC-A contracting officers were rushing the process.
"We received exactly what we asked for," he said. "Basically we asked for tan and black combat boots, without providing local industry any kind of additional information as to the exact specifications. They, in turn, provided us with what they thought we needed, and after some use it was determined that we need a better product," said Pudenz.
After the contracting team gave the company more exacting specifications, based on American boot manufacturers, Kabul Milli found a stronger nylon and more durable leather. They also made suggestions on to improve breathability and comfort with better padding. The company invested in new machinery, allowing for faster production without compromising quality, Pudenz said.
Pudenz admits that there have been growing pains in the past few years, however he feels that it is all well worth it. He said that while uniforms and boots could be imported from other countries, is vital to use local businesses in order to provide employment for Afghans.
"This is providing a legitimate means of survival to the Afghan people," Pudenz said. "Any good parent will do whatever is necessary to put food on the table for their children. Stable employment in Afghanistan provides greater security because people will not resort to the insurgencies for immediate assistance. "
Meanwhile Saffi appreciates the opportunity to equip Afghan security forces. He said that building a company outside of Afghanistan would be easier and earn his family more profit, however he feels that he must play his part in rebuilding country.
"My father has been making boots for the ANP and ANA since 1979," he said. "During the Taliban regime, they destroyed all of our factories, so we were shut down and went to Pakistan, where we lived until the U.S. brought the new government to Afghanistan," said Saffi.
After his family relocated to Kabul and reestablished their company, Saffi went to Camp Eggers in 2006 to pitch their products to coalition forces which ultimately led to Kabul Milli Trading getting the contract to make boots for the new Afghan army and police forces.
"Being an Afghan and helping our own Afghan people we have brought the investment here to help 600 people [employees]. If each of the 600 people has ten children, then 6,000 people are getting food through this factory," said Saffi.
| Date Taken: |
05.15.2010 |
| Date Posted: |
05.15.2010 19:51 |
| Story ID: |
49744 |
| Location: |
KABUL, AF |
| Web Views: |
420 |
| Downloads: |
236 |
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