Photo By Sgt. Matthew Nedved | Members of the Mongolian Armed Forces preform a martial arts display on their national...... read more read more
CAMP EGGERS, Afghanistan – The war in Afghanistan is one not only fought by the U.S. military, but rather by a coalition of forces from many countries. One partner nation that has been here since the beginning of Operation Enduring Freedom is the Mongolian Expeditionary Task Force.
The METF has been supporting the OEF mission since 2003, and in December 2009 became one of the top 20 troop-contributing nations to the war effort. Currently, there are approximately 150 Mongolians supporting the Kabul Base Cluster mission by providing base security and training for the Afghan National Army in mobile field artillery techniques.
“We are working with the United States, coalition forces and civilian security companies and it has been a great experience and opportunity for our soldiers to work with such a diverse group of people,” said Lt. Col. Dugarragchaa Dagva, METF commander.
The main effort for the Mongolian’s mission comes in providing fixed site security at Camp Eggers in Kabul. They conduct security patrols, provide perimeter security and also have a platoon standing by as a rapid reaction force.
“Security is very important. It allows all of the missions here on Eggers to be conducted under the security we provide. Camp Eggers residents can sleep well knowing we are here,” said Capt. Bat-Erdene, operations officer, Mongolian forces.
Another mission for the METF is training the Afghan National Army in a variety of weaponry at the Kabul Military Training Center. The Mongolians focus mainly on mobile artillery training, but also train the ANA on the SPG-9 rifle, 82 mm mortars and the 122 mm Howitzer.
The soldiers of Mongolia recently celebrated Naadam on July 11–13 – the national Mongolian holiday that commemorates the 1921 revolution when Mongolia declared itself a free country.
Naadam is also referred to as the three games of men. Each day of the festival there is a different competition held; wrestling, horse racing and archery. Other activities include military parades and martial art displays.
“The military began celebrating this more than a hundred years ago, allowing soldiers to train for battle. Today festivities are opened by an address from the President of Mongolia and a military parade,” said Erdene. “This is a good opportunity to share our Mongolian culture here at Camp Eggers with the other countries that we serve with.”
The Mongolian Armed Forces have distinguished themselves in every theater they have served in and are continuing to develop their capacity to take on more roles and responsibility each time they deploy. Nearly a decade ago, the Mongolian Armed Forces answered the call for additional troops in Afghanistan. Today they are one of the key players in OEF.
“I feel honored to serve here. Being part the Coalition is very important to Mongolia,” said Erdene. “This continues our relationship with other nations in our Mongolian peace keeping efforts,” said Erdene.
| Date Taken: | 07.19.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 07.19.2010 00:19 |
| Story ID: | 53021 |
| Location: | CAMP EGGERS, AF |
| Web Views: | 279 |
| Downloads: | 167 |
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