CAMP MARMAL, Afghanistan – In Afghanistan, it’s hard to tell who the enemy is from the regular citizen. There are no uniforms, nor clear identification telling you someone is a threat. So how do you fight against an enemy like that? Rather, how do you tell the good from the bad, the combatant from the friend?
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Peter Mitchell, a mobile biometrics training team member with the Combined Joint Interagency Task Force 435 currently serving in northern Afghanistan, is on the front line of this battle every day.
“The Afghan people have high spirits,” Mitchell said. “They understand why we are here. They know we are trying to make Afghanistan more stable for them, so they can go on and hopefully enjoy some of the same freedoms as we do back in the U.S.”
As part of CJIATF 435 Task Force Biometrics here, Mitchell supports the mission in a unique way.
“My job is to travel throughout all of Regional Command [RC] North, training coalition forces on how to use the biometric collection equipment,” he said.
In this role, Mitchell trains maneuver units and their personnel on how to best utilize biometric enrollment equipment to collect unique personal data and ensure the latest tactics, techniques and procedures are incorporated into the region’s program of instruction.
Part of the equipment used includes the Handheld Interagency Identity Detection Equipment (HIIDE) used to record personal identification. The data that is stored in a database can be used to verify identities.
“I’ve been able to work with the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and all the other countries working together in this mission. So, I get to see how they all operate and take away all of their best practices and learn from that,” Mitchell said. “This is my first assignment working in a multinational environment. I enjoy it. Especially up here in RC North, the majority of my work is with foreign forces.”
As military police, Mitchell said his job is an integral part of keeping everyone safe.
“MPs are taught force protection,” he said. “Biometrics is a key part of force protection here. We are fighting an enemy that does not wear a uniform.”
Mitchell has traveled extensively throughout the region, visiting forward operating bases and camps to train others on the proper use and maintenance of biometrics equipment. He also interacts with the local Afghan people.
Home-based with the 221st Military Police Detachment out of Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., Mitchell said he loves the fact that he has the opportunity to train soldiers in his deployed role. Mitchell trains and helps those new to the HIIDE equipment when he travels to their area of responsibility.
In the end, is it worth it being away from his family? Mitchell thinks so and tries his best to stay in contact with them from half a world away. During his off-duty time, Mitchell stays connected to his family through the Internet and by calling them whenever he can. He said it really helps to have a supportive family back home.
“This summer, I’m planning a trip to Disney World for me and my kids,” Mitchell said. “I’ve never been there and always wanted to go, and I can spend some quality time with them as well, so that is something I am looking forward to.”
Mitchell appreciates the support he gets not just from his family but also from the average American.
“Keep supporting the soldiers. We are doing good things here. We owe it to the children of Afghanistan to help give them a chance to experience the freedoms that we have at home,” Mitchell said. “I was 17 when I joined the Army. I have not regretted one day of it. I get to meet a lot of people, travel a lot, and I’ve been a part of things that really make me proud to wear the uniform.”
Mitchell’s tour of duty in Afghanistan will soon be over, but due to his tireless dedication to the biometrics mission, soldiers are safer because they have a tool to tell them who the enemy is and who they need to protect.
| Date Taken: | 02.06.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 02.06.2012 07:30 |
| Story ID: | 83382 |
| Location: | CAMP MARMAL, AF |
| Web Views: | 459 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Soldier helps make it hard to HIIDE in Afghanistan, by PO1 Richard Wolff, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
