The Afghan Face On an Afghan Operation - Afghan Uniformed Police
Cpl Crystal Brooker, Dand District P-OMLT Team Member
Photo: SSgt C. Jones, Media Support Centre, US Marines
Cpl Crystal Brooker, Dand District P-OMLT Team Member
Photo: SSgt C. Jones, Media Support Centre, US Marines
In the early morning hours, an Afghan Uniformed Police (AUP) led operation was conducted in a small Afghan village, with Canadian Forces (CF) support, to root-out possible insurgents and curb insurgent activities. At the same time, we were working hard to make our presence known to the local population and to further develop the pattern of life in the area.
As we began the operation, the AUP, Canadian Military Police (MP), infantry, engineers and dog teams were unsure as to what to expect when it came to initial reactions of the locals. When we approached the village, we were greeted with both reservation and mild curiosity, however, cooperation was given whole heartedly. The AUP went to the cloth-covered doorways of the compounds and asked the elders of the households for permission to enter their homes. Delays occurred due to compound layout and cultural issues with the women of the household, but searches were conducted in a manner that respected their cultural traditions and beliefs while at the same time maintaining a level of security for ANSF/ISAF personnel and the local Afghan population. With the area secured, the AUP conducted thorough searches of the compounds for weapons and explosive-making materials. They went so far as to search through haystacks and wood piles. At the same time, dog teams were ensuring unoccupied compounds were clear of
As we began the operation, the AUP, Canadian Military Police (MP), infantry, engineers and dog teams were unsure as to what to expect when it came to initial reactions of the locals. When we approached the village, we were greeted with both reservation and mild curiosity, however, cooperation was given whole heartedly. The AUP went to the cloth-covered doorways of the compounds and asked the elders of the households for permission to enter their homes. Delays occurred due to compound layout and cultural issues with the women of the household, but searches were conducted in a manner that respected their cultural traditions and beliefs while at the same time maintaining a level of security for ANSF/ISAF personnel and the local Afghan population. With the area secured, the AUP conducted thorough searches of the compounds for weapons and explosive-making materials. They went so far as to search through haystacks and wood piles. At the same time, dog teams were ensuring unoccupied compounds were clear of
Members of the Afghan National Security Forces search for weapon and IED caches during Operation TAZI, a ANSF-led and coalition partnered operation in the Dand District of Southern Afghanistan in January 2010.
any threats and additional AUP/CF held a security cordon around the village. Police Operational Mentor and Liaison Team (P-OMLT) soldiers provided the AUP with mentorship and guidance where required, however, it was obvious that these Afghan forces had a good idea of what they were doing, conducting themselves professionally and being very meticulous in the conduct of their jobs.
An experience that was new to some of the locals within the village was the presence of female soldiers, particularly female MPs. There were levels of curiosity and apprehension by the family members in the compounds, but the female soldiers were readily accepted once an explanation of their duties was given. The male elders of the compounds were grateful for the respect given to their traditions with regards to dealing with their female family members during the searches.
During the searches, the CF soldiers were impressed with the pride the locals had in their families and their few possessions. Polished silver plates hung on display above neatly piled bedding and mattresses, clothes were folded and packed inside trunks and prized possessions were placed in enclaves along three of the four walls. The underground rooms and buildings proved to be a little difficult to manoeuvre through while wearing equipment due to the small dimensions, however, the lightly equipped AUP had no problems!
After several hours, the operation was halted out of respect for a funeral that was taking place for one of the villagers. The people were thanked for their cooperation, time and patience. They were advised that ANSF/ISAF were there for them and were more than happy to help them when and wherever possible. They were told that if they had any problems, issues or questions, they could contact us at any time. The AUP and Canadian personnel departed the village and headed back to camp after another successful joint operation.
Our goal of providing faith for a safer and more secure Afghanistan was accomplished. The AUP helped provide Afghan solutions to Afghan problems, alongside their Canadian friends!
An experience that was new to some of the locals within the village was the presence of female soldiers, particularly female MPs. There were levels of curiosity and apprehension by the family members in the compounds, but the female soldiers were readily accepted once an explanation of their duties was given. The male elders of the compounds were grateful for the respect given to their traditions with regards to dealing with their female family members during the searches.
During the searches, the CF soldiers were impressed with the pride the locals had in their families and their few possessions. Polished silver plates hung on display above neatly piled bedding and mattresses, clothes were folded and packed inside trunks and prized possessions were placed in enclaves along three of the four walls. The underground rooms and buildings proved to be a little difficult to manoeuvre through while wearing equipment due to the small dimensions, however, the lightly equipped AUP had no problems!
After several hours, the operation was halted out of respect for a funeral that was taking place for one of the villagers. The people were thanked for their cooperation, time and patience. They were advised that ANSF/ISAF were there for them and were more than happy to help them when and wherever possible. They were told that if they had any problems, issues or questions, they could contact us at any time. The AUP and Canadian personnel departed the village and headed back to camp after another successful joint operation.
Our goal of providing faith for a safer and more secure Afghanistan was accomplished. The AUP helped provide Afghan solutions to Afghan problems, alongside their Canadian friends!
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