A British mentor at the Infantry Branch School in Darul Aman (Kabul) works one-on-one with an Afghan solder training as a sharpshooter July 12, 2011. In the foreground, a French soldier works on his skills as well. The training, conducted by Afghan officers and NCOs is part of NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan's focus to professionalize the Afghan National Security Force. Select the photo for a high resolution version. (Photo by G. A. Volb)

Infantry Branch School live fire: July 5, 2011

I produced this video after my trip to the Infantry Branch School in Darul Aman (Kabul) where they held a live fire training exercise with mortar and SPG-9 teams. Pay close attention to who was leading this event and you'll notice it was conducted by Afghan National Army officers and non-commissioned officers. They planned it, they executed it and debriefed students following training. It's a major step toward ANSF self-sufficiency. (Video by G. A. Volb)

Three years of changes

Afghan Sgt. Maj. Gholam Nabi, chief instructor for the school's mortar division, instructs a member of a mortar team July 5, 2011, during a live fire session. Click on the photo for the high resolution version. (Photo by G. A. Volb)

An Afghan instructor teaches SPG-9 use to students July 5, 2011 at the Infantry Branch School in Darul Aman (Kabul). Click on the photo for a high resolution version. (Photo by G. A. Volb)

Back in 2008 when I touched down for the first time in Afghanistan I began spending quite a lot of time covering the coalition effort on the ground training the Afghan National Security Force -- the national army and police. The vast majority of that training was being conducted by members of the 3o-plus nations who provided trainers.

Regular visits to training centers throughout the Kabul area stressed, at the time, that in its infancy the ANSF was not prepared to provide instruction to soldiers and police by themselves. In fact, I was hard pressed to find any frontline trainers who wore the Afghan uniform. It simply wasn't a visual anyone would see regardless of the instruction being presented.

Today, however, some three years later and less than two years following the standup of NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan, the vast majority of trainers seen on ranges and in school houses are, in fact, Afghan. This is a major success story in itself as the NTM-A mission has been focused on ensuring the ANSF is self-reliant when it comes to instruction within its own ranks.

From a journalist's perspective it's actually quite difficult these days to find coalition trainers on the frontlines. It's more likely they are sitting back, observing the execution of training requirements by their Afghan counterparts and providing insight to help better professionalize delivery. This was made abundantly clear during my last trip to the Infantry Branch School in Darul Aman (Kabul). British, French and Mongolian trainers looked on as training -- planned and coordinated by Afghan officers and non-commissioned officers -- was handled without a hitch.

Again, this is less than two years since NTM-A stoodup here and as British Maj. Brian O'Neill told me as he watched SPG-9 and mortar students learning their trade, "The actual school itself has progressed quite significantly. When we arrived we were very much leading the ANA in how to conduct the practices. But now all that's happening is we're taking a monitoring stance as the instructors have really blossomed, and as a result, they conduct all the ranges by themselves and we just really take back and provide a bit of advice and try to professionalize the instructors to sort of take the weapons systems a little bit further and improve the quality of the training. It's quite impressive because some of these kandaks are over 120 strong for each weapons system, but the ANA very much organize the training by themselves, they set it up and they conduct it and then they conduct debriefs at the end before taking the students back to camp."

O'Neill, chief mentor for the heavy weapons wing at the school, had much praise for the Afghan soldiers and trainers -- and similar feedback has come my way at various other sites throughout the city. And this should not be lightly accepted as institutionalizing such training is one of the most difficult challenges any fledgling security force faces early. The fact that the ANA and ANP is doing so during an ongoing war is quite phenomenal, in my opinion.

Afghan National Army NCO training

New Afghan National Army non-commissioned officer recruits train under the Turkish Army contingent here in Kabul. Half way through their coursework, they take an oath to their country and God. (Photos by G. A. Volb)

Afghanistan: A war we can't lose

Afghanistan is a war we can’t lose, not because it’s crucial to global security or the future of democracy in the Middle East.

It’s a war we can’t lose due to the nature of the insurgency. The “enemy” is a stateless body void of any socio-political ideology and, therefore, is more akin to inner city “thugs” than an army of the people.

The best they can hope for is a stalemate with fighting forces of the international community – the tiring of western will and the resolve to finish what “we've” started.

Regardless, the fate of Afghanistan as a newly developed democratic nation state will fall directly into the lap of future political leaders, their armed forces, and, yes, the people themselves. It is, after all, the will of the people that will prevail. And neither the coalition effort nor that of the Talib and Al-Qaeda will succeed in its entirety without the backing of average Afghans.

By all accounts the Afghan National Army enjoys tremendous credibility and support from citizens, while the Afghan National Police strives to build a similar relationship. In the meantime, coalition efforts will continue to push Afghan leadership to the forefront, executing national programs based on internally developed plans. This is not an all or nothing game folks.

What it’s hoped the current effort succeeds in doing is providing Afghan leadership with the roadmap to victory – enough time and support to: 1) ensure security, the 2) economic growth, and 3) individual prosperity and freedoms. That once proven self-sufficient within all levels of government and security forces, they will continue to execute with the best interests of the people they govern in mind.

True, the international community doesn’t plan on dumping endless money, manpower and time into the effort; they will, eventually, determine the Afghans are ready to “ride” without training wheels. At that point in time, the Kabul government and people will either step up to the challenge or revert back to the days prior to the invasion.

Either way, they will be on notice that the West will not tolerate a return to the terrorist safe haven of the 90s.

(Pictured above: Afghan National Army recruits await further instruction from Afghan trainers at Kabul Military Training Center. Photo by G. A. Volb)

Day 373: A little extra never hurt anyone

It's a few days past the year mark and life goes on -- if you can call it that here. As I look back over my stay I realize I've experienced an even mix of frustration and satisfaction -- though the latter rarely came from major advances on the part of my Afghan national army counterparts.

Those I've mentored have made progress, no doubt, though much slower than I would have assumed prior to touching down here in May '08. I learned to seek refuge in minor miracles: being more proactive with international media, ensuring local messages were part of the "tour," and focus moved toward the average soldier a bit. 

But as the west has figured out, these successes are a tad bit more difficult to come by than fighting the Taliban.  

It's the year 1388 by Afghanistan's lunar calendar -- some would say the entire country still lives in the 14th Century. Yet, the coalition pushes ahead, striving to implement 21st Century military norms. In essence, trying to bring a horse and carriage up to '09 Corvette specs.

I leave on Monday, but rest assured, this mission will continue well into the next decade if democracy is to be successful here.  In my opinion, both Afghanistan and Pakistan play a crucial role in the war on terror.

I would love to return to a secure Afghanistan and enjoy the culture. But only time will tell if that's an option.

Day 362: ANA lead house-to-house training

Afghan national army soldiers wait for instruction on house-to-house searches. (Photo by G. A. Volb)

An Afghan national army instructor tells his troops how to prepare to enter a house. Select this photo for a high-resolution version. (Photo by G. A. Volb)

As part of the "entry team," this Afghan soldier secures the team's backside. Select this photo for a high- resolution version. (Photo by G. A. Volb)

The ANA instructor shows a soldier how to position himself prior to entry into a home. Select this photo for a high-resolution version. (Photo by G. A. Volb)

It's been nearly a year since I set foot on Afghanistan soil back in May of 2008. It's been both a rewarding and frustrating 12 months, but one thing I'm sure of, the Afghans are slowly taking the lead both in the field during combat operations and on Kabul Military Training Center as instructors. 

This is no small feat, as it's a major step toward Afghans being able to provide for their nation's security.

First security, then economic development (which the coalition is aggressively "attacking" now), and then personal empowerment. The latter, in my opinion, the final step in creating a free Afghanistan in which its citizens have the opportunity to better their lives -- without the fear of oppression or violence from either internal or external forces.

And a free, productive Afghanistan is -- like that of Pakistan -- a must if we're to ensure peace prevails globally.   

Day 331: Kuchi Village medical assistance mission

The typical Kuchi Village home. A combination of mud, wood and garbage. (Photo by G. A. Volb)

Air Force Lt. Col. Scott Caulkins provide wound care instructions to villagers. (Photo by G. A. Volb)

Kuchi Village Malik (elder) Nungless sits with the new medicine he received by members of the medical team. (Photo by G. A. Volb)

Air Force Maj. Paul J. C. Valdez provides extra security during the mission to Kuchi Village. (Photo by G. A. Volb)

A Kuchi Village gentleman stops for a quick photo as he makes his way into the medical tent. (Photo by G. A. Volb)

Kuchi villagers welcome camp's medical assistance team

Five miles northeast of camp lays Kuchi Village, a rural community of nearly 1,000 who, in much need of medical attention, welcomed a coalition medical assistance visit April 5.

Arriving at the village, visitors are met with an atmosphere similar to that of a county fair --- makeshift accommodations, animals living in close proximity to the villagers, and the smell that comes when no waste disposal system is in place. 

The villagers, however, seemed good hearted and open. 

“I’m happy about this mission,” said Kuchi Village Malik Nungless as he looked out over the crowd of villagers who had gathered. “I’m happy because it was the coalition and Afghan national army that came to help us.”

The 72 year old sporting a thick, white beard appreciated the opportunity to receive free check ups and medicine. And it wasn’t the first time he welcomed these guests.

“We’ve visited the people of Kuchi Village on numerous occasions and they told us they had some medical issues,” said Sgt. 1^st Class Aaron Christianson, a medical embedded training team NCO in charge assigned to Camp Alamo, originally from Effingham, Ill.

Christianson said during one of their previous visits they agreed to return and perform an on-site medical evaluation and treatment of the villagers. Afghan doctors and medics, both army and civilian, along with their U.S. counterparts, ensured 80 villagers were seen – to include women and children.

“We dispensed approximately 300 prescriptions, while referring nine patients to the local Cure Medical Hospital,” said Christianson. “Much of it was similar to what we’ve seen at other villages – muscular pain and various infectious diseases requiring antibiotic treatment.” The issues were, in many cases, due to their poor living conditions and lack of clean drinking water.  In one particular case a 35-year-old man, who looked to be in his upper 40s, came into the makeshift medical tent wanting doctors to look at his lab and ultrasound results.

“There was nothing to indicate what preceded the ordering of the tests,” said Dr. (Air Force Lt. Col.) Scott Caulkins, a family practice physician normally assigned to Hurlburt Field, Fla. “He gave a history of edema and body aches. Labs showed signs of kidney disease with proteinuria and mildly elevated liver function studies, and negative hepatitis tests. Ultrasounds of the liver, gall bladder, pancreas, kidneys, and bladder only showed stones up in the kidney.

“As long as the stones stay in the kidney, he has a greater risk of being harmed in the process of getting them removed, but the proteinuria suggests other medical kidney disease,” said Caulkins, from Niceville, Fla. “We gave him a referral for an internal medicine evaluation at the Cure hospital downtown, and recommended increased hydration in general.”

Then there was 6-year-old Neamatullah who, only days earlier, had a run in with one of the many large dogs loitering throughout the village, leaving him with a sizeable chunk of his backside missing.

“The dog bit him four days ago,” said his father Ghundal. “Yet this was the second time the ANA and U.S. doctors have treated him.”

“It’s always a pleasure to get out and perform our real mission, helping the local Afghan people that are so desperately in need of medical care, making new friends, and exchanging cultural knowledge,” said Christianson. Camp Alamo’s commander agreed on the importance of such missions.

“Humanitarian assistance visits, such as this, are a key component of counter-insurgency operations,” said Army Lt. Col. Brian Redmon, Camp Alamo Mentor Group commander.

“The importance of this is demonstrated by the multi-national cooperation between the Afghan, U.K. and U.S. personnel to make this assistance mission a reality,” added the 44-year-old Redmon, a native of Springfield, Ill.

Day 298: Welcome the M16

US Army SSgt. Seth Tenbrink, 34, from Roy, Utah, instructs new Afghan National Army recruits on M16 assembly, disassembly, and function checks. Tenbrink is a drill sergeant mentor with the Camp Alamo Mentor Group located on Kabul Military Training Center. (Photo by G. A. Volb)

US Army SFC John Schmidt, 38, from Lawton, Okla., goes over the M16 with a member of Kandak (Battalion) 102 at Kabul Military Training Center in Afghanistan. Schmidt is with the Camp Alamo Mentor Group's Basic Warrior Training branch. (Photo by G. A. Volb)

ANA Kandak receives first M-16s for field training

By G. A. Volb

Camp Alamo Public Affairs

CAMP ALAMO, Afghanistan – Afghan National Army recruit Mirza Budin, 24, sat with dozens of his fellow Kandak soldiers on the parade field, March 2, putting his new M16 through functional checks.

For much of the morning he leered at the weapon like a teen on his birthday, having received the one present he looked forward to getting.

Budin, a member of Kandak 102 here at the Kabul Military Training Center, is among the first to get the new rifles in hand during training. For their Kandak it was week seven and coalition mentors were busy explaining the nuances of the new weapon to them.

“I’m not sure yet, but I think it’ll be good,” said the clean-shaven soldier when asked what he thought about the addition. “Based on what I’ve been told, it’s a very good rifle, but I haven’t had an opportunity to shoot it yet. I’m looking forward to using it.”

As are the rest of the Kandak if the cheers let out during the training is any indication; but first things first – as training in the use and maintenance of the M16 is the most important aspect, according to instructors.

“Compared to the M16, AK-47s require little maintenance,” said Lt. Col. Sean Nikkila, KMTC Mentor Group Operations Officer. “They do not need to be cleaned as often, and are easy to handle. M16s require regular cleaning, which is a new concept to many of the ANA soldiers who are familiar with the AK-47.”

The 38-year-old officer from Tigard, Ore., said while the AK-47 is easier to maintain, they’re not very accurate.

“Only a very experienced marksman will be effective past 150 meters with the AK47,” said Nikkila. “M16s are very accurate for a moderately trained marksman to distances up to 350 meters or greater. This makes the M16 a very valuable weapon in terrain with large distances where ANA soldiers may be able to engage anti-coalition forces beyond the range of an AK-47 used by the enemy. M16s also use the standard 5.56mm NATO round. This allows the ANA to utilize ammunition provided by coalition countries that is of high quality and compatible with other NATO weapons.

These advantages aren’t lost on the ANA soldiers now roaming the training center ranges.

“Soldiers are impressed with the M16,” said Nikkila. “The rifles are in very good condition when compared to the AK-47s they had. Since the M16 has been in the US inventory for over 40 years, we have high quality training materials that have been well tested over the years.”

ANA instructor MSG Zabi Ullah said the major “challenge will be in getting accustomed to the weapon. They’ll need to get comfortable with it, but so far the response has been good from those receiving the rifle. I hope they remain positive.”

Zabi, a five-year veteran of the ANA, said Kandak 102 will soon get to use their new weapons in a comprehensive field training exercise. “To complete their training, the soldiers will take part in an exercise testing their ability to implement squad movements, ambush tactics and firing at night.”

To ensure the soldiers are ready for the test, Basic Warrior Training mentors include eight days of M16 specific training in their schedule.

“The biggest difference will be in the zeroing and qualification,” said Lt. Col. Bradley Perrier, BWT Senior Mentor. “With the M16, the soldiers are required to zero their weapon, and then qualify it. Each soldier has a different target and will know if they truly qualify. With the AK-47, the soldiers shot at the same targets previous soldiers fired on and really had no idea if they had effectively put a bullet in a silhouette. With the M16 they know without a doubt.”

While Kandak 102 was the first to receive their M16s, the swap out came in week seven. According to Perrier, Kandak 106 gets theirs in week two – right before Basic Rifle Marksmanship training begins.

“Up to this point the ANA soldiers have been extremely engaged,” said Perrier, from Whitehouse, Texas. “The soldiers were attentive and learned quickly.

Having already put their training to work on the range, soldiers from the 102^nd Kandak still remain optimistic.

Following his turn on the range zeroing in his weapon Private Nazif Ullah, 20, from Baghlan Province, said “We were familiar with the AK-47 … the resilience of it was good. We just received the M16 now and don’t know how tough it is, but after firing it I’d have to say it’s better than the AK-47.” His partner agreed.

“In my opinion the M16 is better than the AK-47 because I’ve fired both,” said Private Akhteyar Ahmad, 26, from Ningarhar Province. “I found the M16 better in marksmanship. I shot three rounds with the AK and didn’t’ hit the target at all. I shot three with the M16 and hit the target twice.” It makes for a good feeling for everyone involved.  

“They’re really excited about it,” said SFC John Schmidt, a 38 year old from Lawton, Okla.., and BWT mentor. “They’re more excited about this than anything else we’ve been teaching them up to this point.”

 

Day 288: Itchy trigger fingers

SFC Ralph Parsons quizzes an Afghan National Army soldier during tactics training on responding to an ambush. Parsons is with the Kabul Military Training Center's Mentor Group. (Photo by G. A. Volb)

Itchy trigger fingers not allowed:

Alamo mentor stresses the basics with ANA soldiers

By G. A. Volb

KMTC Public Affairs

CAMP ALAMO, Afghanistan – “Kilke-ta-Az-masha Durku,” the 45-year-old Sergeant First Class from Lawton, Okla., told Afghan National Army soldiers on Kabul Military Training Center’s tactics range.

The words he spoke, in Dari, reminded the young Afghan troops to keep their fingers off the trigger when not needed. It was the type of exchange that had onlookers wondering if the seasoned noncommissioned officer was fluent in the language.

“Actually, that’s all I know,” said Army SFC Ralph Parsons, with a slight grin on a cold, wet day atop the rolling hills of KMTC’s ranges.

Parsons, a mentor with the Basic Warrior Training branch here, focuses on the ANA’s command staff instructor section, evaluating training, and helping them develop new tactics and techniques for instruction.

“The typical ANA soldier wants to learn,” he said. “I think they want to be challenged and want to belong to an organized group with a unified effort.”

On this day, there were about 600 soldiers from a training Kandak practicing their reaction tactics to an “ambush.”

“ANA soldiers excel at anything they can actually physically practice,” he emphasized. “They do extremely well at hands-on practicum -- like assembling and disassembling weapons, first aid and such.”

He said the biggest challenge is the obvious language barrier and having to use interpreters for everything. There’s also a certain level of trust that has to be developed between the soldiers and mentors.

“They know that with each new mentor comes change, and they expect that,” he said. “But sometimes they’re not sure who the expert is or who’s ideas and suggestions they should accept – yours or the previous mentor’s.”

Such things are important since the training methods push a lot of information at the soldiers in a small amount of time.

“When I conduct a check on their progress, sometimes they get eight out of 10 questions correct, and sometimes just one or two,” he said. “So those are the types of issues my team is trying to identify. They grasp the overall concept of the instruction, but not the details as to why something is.”

In the mud and rain on the tactics range, the training scenario tested their ability to discovering an enemy lying in wait and reacting to an ambush. “The concepts of laying down a base of fire, assaulting and flanking through the ambush site are also taught,” said Parsons. “To help them survive they must work together in fire teams, to communicate, put down a large base of fire and immediately react to contact, to assault through the objectives, and to be aggressive.”

The ANA, if nothing else, is aggressive according to those closest to the training. Parsons attributed that to their belief that one day they see Afghanistan being the country their grandparents told them about, a free and prosperous nation. Many too said the Taliban had terrorized their villages and families and that they are here for revenge. But first things first – and that’s the training.

This six-week course is broken into three major categories: First aid, tactics, and basic rifle marksmanship with AK-47s, plus Soviet weapons familiarization.

“These privates come from all over Afghanistan – all provinces and villages – but here at KMTC they are unified for the first time as one Kandak (battalion) and one Tolli (company). It’s my hope that, following the course, they realize they have the ability to learn a wide variety of tasks that it takes to be a soldier and a warrior. That they’ll continue to build on what they’ve learned here at their corps.”

Day 252: Training in the mud

At their newly formed Forward Operation Base, an ANA officer discusses security requirements with his troops. (Photo by G. A. Volb/Select photo for hi-res version)

Members of the coalition training force set up a command post in order to track their ANA soldiers during their final battle field test before heading down range to join the ongoing fight with the insurgency. (Photo by G. A. Volb/Select photo for hi-res version)

By all accounts, the Afghans are indeed warriors. They've been fighting for decades and they know the lay of the land. 

Their ability to roam the mountains isn't lost on coalition mentors as they've seen them in action. Not much in the way of upper body strength typically, but they are aggressive hikers and climbers. 

Recently, in testing a Kandak's -- or battalion's -- ability to react to situations on the battle field the Mentor Group here held a Situational Training Exercise. Complete with all the specialties that would comprise an operational battalion, they were put through the paces of: 1) Reacting to a staged ambush, and 2) Setting up, securing and operating out of a forward operating base. 

It was a cold, nasty, muddy three or four days for the ANA soldiers. Yet, according to those observing their actions, they did quite a nice job. 

It's very early in the ANA development process -- it's a marathon for sure, so I caution our western partners to keep that in mind -- but minor successes continue as slowly, but surely, their tactics and ability to execute on the battle field improves. Much of the ongoing training has now been taken over by the ANA themselves and stories from the front point to more and more instances of the ANA leading the fight.

I asked my interpreter when it would get warm again; March he said. I asked only because I was glad I didn't have to trudge around the countryside and mountains training. That train left the station nearly 26 years ago for me. And I'm glad for it. 

Day 183: Can you hear me now?

I’ve been in Kabul for just shy of seven months now and the routine, while still routine, has begun to nip at my nerves a bit.

Let me explain: First, the early morning bathroom trips to facilities about 50 feet away which, during the summer months served as a nice escape from my quarters, is now into a 40-degree chill – right around the corner snow will make it even more “fun.” As the Afghan National Army major I mentor told me; “It’ll get much colder here,” and he used his hand to show how much snow is possible – extending his hand from the ground, stopping just under his knee caps.

Secondly, each time I “phone a friend” I’m faced with the typical three or four tries – network failures, lost signals etc. – before a successful call. Once a cute cultural disadvantage, “Can you hear me now?” really has taken on a life of its own here. Members of the team can be seen moving in crisscrossing patterns around the camp, with each step hoping to bring a better signal. “Go outside the gate,” one tells me. “No, behind the piss shack,” another yells.

I describe my living quarters as something comparable to those serving a year’s sentence at a minimum security prison – though prisoners have access to indoor plumbing.

My “living area” is 7x9 feet worth of Little America – slightly smaller than I had given it credit for initially. On occasion the cramped quarters has me, first, banging my head against the underside of my bunk bed; then backing up into my wall locker and spinning around just in time to smack my toes on the ladder that takes me to my bed. Again, initially quite comical, but now tend to piss me off a bit.

After multiple such instances, it's become aggravating – though I find myself laughing about it all in a twisted sort of way. And I continue to tell myself it could worse … and it surely could be, as our young troops across Afghanistan are living in much more austere environments, dodging bullets.

At work flecks of yellow dust float down from the ceiling whenever someone on the second floor moves; I presume it's paint as it settles on my keyboard, computer, chair and hair. At the base of the walls little yellow "ant hills" grow in size as the weeks pass. I sometimes wonder whether the Russians or Taliban noticed such things when they occupied my chair. 

Every night I call my lady friend back home, and I repeat the process in the morning. It's just to say "Hi." But she too notices the difference in my demeanor on occasion. I'm an easy going "Guy" but with each passing day, I look for a new hobby or vehicle to expend some energy. It has become such that I look forward to laundry day.

Anyone need some laundry done? Can you hear me now??

Day 161: A Soldier's Soldier

Army SGM John Spisso, above right and at top, provides personal security for the commander of Camp Alamo's Training Assistance Group during a village visit. (Photo by G. A. Volb)

Living a dream: Sergeant Major mentors future Afghan National Army leaders

By G. A. Volb

Camp Alamo Public Affairs

CAMP ALAMO, Afghanistan – At first glance he looks like he was shot out of a womb in full battle rattle -- an Army Ranger before the doc slapped his pink backside. 

In truth, Sgt. Major John Baptiste Spisso joined the Army at 18 to pay for college. Then learned the Rangers did things “others only dreamt of,” an excitement he felt worth investing 10 years of his life in. It was that decade with the 75^th Ranger Regiment out of Ft. Benning, Ga., that molded him into the high-energy soldier and mentor he is today.

Now 42, the square-jawed, athletically built Sergeant Major doesn’t as much wear the uniform as he lives what it represents -- Army core values including loyalty, honor, integrity and selfless service.  “It’s about personal challenge and honor,” he said, now serving as the Training Advisory Group’s advanced combat training brigade sergeant major here. 

They’re values he’d like to think he’s instilled in other soldiers during his 24-year career as a drill instructor at Ft. Benning, an instructor at West Point, with New York Army National Guard’s Officer Candidate School and now as a mentor to Afghan National Army soldiers at Kabul Military Training Center.

“I liked them all for various reasons,” he noted of his assignments. “I could run and gun with the best of them in my early years as a drill instructor and member of the Rangers. And in the last part of my career I’ve been able to train, coach and mentor some great people at West Point and OCS.” 

His latest challenge, however, has him mentoring senior ANA leadership, specifically five command sergeant majors for their advanced combat training team.

“It’s enjoyable to help a cause I believe makes our own country safer,” said Spisso, on his current deployment to Afghanistan. “I don’t want our children serving here, so I’m focused on ensuring the ANA is ready to take the lead.” 

In Spisso’s case, that means mentoring a brigade, combat arms, combat support, combat service and support, and basic officer training course sergeant majors. 

“My goal is to instill the fire, courage and discipline in their senior non-commissioned officers so they can train, coach and mentor their own soldiers,” said Spisso. “They have to fight this fight on their own. They have to face the enemy in battle with the technical and tactical skills necessary to win.

“I challenge them everyday to forge the foundation for their own success just as the early colonial leaders did in our Army,” he continued. “I consistently tell them they need to take this challenge seriously so their children can live in peace.”

It’s a challenge he prepares for early in the morning with some physical training. It also helps with the nearly 40 pounds of extras he tends to carry with him on missions. A quirk of his not lost on his wife, 1^st Lt. Lona Spisso, who describes him as a “gear junky.”

 “He’s very knowledgeable when it comes to both military and sports equipment and, of course, when he sees something new and improved he’s got to have it,” said the lieutenant. “We’re avid scuba divers as well, which he’s also made a gear-intensive hobby of ours. And we have enough paintball gear to outfit a small army… our entire basement of the house is dedicated to gear only.” 

The Greensburgh, Pa., native said he tries to prepare for each day with some type of workout. No doubt at 5’ 8” 174 pounds and 13 percent body fat, Spisso would be considered a gym rat by many.

“Typically, I work out five days a week in garrison, but in this environment I’ve been going six or seven days a week,” he said. “I do strength training five days a week and cardio at least four. My goal has always been to be an athlete … a warrior-athlete.” 

His lifestyle meshes well in his role as operations sergeant major for the New York Army National Guard’s 106^th Regional Training Institute at Camp Smith. 

And if hard-work and dedication isn’t enough to ensure success, the superstitious noncommissioned officer never goes on a mission minus the rosary his wife made him out of parachute cord. 

“It’s commonly given to Rangers and special forces soldiers,” said Lieutenant Spisso, herself serving a deployment to Afghanistan not far from her husband. “I wanted to give him something to keep with when he’s out on combat patrols. He hasn’t taken it off since we left Ft. Bragg.” But it’s not all about “luck” for the sergeant major.

“He’s always in the right place at the right time,” said Army Capt. William Hart, who worked with Spisso at OCS for five years. “He’s always looking for new ways and better equipment to accomplish the mission … training, developing and mentoring young officer candidates and lieutenants.

“JB is in constant contact with former comrades and new officers in the field to find out how the enemy is fighting, what gear works, what doesn’t and which leadership styles are effective,” the captain continued. “He incorporates all of this into scenarios for the students so they’ll have an idea of what they will face in combat. The training he develops is not in any Army manual, it comes from more than 20 years of service and dedication to being a complete war fighter. He’s a soldiers’ soldier – no one comes close to the dedication he demonstrates in leading and training soldiers.”

It’s a dedication Sergeant Major Spisso hopes will help “newborn” soldiers and seasoned warriors alike become better professionals for several more years to come. 

Day 102: Blanks aren't for kids

There's thousands of miles of open terrain in Afghanistan; rock, sand, and mountainous terrain greet the ANA soldier who, even during basic training, is asked to hike the rugged ranges. (Photo by G. A. Volb)

Initial entry into the home comes fast and violently. Select this photo and read what it says on his canteen. (Photo by G. A. Volb)

Then the rest of the team begins their entry into the home. Security is stressed with each member of the team covering a specific area. (Photo by G. A. Volb)

Being prepared for the unexpected is what this is all about. (Photo by G. A. Volb)

They were blanks, sure enough, but they caught me by surprise.

I was standing in front of the large main window to a "home" being used by the ANA to conduct house-to-house search training when they opened up. As if to take the house by any force necessary, the sound of many rounds echoed throughout. Since nobody let me in on the fact this would be happening, I jumped out of my shorts.

On this day, the ANA commandos were in "town" to select a few of the best troops to join their ranks. I stood by as they had them running up and down the hills in sweltering heat; I remember thinking it was nice to be a retiree. The fact is, as an Air Force guy I rarely had the opportunity to experience live fires, commando training etc. And I'm glad I didn't.

Yesterday, there was a sand storm that came through the camp. It reminded me of those days when it rained so hard back on the east coast that you couldn't see two feet in front of you. The only difference is you never had to worry about chewing on rain. Here, bits of sand and dust fill up your eyes and mouth -- you spit and rub, rub and spit for hours afterwards.

In two weeks I'm taking a much needed vacation. I'm looking forward to a stress-free week or two in some exotic location.

Day 98: Sneakin' and creepin'

Loading the SPG-9, the training is carefully watched over by a member of MPRI. (Photo by G. A. Volb)

Hands-on experience is a must when dealing in lethal weaponry. Select the photo and read the munitions. (Photo by G. A. Volb)

Prepping prior to live fire of the SPG-9. (Photo by G. A. Volb)

It should come as no surprise, given Pakistan's inability to control its northwest territory, that things are picking up here in a bad way. Simply put, the Taliban are "sneakin' and creepin'" up on Kabul.

Attacks on coalition forces are taking on a more aggressive posture, closer to Kabul proper and intelligence on surrounding villages tells us Taliban "recon" teams have been spotted on several occasions.

All this points to one obvious change in the environment here, that things are about to get ugly very quickly.

In other "news," the ANA held it's bi-weekly graduation ceremony which is always a treat for me. There's a hope that comes with hundreds of new troops heading out to meet the enemy of democracy.

Back in the states, prior to my arrival here nearly four months ago I was quite the health freak. The same applies here, as much as I can given the local cuisine and limited workout facilities. Anyway, I've reached that point where I nice cold adult beverage would be nice -- quite a few actually. And I'm looking forward to visiting some exotic location in a few weeks.

Day 30: We lose our first

Air Force Dr. (Capt.) Matt Hayes, a family doctor out of Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., looks on as Afghan National Army Dr. (Capt.) Sayed Zaman gives an eye exam to 18-year-old recruit Rahman Ullah, June 9 at the Kabul Military Training Center. Ullah is being in processed during day one of his journey into the ANA and is from Kunar Province. Zaman, 28, graduated from Kabul Medical University as a general practitioner, but received specialized training in optometry. Dr. Hayes is sharing his insight with a team of doctors at the ANA in processing facility to help improve the process. Hayes is serving an Army "in-lieu-of" tasking at Kabul Military Training Center and Camp Alamo as part of the Training Advisory Group. Stateside he's assigned to the 437th Medical Group. (Photo courtesy MPRI/G. A. Volb)

The 57 year old arrived in country a week after I did; last week he lost his life --- not in an insurgent related incident -- but due to a freak accident. Apparently, while overseeing the delivery of propane to one of the facilities nearby, a spark ignited a fire and then explosion of two delivery trucks. He was caught in the middle along with his Afghan translator ... it reminded us all of our own mortality. He was the first from our company to die here. He left behind a wife, children and grandchildren. I have yet to start a family.

The memorial service was held Saturday, attended by a cross-section of military members and company employees. For myself, and I presume most in attendance, the thought of "there but for the grace of God go I" passed through my mind. He was me, only caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. The fact is, you're never too sure of who is driving next to you. Or who is standing next to you on the streets -- should you venture out. Who is friend or foe. And should I meet a similar demise, it wouldn't come as a surprise to anyone here. It's the dice you roll each day you wake up for work. I'm quite impressed with how the average Afghan goes about their daily business.

Yet, I find myself looking for low-sitting vehicles weighed down by explosives. I study the faces in crowds looking for tell tale signs of their disdain for coalition troops. I look for those wearing a bit too much in the 100-plus degree heat to cover up the suicide vest they're strapped into. I tell myself a bit of paranoia is a good thing here.

But the mission continues. Slowly, by virtue of baby steps, the Afghan government is solidifying its power and extending its reach further and further from Kabul. Security is a must here first if the people are to experience democracy at its best.

Day 27: Sacrifices made

For the last three years I sat in my apartment watching coalition efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan unfold. What struck me the most was the age of those making sacrifices --- they were youngsters separated from loved ones, walking into harms way daily.

At 44, I couldn't help but think I was somehow cheating. That I was circumventing the rules so to speak; shouldn't I take on the hardship so the younger generation could enjoy their lives for a while longer? The reality is, at 44 I've lived a pretty good life ... I've seen a lot of the world, enjoyed happy times on several continents. I'm single with no immediate family to worry about me. To watch the youngest members of the U.S. effort in the Middle East step up to the plate ate at me enough that finally, well, here I am.

And I continue to be impressed with their strength of will and character. For those of you who look on at the evening news with indifference, take the time to study the faces, forget the politics. Then ask yourself, "How would I stand up to a similar challenge. Could I show the fortitude to step up like these young soldiers do daily? Could I handle the pressure?"

New topic: There's an old saying that goes something along the lines of, "Stick six economists in a room and an hour later they'll emerge with seven different theories as to where the economy is headed."

And we've all heard the saying, "It's the economy stupid." Especially during campaign time. Here in Afghanistan it takes on a whole new level of importance. The economy is, in my mind, the key to success here, but to ensure a viable infrastructure is in place for such progress to take root takes a reasonable amount of national security. Hence the coalition's challenge, to provide enough training and support to the Afghan government so that they can make it happen. Security will be the beginning of a domino effect.

National security equals economic growth; economic growth equals individual prosperity; individual prosperity equals regional stability; and regional stability leads to global security. It's a small world people.