Clearing the Path Ahead

Air Force explosive ordnance disposal instructors are training Afghan National Army soldiers to take charge of the EOD mission in preparation for the eventual US drawdown in country. “We can share all the lessons we have learned the hard way, so they don’t have to do the same. Eventually the ANA can take over and run missions on their own,” explained SSgt. Kenneth Guinn, an advisor with the 966th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight assigned to ISAFs Regional Command South. After passing an EOD training course, Afghan soldiers undertake live missions under the apprenticeship of US and coalition advisors before certification. “I think being able to share real-world experiences with the Afghans is extremely beneficial,” he noted. “I don’t think we will be able to successfully withdraw from Afghanistan unless we train the Afghan national security forces to follow in our footsteps,” added Guinn. (Kandahar report by TSgt. Beth Del Vecchio)