Afghan Uniformed Police stand up commando unit
US Marine Corps News
11/16/2010 By LCpl. Joshua Hines, Regimental Combat Team 2
MUSA QAL’EH, Afghanistan — There is a new force emerging in the Afghan Uniformed Police ready to take the fight to the enemy in a brand new way: The Musa Qal’eh Commando Police. This elite unit is trained to deal with high-priority targets and act as a quick-reaction force here in Musa Qal’eh.
The recently established14-man unit is the first of its kind; trained in special weapons and tactics, used to raid compounds and detain targets. The unit is in its beginning stages and still undergoing training with the help of the Police Advisory Team provided by 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 2.
“We’re teaching the commandos tactics used for close-quarter battles in an urban setting, clearing rooms in two and four-man teams, as well as breaching and entering techniques specifically for raids,” said Sgt. Jared R. Damaske, team chief of Police Advisory Team 1.
The commando’s 14 members were each hand picked by the Musa Qal’eh District Chief of Police, Commander Abdul Wali Koka, regarding them as his best men.
“We’ve been very impressed with the unit’s members’ ability to learn and use the tactics we’ve shown them. They’re all very experienced and have been fighting the Taliban for a long time. Commander Koka definitely chose the right men for the job,” said Capt. Marc Bullock, officer in charge of PAT 2.
Koka spoke of the impact the commando’s will have on the Afghan people.
“The commando unit will be able to conduct operations on a small scale quickly and more directly than normal AUP patrols which means less disruption to the people,” said Koka, through an interpreter.
The development of the commandos has been under way for little less than a month, but has seen great improvement over a short amount of time. Damaske credits this to the strong relationship the PAT has built with the AUP.
“We integrate ourselves into their drills to help them understand. We have a really great relationship established with AUP, which also helps. It’s important to have that relationship,” said Damaske.
Bullock expressed his views on relationships with the AUP.
“It’s important to build a strong relationship with the AUP because without a relationship built on trust and respect we can’t do our jobs as advisors. We work for the AUP not the other way around. Everything we do as advisors is for the purpose of developing their organization, so they can bring security and stability to the people,” said Bullock.
Koka spoke of Bullock’s help in the commando’s establishment.
“Capt. Bullock has helped us a lot. Without him we couldn’t have created the commando unit. Everything we’ve asked for, big or small, he has gotten for us. From our winter weather gear to the special uniforms and tactical gear the commandos wear, it’s all thanks to him,” said Koka.
As time goes on, the AUP and PAT believe the commandos will prove to be a valuable asset to the people of Musa Qal’eh, according to Bullock.
“So far, the Commandos are doing very well and right now it’s only in the beginning process, so they will only get better,” said Koka.
With the partnership from the Marines, this elite unit will further bolster the ability of the AUP to protect their citizens.
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