Armée Afghane

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AAF provides close-air support in historical combat mission

by SSgt. Torri Ingalsbe
Air Forces Central Command Combat Camera

8/8/2013 - JALALABAD AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- As the morning sun crested over the mountains between the Azrah and Hezarak districts in Afghanistan, July 23, Afghan air force Mi-17 and Mi-35 pilots, flight engineers and gunners geared up to launch the largest Afghan-led joint, combined arms operation in 30 years - Operation Seemorgh.

"Our mission was to clear the area of Taliban and block them from the Azrah District," said AAF Lt. Col. "Hollywood" Rohullah, helicopter platoon leader and Mi-17 pilot. Rohullah said there were a total of eight aircraft involved in the first wave of the operation: two Mi-35's and six Mi-17's.

The AAF worked closely with the Afghan National Army, supporting troop movement, resupply and casualty evacuation.

"This was the first completely autonomous Afghan Air Force troop insertion in support of a major operation," said U.S. Army Capt. Tom Jones, 438th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron Kabul Air Wing Partnership team lead. "While the AAF has conducted other troop insertions and air assaults before, they would use coalition support; this time it was done all on their own."

Jones serves in an advisory role, helping to train helicopter crews, pushing toward mission sustainment for the AAF.

"I'm very proud of the Afghan pilots we've built relationships with," Jones added. "It's also humbling because we [as advisers] can't take any of the credit. They're [the AAF] the ones who are pushing so hard and dedicated to this fight. They've shown how proficient they've become."

Rohullah was also impressed with the success of the mission execution.

"We had very good crew coordination with ground forces," he explained. "There were [joint] planning meetings, and the ground forces communicated very well with the Mi-17 crews. They provided areas around the outposts for air drop targeting purposes."

The mission, although not complete, has been viewed as a success by both the AAF and the air advisers who work so closely with them.

"The Afghans have been very receptive to our assistance," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Brandon Deacon, 438th AEAS commander. "We're here to help advise, but they've really stepped up to the plate. We can only take partial credit."

This historic mission marks one of many milestones on the way to a fully self-sustaining AAF, with a myriad of mission capabilities.

"The Afghan people have a lot to be proud of," Jones said. "The AAF has demonstrated they have the fortitude to fight for their country and their homeland, and that's something to be proud of."

http://www.438aew.afcent.af.mil/news/st ... =123359026

An Afghan Air Force Mi-35 helicopter departs for Loghar province in the early morning hours of July 23, 2013 on the first day of Operation Seemorgh at Jalalabad Airfield, Afghanistan. Operation Seemorgh, named after a mythical bird, is the largest Afghan-led combat operation in more than 30 years, combining air and ground forces in an offensive focused on Taliban in Loghar Province. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Master Sgt. Ben Bloker)

An Afghan Air Force Mi-17 helicopter crew waits for the go-ahead to launch on the early morning hours of July 23, 2013, on the first day of Operation Seemorgh at Jalalabad Airfield, Afghanistan. Operation Seemorgh, named after a mythical bird, is the largest Afghan-led combat operation in more than 30 years, combining air and ground forces in an offensive focused on Taliban in Loghar Province. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Master Sgt. Ben Bloker)

An Afghan Air Force aerial gunner preflights an Mi-17 helicopter as the sun rises at Jalalabad Airfield, Afghanistan, on the first day of Operation Seemorgh, July 23, 2013. Operation Seemorgh, named after a mythical bird, is the largest Afghan-led combat operation in more than 30 years, combining air and ground forces in an offensive focused on Taliban in Loghar Province. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Master Sgt. Ben Bloker)

Mohamad Asif, Afghan Air Force aerial gunner, climbs out of an Mi-35 helicopter after arriving at Jalalabad Airfield, Afghanistan to prepare for Operation Seemorgh July 22, 2013. Operation Seemorgh, named after a mythical bird, is the largest Afghan-led combat operation in more than 30 years, combining air and ground forces in an offensive focused on Taliban in Loghar Province. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Master Sgt. Ben Bloker)

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Groundbreaking: Afghan female pilot makes history

by Staff Sgt. Torri Ingalsbe
Air Forces Central Command Public Affairs

7/23/2013 - KABUL, Afghanistan -- Afghan Air Force 2nd Lt. Niloofar Rhmani added another feather to her cap of firsts after she completed the first fixed wing combat mission flown by a female July 18.

Rhmani was the first female to complete undergraduate pilot training, and earn the status of pilot, in May. The combat mission she flew from Kabul International Airport, Afghanistan, included transport of Ministry of Defense officials to Kandahar in support of government outreach operations.

"When I'm flying a mission with passengers, I'm not worried about myself," Rhmani said. "I care more about making sure they are safe."

Rhmani explained why she felt reaching this milestone was important to Afghan history.

"Before, there were no female Afghan pilots," she said. "I'm trying to change the old culture for my people, and stand up for my people."

Capt. Aaron Marx, 438th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group executive officer and pilot advisor, flew with Rhmani for her inaugural flight.

"It's a great feeling for me," Marx said of being a part of the historical moment. "It's a great time to be a woman in the Afghan Air Force. They're making so much progress with gender integration here, and it's rewarding to see the pilots we're advising taking an active role in the operational transition."

Rhmani attributes much of her success to the support of her family.

"My family has always been very supportive of me," she said. "They have always helped me do what I wanted to do, and I'm very proud of them and the support they've given me."

Rhmani's flight marked another step in the continued development and growth of AAF capabilities.

http://www.438aew.afcent.af.mil/news/st ... =123356874

Afghan Air Force 2nd Lt. Niloofar Rhmani, Kabul Air Wing pilot, and U.S. Air Force Capt. Aaron Marx, 438th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group executive officer and AAF pilot advisor, preflight a Cessna 208 at Kabul International Airport, Afghanistan, July 18, 2013. On this day, Rhmani flew the first ever Afghan female fixed wing combat mission. Marx hails from San Antonio, Texas and is deployed from RAF Mildenhall were he flies KC-135R Stratotankers. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Ben Bloker)

Afghan Air Force 2nd Lt. Niloofar Rhmani, Kabul Air Wing pilot, walks past an aviation mural in the operations building at Kabul International Airport, Afghanistan, July 18, 2013. On this day, Rhmani, accompanied by U.S. Air Force Capt. Aaron Marx, 438th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group executive officer and AAF pilot advisor, flew the first ever Afghan female fixed wing combat mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Ben Bloker)

Afghan Air Force 2nd Lt. Niloofar Rhmani, Kabul Air Wing pilot, preflights a Cessna 208 at Kabul International Airport, Afghanistan, July 18, 2013. On this day, Rhmani, accompanied by U.S. Air Force Capt. Aaron Marx, 438th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group executive officer and AAF pilot advisor, flew the first ever Afghan female fixed wing combat mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Ben Bloker)

Afghan Air Force 2nd Lt. Niloofar Rhmani, Kabul Air Wing pilot, talks with Afghan Ministry of Defense officers before transporting them to Kandahar from Kabul International Airport, Afghanistan, July 18, 2013. On this day, Rhmani, accompanied by U.S. Air Force Capt. Aaron Marx, 438th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group executive officer and AAF pilot advisor, flew the first ever Afghan female fixed wing combat mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Ben Bloker)

Afghan Air Force 2nd Lt. Niloofar Rhmani, Kabul Air Wing pilot, climbs out of a Cessna 208 after flying the first ever Afghan female fixed wing combat mission out of Kabul International Airport, Afghanistan, July 18, 2013. Rhmani was accompanied by U.S. Air Force Capt. Aaron Marx, 438th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group executive officer and AAF pilot advisor. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Ben Bloker)

Afghan Air Force pilot 2nd Lt. Niloofar Rhmani is greeted by Brig. Gen. Mohammed Barat, Kabul Air Wing commander, after flying the first ever Afghan female fixed wing combat mission in a Cessna 208 out of Kabul International Airport, Afghanistan, July 18, 2013. Rhmani was accompanied by U.S. Air Force Capt. Aaron Marx, 438th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group executive officer and AAF pilot advisor. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Ben Bloker)

Afghan Air Force 2nd Lt. Niloofar Rhmani, Kabul Air Wing pilot, climbs into a Cessna 208 to fly the first ever Afghan female fixed wing combat mission at Kabul International Airport, Afghanistan, July 18, 2013. Rhmani was accompanied by U.S. Air Force Capt. Aaron Marx, 438th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group executive officer and AAF pilot advisor. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Ben Bloker)

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Afghan Lady Commando In Border Police (ABP).

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Afghan Special Forces Commandos.

An Afghan Commando Aims at targeted position During operation Eagle in Logar Province..

Afghan Special Forces Commandos.

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Long Live Afghan Commandos

ASF

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Afghan Special Military Units.

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Afghan Military Students in India Picture from (ASFAC)

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Between May 15-17, 2013, a 2-ship formation of Mi-17s from Kabul, Afghanistan forward-deployed to Jalalabad to support a significant 3-day ground combat operation in the vicinity of Hezerak.

Highlights of Afghan Air Force's progress with Casualty Evacuation since 2012.

Afghan Air Force 1st Lt. Emal Khairkhwa, 373rd Fixed Wing Squadron pilot, communicates with the control tower as AAF 1st Lt. Mohammad Tawfiq Safi, copilot, looks on before a Cessna 208 mission out of Kabul International Airport, Afghanistan, Aug 6, 2013. This mission marked the first all AAF fixed wing combat mission flown from the Kabul Air Wing.
(U.S. Air Force Photo/Master Sgt. Ben Bloker)

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Afghan Air Force 1st Lts. Emal Khairkhwa and Mohammad Tawfiq Safi, 373rd Kabul Fixed Wing Squadron pilots, flew the first all AAF Cessna 208 combat mission out of Kabul International Airport, Afghanistan, Aug 6, 2013. Cessna 208 tail sections display the AAF shield.
(U.S. Air Force Photo/Master Sgt. Ben Bloker)

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Afghan Air Force

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438th Air Expeditionary Wing
The 438th Air Expeditionary Wing (438 AEW) is an active United States Air Force unit operating in Afghanistan and assigned to United States Air Forces Central. The wing trains Afghan Air Force members, including pilots.

Col. (Dr.) Abdul Rasool, the Afghan Air Force surgeon general, fields questions during his presentation at the 4th Annual Joint Theater Trauma System conference held at Kabul International Airport, Afghanistan Aug. 13, 2013. Rasool, accompanied by Lt. Col. (Dr.) Michael McBeth, NATO Air Training Command-Afghanistan surgeon general and advisor, outlined the major accomplishments of the AAF's growing casualty evacuation capability. Rasool encouraged the ISAF senior medical leaders in attendance to spread the word on CASEVAC noting the need of Afghan National Security Forces to continue developing their process to request these type of missions.

Mi-17

Afghan Air Force medics train on newly installed casualty evacuation stanchions at Kandahar Airfield June 20, 2013. The new stanchions allow an AAF Cessna 208 to evacuate up to four critical care patients; previously, only two critical care patients could be transported at a time. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Anastasia Wasem)

United States Air Force Capt. Joe Smith, 444th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron advisor, trains an Afghan Air Force pilot on a fixed-wing simulator at Shindand Air Base, Afghanistan. SAB is home to the AAF’s undergraduate pilot training and undergraduate helicopter training programs. The AAF uses Cessna 182 fixed-wing aircraft and MD-530 helicopters to train pilots to fly the service’s Cessna 208, Mi-17 or Mi-35 aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Anastasia Wasem)

United States Air Force Staff Sgt. Matthew Hanlon, 438th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron special mission aviator, works with Afghan Air Force Sgt. Mohammad Nawab as he prepares weapons for a Mi-17 helicopter flight. Nawab is a crew chief with the 377th Rotary Wing Squadron at the Kabul International Airport, Afghanistan and is advised by members of NATO Air Training Command-Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Anastasia Wasem)

Afghan Air Force members with the 377th Rotary Wing Squadron practice extraction while conducting their final air assault training flight with advisors from NATO Air Training Command-Afghanistan near Camp Hunter May 29, 2013. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Tom Jones)

Afghan Air Force medics load a patient onto an AAF Cessna 208 to conduct casualty evacuation from Kandahar Airfield to Kabul, Afghanistan on May 20, 2013. The CASEVAC mission included two Afghan National Army soldiers with gunshot wounds.

Members of the 9th Special Operations Kandak practice ground onload procedures onto an Mi-17 helicopter alongside advisors from the 838th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group Detachment 1.

Afghan Air Force members and Hungarian NATO Air Training Command-Afghanistan advisors fly in an Mi-35 formation between Kabul and Jalalabad, Afghanistan April 16, 2013. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Anastasia Wasem)

Afghan Air Force Mi-17 helicopters take-off from Jalalabad Airfield, Afghanistan in response to an emergency resupply mission tasking April 12, 2013. (U.S. Air Force photo/Maj. Marcus Janecek)

An Mi-17 helicopter from the 438th Air Expeditionary Wing in Kabul, Afghanistan drops of a crew of Czechoslovakian coalition partners and gear at Mazar-e-Sharif Feb. 16, 2013. (U.S. Air Force photo/Lt. Col. Jason Campbell)

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Afghan Air Force Kandahar Air Wing Mi-17 helicopter crew members and Afghan Border Police deliver humanitarian aid to the village of Gagre Naw, Afghanistan, during Operation Southern Strike IV, Nov. 18, 2012. (U.S. Army Photo/Staff Sgt. Ryan Sheldon)

During a visit to the Kabul, Afghanistan, International Airport on Nov. 13, 2012, U.S. Air Force Gen. Mike Hostage, commander of Air Combat Command, talks with Afghan air force aircrew and maintainers. The visit included discussions with subject matter experts on the roles the Mi-17 and Mi-35 helicopters, and the C-208 and C-27A fixed-wing aircraft play in moving supplies and personnel in support of national defense and humanitarian operations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Melissa K. Mekpongsatorn/RELEASED)

U.S. Air Force Gen. Mike Hostage, commander of Air Combat Command, is greeted by Afghan air force aircrew members during his visit to the Kabul, Afghanistan, International Airport Nov.13, 2012. The visiting party took a tour of the Afghan air force flightline at KAIA, meeting small groups of mentors and Afghan personnel. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Melissa K. Mekpongsatorn/RELEASED)

U. S. Air Force Gen. Mike Hostage, commander of Air Combat Command, takes a minute to talk with Czech Republic military members about the partnership between Coalition forces and the importance of their work in Afghanistan at the Kabul, Afghanistan, International Airport Nov. 13, 2012. Coalition mentors from 14 nations are joined in support of the NATO air training mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Melissa K. Mekpongsatorn/RELEASED)

U.S. Air Force Gen. Mike Hostage, commander of Air Combat Command, meets with Hungarian air force members on Nov.13, 2012 at the Kabul, Afghanistan, International Airport to take a look at the Mi-35 helicopter and talk about about its role in the missions in Afghanistan. Hostage had a chance to meet with several Coalition partners and expressed his appreciation for the work that they do. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Melissa K. Mekpongsatorn/RELEASED)

U.S. Air Force Gen. Mike Hostage, commander of Air Combat Command, Chief Master Sgt. Rick Parsons, ACC command chief, and several top ACC and U.S. Air Forces Central Command leaders arrive at the Kabul, Afghanistan, International Airport Nov. 13, 2012. The visiting team met with NATO Air Training Command-Afghanistan headquarters staff members, Afghan and Coalition leadership to discuss the Afghan air force development.(U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Melissa K. Mekpongsatorn/RELEASED)

A photo from this week's activities -- an Afghan Air Force Mi-35 HIND helicopter flies over Afghanistan, Oct. 23, 2012. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Quinton Russ)

Afghan Air Force student pilot Lt. Naihim Asadi flies his first solo flight in the MD530 helicopter, Oct. 16, 2012, at Shindand Air Base, Afghanistan. Asadi was one of three pilots to solo in the MD-530 that day; the pilots flew 50 hours with an instructor before their solo flights. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Tech. Sgt. Quinton Russ/RELEASED)

Afghan Air Force student pilot Lt. Naihim Asadi prepares to step in an MD-530 helicopter for his first solo flight, Oct. 16, 2012 at Shindand Air Base, Afghanistan. Asadi was one of three pilots to solo in the MD-530 that day; the pilots flew 50 hours with an instructor before their solo flights. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Tech. Sgt. Quinton Russ/RELEASED)

Afghan Air Force student pilot Lt. Mohammed Horron Asifi, right, receives congratulations from an MD530 rotary-wing pilot training program graduate, left, after Asifi completed his first MD-530 helicopter solo flight, Oct. 16, 2012, at Shindand Air Base, Afghanistan. Asifi was one of three pilots to solo in the MD-530 that day; the pilots flew 50 hours with an instructor before their solo flights. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Tech. Sgt. Quinton Russ/RELEASED)

Afghan Air Force student pilot Lt. Naihim Asadi receives final instructions before his solo flight in an MD-530 helicopter, Oct. 16, 2012, at Shindand Air Base, Afghanistan. Asadi was one of three pilots to solo in the MD-530 that day; the pilots flew 50 hours with an instructor before their solo flights. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Tech. Sgt. Quinton Russ/RELEASED)

Two Afghan Air Force student pilots prepare for take-off during their first solo flights in the MD530 helicopter, Oct. 16, 2012, at Shindand Air Base, Afghanistan. The students flew 50 hours with instructors before their solo flights. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Tech. Sgt. Quinton Russ/RELEASED)

Afghan Air Force student pilots Lt's. Naihim Asadi, left, Mohammed Wares Alavi, middle, and Mohammed Horron Asifi, right, pose for pictures after completing their first MD-530 helicopter solo flights, Oct. 16, 2012, at Shindand AB, Afghanistan. The students flew 50 hours with instructors before their solo flights. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Tech. Sgt. Quinton Russ/RELEASED)

Afghan Air Force student pilots Lt. Naihim Asadi, left, and Lt. Mohammed Wares Alavi, right, congratulate each other Oct. 16, 2012, at Shindand Air Base, Afghanistan, after each flew solo for the first time in the MD-530 helicopter. The pilots flew 50 hours with instructors before their solo flights. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Tech. Sgt. Quinton Russ/RELEASED)

Afghan Air Force student pilot Lt. Mohammed Horron Asifi steps out of his aircraft after completing his first solo flight in the MD-530 helicopter Oct. 16, 2012 at Shindand Air Base, Afghanistan. Asifi was one of three pilots to solo in the MD-530 that day; the pilots flew 50 hours with instructors before their solo flights. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Tech. Sgt. Quinton Russ/RELEASED)

Congratulations ALL! Newly graduated Afghan Air Force pilots, 1st Lt.'s Walid Noori, Emal Azizi, and Khan Agha Ghaznavi, pose for a group photo after their ceremony Oct. 15, 2012 in wing headquarters at Shindand Air Base, Afghanistan. The lieutenants became not only the first fixed-wing undergraduate pilot trainees to earn their wings in Afghanistan after more than 30 years, they became the first pilots to complete the entire fixed-wing program entirely in Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Quinton Russ/RELEASED)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Michael Ruehs, left, instructor pilot, demonstrates aircraft instrument approach procedures in a C27A while Afghan AF Maj. Azimy, right, performs co-pilot duties including radio communications during a training sortie Oct. 1, 2012 over Afghanistan. For Major Azimy, the training flight was part of an initial qualification course, during which pilots learn basic aircraft control, including instrument procedures and tactical aircraft approaches. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Quinton Russ/RELEASED)

Afghan Air Force Sgt. 1st Class Sultan, certified loadmaster, untangles his communication cord in the cargo area of a C-27A before a training flight Oct. 1, 2012 at the Kabul, Afghanistan, International Airport. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Quinton Russ/RELEASED)

For safety of operations, Afghan Air Force Sgt. 1st Class Sultan, certified loadmaster, moves through a series of procedures on a C-27A, visually checking an auxiliary power unit ahead of a training flight Oct. 1, 2012 at the Kabul, Afghanistan, International Airport. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Quinton Russ/RELEASED)

Afghan Air Force Sgt. 1st Class Sultan, certified loadmaster and instructor, right, and AAF Sgt. 1st Class Nader, loadmaster in training, left, conduct checks of the de-icing boots at the edge of C-27A aircraft wings for proper operation before a training flight Oct. 1, 2012 at the Kabul, Afghanistan, International Airport. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Quinton Russ/RELEASED)

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Afghan Air Force Sgt. 1st Class Sultan, certified loadmaster, checks the position of the locks that hold the landing gear in position during flight on a C-27A before a training mission, Oct. 1, 2012, at the Kabul Afghanistan, International Airport. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Quinton Russ/RELEASED)

Afghan Air Force Sgt. 1st Class Sultan, certified loadmaster, left, and Sgt. 1st Class Nader, loadmaster in training, right, check the life support systems of a C-27A before a training flight Oct. 1, 2012 at the Kabul, Afghanistan, International Airport. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Quinton Russ/RELEASED)

Afghan Air Force Sgt. 1st Class Sultan, certified loadmaster, checks the landing gear of a C-27A before a training flight, Oct. 1, 2012, at the Kabul, Afghanistan, International Airport. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Quinton Russ/RELEASED)

Members of the 438th Air Expeditionary Squadron pose for a group photo, July 31, 2012 at Kabul Afghanistan, International Airport Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Quinton Russ/RELEASED)

9/3/2012 - Afghan Air Force students take to the skies Aug. 29, 2012 at Shindand AB, Afghanistan. The students are part of class 91-02, the second AAF class to begin undergraduate helicopter training at Shindand AB, Afghanistan. All four students and instructors had successful training flights. (U.S. Air Force photo by Melissa K. Mekpongsatorn)

9/3/2012 - Afghan Air Force Lt. Asifi smiles as he prepares to get inside the MD-530F. Lt Asifi and three other student pilots are part of the MD-530F basic flight training program at Shindand Air Base, Afghanistan. The class of 91-02 is programmed to graduate in early Jan. 2013. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Melissa K. Mekpongsatorn)

Four Afghan Air Force flight students from class 91-02 and their U.S. instructors prepare to fly the MD-530F during undergraduate helicopter training Aug.29, 2012, Shindand Air Base, Afghanistan. This is the four students’ second flight; they are expected to graduate from their course early Jan. 2013. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Melissa K. Mekpongsatorn)

A member of the Afghan Air Force washes the dust off of an Mi-17 helicopter after performing a seven-day inspection July 17, 2012 at Kandahar Air Base, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Quinton Russ/RELEASED) 438th AEW/PA

Members of the Afghan Air Force wash the dust
from an Mi-17 helicopter after performing a seven-day inspection July 17, 2012 at Kandahar Air Base, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Quinton Russ)
438th AEW/PA

Members of the Afghan Air Force wash the dust from of an Mi-17 helicopter after performing a seven-day inspection July 17, 2012 at Kandahar Air Base, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Quinton Russ)

Afghan Air Force aircraft maintainers perform a seven-day inspection on the interior of an Mi-17 helicopter July 17, 2012 at Kandahar Air Base, Afghanistan.(U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Quinton Russ)

An Afghan Air Force maintainer watches as two Mi-17 helicopters prepare for takeoff, July 16, 2012, at Kandahar Air Base, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Quinton Russ/RELEASED) 438th AEW/PA

U.S. and Afghan Air Force members perform engine startup procedures for an Mi-17 helicopter before takeoff, July 16, 2012, at Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Quinton Russ)

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Patrick O'Carroll performs a pre-flight check inside of an Mi-17 helicopter before takeoff, July 16, 2012, at Kandahar Air Base, Afghanistan. O'Carroll is a flight engineer deployed to the 441st Air Expeditionary Advisor Squadron and assigned to 66th Rescue Squadron Nellis AFB, Nev. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Quinton Russ)

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U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Patrick O'Carroll and Afghan AF flight engineers go over calculations after an aircrew briefing, July 16, 2012 at Kandahar Air Base, Afghanistan. O'Carroll is an Mi-17 flight engineer evaluator deployed to the 441st Air Expeditionary Advisor Squadron and assigned to the 66th Rescue Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nev. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Quinton Russ)

Afghan air force Sgt. Shapoor makes calculations and adjustments during the aircrew briefing before takeoff, July 16, 2012 at Kandahar Air Base, Afghanistan. Shapoor is a flight engineer assigned to the 379th Rotary Wing, Kandahar Air Base. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Quinton Russ)

Afghan Air Force Sergeant Shahnawaz, C-27A loadmaster assigned to the Kabul Air Wing, conducts a pre-flight check ahead of a one-hour proficiency training mission June 19, 2012. Shahnawaz was part of a three-person crew -- an aircraft commander (pilot), co-pilot, and loadmaster -- which was the first Afghan crew to fly the C-27A independently. (Afghan Air Force photo/Capt. Rahmi Khoda Rahimi)

Afghan Air Force Col. Aimall Pacha, left, a C-27A aircraft commander assigned to the Kabul Air Wing, receives a congratulatory hug from a friend on the Kabul, Afghanistan, International Airport flightline June 19, 2012. Colonel Pacha led the first AAF independent C-27A flying mission, which was a one-hour proficiency training mission without the onboard presence of coalition mentors. (Afghan Air Force photo/Capt. Rahmi Khoda Rahimi)

Engines are started and Afghan Air Force Sergeant Shahnawaz, C-27A loadmaster, assigned to the Kabul Air Wing, prepares for departure and return to the Kabul, Afghanistan, International Airport flightline as a member of the aircrew conducting the first AAF independent C-27A flying mission. The crew flew a one-hour proficiency training mission without the onboard presence of coalition mentors June 19, 2012. (Afghan Air Force photo/Capt. Rahmi Khoda Rahimi)

Engines are started and Afghan Air Force Sergeant Shahnawaz, C-27A loadmaster, assigned to the Kabul Air Wing, prepares for departure and return to the Kabul, Afghanistan, International Airport flightline as a member of the aircrew conducting the first AAF independent C-27A flying mission. The crew flew a one-hour proficiency training mission without the onboard presence of coalition mentors June 19, 2012. (Afghan Air Force photo/Capt. Rahmi Khoda Rahimi)

Afghan Air Force Col. Aimall Pacha, a C-27A aircraft commander assigned to the Kabul Air Wing, conducts a pre-flight check from the cockpit ahead of a milestone one-hour proficiency training mission June 19, 2012. This was the first independent Afghan AF flying mission on the C-27A; it was led by Pacha without the onboard presence of coalition mentors. (Afghan Air Force photo/Capt. Rahmi Khoda Rahimi)

Afghan Air Force Sergeant Shahnawaz, C-27A loadmaster, Maj. Nik Mohamad, C-27A co-pilot, and Col. Aimall Pacha, C-27A aircraft commander, each assigned to the AAF Kabul Air Wing, stand for a moment on the Kabul, Afghanistan, International Airport flightline ahead of their first independent flying mission together, without the onboard presence of coalition mentors. The crew flew a one-hour proficiency training mission June 19, 2012, the first C-27A independent mission for the Afghan AF. (Afghan Air Force photo/Capt. Rahmi Khoda Rahimi)

Afghan Air Force Sergeant Shahnawaz, C-27A loadmaster assigned to the Kabul Air Wing, looks out over the Kabul, Afghanistan, International Airport runway, during an early-morning pre-flight check ahead of a one-hour proficiency training mission June 19, 2012. Shahnawaz was part of a three-person crew -- an aircraft commander (pilot), co-pilot, and loadmaster -- which was the first Afghan crew to fly the C-27A independently. (Afghan Air Force photo/Capt. Rahmi Khoda Rahimi)

Afghan Air Force Maj. Nik Mohamad, left, and an Afghan Kabul Air Wing maintainer, right, conduct a pre-flight check ahead of a one-hour proficiency training mission June 19, 2012. Mohamad, co-pilot, was part of a three-person crew -- an aircraft commander (pilot), co-pilot, and loadmaster -- which was the first Afghan crew to fly the C-27A independently. (Afghan Air Force photo/Capt. Rahmi Khoda Rahimi)

A C-27A flown by an all-Afghan aircrew takes off from the Kabul, Afghanistan, International Airport, for a one-hour proficiency training mission June 19, 2012. The Afghan trio, made up of an aircraft commander (pilot), co-pilot and loadmaster, was the first Afghan crew to fly the C-27A independently. (Afghan Air Force photo/Capt. Rahmi Khoda Rahimi)

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An Mi-17 helicopter formation prepares to land and refuel after a resupply run July 8, 2012 at Forward Operating Base Bostick, Afghanistan. The joint mission of the Afghan air force and U.S. AF Mi-17 crews was to resupply Afghan forces in remote locations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Quinton Russ)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Mike Dinicola stands fire watch for an Mi-17 helicopter before take off, July 10, 2012 at Jalalabad, Afghanistan. Dinicola is a flight engineer evaluator deployed with the 438th Air Expeditionary Airlift Squadron and assigned to 1st Helicopter Squadron Joint Base Andrews M.D. The joint mission of the Afghan air force and U.S. AF Mi-17 crews was to resupply Afghan forces in remote locations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Quinton Russ)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Mike Dinicola preflights the tail rotor of an Mi-17 helicopter before a resupply mission, July 10, 2012 at Jalalabad, Afghanistan. Dinicola is a flight engineer deployed with the 438th Air Expeditionary Airlift Squadron and assigned to the 1st Helicopter Squadron, Joint Base Andrews, M.D. The joint mission of the Afghan air force and U.S. AF Mi-17 crews was to resupply Afghan forces in remote locations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Quinton Russ)

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Air Force Lt. Col. Chas Tacheny, the deputy commander of the 438 Air Expeditionary Advisory Group, monitors two Afghan pilots as they use a new MI-17 simulator at Kabul International Airport, April 18. The state-of-the-art simulator is able to recreate numerous different challenging scenarios to test and enhance the pilot's aviation abilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Larlee)
Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Larlee

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Afghan air force 1st Lt.Waheed Sediqe pilots a new MI-17 simulator at Kabul International Airport, April 18. The state-of-the-art simulator is able to recreate numerous different challenging scenarios to test and enhance the pilot's aviation abilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Larlee)
Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Larlee

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Afghan air force pilot 1st Lt. Nasrullah Khosti looks at the flight deck control panel in a new MI-17 simulator at Kabul International Airport, April 18. The state-of-the-art simulator is able to recreate numerous different challenging scenarios to test and enhance the pilot’s aviation abilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Larlee)
Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Larlee

[Amine Ind]

[Amine Ind]

Women serving Afghanistan.

Afghan Spécial Forces

Afghan National Army

[sadral]

Pour l’Otan, les pertes des forces afghanes ont atteint un niveau “insupportable”

En mars dernier, les pertes subies par les forces de sécurité afghanes sur les 12 mois précédents avaient atteint un niveau très élevé, avec 1.800 policiers et 1.183 soldats tués. Soit autant que les troupes occidentales en 12 ans de présence dans le pays. Et, visiblement, la situation est loin de s’améliorer si l’on en croit les derniers chiffres communiqués par le ministère afghan de l’Intérieur.

Ainsi, en 6 mois, les forces de police du pays ont perdu 1.792 hommes, soit presque autant que l’année passée, et comptent 2.700 blessés dans ses rangs. Quant à l’armée nationale afghane (ANA), aucune donnée n’a été fournie – Kaboul refuse de communiquer là-dessus pour ne pas affecter le moral de ses soldats – mais il est à craindre que ses pertes soient au même niveau.

Plusieurs raisons peuvent être avancées pour expliquer cette évolution. En premier lieu, le retrait progressif de la Force internationale d’assistance à la sécurité (ISAF), déployée en Afghanistan sous l’autorité de l’Otan, met désormais les troupes afghanes en première ligne. Une autre est le sous-équipement de ces dernières, notamment en matière de lutte contre les engins explosifs improvisés (IED), responsables de la majeure partie de leur perte, et de soutien aérien.

Quoi qu’il en soit, et alors que la mission de l’Otan se terminera à la fin de l’année 2014, cette tendance a de quoi inquiéter le général américain Joseph Dunford, l’actuel commandant de l’ISAF, pour qui le taux de pertes des forces afghanes est “insupportable”.

“Je considère que c’est grave, et tous les commandants aussi”, a-t-il confié au quotidien britannique The Guardian, en précisant que les pertes afghanes pouvaient atteindre une centaine de tués par semaine. “Je ne considère pas que ces morts soient acceptables”, a-t-il ajouté.

Pour le général Dunford, le temps dira si “l’Otan a bien fait de transformer en juin dernier sa mission de combat en une opération “d’entraînement, de conseil et d’assistance”.

Pour le moment, il est encore trop tôt pour avoir une réponse, même si elle se dessine. Toujours selon le patron de l’ISAF, il faudrait encore 5 ans de plus pour former convenablement les forces afghanes et leur permettre d’assurer pleinement leurs tâches, notamment dans les domaines de la logistique, de la planification du renseignement et de l’appui aérien.

L’Otan a le projet de lancer la mission “Resolute support”, et cela dès la fin du mandat de l’ISAF, afin de continuer à soutenir les forces afghanes. Mais cette dernière est suspendue à l’accord de sécurité que doivent conclure Washington et Kaboul. Or, pour le moment, les discussions sont bloquées et l’administration Obama n’exclut pas de retirer l’ensemble des troupes américaines du pays dès la fin 2014.

Cela étant, le général Dunford a également estimé que, en dépit de ces pertes subies par les forces afghanes, ces dernières ont pour le moment réussi à empêcher les taliban d’atteindre leurs objectifs. Et d’ajouter que “80% de la population civile a été préservée de la violence.”

http://www.opex360.com/

[Amine Ind]

Le désengagement a était précipité. Je savais que ça allé fini comme ça, espérons que les forces afghane sauront reprendre le dessus.

Afghan Military Students in India.

Rare ANA Commandos with AK-74 SU.

Afghan Military Students In India.

Afghan Special Forces.

[Amine Ind]

ASF

M249 Machine Gun which is Sitting