Under the watchful eye of their US Air Force advisors, members of the Afghan National Army Air Force’s Kandahar Air Wing recently conducted their first-ever fielding training exercise. During the July 11 drill, the Afghan airmen responded to the simulated crash of an ANAAF Mi-17 helicopter at Kandahar Airfield shortly after its takeoff. The exercise tested the ability of Afghan first responders and their leaders to act decisively throughout the crisis. “All elements of the Kandahar Air Wing pulled together to effectively communicate and coordinate their actions to respond as a team during today’s [exercise],” said Col. Bernard Mater, commander of the 738th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group that trains and mentors the Afghans. He said he was “particularly impressed” with the “sound judgment” of the security noncommissioned officers and the fire department’s “sense of urgency.” (Kandahar report by Capt. Joe Bauer)
President Donald Trump signed legislation reopening the federal government late Nov. 12, ending the longest shutdown in U.S. history. The move sets the stage for tens of thousands of defense civilians to return to work and guarantees troops will be paid in a few days’ time.
