Task Force Centurion's Police Advisor Team Trains Afghan Uniformed Police

By Capt. Marvin J. Baker

KABUL, Afghanistan - Task Force Centurion's Police Advisory Team is trying a different approach to build Afghan Uniformed Police and police mentor relations.

More than two dozen police chiefs and their representatives recently completed an Officer Professional Development and leader-coordinating course on Camps Julien and Phoenix.

"The AUP are an integral component to the national security in Afghanistan," said Maj. John Green, Police Advisory Team mentor. "We brought a large group of police chiefs on to the camp for a coordination meeting in order to get their input on the way ahead."

Sgt. 1st Class Cornelius Ratcliff, medical non-commissioned officer in charge, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 167th Infantry Regiment, Alabama Army National Guard shows Afghan Uniformed Police Officers basic first-aid techniques during a medical training session on Camp Phoenix. Photo: Capt. Marvin J. Baker, Task Force Centurion and 136th MEB Public Affairs Officer.

The coordinating meeting also included several hours of basic first aid and combat-lifesaver training for the AUP. Green wants to work with the AUP to layout a 90-day plan that creates realistic expectations for training. Some of the training includes the AUP's quick reaction force.

"We want to be relevant and helpful. Giving them a long-term understanding of the planning process will make us all better off in the end," Green said.