[MARINEVET]

Sgt McGrunt:

Good observations.

The officers I'm briefing thru our Chief Terp (Mr. Farhad) are the Plans Officers of the 205th Corps Commanders G-Staff...the G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4 & G-6...all LtCols...in age btwn about 35-40. Even tho a couple look younger, they all have served in some sort of military in Afghanistan for 20 or more years...some fought with the Soviets, some against the Soviets, most against the Taliban, etc.

The officers in the flick are are mix of tribes from all over The 'Stan. Altho the ANA is supposedly (and totally) integrated, there are still tribal faction issues, and tribes such as the Hazaras (Mongol looks as opposed to the Occidental looks of many Afghans), while "tolerated" (and you'll always find some senior NCOs and Officers of Hazara ethnicity in senior BUT NOT TOP positions), are "kept in their place." Afghans are quick to tell you they are NOT Arabs...that they strongly dislike Arabs...but...a great many Afghans have the looks of Arabs.

In many ways, and especially the way we see that which we consider "efficient," the ANA are about as screwed up as Hogan's Goat. We work to make them into better soldiers, overall, but one thing we do NOT have to do is infuze Warrior Spirit...most of them have that in Spades! At this point in the evolution of the ANA (post-Talib military), most of their "tactical vehicles" are Ford Ranger 4x4 diesel trucks (many made in China)...some are crew cabs...holding up much better than I'd have ever thought...but imagine...going into combat that way...often against an enemy that outguns you...they don't lack cajones! Some of their Rangers have 12.7s (DShK) mounted in the bed of the trucks on a pedistal mount...whole damn truck gets the shakes when they fire that baby! There is one tank company up north...some BMPs too, but not many. They don't have the trained folks to maintain them.

Semper Fi From The Sands of Kandahar,