Description
Object description
Members of the OMLT train members of the Afghan National Army at Camp Shorabak.
Content description
(Tape 1) Members of the ANA gather for training, instructed by British officer Major Paul Redgrave. Other training is shown, including an introduction to artillery spotting and loading. Interview with Major Redgrave, TIG (Technical Instructor in Gunnery) with CS (Combat Support) OMLT, discussing the training package and its various aspects. Interview with Captain Roy Jones about his job mentoring the ANA's 205 Company. Interview with Captain Tom Redon, an OMLT Team Commander based in Garmsir. Interview with Captain David Robert Owen, discussing his mentoring role at Camp Shorabak. Interview with Captain Ben Hammond, Team Commander mentoring an ANA team (artillery in the infantry role). Interview with Major Ben Tomkins of the Rifles, Mentor and Chief of Staff. Captain Mat Alford, 2ic of the CS OMLT. (23 February)
Content description
(Tape 2) Interviews with members of the OMLT and Afghan National Army trainees at Camp Shorabak. Sergeant Sharpe, OMLT 2ic with an eight man team: frank discussion of his role. ANA members receive instruction in carpentry; others plant small trees in the grounds of Camp Shorabak. Further carpentry (black Royal Marines instructor). Interview (conducted through interpreter) with ANA First Lieutenant about the challenges of the training and working with UK mentors. Second ANA member (Sergeant ?) is interviewed about his role and the partnership with the OMLT; criticism that the OMLT were not prepared for Afghan cultural sensitivities. Sergeant Peter Needham part of the CS OMLT (engineers). Interview with Captain Colquhoun: discussion of the challenges of the mentoring, the use of interpreters, language training, importance of satellite communications. Sergeant John Muir, again discussing the most challenging aspects of the training (language and lack of literacy of ANA soldiers); he also discusses training of the Afghan National Police. Interview with Corporal Dillikeharai, working with the OMLT based in Lashkar Gah: the need to recognise the cultural differences with the Afghans (including allowances for prayer) and language issues (Pashto, Dari etc). (24 February)
Content description
(Tape 3) Lengthy and candid interview with (unnamed) Royal Gurkha Rifles officer and OMLT member: discussion focuses mainly on issues the training of the Afghan National Police (particularly illiteracy and short attention spans). Interview is interrupted by noise from nearby helicopters; unnamed interviewer walks into frame for a few moments. Interview continues: inadequacy of the MRX (Mission Rehearsal Exercise) and the problems with the ANP and the ANA's G4 (logistics). (26 February)
Physical description
Mini-DV (Sony)