PRT–OMLT Joint Patrol

The HUN PRT-11 participated in the joint patrol with a Mission Team, a psychological operations (PSYOPS) officer, a joint terminal attack controller (JTAC) officer and Force Protection (FP) teams. The OMLT contributed two Hungarian and two US mentor teams. One platoon of the Afghan National Army (ANA) battalion stationed in Khilagay forward operating base (FOB) also joined the patrol. Two AH-64 Apache attack helicopters of the US Army 1st Air Cavalry Brigade were on quick reaction alert (QRA) at Khilagay Forward Operating Base (FOB) to provide close air support (CAS) for the column.

The HUN PRT supports the activities of the local government and the educational institutions in Tala-wa Barfak district. At the same time, the joint patrol served as a presence patrolling in the area. Its personnel executed the first two tasks in Bazare-Tala, where the ANA troops set up two vehicle checkpoints (VCPs) on the main road. The HUN PRT assisted the work of the Afghan local police (ALP) in the district by handing over field-beds and blankets. In the meantime, the OMLT personnel distributed sporting goods among the students. At the village of Wado, the patrol visited the local schools to hand over exercise books, school equipment and warm clothes to the students.

The joint patrol has been a proof of effective cooperation: although their operating bases are located far from each other, the two Hungarian contingents can join forces to effectively provide assistance to the populace of Baghlan Province.