Posted on 01/09/2010 1:57:14 PM PST by SandRat
By Sgt. Tracy J. Smith
48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs
ANA and ISAF forces greeted potential contractors for a proposed forward operating base in the Shinwar district of Nangarhar recently.
The proposed FOB is a former British fort converted for use during the Soviet occupation more than 30 years ago and will now be used as a modernized hub for the ANA's 2nd Kandak, 201st Corps.
"This meeting is to give potential contractors a walkthrough of the area so they'll have a solid overview of the scope of work," said 1st Lt. Fernando Roach, a contracting officer with Task Force Mountain Warrior.
More than 135 builder candidates signed on for the open bid for three separate projects: container living spaces for ANA soldiers and assigned coalition forces, renovation of former Soviet structures and building a wall that will encompass approximately two kilometers.
Civil engineers overseeing the construction process say this is the largest project to date in Nangarhar. The monetary value is great, but the opportunity to foster relations within the ANSF and Shinwar communities is greater.
"This is a frontier district with [the] enemy attempting to cross our borders," said ANA Capt. Abdul Samad, of the strategic advantage. "The people support us and once we establish our base here we, [the ANSF] can respond to their needs and ensure a secure future of our people."
ISAF members offering security alongside their ANA partners was a show of unification. But, Staff Sgt. Jim Wilson, a scout platoon section leader, saw the process as a platform for economic solidarity.
"This promotes competition and the need to keep the [money] in the country," Wilson stated. "Competition brings out the best in most folks and this will help build their economy."
As the FOB infrastructure takes shape, improvements outside of the facility's walls will be necessary. Using the current Cash-for-Work
program, civilian housing and road construction projects will inevitably follow.
Photos accompanying this story are available at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/isafmedia/sets/72157623171758202/
And the IEDs will inevitably follow completion of the road construction projects, and the suspected drone bombings of the civilian housing hiding top AQ and Taliban leaders will inevitably follow their completion.
Hey, it keeps the money circulating.
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