2010 Paulatim Magazine - RAAMC Association

Afghan and Australian medical progress
Since May 2010, I have advised Hakim and Akmal in developing plans
at corps-level to build and establish systems and capabilities. From daily
discussions to major briefings received by senior government officials,
military leadership and media, the job has been challenging and
rewarding – in equal allotments.
The day-to-day running of medical support to the Corps is a most topical
issue. The Corps medical figures are impressive, with over 1000 cases of
gastro-related illness during in June alone. In addition, the medical
supply system is new, and little issues are still being ironed out. Hakim
is constantly working on ways to make these systems work for him and
support the vast machine that he, in turn, supports.
This often involves trips to the main supply warehouses in Kabul to gain
visibility on the movement and purchase of correct medical supplies.
On the other hand, it also often involves movement out to patrol bases
and forward operating bases to ensure basic medical continuation
training and distribution of stores to the correct areas.
PAULATIM
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – In the hotly contested Kandahar Province,
Colonel Mahommad Hakim and Major Ijtemaye Akmal, medical officers
in the Afghan National Army 205th Hero Corps, plan medical
operational support for Afghan government-led efforts to improve
security and economic opportunity for the Kandahari people.I sit next to
them and wait to provide advice when they ask for it.
While much of Australia’s Media focus has been in Uruzgan province
and the Mentoring Task Force (MTF), Colonel John Simeoni, Commander
205th Corps Coalition Advisory Team, has been quietly building a team
of advisors to work at the Afghan corps-level encouraging change from
the top. I am a member of this team; a group of NATO military
specialists helping the Afghans stand on their own feet militarily.
Twenty-three Australian, British, American, Canadian and Dutch soldiers
support the 205th Corps headquarters, as it provides security and
stability within Kandahar Province, currently the most dangerous region
in Afghanistan. A specialty which recently came into focus is medical
support and planning.
In the back of Hakim’s mind, however, is the fact that everyday, basic
operations must be balanced with contingency, crisis and military
operations. It is a challenge the Afghans have over 30 years of experience
in, and a new one to an Australian. We enjoy peace on our home turf.
205th Corps medical’s biggest challenge has been manning. The ANA
leave process is very different than the Australian system. It is
considered acceptable for soldiers at every level of command take
leave without notice. Often, they are gone for three or more weeks.
This can have severe consequences when trying to plan an operation
and half of your staff is not available.
Constant conflicts within Kandahar province provide another obstacle
to the ANA. Medical specialists are often far too intelligent to want to
move to Kandahar, which is largely considered the most dangerous area
in Afghanistan. They would much rather work up north in Kabul –
earning more money, living close to their families and staying out of
the way of insurgents.
Hakim and Akmal are responsible for the medical support of 15,000
soldiers throughout the province. It’s a large job and, considering the
vast array of current operations, providing medical support is no mean
feat. 205th Corps medical manning stands near 46 percent. Not good
for a military fighting machine involved in route clearance, aggressive
patrolling and provincial security and affected by targeting.
PA U L AT I M – M A GAZINE O F T HE R OYA L A U S T R A L I A N A R M Y M E DICAL C O R P S – 2 0 1 0 7 7