DISA Civilian Completes 14-Month Voluntary Deployment in Afghanistan

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Over the decades, DISA has been engaged in every mission the Department has undertaken. These engagements have become increasingly interagency and international, and our partnerships have increased to reflect this.

This is the story of one DISA civilian who recently returned from a voluntary deployment in support of the DISA mission.

Vijay Kumar, an Electronics Engineer assigned to the Operations Directorate, recently returned from a 14-month deployment to Afghanistan.

Kumar's longevity with the agency (He has worked at DISA for 12 years.) and his expertise as a systems engineer at the DISA Cyber Command Field Office — serving as a liaison engineer supporting DISA programs, applications, and tools — made him a match for this deployment.

"I wanted to help the Afghans as much as I could," said Kumar when asked about his reason for volunteering.

Kumar was selected for the assignment under the Ministry of Defense Advisors (MoDA) Program, which is designed to forge long-term relationships that strengthen partner states' security ministries.

While deployed, Kumar's mission was to advise and guide the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) on information technology (IT) and network infrastructure. This included developing an Afghan National Security Forces Network (ANSFNet), which will improve the deployment and management of the communication networks supporting the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Defense, National Directorate of Security, and Presidential Information Coordination Center.

"Our goal was to deliver a simple, sustainable, and robust communications infrastructure," said Kumar. "Afghan National Security Forces Network cornerstone capabilities include reliable, secure, and adequate voice communications for all ANSF personnel and IT connectivity down to the provincial-level. It also provides a core suite of IT services and applications that will enhance operational effectiveness and a sustainable, standardized communications infrastructure to reduce operations and maintenance costs."

Working approximately 90 hours a week — without breaks on weekends or holidays — a typical day for Kumar consisted of formal or informal meetings with his Afghan counterparts, developing action plans and capabilities to manage and maintain the ASNF networks. His daily routine often included late night wrap-up meetings with senior leaders, during which the strategic road map was reviewed, daily successes were noted, and the plan to further Afghan infrastructure development was refined.

As a result of Kumar's deployment, the ANSF were successfully transitioned to manage their own network operations center. In order for the Afghan forces to function independently in the information technology and network operations field, they received a significant amount of training and education from Kumar and his team members.

Kumar and his team also developed and published an ANSFNet Network Expansion Plan that defines desired ANSFNet long-haul IT communication objectives (e.g. bandwidth, uptime, latency, etc.), conforms planned point of presence locations, and identifies additional requirements.

"My deployment not only affected the way I now approach my work at DISA, but changed my view on life altogether," said Kumar. "[My deployment was] not a flashy job. We had to blend in and work effectively behind the scenes to promote Afghan ownership. When making recommendations, we had to be practical and flexible…"

The opportunity provided Kumar with firsthand experience of the hardships deployed military and civilian personnel face, and with it, a greater appreciation for the sacrifices they have made

"I am grateful [to] our founding fathers […] and also to those who sacrificed their lives for this country, both in the military and civilian world," said Kumar.

Antiterrorism training is another way to protect your family

By Maj. Eric Leckel

Wisconsin Army National Guard

(Editor’s Note: August is Antiterrorism Awareness month and the Wisconsin National Guard is highlighting personal and professional perspectives to stay safe. The story below comes to us from a Soldier of the Wisconsin National Guard who shares what antiterrorism training means to him and his family.)

When I was assigned as the State Partnership Program (SPP) coordinator I was required to travel domestically and internationally. The online Antiterrorism training and the training aids were a great enhancement to pre-deployment planning and event execution. This allowed me to be better prepared to identify possible terrorist threats and hazards.

The second benefit of the antiterrorism training has been my ability to assist my family members with terrorism awareness. Prior to any travel with my family I will discuss antiterrorism Individual Protective Measures (IPM) outlined in the Joint Staff handout OCJCS PC 5260.

I also always try to obtain and share information regarding our final travel destination. Most of the information is regarding criminal activity, but I also discuss staying vigilant for the possibility of terrorist activities.

This was the case when we scheduled a family vacation to Washington D.C. and the potential for terrorist activities in this area. The one page handout can assist in both situations when trying to practice safe travel habits.

The other measure I always discuss with my wife prior to boarding an airplane is actions if there is a high-jacking during the flight. Not the most favorable topic prior to a vacation, but I believe it is something that will enhance our safety in case of an emergency.

Another great tool I use for educating my family with regard to antiterrorism awareness is the Family Threat Assessment provided by the J-34 section of the Wisconsin National Guard Joint Staff. This document is a six page paper which identifies three different groups of adversaries, potential acts, and protection measures.

The other portion of the document that prepares the family is the threat mitigation and reduction section. This outlines seven threats and explains how my family members can mitigate criminal and terroristic activities from happening to them.

I have used all three of these antiterrorism tools to better prepare my family and myself to assist in preparing awareness in the current threat environment.

Learn more about how to keep your family safe from criminals, cyber criminals, or terrorism. The Ready Wisconsin website is designed to educate and empower Wisconsinites to prepare for and respond to all kinds of emergencies including natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks.

ISAF Condemns ‘Despicable’ Suicide-bomber Attack

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, July 14, 2012 – The International Security Assistance Force condemned today’s "senseless and cowardly" suicide-bomber attack at a wedding in Afghanistan’s northern Samangan province that killed nearly 20 people, including a member of the country's parliament, and wounded dozens, military officials reported.

A suicide attacker blew himself up at the entrance to a wedding hall in Aybak, the province’s capital, officials said, noting the blast killed at least 19 people and wounded more than 43 others.

Ahmad Khan Samangani, a member of the Afghan parliament; Mohammad Khan, the provincial director of the National Directorate of Security; and Lt. Gen. Said Ahmad Samse were among those killed in the attack, officials said.

Regional Command-North is providing medical and surgical assistance to the injured, according to a RC-North news release issued today.

The International Security Assistance Force stated in a release issued today that it “strongly condemns this senseless and cowardly act of insurgent terror that resulted in the murder of innocent civilians. These despicable acts continue to disrupt peace and demonstrate an utter lack of respect for Afghan lives.”

“Once again the Taliban have murdered Afghans in cold blood with complete disregard for innocent life or to the sanctity of a wedding,” ISAF commander Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen stated in the release. “Their depravity clearly knows no bounds. The disgust of the Afghan people for these criminals only continues to grow.

“ISAF continues to stand with the noble people of Afghanistan and we offer our assistance in solving this crime,” Allen continued. “I offer my sincerest condolences and prayers to the family and friends who are suffering from the loss of their loved ones."

ISAF “remains committed to stopping acts of terror together with Afghan National Security Forces in order to build a secure environment that promotes lasting peace and a secure way of life for the Afghan people,” the command’s release said.

ISAF Commander Condemns Farah Rocket Attack

From an International Security Assistance Force News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan – International Security Assistance Force Commander Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen condemned today’s terrorist attack against the governor’s compound in Afghanistan’s Farah province.

The attack killed an Afghan civilian and injured several people including women and children in the western province. Among the injured was a six-month-old infant who suffered shrapnel wounds when a rocket struck a playground behind the governor’s office.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of those killed or hurt by this senseless act of terror,” Allen said. “In recent months, we have seen insurgent attacks increasingly focus on targeting Afghan civilians and government officials working to secure a more prosperous future for Afghanistan.”

Such attacks have caused nearly 1,500 Afghan civilian casualties so far this year, Allen said. “Once again I call upon Mullah Omar to end these brutal attacks,” he said. “If he really is in control of these elements of the Taliban, this should be possible.”

Such attacks are causing Afghans to turn against the Taliban, Allen said. “The growing frustration of the Afghan people with this senseless violence is manifesting itself in various locations across Afghanistan as Afghans are rising up against the violence and oppression of the Talban,” he said.

Officials Condemn Hotel Attack in Afghanistan

By Cheryl Pellerin

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, June 22, 2012 – Defense Department and International Security Assistance Force officials have condemned the brutal attack in Afghanistan on the lakeside Spozhmai Hotel west of Kabul in which terrorists killed civilians and took hostages.

Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen, ISAF commander and commander of U.S. troops in Afghanistan, said in a statement issued today that the Haqqani terrorist network is linked to the attack.

“Afghan National Security Forces and coalition military sources acknowledge that this attack bears the signature of the Haqqani network, which continues to target and kill innocent Afghans and blatantly violate Afghan sovereignty from the safety of Pakistan,” Allen said.

"Our condolences go out to the families and loved ones of those defenseless Afghans who were murdered in their sleep during the early morning hours of Jum'ah [Friday of the Muslim week] by the enemies of peace in Afghanistan,” the general added.

Allen said he was extremely impressed with the Afghan police and special-response units who arrived quickly to secure the scene and liberate civilian hostages.

“While we provided minimal support at the request of the Afghan security forces,” the general said, “there should be little doubt about their ability and capability to protect the Afghan people in the years ahead."

At the Pentagon, Press Secretary George Little and Pentagon spokesman Navy Capt. John Kirby condemned the brutal attack in the strongest terms.

“We’re talking about civilians who were merely trying to enjoy some time beside a lake,” Little told reporters here. “This is yet again a barbaric act perpetrated by the Haqqani network. And I would also note, as Gen. Allen at ISAF did, that the [Afghan National Security Forces] responded effectively.”

Kirby said Allen has been very aggressive, “particularly in the last several months, on targeting the Haqqanis inside Afghanistan.” Kirby added there were no reported ISAF casualties during the attack.

The Haqqani network, based in Pakistan, is allied with the Taliban and it often targets Afghan and coalition troops in Afghanistan, officials said.

Little said defense officials have “continued to press the Pakistanis to take action on their side of the border to prevent the safe haven [there] from remaining a safe place for terrorists to operate.”

“We would like for [Pakistanis] to do more,” he added. “We’ve communicated that, and we’d like to cooperate with them in finding ways to pursue militants that threaten Afghans, threaten ISAF forces and threaten Pakistanis.”

At this stage in negotiations with the Pakistani government, Little said, “the real focus is on trying to drive closer U.S.-Pakistani cooperation to bring pressure to bear against the Haqqani network and other militants who operate along the Afghan-Pakistan border.”