ISAF commander visits Camp Julien

Background NATO in Afghanistan

By Canadian Army Capt. Jean-Marc Mercier
Task Force Kabul/PIO.

CAMP JULIEN , Afghanistan --Turkish Army Lt. Gen. Ethem Erdagi, commander of the International Security Assistance Force, visited Camp Julien, home of Canada's military forces in Afghanistan recently.

This was the general's first visit to the Canadian camp and it provided him the opportunity to view some of the state-of-the art infrastructure and equipment used by Task Force Kabul (TFK) soldiers.

Upon arriving at Camp Julien, he inspected a quarter-guard of TFK soldiers and was greeted by Col. Walter Semianiw, TFK commander. The colonel and the TFK staff then hosted COM ISAF for lunch in one of Camp Julien's messes.

Following lunch the general was escorted to the Camp Julien parade square to view a number of static displays of TFK's equipment. The general had a chance to look at all the displays and ask the soldiers questions about their kit.

One piece of equipment that was of particular interest to General Erdagi was the Coyote reconnaissance and surveillance armoured vehicle of the Canadian Reconnaissance Squadron. This unit is of particular importance to ISAF because it serves as the "eyes and ears" of the Kabul Multinational Brigade (KMNB), the unit responsible for the tactical command of all the multi-national soldiers on the ground in support of ISAF.

The general also paid close attention to the Light Armoured Vehicle III (LAV III) used by the TFK Force Protection Company as well as the TFK Field Engineer Squadron's de-mining capability. In particular he wanted to see the remote-controlled robot and the protective bomb suit used by the Squadron's Improvised Explosive Device/Explosive Ordnance Disposal team.

Following the tour of Canadian equipment, the general was taken on a tour of Camp Julien and visited the first-class medical facilities of the TFK Health and Service Company (HSS Coy) as well as the camp's water treatment and bottling facility.

At the end of his visit General Erdagi expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to visit TFK. He commended the Canadians on their professionalism and thanked them for their continuous support to ISAF

"The Canadian Camp Julien is a jewel amongst the camps here in Kabul region and the envy of the NATO's camps in Afghanistan," said the general. "You can justifiably be proud of your camp and your overall contribution to ISAF."

In response, Col. Semianiw re-affirmed the Canadians' belief of the importance of providing support to ISAF and KMNB on a daily basis for the benefit of the citizens of Afghanistan, to help them continue rebuilding their country.