Afghan pilots learn air assault tactics from 101st

Bagram Air Field (Afghanistan): With Afghan troops increasingly leading combat operations on the ground, the Afghan Air Force`s fledgling helicopter fleet based in Kabul has learned new techniques to support them from the air.

The US Army`s 101st Combat Aviation Brigade started a new training program at Bagram Air Field for Afghan helicopter pilots to learn how to perform air assault missions, which they have started to use in combat operations. 101st Combat Aviation Brigade Commander Colonel Paul Bontrager said the Afghans need to be weaned off American aviation during the drawdown of US forces this year. The ability of Afghan helicopters to quickly drop soldiers into combat is a new and critical role. PTI