Afghan Forces Receive NATO Weapons

KABUL, Afghanistan --- Afghan national security forces will receive a huge capability and mobility boost throughout the next year with more than 6,000 up-armored vehicles and more than 75,000 M-16 rifles from Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan.>> Servicemembers assigned to Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan's armored vehicle fielding team stand in front of more than 300 vehicles that will be issued to the Afghan national security forces, Oct. 5, 2008. During the next year, more than 6,000 vehicles will be issued throughout the country. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Shawn Graham>> This is great, said Army Maj. Charles McPhail, the commands chief of plans and requirements. The Afghan National Army will become a modernized army, with Humvees and NATO weapons. This transformation will help usher their forces into the 21st century.>> McPhail cited the M-16 rifles accuracy and durability since its introduction as the primary weapon for the U.S. military more than 30 years ago. The Russian-built AK-47 has been the primary weapon of the Afghan National Army since its formation, but Afghan government and military leaders prefer the sturdy M-16 rifle.>> Accuracy will always be more important than lots of shots, McPhail said. They wanted a weapon that doesnt waste shots. Thats the reason the Afghan government asked for the M-16.>> Afghan National Army Maj. Hasim Habiuallah, a company commander assigned to a forward deploying battalion, said the weapons and vehicles will allow Afghan soldiers to protect the country more effectively.