Alaska National Guardsman assists Mongolians with training

For the Frontiersman

CAMP SCENIC, Afghanistan — Traveling south from the Afghan capital city of Kabul, Mongolian Expeditionary Task Force leadership last month conducted an initial reconnaissance with elements of the British Army cadre and Alaska National Guard at Camp Scenic, the future site of the Afghanistan National Army’s Infantry Branch School.

Maj. Mark Binggeli of Wasilla is an Alaska Army National Guardsman working as a tactical advisor to the task force while they provide Fixed Sight Security on Camp Eggers in Kabul. He serves as liaison for base security operations and as a mentor, providing insight into the U.S. command structure, logistics and staff operations.

He is in the middle of a six-month deployment to Afghanistan.

The task force is establishing and staffing this new school with the mission to train future Afghan National Army infantry soldiers.

Its purpose on this visit was to become oriented with the facilities, security and infrastructure of the camp. Lodging, dining facilities, offices, classrooms and training areas are all being improved and tailored to meet the needs of the school.

The Afghan Army Military Police are using the site as a training center, but beginning in July, around 400 Afghan National Army trainees will arrive and begin the first infantry class at Camp Scenic. By winter, the school will phase in additional classes until it reaches capacity of up to three courses operating simultaneously with up to 1,400 trainees in camp.