Lakewood man heads security team in Afghanistan

US and NATO forces in Afghanistan have changed their tactics in response to the “green on blue” attacks where Afghan soldiers or police are turning on their allies.

Co-mingling is no longer allowed in most instances on patrol, and that’s top of mind for a Lakewood soldier heading to Southwestern Afghanistan Tuesday as the head of a NATO security team.

US Army Captain Jacob Estrada has been training all summer for this mission. He’s in charge of security for the head of the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Farah, Afghanistan. His job is to keep the commanders safe.

Captain Estrada is very aware that attacks by supposed friendlies is on the rise this year, and he will have to watch his back.

“Our soldiers are prepared and ready to maintain the proper security posture that’s needed and remain vigilant,” he said. “We’re aware of the threat, and we are doing things to make sure we’re ready for that.”

Retired Army Major and CBS Military consultant Mike Lyons said the attacks have forced the US to limit its shared missions with the Afghan military and police.

“We’ve really stopped the patrols,” he said. “We’re going to change tactics on the ground.”

51 NATO soldiers have died in these “green on blue” attacks this year.

And that’s why part of Captain Estrada’s mission is to engage the Afghan civilians, to gain their trust so they can will tell him who’s friendly and who isn’t.

“While the principals are talking with the provincial governor and other leaders, our soldiers will be out on the street talking to local shop owners or to people passing by,” he said. “They are prepared, and they understand how critical that role is for the overall mission.”

Captain Estrada wouldn’t discuss the specific tactics his security team will be using to avoid “green on blue” attacks, but he’ll likely not being sharing many patrols with his Afghan counterparts.