Close

#Videocrux - Afghan conditions recreated to train European troops Afghan conditions recreated to train European troops
A town in eastern Germany has been taken over by the army, keen to use it as a training ground before being deployed to Afghanistan. Seen as key to acclimatising soldiers to Afghan culture, the facilities are nevertheless a far cry from the purpose-built villages available to troops in Britain.
Afghan village created in UK
An Afghan village recreated in the heart of the English countryside. Scenarios mimic what life could look like for troops on a tour of duty in Afghanistan .
Germans train besides a swimming pool
Here in eastern Germany though, soldiers are having to use a little more imagination. Playing the part of an Afghan drinking water depot is this public swimming pool. The local deputy mayor has even been roped in to play an Afghan elder.Markus Herrmann, Deputy Mayor of Lengefeld saying "We can't go out to that country unprepared - So it's important to train as much as possible beforehand."
35 Germans killed in Afghanistan
German currently has over 3 and a half thousand soldiers deployed to Afghanistan and has lost 35 men there. Though not very realistic, the army's exercises are critical to their success on the ground. The troops have been learning the basics of Afghan culture which includes the importance of tea-drinking when meeting local leaders or getting used to seeing women wearing the burqa.
Drills far away from reality in Afghanistan
Lieutenant René Voigt saying "We can't compare this to an operation on the ground in Afghanistan. There's a different mentality and they speak a different language"

• Videos
• Comments

Patent Pending | Copyright © 2007-2009 Videocrux Inc. All rights reserved.