Commandos at Camp Morehead in Afghanistan celebrated the opening of their new facility and increased coverage area with a ribbon cutting ceremony on 1 September. The radio station, known as Commando Radio, 95.1FM, is operated by Commandos trained in Afghan Information Dissemination Operations (AIDO). It provides a variety of services to its listeners including popular music, weather information, radio dramas, and updates on Commando operations.
“The most important aspect of Commando Radio is that all the information it provides is truthful,” said the US Army Special Operations Captain responsible for training Commandos in AIDO. “Afghans can count on Commando Radio to always provide the truth, thus increasing the credibility of the Commandos. For example, if insurgents attack and kill civilians, our DJs and can instantly put out a news spot letting the public know what actually happened versus the lies the enemy try to tell. Commando Radio’s value lies in its ability to quickly publicize the truth in an effort to counter enemy propaganda.”
Thanks to newly installed equipment and a new facility, the station’s coverage has increased from 25 percent of Kabul to the whole city. The radio station also has two full-time skilled DJs. The new facility has a studio for its two DJs, a conference room, and office space—a big difference from the smaller, one room facility from which the station previously operated.
“We’ve received feedback that our radio station is one of the top five in Kabul, but we can do better than that,” said the Commando Radio Station Manager in Kabul. “People are excited about the Commandos; everyone knows who they are and that they have a radio station with great programming that also informs people about this elite force.”
“We have asked people, via the radio, to let us know if there are IEDs [improvised explosive devices] on roads so the proper authorities can be notified,” said the radio station manager. “We let them know that they have the ability to prevent people from getting hurt. If we receive information about upcoming attacks we can warn people away from that area until its safe. The Commandos are here to help, but they can’t do it alone and the radio station is a way for the people to have their voice heard.”
Currently listeners can call and tune in from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 pm every day, except Fridays when the hours are 8:30-11:30 a.m. Based on the feedback that the radio station is always seeking, they are looking into 24 hour, seven days-a-week broadcasting in an effort to become even more popular. Fans can also look forward to potential live interviews with local leaders and incentives for tuning in like radio contests.
“They have set the standard at Camp Morehead for the rest of the Commando Kandaks,” said the U.S. Army Special Operations Captain. “They are moving in the right direction and it will only get better from here.”
(Source: International Security Assistance Force)
