The US Army's 101st Combat Aviation Brigade started a new training programme at Bagram Air Field for Afghan helicopter pilots to learn how to perform air assault missions, which they have started to use in combat operations.
101st Combat Aviation Brigade Commander Colonel Paul Bontrager said the Afghans need to be weaned off American aviation during the drawdown of US forces this year.
The ability of Afghan helicopters to quickly drop soldiers into combat is a new and critical role.