Georgia Guardsmen Train for Afghanistan

The Georgia's Army National Guard is training at Camp Shelby Mississippi for their deployment to Afghanistan. One of the military leaders said the mission is to coach, teach and mentor. But when it comes to the home country of Osama Bin Laden, that's easier said than done.

Camp Shelby Mississippi is half a world away from Afghanistan, but for these Georgia Army National Guard members, it's the closest thing to being there.

"What were doing is trying to put them in all the uncertainties, where they have to make decisions on the ground and keep their soldiers safe," said field commander, Command Sgt. Major Michael Hurndon.

The soldiers are using live ammo in a fictitious urban warfare environment to take out a suspected bomb making facility. They are members of the Bravo Company, out of Newnan, Ga.

"This is my first combat mission. It puts you on edge you got to take it serious," said Sgt. James Kuhn.

The Bravo Company is part of the 48th Brigade, 2,500 strong. The majority are training at Shelby before heading to Afghanistan, where their primary mission will be to work with and train Afghan forces and border police.

Camp Shelby is much more than teaching Georgia guardsmen about urban warfare. It is also about teaching them how to deal with the Afghan people, one-on-one, on their terms.

In the fictitious village of Ghanzi, Afghan nationals are part of a scenario involving a suicide bomber. Victims include villagers and Afghan forces.

"Walking through the town, you never know when you're going to get hit. It's a little more difficult to stay on point," said Sgt. Mark Allen

Georgia guardsmen are smack in the middle of the dispute trying to learn how to distinguish friend from foe.

"We know everything about our culture, you know. We have to train them, you know. They have to learn from us," said trainer and Afghan National Abdul Sammy.

Battle field leader, Brigadier General Larry Dudney hopes they learn well as he shows a list of 26 Georgia guardsmen killed in Iraq.

"I make no qualms about it. It's going to be a very difficult mission," said Dudney. "Please continue to keep these brave men and women in your thoughts and prayers and their families as well, too."