A MUST READ FOR THOSE WHO WILL ACT AS TALIBAN fighters. There are three basic types of fighters in the Afghan regions:
1. Afghan Natives – These fighters are poorly equiped but are very experience and considered some of the toughest fighters around. Their equipment is primarily Russian, Yugoslavian, or Chinese. Their experience comes from fighting the Russians in the late 70’s and early 80’s. Due to support from America, many fighters were trained in U.S. equipment and tactics.
Mindset - They are Muslim but are not extremist. However, have been led to believe that America is the root of there problems because we would have stayed and fought with them in the 80’s instead of leaving. This proves that America only wants oil.
Their clothing consists of the following:
a. Pakol - The design of the hat is based on Islam. When a Sunni Muslim man prays, his forehead must touch the ground. The round part provides a cushion. By contrast, when a Shiite Muslim prays, his head must rest on a rock. This type of hat would not be suitable for a Shiite. Shiites often carry a rock in their pockets to pray on. In the Shiite mosque there is a pile of rocks for the men to pick up and use in prayer.
b. Long sleeve shirt untucked, dark blue, brown, or tan
c. Ammo vest, Russian surplus, or 1970’s US. canvas style gear
d. Vest for carrying personal items and food, brown or green
e. Any Ak47 variant, few mags, with a pouch of loose rounds or belted. Very few if any M16 series because ammo for them is rare.
f. Earth tone baggy pants
g. Sandles
2. Islamic Extremist – These fighters are the recruiters and leaders. They are natives of Afghan. Rather they have used Afghan for its only asset, its vest jagged mountain ranges. They have close ties and funding from Al Qaeda and other Saudi interests. They possess a strong knowledge of U.S and Russian style tactics. Although they do not have the same high stamina as the natives they are still hardened veterans. They study the Koran and refer to it for all decisions and reasons. Their clothing consists of the following:
a. Turban – black or white, can be folded in various ways. They are unique as the individual wearing it. Typically a piece of material 2 inches wide and up to 15 yards long.
b. Long white pull over cloak
c. Ammo vest, Russian surplus only
d. Vest for carrying personal items and food, brown or green
e. Baggy earth tone or white pants
f. Any Ak47 variant, few mags, with a pouch of loose rounds or belted.
g. Sandles
3. Chechen Rebels – These fighters are much less religious and looked upon as little more than mercenaries. Although they are Muslim, they will act and dress in more modern clothing. They are high skilled in fighting the Russians and have lived their entire lives in a war zone. Some travel anywhere Muslims have declared a Jihad. There are few of these fighters in Afghan. They wear the following:
a. Wool cap, bandana, or pick up a Pakol
b. Russian or American shirt of jacket (souvenir)
c. Russian or American 80’s Field gear
d. Blue jeans, they are a prized possession because that are durable and rare.
e. Boots, hiking boots.
f. Any rifle will do the rarer the better as long as there is ammo.
The Taliban have been able to adapt to strategies which involve aggressive suicidal attacks in small groups mixed with surprise attacked based on U.S. tactical habits such as flying the same pattern, circling, and landing.
