What do the Greek, Mongolian,
Latvian and British Armies have in common? They’ve all been in Afghanistan
before: the Greeks under Alexander; the Mongols under Chinggis Khaan; the
Latvians as part of the Soviet Union; and the British more than a few times.
They are also current members of the International Security Assistance Force,
and contribute troops to the coalition mission in Afghanistan, writes the New
York Times in a special report under the title “Our Lesser-Known Allies in
Afghanistan”.

The Mongolians, for certain, provide
the most extraordinary example of international support. That Mongolia — a
landlocked country of just three million people, nearly half of whom still lead
a nomadic life — provides any aid at all to the international force is
remarkable. While
there are only a few dozen Mongolian soldiers in the country helping to train
the Afghan National Army, the country’s contribution is relatively substantial
considering that its military only numbers around 7,000 (less than a single
American division).

The Mongolian
mission at Camp Alamo, which just moved to another location around Kabul, is to
train the Afghans in the operation of indirect fire systems. Since the
Mongolians use former Soviet weaponry, particularly mortar and artillery
systems, they can train the Afghans in those systems with a familiarity that
NATO members could not. And although Mongolia’s military may not be as fearsome
as it once was under Genghis Khan, having been the only country to quell
Afghanistan has to count for something.

 The
Mongolians’ presence around camp also provides a novel experience for the many
members of ISAF who are unfamiliar with their distinct culture. While some of
the Mongolians struggle with English, their friendliness and dedication does
not get lost in translation. Also their presence provides an excellent excuse
for the DFAC (dining facility, that is) to have Mongolian BBQ night.