US troops with First Platoon, Comanche Company, 4-9 Infantry and an interpreter instruct Afghan Uniform Police (AUP) officers on how to use IED detectors at a checkpoint in Panjwai district on April 5, 2013. Photo by Bill Ardolino for The Long War Journal.

An Afghan cop takes a break from training. The above officer learned how to use the handheld detectors fairly well, according to a US trainer, while some others were "way too stoned" on cannabis. Photo by Bill Ardolino for The Long War Journal.

An Afghan police officer poses with a "Minehound" handheld mine detector, which is capable of identifying both metallic and non-metallic IEDs. US trainers are uncertain how many of the detectors will be left with local forces as American troops draw down, but note that the Afghans, especially the local police, have an uncanny ability to spot the bombs even without detectors. Still, Afghan personnel suffer casualties at a higher rate than US forces, especially since taking the lead in combat operations. Photo by Bill Ardolino for The Long War Journal.

Platoon Leader First Lieutenant Tom Stanley tries on a police officer's hat while chatting with AUP Checkpoint Commander Sergeant Niamatullah. The two leaders discussed an operation proposed by the Afghan cop to take place the following week.

"We have a plan put in place for a joint patrol where they are the main effort," explained Stanley. "[Niamatullah] wants to go up there (points) and put a big [Afghan] flag on that hill. I guess it's a slap in the face of the Taliban, and the DCOP (district chief of police) is planning on putting a checkpoint up there." Photo by Bill Ardolino for The Long War Journal.

A disconnected pressure plate of the variety connected to buried bombs that target foot patrols was used for training purposes in the counter-IED training. When the wooden box bows, contacts connect, completing an electrical circuit and detonating explosives. Photo by Bill Ardolino for The Long War Journal.

An Afghan police officer mouths a hash cigarette after offering it to this reporter with a laugh and the enunciation, "Hasheeeesh!" Photo by Bill Ardolino for The Long War Journal.