The Afghan National Army ANA
Afghan Army Information Dissemination Operations (AIDO) is the US inspired and trained Afghan PSYOPS / Public Relations personnel within the ANA Kandak Commando units.
Insignia has been developed to identify AIDO specialists.
In 2013, AIDO has been replaced by a new term and course: ANA Inform and Influence Methods course (AIIM)
It is unconfirmed (and pure speculation on my part) that AIDO will thus be renamed AIIM and reflect his change on their (the ANA) insignia.
My Collection of ANA patches - note the INFORMATION DISSEMINATION OPERATIONS CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE Patch and a new CIVIL AFFAIRS Tab patch
The AIDO program is a four-week course that teaches commandos (Kandaks) how to utilize information operations and counter enemy propaganda. Graduates are taught by military information support operations soldiers with Special Operations Task Force – South.
In 2012 the ANA, in anticipation of ISAF withdrawal and responsibility for it's own internal / external stability introduced new functional components of their capability notably CIMIC and Combat Camera.
AIDO Center of Excellence
The purpose of AIDO is to train at least one team from each ANA Corps to set up a tactical team that is capable of communicating effectively with people in their area of operations.
The participants learn to understand the population and their needs, and communicate ANA values and other information through megaphone, written communication and the use of RIABs.
The course contains both theory in the classroom and practical in the field.
“It is a very useful course. Winning hearts and minds and getting support of the population is important. It is a responsibility to convey the message to the local population and make them understand who we are, why we are fighting against enemies, what is the purpose of our mission.”
ANA PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER
