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In 2013, AIDO has been replaced by a new term and course: ANA Inform and Influence Methods course (AIIM)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
Comments (4)
Drew Chaney said
at 1:08 pm on May 15, 2012
Whilst I have done well securring the AIDO insignia I am keen to locate the new 2012 CIMIC and Combat Camera patches. Drew May 2012
Drew Chaney said
at 2:48 pm on Jan 24, 2013
As of January 2013, the Afghan Army Information Dissimination Operations (AIDO) course has been replaced by Inform and Influence Methods course (AIIM) at Camp Shorabak.
The course helps promote the people skills of the soldiers, stressing the importance of dealing with the people of Afghanistan with dignity and respect, bringing the soldiers one step closer in professionalization.
The goal of AIIM is to help the Afghans in engaging the public. ANA learn to engage, build relationships, gain atmospherics and being able to then use that and turn into an opportunity to message.
Drew Chaney said
at 1:25 pm on Aug 25, 2017
2014 - Afghan Information Dissemination Operations (AIDO) Center of Excellence is mentioned in NATO press releases. Soon we identify a new patch
Drew Chaney said
at 11:09 am on Aug 19, 2019
I have added my updated ANA Collection representation - very happy to show that I have secured the AIDO COE and Civil Affairs patches and added a new variant to the AIDO tab.
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