Afghan Special Forces work to strengthen security in Helmand

AFGHANISTAN

10.15.2013

Story by Staff Sgt. Richard Lower 

NATO Special Operations Component Command-Afghanistan

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Afghan National Army Special Forces trained and graduated 29 guardians into the Afghan Local Police ranks Oct. 5, in Helmand province’s Kajaki district.

Afghan Special Forces soldiers of the 7th Special Operations Kandak used their past combat experiences fighting insurgents to ensure ALP cadets received the best training possible during the 21-day program.

“We teach them what they need to survive,” said Kajaki-based ANASF Platoon Commander Capt. Nangialay Hamidzai.

ALP recruits gained competency in weapons skills, critical first aid techniques, and Afghan rule of law. The officers will use these abilities to bring peace and security to their districts.

“We come to the district. And then, we talk to the elders and the district governors and explain to them that [ANASF] wants their sons and brothers to register so we can give them training on how to secure their homes,” said Hamidzai, while explaining how Afghan Special Forces members are involved in developing ALP units.

“They know everyone,” said Hamidzai, commenting on how ANASF teams use the ALP officers’ familiarity with village populations during operations. “They know who is good and who is bad … that is the biggest help, when [ANASF] go out on a mission.”

“The training is basic … but differs depending on the area,” said Hamidzai, “[The Lashkar Gah training center] is the ‘big head’ of ALP training. They have all the facilities. It’s amazing.”

Training at the center exceeds normal standards by teaching students about the Afghan constitution and how to operate with other Afghan security forces, said 2nd Lt. Ajmal Saraj Hekmatullah an instructor at the LGTC.

Although the Lashkar Gah center is considered Helmand province’s elite ALP training site, ANASF soldiers provide similar training to more remote locations throughout the province.

• Date Taken: 10.15.2013
• Date Posted: 10.15.2013 12:22
• Story ID: 115164
• Location: AF