New guards take charge at Afghan National Detainee Facility

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

03.30.2008

Story by Seaman Timothy Newborn 

NATO Training Mission Afghanistan

By Seaman Timothy Newborn
Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan — More than 40 Kabul Military Training Facility graduates completed a correction specialist course March 30 at the Afghan National Detainee Facility.

The graduating Afghan national army soldiers were taught riot control, detainee transport, feeding operations, emergency response and security over a seven-week period.

Now fully qualified, these skilled soldiers are able to stand watch.

"The ANA is taking charge and getting things done," said Steve Rhoades, senior mentor, MPRI Detainee Operations, "Two years ago there were no Afghan guards; now they're training each other how to do the job."

After graduation, the ANA guards will work at the ANDF, which is monitored by Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan advisors.

"Over the years I've seen significant improvements within the facility and the staff," said Brig. Gen. Dennis Tabbernor, Afghan Army Development deputy commanding general. "I believe that ANDF is leading the way and setting an example for the rest of Afghanistan."

In addition to detention security procedures, the guards are also taught human rights responsibilities, as well as Afghan penitentiary regulations and law of prison and detention centers.

"We are teaching an international standard on how to perform their duties as a detainee officer," said Marine Maj. Derek Brostek, CSTC-A political military affairs legal advisor.

During his congratulatory speech to the new guards, U.S. Army Col. Anthony Zabek, detention capabilities director, commended two outstanding guards.

"Two soldiers, ANA privates, refused a $100 dollar bribe," he said "This is professionalism and ethical behavior that they should be proud of."

The three companies that graduated, 1st Company, 2nd Company and Headquarters Company, each have their own area of responsibility within the facility. 1st and 2nd Companies for example, stand watch and work with more than 240 inmates. The Headquarters Company will assist Brig. Gen. Haji Safiullah, detainee facility commander.

After graduation, the guards exchanged their green berets for black ones, signifying they are now authorized to work within the compound.

The ANDF was originally built in the 1970s. Since then, it has received $26 million in renovations, which included new interior paint, windows, dining facility and living areas.

• Date Taken: 03.30.2008
• Date Posted: 04.02.2008 16:12
• Story ID: 18003
• Location: KABUL, AF