Afghan security graduates receive warm homecoming

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

04.02.2009

Courtesy Story

U.S. Forces Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan – More than 240 graduates of the first Afghan Public Protection Program were welcomed home by their community Tuesday during a ceremony at the Jalrez District Center in Wardak province. Hundreds of citizens waited eagerly to witness the historic event as the graduates sat sharply in their crisp, new uniforms.

Guest speaker Muhammad Halim Fidai, the Wardak provincial governor, began the ceremony by welcoming home the first class of graduates from the APPP Training Academy in Laghman province.

The graduates successfully completed five training courses over a three-week period covering checkpoint procedures, radio operations, improvised explosive device neutralization, driver's training and first-aid, teaching them the five basic fundamentals of being security personnel.

The program was pioneered by Afghan officials in order to establish a first line community-based security initiative at the village and district level, and to improve the communities' sense of security and quality of life.

"I'm 100 percent sure that they are ready to do their job," said Maj. Allhmazar, an Afghan instructor at the academy. "When I see all of these men, I see professionalism."

Several of the new graduates expressed their enthusiasm to return home and put their new skills to use.

"I feel very good being one of the first students and I can't wait to go back to my people to do my job," said Saidparwaz, a graduate from northern Wardak. "I volunteered for this job to support my country."

"I wanted to learn something to defend my villagers," said Abdul Gahfar, from western Wardak. "They [militants] have damaged the roads, the bridges ... I trained to keep security in my village."

Many community members have already expressed a renewed sense of security knowing their neighborhoods will be better protected because of the Afghan Public Protection Force.

"I see this program as having a lot of benefits for the area and for the local people," said Sayed Shiraqha, a handyman from Jalrez.

Gov. Fidai addressed the public with a broadcast over the local radio station "Jalrez Peace Radio" for all those who were unable to attend the ceremony. He announced the upcoming arrivals of the new security forces within the local communities and urged villagers to work together.

"This program is to ensure all of your families will be safe; not just for one tribe, but for all tribes," said a representative from the Ministry of Interior. "When there is no security there is no stability. We must keep our pride within our communities, not just for our villages but for all of Afghanistan."

Gov. Fadai along with the chief of National Defense Services concluded the ceremony by recognizing select graduates who had been appointed as platoon leaders for their display of excellent leadership skills throughout the course. Each was assigned a particular zone called a "Howza" in their community.

The program is intended to foster links between the community, the local government and the Afghan national army and Afghan national police. This pilot initiative is directed and supervised by the Afghan Minister of Interior in partnership with the Minister of Defense.

"I volunteered to be part of the force to keep my place secure for my brothers," said Saidgangha, one of the newly appointed platoon leaders. "I will secure my village like I was taught."

• Date Taken: 04.02.2009
• Date Posted: 04.02.2009 07:26
• Story ID: 31899
• Location: KABUL, AF