Afghan Officers Graduate From Command And Staff College

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

03.10.2010

Story by Maj. Gary Kuczynski 

NATO Training Mission Afghanistan

Seventy three Afghan officers graduated from the Afghan army command and General Staff College course. This marks the end of 20 weeks, or 680 hours, of academic preparation to become professional Afghan army staff officers.

Similar to the U.S. Army's Intermediate Level Education, or ILE, at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., this was the 18th graduating class from the CSC; 1,187 staff officers have graduated in the previous 17 courses, bringing the total to 1,260.

"This is a beautiful day for these officers" remarked one of the Afghan army CSC instructors prior to the graduation ceremony. The beauty is this marks a beginning, not the end, of a developmental journey for a professional, educated, and adaptive Afghan army Officer Corps.

The CGSC was established in February of 2004, with the aim of training, educating, and improving the professional knowledge of ANA staff officers in accordance with new tactical and technical standards and preparing them for their next assignment.

The purpose of the CGSC is to improve the efficiency of the ANA officers as theyo assume combat command positions in Kandak (battalion), brigade and corps level.

"This is the continuance of the professionalism, development, and education of the Afghan army" said Maj. Gen. David Hogg, Deputy Commander-Army, NTM-A , a member of the reviewing party. "Your professional education, both formal and informal, doesn't end here," he emphasized to the course graduates.

This graduation of officers marked the continued growth of a capable, competent, and self-sufficient Afghan army. The 73 officers, together with the previous 1,187 graduates, ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of Afghan army units currently engaged in conflict. They also are the building blocks and cornerstones for the future of a strong and prosperous Afghan nation.

"In this room is the future leadership of the Afghan army," said Maj. Gen. Hogg, "There are future brigade or corps commanders, or the Chief of Staff of the Army in this room . . . you are the future."

• Date Taken: 03.10.2010
• Date Posted: 03.22.2010 14:42
• Story ID: 47026
• Location: KABUL, AF