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    Afghanistan’s Newest Policemen Graduate

    KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – Afghan National Police Brig. Gen. Shariq Zarifi, commander of Recruit Training Center-Kandahar, honored 344 Afghan Uniform Police Patrolman during an awards and graduation ceremony Aug. 12 at Recruit Training Center-Kandahar.

    The ceremony, which marked the culmination of the six-week course, was attended by more than 300 people. News and radio crews from Al Jazeera, Associated Press, Kandahar National Radio, Killid Radio, SABA TV, HEWAD TV and Wranga Radio attended the event capturing the first images of Afghanistan’s newest policemen.

    “I talked to you guys yesterday a lot and there was a citation of the Koran and we all promised that we’re going to work towards the future of our country… I’m hoping one day we won’t hear any sounds of fire, we can put all our collection of AKs on the side and we won’t have to use them anymore,” Gen. Shafiq Zarifi told the graduates.

    The ceremony honored the recruit’s hard work and dedication. Guest speakers stressed commitment to public service and the important role the graduates will play in the future stability of Afghanistan.

    Brig. Gen. Craig King, Regional Command South Director of Future Plans, challenged the students to “be brave, be honest, and protect the people of their country.”

    “You have undergone a period of instruction and you’ve learned very many valuable lessons,” said King. “The people of Afghanistan need police who are well trained, who do their job with courage, and who do their job as thinking policemen.”

    As the graduates proudly marched to the front of the stage to receive their certificates, it was obvious that all the long days of training were well worth it as they experience their moment of glory.

    Each graduate marched smartly to receive his graduation certificate, afterwards turning and shouting an outburst of pride and patriotism.

    “Zhuand!” exclaimed each policeman; a Pashto phrase meaning “Viva Afghanistan!”

    “When you leave here, you will operate with your brothers in the Army and your brothers in ISAF to provide for the security of the people of Afghanistan,” said King. “We will operate as brothers to protect the people. Where you go, we will go...where we go, you will go.”

    Zarifi and King thanked the Army mentors and the support of the Regional Support Command South leaders for their hard work and dedication.

    The newest graduates from the Regional Training Center – Kandahar left for their new posts after graduation taking with them the optimism that they can make a difference and impact in Afghanistan’s future.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 08.14.2010
    Date Posted: 08.14.2010 10:57
    Story ID: 54585
    Location: AF

    Web Views: 63
    Downloads: 6

    PUBLIC DOMAIN