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The Joint Security Academy Southwest at Camp Leatherneck graduated 49 Afghan non-commissioned officers from its first NCO development course here, Sept. 2.
Afghan soldiers from the 215th Corps participated in the nine-week course, tailored for small unit leaders in charge of junior soldiers.
“By you being here and completing the training, you have demonstrated that you are focused on the growth and development of the NCO corps,” said Sgt. Maj. Michael Barrett, the Regional Command Southwest sergeant major. “You are the backbone of the Afghan army.”
During the nine-week course, the NCOs participated in 345 hours of leadership and combat skills training mandated by the Afghanistan Ministry of Defense program of instruction. The course exposed the soldiers to customs and courtesies, employment of crew served weapons and stress management. The program also introduced the NCOs to the law of armed conflict, rules of engagement and the Afghan constitution.
“The course was good for us,” said Afghan Army soldier and NCO course student, Sgt. Habibullah. “I will go back to teach the other soldiers what I have learned here. Maybe some of them will be able to attend this course too. It will benefit our unit.”
The 215th Corps was activated in April 2010 and was the first corps to stand up in more than six years. Their mission is to partner with Regional Command Southwest to establish security in Helmand province.
As the Afghan army continues to grow and take on more responsibility throughout the area of operation, the need for experienced and solid leaders is steadily rising. The sergeant major of the 215th Corps, Sgt. Maj. Seraj Yudin, spoke to his Afghan soldiers during the graduation and told them to retain the knowledge and skills developed during the course because the missions ahead will be challenging.
“Soldiers, remember what you learned during your time here,” Yudin said. “The people of your country are depending on you. Go back to your soldiers and teach them what you have learned.”
“You make the difference where it counts,” Barrett said. “The tools you’ve learned here will take you and your men to the next level. Always be learning; always be teaching. There is nothing more honorable or noble than to serve your country. I’m proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with you.”
The JSAS at Camp Leatherneck is a training facility that provides Afghan soldiers and policemen formal education in skills to help improve security for southwest Afghanistan. The academy will host a joint ANA and ANP NCO course in the coming months.
| Date Taken: | 09.02.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 09.04.2010 02:05 |
| Story ID: | 55695 |
| Location: | AF |
| Web Views: | 42 |
| Downloads: | 5 |
This work, Afghan soldiers graduate from first NCO course held in province, by SSgt Heidi Agostini, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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