ANA Graduates First NCO Improvement Class

QALAT, AFGHANISTAN

10.10.2010

Story by Sgt. Gerald Wilson 

2d Cavalry Regiment

ZABUL, Afghanistan- Thursday, Oct. 7 was graduation day at Camp Eagle near Forward Operating Base Apache in Zabul Province. The Afghan National Army celebrated the graduation of 23 non-commissioned officers from the first ANA NCO Improvement Course.

The two-week long course was taught by 2d Stryker Cavalry Regiment Soldiers, focusing on tactics and patrol techniques. These are skills will help them survive as soldiers in Afghanistan. .

The class covered escalation of force, rules of engagement, troop leading procedures, first aid and mounted/ dismounted movement techniques. In addition, students were taught how to react to an Improvised explosive device as well as basic recognition of IEDs.

“The program was designed to build on our partnership with the ANA,” said Staff Sgt. Matthew Russell, the senior instructor. “It was designed to get them up to speed on tactics.”

“It will help them on patrols with American forces and enable them to continue to build on their security and protect the civilians of Afghanistan,” he said.

“This group of NCOs did exceptionally well,” Russell continued. “They were highly motivated and dedicated to their duties here from 0800 to 1600. When we were working, they were very high speed.” Russell said that his student’s attitude towards learning made his job easy.

“They always showed up on time and stayed motivated throughout the day,” he said.
According to Russell, these students will go back to their units and teach the lessons they had learned to their fellow soldiers.

“These NCOs are ready to go back and train their soldiers to be more effective on patrol,” he said.

Russell said that six of his students have been identified to continue training for another week. These six will receive extra training to equip them to become the instructors for the next group of recruits. The ultimate goal of the program is to fully equip Afghan NCOs to train their soldiers with all the skills necessary to defend their homeland.

Programs such as this assist the Afghan National Army to become stronger and more independent.

• Date Taken: 10.10.2010
• Date Posted: 10.10.2010 06:26
• Story ID: 57845
• Location: QALAT, AF