CAMP SHAHEEN, Mazar-e-Sharif, Afghanistan - The Afghan National Army 209th Corps Engineer School’s grand opening speech by ANA 209th Corps Commander Brig. Gen. Zalmai Waisa today stressed neutralizing cowardly attacks by insurgents laying mines in northern Afghanistan.

The ANA 209th Corps Engineer School at Camp Sheheen in Mazar-e-Sharif features Explosive Ordinance Detail classes and construction classes teaching Afghan army engineers to rebuild bridges and vital infrastructure destroyed by insurgents.

“We have a responsibility to learn and teach the new generation of Engineer soldier,” Waisa said. “This Engineering School offers many possibilities. We have a responsibility to maintain and take care of the facilities.”

The newly constructed buildings, classrooms and barracks were built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with the U.S. funded arm of NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan, the Combined Security Transition Command providing oversight.

“As you know, one of the big problems that we face is roadside bombs and old explosive ammunition from previous wars,” said Lt. Gen. Meenullah Karim, commander of the ANA Education Dept. “We started the basic form of the engineering school according to the curriculum from NTM-A. We will start the other terms of the school very soon.”

Heavy construction equipment was on display for the grand opening ceremony attended by NATO nation partners and more than a dozen members of the Afghan media. A tour of the facility and lunch followed the ribbon cutting ceremony.

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