203rd enlisted leader seeks to empower Afghan NCOs

LOGAR PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

02.23.2011

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Task Force 101

LOGAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – The non-commissioned officer corps is renowned for being the backbone of the U.S. military, and the Afghan National Army is working to achieve the same status. During a recent visit to his 4th Brigade troops in Logar province, Afghan National Army Command Sgt. Maj. Habibullah Chamkani sought to further empower the Afghan NCO corps.

While touring Forward Operating Base Shank, Chamkani met with senior leadership to discuss strategic planning and logistics issues, but the majority of his visit centered on strengthening the NCO corps.

“It’s been my pleasure to work from the top down and from the bottom to the top to improve their situation in general and training specifically,” said Chamkani. “Taking care of my soldiers is what I’m here for.”

There is a fundamental difference between American and Afghan military structures. In the U.S. military, NCO’s are held to high standards that earn them respect, authority and trust. Currently, the ANA invests more authority in the officer corps. Many, including Chamkani’s American counterpart, U.S. Army Sgt. Major Ronald Maraffi of Slippery Rock, Pa., senior NCO adviser to the 203rd Corps, see a need to change this aspect of the ANA.

“The Afghans aren’t known for empowering their NCOs. Giving them more responsibility will be rewarded with a higher level of effectiveness,” said Maraffi. “As soon as they are given more authority, and improve their decision making process, a lot more will get accomplished.”

Men like Chamkani and Maraffi are working to implement essential changes within the ANA.

“Leaders need to let NCOs figure issues out themselves. It’s a pretty big mountain to climb, but with Chamkani’s efforts, they’re well on their way,” said Maraffi.

The shoulder-to-shoulder approach to partnership between the coalition and their Afghan counterparts is beginning to yield results.

“Having my American counterpart by my side has benefited me 100 percent,” said Chamkani. “He has helped me teach our junior and senior non-commissioned officers the significance of being self sufficient.”

The NCO corps is a work in progress, but it is making great strides within the ANA.

“(The Afghans) are doing very well with training and sustainment courses,” said Maraffi. “Many of their training initiatives are very effective,” said Maraffi.

Chamkani closed his trip with a recruitment pitch, “We need more Afghans to join the Army, serve their country, work honestly and fight for Afghanistan.”

• Date Taken: 02.23.2011
• Date Posted: 02.23.2011 13:05
• Story ID: 65943
• Location: LOGAR PROVINCE, AF