Outgoing commander says farewell to old friend, mentor, colleague

KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN

07.06.2011

Story by Master Sgt. Paul Hughes 

NATO Training Mission Afghanistan

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – Sometimes, saying goodbye is difficult. That’s especially true for U.S. Army Col. Gregory Baine, commander of Regional Support Command-South here. Over the past year, Col. Baine has built a special relationship with the Afghan National Police commander for Regional Training Center-Kandahar, Brig. Gen Nasrullah Zarefi.

The two leaders have worked tirelessly together for the last 12 months to vastly improve the instruction, facilities and resources needed to provide Afghan National Police recruits the training necessary for their roles and responsibilities in providing for the nation’s future security needs.

The relationship between the two men is one of mutual respect not just as individuals but across cultural lines. “We didn’t try to force-feed western solutions or our way of doing things. With [Gen. Zarefi] in the lead and me as a dutiful subordinate to an Afghan general officer, with our staffs, we worked well and accomplished a lot.”

Together the two were responsible for the training of nearly 5200 Afghan National Police patrolmen, more than 425 ANP non-commissioned officers and 25 ANP officers.

Gen. Zarefi credited Col. Baine with providing great advice, qualified mentors and articulating training goals. But what Gen. Zarefi most fondly remembers is how Col. Baine was always able to solve problems like like providing new boots for the trainees and air conditioners for their living quarters.

Gen Zarefi says that even though Col. Baine is going back to his country and his family, his history will always be right here in southern Afghanistan and referred to the outgoing commander not as his friend, but as his Afghan brother.

The Afghan commander also welcomed Col. Baine’s replacement, Col. Richard Wilson, and expressed his hopes that the two will be able to work as well together has he and Col. Baine.

Later in the morning, the three commanders visited classrooms at the RTC-K where they reminded Afghanistan’s future policemen that their country’s security is in their hands. “It is important to serve your country with honor,” said Col. Baine, “and to be the kind of police officer you would want helping your family and your children; that will lead to gaining the people’s confidence and through your strength, you will build a better Afghanistan.”

Col. Baine officially relinquishes and Col. Wilson officially assumes command of RSC-S at a ceremony July 9.

• Date Taken: 07.06.2011
• Date Posted: 07.07.2011 01:32
• Story ID: 73321
• Location: KANDAHAR, AF