CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - Twenty-six Afghan National Security Forces students at the Joint Sustainment Academy Southwest aboard Camp Leatherneck graduated from the Explosive Hazard Reduction Course, Feb. 2.

The four-week course taught the Afghan force students how to safely sweep for, identify and destroy improvised explosive devices in place, in addition to disposing of unexploded ordnance.

Showing their support at the graduation was Maj. Gen. John A. Toolan, commanding general Regional Command Southwest and II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), Maj. Gen. Asmatullah Dawlatzai, commanding general 707th Zone Afghan Uniformed Police, and Brig. Gen. Zamin Hussain, executive officer for the Afghan National Army 215th Corps.

While addressing the students during the graduation, Toolan drew a comparison between the progress and security the Afghan National Security Forces provide and the education of the local Afghan population.

Two years ago, there were not any schools or teachers operating in Helmand province, stated Toolan Now, there are about 135 school and more than 1,600 teachers in the province.

“That would not have happened if we didn’t have people like (the graduates), who took the time to study their profession and provide the security in Helmand province that is needed to bring the institutions of the government back alive here in Helmand,” said Toolan, a native of Brooklyn, N.Y.

In closing, Toolan congratulated all the students for their hard work, dedication to their country, families and their organization.

The academy teachers continue training the Afghan forces as the transition of independent control and security continues.

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