Afghan mechanic serves country for better future

AFGHANISTAN

04.28.2012

Story by Staff Sgt. Brian Buckwalter 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELARAM II, Afghanistan – For some in the Afghan population, joining the Afghan National Security Forces for is not just about finding a better life for themselves, but for their entire country.

Staff Sgt. Jan Mohammed represents this segment. He didn’t have to join the army – car mechanics are needed just about everywhere – but he says “it’s the way I help my country.” He encourages more Afghans to do the same, saying there are many ways to serve and support the Afghan government.

Mohammed is one of 13 Afghan National Army soldiers with 2nd Brigade, 215th Corps, who graduated April 26 from a month-long mechanics course at Delaram. He was the top graduate in the class, recognized with a certificate for his achievement.

He had an advantage over the other students, working as a mechanic before joining the Afghan National Army, fixing Toyotas Corollas and other types of civilian vehicles in Gardez city, Paktia province.

Now, he says, he can use his experience to fix the ANA’s diesel trucks.

This is a critical skill for the success of the ANA, said Col. John R. Shafer, commanding officer, Regimental Combat Team 6. As responsibility transitions away from coalition forces to ANSF, Afghans will be need to be increasingly dependent on their own skills.

Shafer encouraged the graduates to share what they learned with other soldiers in their unit.

Mohammed agrees, explaining that education is a big part of his vision for the country’s future.

“Afghanistan is not an improved country,” Mohammed said through a translator. “But, I want it to be like other countries.” He wants to see more security and more schools. With these things, he believes the younger generation of Afghans can step up and help the country he loves.

“There are a lot of bad guys in Afghanistan. I want to fight. Young guys have to get educations and help fight for Afghanistan too. We need to support the government,” he added.

Mohammed says he sees many improvements in the army and police forces, especially in the abilities of individuals who join. He tempered his praise, though, with a plea to his government.

“No one is coming here from the government to ask about our problems,” he said. Even with well-trained soldiers and support from coalition forces, the biggest problem he sees is lack of equipment.

Still, Mohammed says he realizes this training is a step towards independence, and he proud to serve.

“Afghanistan has a 4,000-year history, and I want to be a part of it,” he said.

Editor’s note: Regimental Combat Team 6 falls under 1st Marine Division (Forward), which heads Task Force Leatherneck. The task force serves as the ground combat element of Regional Command (Southwest) and works in partnership with the Afghan National Security Force and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to conduct counterinsurgency operations. The unit is dedicated to securing the Afghan people, defeating insurgent forces, and enabling ANSF assumption of security responsibilities within its area of operations in order to support the expansion of stability, development and legitimate governance.

• Date Taken: 04.28.2012
• Date Posted: 04.28.2012 08:35
• Story ID: 87527
• Location: AF