Arghandab ALP check point commanders receive leadership training

ARGHANDAB, AFGHANISTAN

08.30.2012

Story by Staff Sgt. Nicole Howell 

NATO Special Operations Component Command-Afghanistan

ARGHANDAB, Afghanistan - Afghan Local Police checkpoint commanders from nine villages across Arghandab district gathered together for their final training of a four-day commanders’ course, Aug. 28.

The purpose of the course is to expand commanders’ knowledge on personnel management, the need for standard operating procedures and how to handle crisis intervention.

All members of the ALP, whether it is the commander or the patrolmen, go through the same basic training with minimal leadership preparation. With this new skill set, the commanders will be able to lead their peers and establish effective authority over their organization.

“Everyone is equal in the amount of training they have gone through,” said a special forces team member. “So, if we give them advanced training on professionalism, leadership, and ways to deal with subordinates, it will give them more status.”

The commanders’ course gave leaders an edge on how to effectively lead, coach and mentor other ALP members on their team. They were taught the basics of accountability of their men and equipment, how to set standards for their subordinates, and how to effectively conduct operations with the Afghan Uniformed Police.

“There are many parts of leadership that come naturally, but there is a lot that takes learning by seeing what works, and learning from other people,” said the special forces team leader. “I am hoping this is something we have accomplished here by providing you [the commanders] with techniques that were successful for us; and by giving you knowledge to be better leaders.”

Many of the commanders are individuals identified as standing out amongst their peers during ALP training and had a real knack for leading others.

“I do this because I want Afghanistan to get built and stand up on its own,” said Noor Ullah, an ALP checkpoint commander in Arghandab district. “This is my country, my own village. If I am not going to take care of my own people, then who will?”

• Date Taken: 08.30.2012
• Date Posted: 09.03.2012 01:35
• Story ID: 94151
• Location: ARGHANDAB, AF