ANA special forces soldiers receive berets in ceremony

ISAF Joint Command
Courtesy Story

Date: 11.06.2010
Posted: 11.06.2010 08:29
News ID: 59550

KABUL, Afghanistan – The first class of the Afghan National Army special forces received their tan berets in a ceremony Monday at Camp Morehead, Kabul province, after completing six months of on-the-job training partnered with U.S. special forces.

The ANA special forces Class 1 graduated in May from their 10-week qualification course and moved on to the operational portion of their training.

During operational training, the Afghan special forces paired with U.S. special forces to conduct presence patrols, clearing operations and key leader engagements – honing the skills they learned in the classroom.

The ceremony was presided over by Gen. Dadon Lawang, 1st Commando Brigade commander, and attended by the current ANA special forces students.

“Wear your berets with pride,” said Lawang. “They symbolize who you are and what you represent. Respect them as you do the people you are honor-bound to protect.”
The ANASF soldiers are trained to focus on interaction with the population through jirgas with village elders, but capable of unilateral operations.

“I am proud and honored to be standing here today, sharing this moment with you. This is an important step in the history of Afghanistan,” said Lawang. “Before there were commandos, and now there is commandos and ANASF. Special forces means special jobs and special people. I know you will do great things for our country.”