Afghan Army Instructor, Recruits Optimistic After Graduation in Kandahar

NATO Training Mission Afghanistan
Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Ernesto Hernandez Fonte

Date: 11.11.2010
Posted: 11.14.2010 23:04
News ID: 60128

CAMP HERO, Afghanistan - More than 1,300 recruits joined the ranks of the Afghan National Army as soldiers during a Basic Warrior Training graduation ceremony on Nov. 11 in Regional Military Training Center – Kandahar located near Camp Hero, Afghanistan.

The students now head to fight on the battlefields of the southern provinces of Uruzgan, Helmand, Kandahar and Zabul, alongside Coalition partners.

“The most important thing we teach students is the techniques of fighting and a positive relationship alongside civilians with good behavior and interaction,” said Capt. Shallah, a recruit company commander and instructor from Nuristan province. “I have a message for the people of Afghanistan, come over here and join the ANA if they can’t join the military they can still help us by supporting soldiers and reporting terrorist. “

Shallah wishes that as many of his Afghan brothers as possible join the ANA. After an Afghan graduation ceremony performed with military precision and full of pomp and circumstance, his former recruits also share his patriotic sentiments as well as optimism when asked about the future of Afghanistan.

“I’m from Khost province and now I am here in Kandahar. I don’t care whether I am in Kandahar or in another part of the country. It’s my country,” said Pvt. Ali Shaahkhan after graduating. “I obey the regulations of my country. I’m proud and my family is proud that I am here. Wherever I am, I am serving my country. A new government is in power and things aren’t going to be like they were before.”

Shaahkhan is also proud to be helping his family with his salary, most of which he sends home.

“I’m proud of myself for joining the ANA and I request the new generation to follow me in joining. This is our country. Our country needs our help, our assistance and our service. If we don’t join the ANA, no one is coming outside of the country to our job for us. I request for the new generation to join us,” said Pvt. Hamathullah from Nangarhar province. “Security is getting better. If we keep using the techniques we have learned and have a good relationship with civilians, it will help our government and our country. We will be back on our feet.”

Alongside 1374 other recruits, Hamathullah completed an intense eight weeks of basic training; including military drill, weapons familiarization, tactics, physical fitness and literacy instruction. As Afghan soldiers take on more responsibility for security in Afghanistan, graduations mark a milestone for the ANA, which grows rapidly with each ceremony.