ZHARAY DISTRICT, Afghanistan – Thirty-three Afghan Local Police (ALP) graduated from a three-week training program at the Regional Training Center in Zharay, joining the growing village-based security force of approximately 2,700 “guardians” in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, July 18.
The newest guardians will return to Panjwai and Zharay districts to protect their villages from insurgents.
“When you get back to your villages, do your job with honesty and remember to respect your elders, women and children,” said 3rd Brigade, 205th Corps ANA Executive Officer, Col. Ghulam Hazrat, who spoke at the ceremony.
Afghan Uniform Police and Afghan National Army cadre trained the recruits in small-unit tactics, counter-improvised explosive device techniques, escalation of force, marksmanship, Afghan constitution, human rights and Rule of Law, and basic first aid.
All training was conducted at night to allow recruits to observe Ramadan, the Islamic holy month. Training in darkness meant limited visibility, making it that much more challenging for both students and cadre. Afghan National Security Forces persevered to complete all training.
The instructors also conducted a culmination skills test for recruits the night prior to graduation, which consisted of a traffic control points, individual movement techniques, react-to-contact skills, first aid, weapons, and a counter-IED station.
The Afghan-led training reinforces the determination of Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) to take the lead in operations against insurgents. It also shows ANSF’s effort to sustain hard-won security gains in Zharay and surrounding districts in the horn of Panjwai, birthplace of the Taliban.
“I am very happy with the training that was given, especially the counter- IED training,” said Col. Hazrat. “That is very important since IEDs are our biggest threat. I am very thankful to the ANA and AUP instructors.”
Zharay District Gov. Jamal Agah, commandos from 3rd Special Operations Kandak, several ALP checkpoint commanders, and the Panjwai ALP coordinator attended the graduation.
The commandos and the ALP checkpoint commanders issued diplomas and gifts, including ALP patches, prayer rugs and radios, to each of the 33 graduates. The class leader and Honor Graduate received additional certificates for their achievements.
This is the third graduating ALP class hosted at the Zharay RTC since its opening in early June, bringing the total number of guardians to complete training at the center to 100.
ALP complement counterinsurgency efforts by assisting and supporting rural areas with limited ANSF presence, improving security, governance and development.
| Date Taken: |
07.18.2013 |
| Date Posted: |
07.21.2013 12:10 |
| Story ID: |
110561 |
| Location: |
ZHARAY DISTRICT, AF |
| Web Views: |
178 |
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0 |
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