Afghan commandos celebrate commander's promotion at Shindand Air Base

HERAT PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

10.02.2013

Story by Staff Sgt. Richard Lower 

NATO Special Operations Component Command-Afghanistan

HERAT PROVINCE, Afghanistan – The commander of the Afghan National Army’s 2nd Special Operations Brigade became a general officer recently and was honored with a ceremony by his troops Sept. 30 at Shindand Air Base in Herat province.

Afghan army Brig. Gen. Fahrid Ahmadi began his service in Afghanistan’s armed forces in 1987 following his graduation from Kabul Military High School. He has dedicated his entire adult life to his countrymen, fighting and leading soldiers in defense of Afghanistan.

“You are the reason that I’m here today,” Ahmadi told his soldiers. “I want to congratulate and thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Ahmadi graduated from both the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and the Royal College of Defense Studies, Kings College London. He earned master’s degrees in security, international relations and strategy and military science. He also completed the U.S. Army Ranger school and U.S. Army Special Forces officer qualification course.

Ahmadi praised 2nd SOB commandos for their hard work and dedication. He applauded Kandak leaders for sacrificing time with their families so that they could directly oversee missions and ensure their success. He also reminded his soldiers that they should not be satisfied with meeting the standard, but that they should always push themselves to do better than before.

The Afghan Defense Ministry held a formal promotion ceremony in Kabul last week. He will continue to command the 2nd SOB, using more than 20 years of military experience to defeat the Taliban.

• Date Taken: 10.02.2013
• Date Posted: 10.02.2013 04:06
• Story ID: 114585
• Location: HERAT PROVINCE, AF