By Marine Staff Sgt. Luis P. Valdespino Jr.
Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan Public Affairs
KHOWST, Afghanistan – American military services take pride in traditions, customs and courtesies embedded training team mentors at the Afghan national army training grounds at Camp Clark are learning that the ANA does as well.
Combined Security Transition Command – Afghanistan ETTs assigned to mentor the 1st Brigade, 203rd ANA Corps, recently saw how the professional military customs are being developed by the young brigade's soldiers.
The ETTs witnessed the ANA platoon and company leaders hold a formation that displayed drill and ceremonial skills. Afterward they saw an honor guard and a company's ceremonial send-off of a fallen comrade. The day concluded with leaders making a hospital visit to show care for their troops.
Taking the lead and setting a military example for his soldiers, Col. Mohammad Asrar Aqdas, the 1st Brigade commander, held a weekly formation where he marched on the grounds
to speak to the men. He reminded them of the significance of their obligation to Afghanistan and to the ANA.
Aqdas spoke of the sacrifices soldiers make and reminded them that they accepted the potential sacrifices when they swore their oath of enlistment. He reminded them that coalition soldiers also make sacrifices.
Aqdas expressed sympathy as he spoke of a soldier killed the day before. Regrettably, he said, it is unfortunate but inevitable that "we have these kinds of days." He also spoke of the pride he has for his soldiers.
The 3rd Kandak soldier whom the brigade commander was referring to had been killed by a remote-controlled improvised explosive device at a vehicle checkpoint in the Bak District of Khowst province.
After the brigade formation, soldiers prepared to render honors to the fallen soldier, Mahkam Khan. They lined the streets to salute as his body was transported across the post to the ANA helicopter in which he was transported to his family.
Kahn was 23 years old and joined the Kandak after graduating Basic Warrior Training at the Kabul Military Training Center about six months earlier. He was a "good soldier," said ANA Capt. Muhammad Azziz, commander of 1st Company, 3rd Kandak, to which Khan was assigned. He added that Khan was very disciplined and did a good job.
Shortly after respects were paid to Kahn, Lt. Col. Shams, the 3rd Kandak commander, made it a point to visit Obaidullah, a soldier injured in the same IED attack who was being treated at the Camp Salerno Hospital in Khowst.
According to Army Maj. Timothy J. Sulzner, the embedded training team mentor to the Kandak commander, this was no surprise.
"They care about their soldiers. There's no doubt about that," said Sulzner.
Sulzner said he has seen the ANA handle other injuries and deaths, and they are always with respect.
Although military traditions by their very nature take time to develop, ANA soldiers are on track to create their own by treating their injured and killed with respect and dignity, and by making customs and courtesies an accepted way of life.
| Date Taken: |
11.29.2007 |
| Date Posted: |
11.29.2007 12:49 |
| Story ID: |
14284 |
| Location: |
AF |
| Web Views: |
569 |
| Downloads: |
367 |
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