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    President Ghani: ANASOC is officially a corps

    Story by Lt. j.g. Egdanis Torres Sierra, Resolute Support Public Affairs

    KABUL, Afghanistan (Aug. 20, 2017) — The Afghan National Army’s elite Special Operations Command grew from a division to a corps at an activation ceremony here today, a crucial step in President Ashraf Ghani’s commitment to nearly double the unit’s size.

    Citing the elite Commandos’ record at defeating terrorists, the president is personally overseeing the unit’s growth – which positively impacts multiple ministries, the military and special police units.

    “Today, it is a special day because the success you all have achieved for this nation is exemplified here. This year you defeated the enemy on the battlefield. I can see the results of your fight from last week and I see the huge improvement from last year,” the president said. “To the enemy: our Special Forces will defeat you.”

    The unit, currently comprised of two special operations brigades and the new National Mission Brigade, will add two more brigades under its command and control. The commander of the Resolute Support Mission and other dignitaries attended the ceremony to mark the special occasion.

    “The activation of special operations corps today marks the beginning of the end for the enemy of Afghanistan. As we sit here today, Afghanistan commandos are defeating the Taliban across Afghanistan,” said Gen. John W. Nicholson, commander, Resolute Support Mission. When these commandos appear on the battlefield, the enemy has no choice but to run or die.”

    Senior Commandos from the unit reaffirmed their commitment to defeating the enemy, using the ceremony to announce they will continue to protect the citizens of Afghanistan. The ANASOC School of Excellence sergeant major had the opportunity to address the crowd.

    “As long as we have a drop of blood in our bodies, we will fight for Afghanistan. Special Forces – all of us, from all tribes and provinces, we represent all the corners and ethnicities of our country,” the sergeant major said.

    As the senior enlisted leader for the School of Excellence, part of his job is to ensure unit cohesion.

    “We don't care about our differences. We are Afghans. This is our country and our people want peace.”

    The new corps’ sergeant major also weighed in at the end of the ceremony.

    “You are always first. You have to continue be an example. What makes us the best is our loyalty, bravery, and hard work,” the ANASOC Corps sergeant major said. “We will continue to train, emphasizing discipline and care for each other. Afghanistan needs us and we are here for them.”

    This capability, combined with the Afghan Air Force’s significant improvements and other Afghan Army professionalization efforts, are part of President Ghani’s vision and plan to further enable the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces to protect Afghanistan.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 08.20.2017
    Date Posted: 08.20.2017 05:25
    Story ID: 245379
    Location: AF

    Web Views: 280
    Downloads: 0

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