CAMP MOREHEAD, Afghanistan – Historians added another page to the Afghan National Army history books, July 31, as Afghanistan graduated its second class of ANA Special Forces during a graduation ceremony at the Kabul Military Training Center.
Several Afghan government and military leaders including Coalition forces leaders were among those who attended the ceremony and spoke about the significance of the new SF graduates and the important role they will play in future operations around the country.
“You bridge a gap we used to have,” said Afghan Lt. Gen. Mohammed Akram, First Deputy Chief of Staff, to the graduates following their completion of the rigorous 10-week course. “Before ANASF, there was no one to talk to the people and take part in the villages. Our enemies took advantage of this and used lies to encourage the people to be against us and Coalition forces,” he added.
“I implore you to show the people of Afghanistan the truth—that we are not the enemy, and that our international colleagues are here to help us.”
With enemy propaganda still rampant throughout the country, the ANASF must overcome many hurdles, but Afghan Brig. Gen. Dadon Lawang, 1st Commando Brigade commander, said he has faith in the SF graduates and their ability to accomplish anything they put their minds to.
“No matter what obstacles come our way I am certain ANASF can prevail,” said Lawang. “I can confidently assure everyone — the Chief of Staff, Minister of Defense and even President Hamid Karzi — that you are ready. We have the ability to defeat the enemy and bring peace and prosperity to Afghanistan.”
Once ANA soldiers are selected to attend the SF course, they must complete 10 weeks of advanced specialized training in order to graduate. A part of the graduation requirement is the successful completion of a four-day occupational specialty culmination exercise requiring the trainees to think and plan on their own in order to accomplish their assigned mission.
Now that the ANASF course is complete, the next step for Class 2 is six months of real-world missions where they will be paired up with U.S. Special Forces to receive vital on-the-job training and earn their SF berets.
The first class of SF soldiers graduated, May 13. They represent a change in the mindset of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan as graduates of the course go out and interact with the Afghan people – a relatively new practice.
The graduation ceremony also serves as a symbol of the hard work and effort they underwent during the initial training phase. But the graduates understand that the true hard work is just beginning, and they accept their new responsibilities with a solemn vow.
“We promise MOD [Ministry of Defense] and every Afghan that we will defeat the enemies of this country,” said one of the ANASF Class 2 leaders. “’Till the last drop of blood and breathe in our body is gone, we will defend Afghanistan.”
| Date Taken: |
08.05.2010 |
| Date Posted: |
08.05.2010 03:23 |
| Story ID: |
53972 |
| Location: |
CAMP MOREHEAD, AF |
| Web Views: |
297 |
| Downloads: |
193 |
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