Course Brings Standardized Instruction to Afghan Army

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

08.26.2010

Story by Chief Petty Officer Brian Brannon 

NATO Training Mission Afghanistan

A new cadre graduated Aug. 25 from an innovative course at Kabul Military Training Center designed to ensure consistent, sustainable training for the Afghan National Army.

The six-week Military Skills Instructor Course will eventually produce 150 professionally trained instructors per class at locations throughout the country.

ANA Lt. Ewaz Ali Sultani, from Ghanzi province, was one of the initial 25 students selected to participate in the curriculum based on previous experience, fitness, literacy and overall aptitude.

“While I was a student I was very interested to serve in the Afghan National Army,” he said. “I joined to be able to maintain our internal integrity and to serve my people.”

Developed by the ANA with assistance from NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan advisers, the course teaches tactical and technical skills, methods of instruction, leadership, physical fitness, marksmanship, counterinsurgency, and first aid.

“We learned very much while I was here,” Ewaz said.

To increase the capacity training of the ANA and bring instruction to soldiers throughout Afghanistan, mobile training teams will soon take the course to remote locations. Graduates will receive black caps and badges to symbolize their accomplishment.

ANA battalion commander Col. Sayad Akbar encouraged the instructors to pass along the lessons they learned to their comrades.

“The security of Afghanistan is in your hands,” he said. “Please try to do your job professionally so that you can teach others to learn the tactics.”

• Date Taken: 08.26.2010
• Date Posted: 08.26.2010 15:46
• Story ID: 55220
• Location: KABUL, AF