Security increases as another class of recruits graduates

CAMP LEATHERNECK, AFGHANISTAN

10.06.2010

Story by Lance Cpl. Jeremy Fasci 

Regional Command Southwest

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Police recruits graduated the basic training course today increasing the already growing security posture in rural Helmand province.

The officers completed the eight-week course taught by Marines and Afghan Uniformed Police instructors at the Joint Security Academy Southwest, Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Oct. 6. Upon completion of the course, the officers are equipped with the skills to begin providing security and assistance in their respective districts.

“Day by day the security situation in Helmand province is getting better,” said Hajji Abdul Sattar Mangal, the deputy provincial governor for Helmand province. “This is because we have established good relationships with the people. And we have provided them opportunities to work through reconstruction projects.”

The officers were taught the basics of law enforcement tactics during the training, including conducting arrests, searches and first aid skills necessary to provide immediate attention to the local populace. While law enforcement tactics were the basis for the course, many other skills were also taught. Police recruits also learned to conduct mounted patrols, looking for improvised explosive devices and military operations in urban environments are some of the more advanced training the recruits go through.

Recruits have also been given classes to build their literacy skills. Building upon these skills will allow officers to properly conduct security operations in their region. Officers will be expected to write reports and keep all types of records that would be pertinent to investigations.

Officers are also receiving the basic skills necessary for them to come back to JSAS for further training. Afghan national security force leadership are pushing for more secondary training evolutions to be started at JSAS, to give soldiers and police officers more opportunities to move up the ranks. Officers must be able to read at fifth-grade level to attend the noncommissioned officer course, which goes more in depth with the training than what is given at the recruit class.

After the graduation the police officers began their journey to their units. These officers will continue to build upon the security provided in the region, which is allowing increases in education and governance in Helmand province.

“We hope to build strong security forces that have the capability to take the responsibility of protecting their own country,” said Hajji Abdul Sattar Mangal. “After graduation these recruits will join their brothers in different parts of Helmand province to bring security to their people.”

• Date Taken: 10.06.2010
• Date Posted: 10.06.2010 12:41
• Story ID: 57614
• Location: CAMP LEATHERNECK, AF