ZHARAY DISTRICT, Afghanistan – Thirty-one local Afghan men from Maiwand, Panjwai and Arghistan districts joined the ranks of the Afghan Local Police as they graduated from the Regional Training Center in Zharay district, Kandahar province, Afghanistan, June 27.
Hosted by members of the Afghan Uniformed Police and Afghan National Army, this ceremony is the second multi-district ALP class to graduate from the new RTC in Kandahar. Representatives from Afghan National Security Forces and Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan enthusiastically supported both graduation ceremonies.
Attendees included Zharay Deputy District Governor Sayeed Alisha, several ALP coordinators, ALP district and checkpoint commanders, and several ANA leaders.
“Thank you all for coming here to learn to help your own people and villages,” said Lt. Col. Rhamatullah, Executive Officer of the 5th Kandak, 3rd Brigade, 205th Corps. “Thank you for signing-up for such a great and honorable duty of protecting and serving the people of Kandahar. And thank you to the ANA and AUP instructors who worked hard day and night to train the ALP.”
Candidates received training from AUP and ANA cadre in counter-improvised explosive techniques, escalation of force, marksmanship, Afghan constitution, human rights and the Rule of Law, and basic first aid during the three-week class.
Each graduate received a certificate of completion, and an ALP identification card at the ceremony. Additional certificates were awarded for leadership and marksmanship skills, and the overall Honor Graduate received a special certificate for top performance.
The Afghan-led training reinforces GIRoA’s determination to take the lead in operations against insurgents this fighting season and to sustain hard-won security gains in Zharay, birthplace of the Taliban, and surrounding districts.
“I hope for a good and bright future for you all and I wish you success,” said Lt. Col. Rhamatullah. “I have seen the ALP in Maiwand and Arghistan and they are all brave. It is with great pride that you bring peace to your country and at the same time you are able to feed your families with honor.”
Panjwai ALP checkpoint commanders spoke highly of the training after the ceremony and expressed their eagerness to send more of their men to the next class, which will further increase the efficiency and strengthen the ALP in Kandahar.
The new ALP members add to a growing village-based security force of approximately 2,700 police members in Kandahar province.
“ANA, AUP, ALP, we are all the same,” said 5th Kandak Command Sergeant Major Hazratullah Wafa. “When you go back, help your people and work hard. You are young and powerful people and I know you can defeat the enemy.”
Afghan Local Police complement counterinsurgency efforts by assisting and supporting rural areas with limited ANSF presence, enabling conditions for improved security, governance and development.