The Afghan National Army Special Operations Command celebrated the graduation of 114 Special Forces soldiers from the 19th Special Forces Qualification Course at Camp Julien, Kabul, Nov. 8, 2017. After 10 days of well-earned leave, the new Afghan Special Forces soldiers will integrate into operational teams that provide special reconnaissance and direct action capability to the Afghan National Army and ANASOC.
Command Sgt. Maj. Roshan Safi, Senior Enlisted Leader to the President of Afghanistan, and Command Sgt. Maj. David Clark, NATO Resolute Support Senior Enlisted Leader, provided keynote remarks to the 19 officers and 95 non-commissioned officer of the graduating class.
"A lot of people say that your training is good, that your equipment is good, that our discipline is good; but it is you - the blood that runs through your body that makes us good," Roshan said.
Roshan added that control of one's discipline, training and heart were the keys to success on the battlefield. Upon seeing a young Afghan child in full Special Forces uniform to include tan beret, Roshan said, "Even our children are willing to serve our country."
Clark followed Roshan with comments that focused on the commitment of the coalition to win on the battlefield.
"You make winning possible," Clark said. "That is what it is all about, continuing to win every day to protect your people, your way of life - fight and win every day."
Afghan Special Forces are one of the many ANASOC units that will grow as part of the Afghan 2020 Road Map to enhance security and stability in Afghanistan. The Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Interior special operations forces that comprise the Afghan Special Security Forces will double in size over the next four years signaling an Afghan investment in high performing leaders and units.