CAMP ZAFAR, Afghanistan - More than 1,400 Afghan National Army soldiers graduated Basic Warrior Course at Camp Zafar, Herat province, Mar. 9.
Some ANA soldiers will soon report to their units and others will continue with more-advanced technical training.
Soldiers join the ANA for a variety of reasons. One graduate summed up his reasons as patriotism.
“I want to serve my people and earn money for my family,” said Isa Asmaill, a graduate who will soon enter medic training.
Like coalition nations’ basic training, BWC had its ups and downs, according to Asmaill.
“Most of my training was enjoyable like learning to engage the enemy and I liked the discipline,” said Asmaill. “However, training in the snow and freezing weather was very tough.”
Of the varied curriculum they learned at basic training, one portion was military operations in urban terrain. During MOUT, an American advisor lauded the ANA recruits.
“This is very close to how American soldiers are trained,” said Spc. Dale Dillahunty.
Many of the soldiers may see combat first hand as winter gives way to spring. According to Asmaill, these 1,400 soldiers are ready.