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An Afghan National Army soldier provides perimeter security during the urban operations training portion of the team leader course on Camp Hero, southern Afghanistan, Apr. 9, 2012 |
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – Nearly 200 Afghan National Army (ANA) privates spent two days getting down and dirty during urban operations training in southern Afghanistan. This training was part of the team leader course being taught to privates as they get ready to become junior leaders, also known as non-commissioned officers, in the ANA.
Capt. Anis Bari, the officer in charge of the team leader course has provided oversight of this training since 2010.
"This course is very necessary for these privates because they will be in charge of other soldiers,” said Bari, originally from eastern Afghanistan. "Upon graduation from this course, they will become junior non-commissioned officers.”
"This country needs new generations to support it,” said Master Sgt. Rahim Hamdard, the course's head instructor. "I'm glad to show the privates how to become better soldiers.”
Private Faizullah Rahamani joined the ANA because he wants to have a part in defending his country. More than three months ago he was merely an ordinary civilian who did not know much about the ANA.
"As a civilian, before I joined the Afghan military, I wasn't as disciplined as I am now,” said 32-year-old Rahamani. "I'm learning so many things about being a leader. I want to do well as an NCO and be a good representation of ANA to other civilians.”
Squad movements, map reading with land navigation, first aid, ANA values and creed, and NCO responsibilities are some of the leader-building skills Hamdard and other instructors teach during the four-week course. All 198 soldiers also received literacy training throughout the course.
This course is one of the many programs that NTM-A and the ANA have created to prepare for the transition in 2014.
Story and photos by Tech. Sgt. Renee Crisostomo
Regional Support Command-South/NTM-A Public Affairs