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Fourth Afghan battalion graduates

by Sgt. Don Dees

KABUL, Afghanistan (Army News Service, Nov. 15, 2002) - More than 400 Afghan soldiers graduated Nov. 13 after 10 weeks of basic infantry training conducted by French soldiers at the site of the former Afghan Military Academy in Kabul.

U.S. forces oversee the training, which has produced nearly 1,400 Afghan soldiers since May, according to records at the center. More than 530 soldiers are currently in training under U.S. soldiers from 5th Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group, Fort Carson, Colo. Almost 270 more are waiting for their training to begin with French soldiers.

During the graduation ceremony, Afghan troops' Defense Ministry's Chief of Staff, Gen. Assef Delawar, said that a national army is crucial to the transitional government under President Hamid Karzai's direction.

"Today, I see you in uniform and well trained with the help of our international friends," Delawar said.

American and French forces provide the training. Medical personnel from the Republic of Korea assist with medical care for Afghan trainees at the center. Nearly 30 nations have contributed weapons, clothing, field gear, vehicles, and equipment to assist in the training effort.

(Editor's note: Sgt. Don Dees is with the 300th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.)