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KMTC graduates 6th BANA

CENTCOM

20 February 2003

Sgt. Valerie Dey-Bolejack, 109 Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

KABUL, Afghanistan - The 6th Battalion, Afghan National Army finished basic training at the Kabul Military Training Center Feb. 9, fielding almost 600 more troops for the central government.

The training of the 6th BANA, which lasted 10 weeks, was conducted by a cadre from the French Army. The French and U.S. armies have alternated as trainers for each class of Afghan recruits trained at KMTC since the first battalion began training in April 2002. The training program includes combat tactics, platoon level training and various other skills needed to accomplish missions throughout the country.

At the graduation ceremony, the 6th BANA gathered in formation for a pass and review for their commander and for presentation to the visiting dignitaries gathered under a banner proclaiming, "We are Afghan, Afghanistan is our country and we are proud of her."

Capt. Pachiauen Pascal, French Army, 7th Battalion Mountain, said the morale of 6th BANA soldiers is good.

"They are all volunteers," he said. "They want to learn and are very proud every time they accomplish a task."

Also at the ceremony, 6th BANA soldiers showed off their combat skills to the crowd. The demonstration included soldiers rappelling down the side of a building, gathering as a squad and simulating fighting off attackers with a variety of weapons. They also showed the crowd a mortar and anti-tank rocket firing position setup demonstration, a hand-to-hand combat drill and a first aid casualty pickup demonstration.

The ANA band played as the soldiers passed in review.

The soldiers will be deployed throughout Afghanistan on various missions in support of the central government, to provide stability and continue the fight against terrorism.

Since inception, the KMTC has graduated six battalions of the Afghan National Army, comprising more than 2,300 Afghan soldiers.