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Students practice newly learned skills during a network communication course at Shindand Air Base. Advisers from the 838th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group taught students about how the network functions, different account types, network hardware, and network software including Microsoft Word and Outlook. Advisers focused their training towards teaching the Afghans about electronic communications. (Courtesy photo)
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Advisers ready Afghan students to network
Posted 2/29/2012 Updated 3/1/2012
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by Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Larlee
438th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
2/29/2012 - KABUL, Afghanistan -- Advisers from the 838th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group recently taught a class for 25 Afghan air force personnel about how to use a computer network at Shindand Air Base, Afghanistan.
The training was held to prepare students for the upcoming activation of the Ministry of Defense network at Shindand. The students learned about the how the network functions, different account types, network hardware, and network software including Microsoft Word and Outlook.
Italian air force Capt. Antonio De Vivo, a 838th AEAG communications adviser, discussed the magnitude of efficiency that would come with the electronic network implementation.
"Radios and telephones are the only means of electronic communications they have here at Shindand Air Base," he said. "Paper letters are used to formally communicate inside and outside the base. This requires a significant amount of time. For example, sometimes the request for personnel to attend a course in Kabul arrives after the course has started."
De Vivo said using their new-found electronic communications skills will allow Afghan personnel to better streamline and automate procedures. A good example of a process that will improve is the Afghan supply process. He said that as it currently stands, it takes up to six months to order supplies. He believes that using electronic communication will drastically reduce the processing time.
He said he was impressed by the students.
"They were eager to learn and seemed to be excited to have the opportunity to apply their new skills," he said. "A very common theme among the students was an awareness that they were improving, not just for themselves, but to help all of Afghanistan."
The captain said the network training and new capabilities had a morale-boosting benefit.
"As the students become more aware of available capabilities and self-confident in their own abilities it will result in more appreciation from their colleagues," he said. "This situation will make them happier so they will share their happiness with their families. We know family is the most important value to our students."
Afghan air force Lt. Ahmad Ullah, a network control section commander, said he appreciated the opportunity to attend the class and he looks forward to working on the network when it is activated at Shindand.
"I was so happy during the class because I was able to work with my advisors and was happy to learn something new," he said. "Also, I have two brothers in another country and with my new skills, I will be able to communicate and share photos with them." |
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