AAF Help Desk receives upgrade training

Published Jan. 23, 2011
By Capt. Robert Leese
438th Air Expeditionary Wing PAO

KABUL, Afghanistan -- The Afghan Air Force and the NATO Air Training Command-Afghanistan advisors recently started a new computer training course called A+ training here Jan. 17.

The training provides the basic fundamentals on desk top computers and networking. Upon completion of the course, the AAF technicians or individuals will be able to demonstrate knowledge of installing, configuring, upgrading, troubleshooting and repairing desktop system and basic network management processes.

Afghan A+ Instructor, Ahmad Jaweed Muslim explained, "This type of training is essential and very important for the students working in the technology field. They deserve it and they can benefit from it, because they can implement each and every point they study in class in their practical life."

Currently, there are 15 AAF technicians in the course, seven from the Kabul Wing's communication squadron help desk and eight from the AAF headquarters/Kabul Air Wing staff.

The course is four months long with students attending classes 5 days a week while two days each week are dedicated to practical hands-on sessions. With pop quizzes and basic tests that students must pass prior to graduation, this course is essentially a computer/network "boot camp" for the Afghan Air Force technicians.

Maj. Sanjoy Malhotra, lead NATC-A communication advisor explained, "We are confident that this training will provide them with required technical skills to tackle AAF's daily computer and network issues methodically in timely manner."

Proper training is instrumental on setting communications forces in the right track. The training course will dramatically help support the AAF's future helpdesk/network management structure. Additionally, this will help communications forces become more effective staff in support AAF missions.

One of the most daunting challenges for Afghans is the literacy, which is vital to the communications force building. Although most of the students can read and write Dari, there are a few who still struggle. Aside from literacy challenge, Afghans are extremely well equipped to take on new challenges.

"One thing I like in the student here is that they take interest in their studies and their high level of intrinsic motivation makes them work hard and get as much knowledge as they can...they are trying their level best to use each and every minute of their time to learn something new and do something for their country," said Ahmad Jaweed Muslim.

Tech. Sgt. Tara Brown, NATC-A communication advisor oversees the student attendance and administer the course. The course is projected to graduate in April with the graduating technicians staying in Kabul providing fundamental computer training is crucial for Afghans to improve on utilizing and maintaining their network in the future.