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ANP Auxiliary Police graduate

  • Published
  • By Capt. Kevin G. Tuttle
  • Qalat Provincial Reconstruction Team
QALAT, Afghanistan --  The Afghan National Police added 42 new auxiliary policemen to their forces as recruits from the Afghan Auxiliary Police Basic School; which graduated on Oct. 8 from their two-week course. 

"Because of the fighting in this country, I wanted to do something to help," said Abdul Akim Jan, a 28-year-old resident of Kandahar. "It's my country--you came from far away to help us and I want to help my country. It was really good training and the instructors worked really hard with us - it was enjoyable for us, too." 

The course, taught by DynCorp at the Qalat Provincial Reconstruction Team compound, covered the Afghan Constitution; use of force and human rights; officer values and ethics; chain of command authority; post responsibility and defense; tactical training; mine awareness; firearms training; and other survival techniques and procedures. 

"The last two weeks you've been here and trained hard. You've learned a lot of different things to help you survive out on the street: shooting techniques; how to save your lives and those of your buddies; you've learned about the brotherhood of police officers - I welcome you and salute you. Keep up the good work," said Jon Holman DynCorp Techniques, Tactics and Procedures lead instructor in his speech to the graduates. 

Graduates are now under contract for one year. After their contract expires, they can choose to become Afghan policemen, whereby they would attend the police academy in Kandahar. Meanwhile, they must attend two-week training classes on a quarterly basis to be considered for the academy, said Theo Saar III, DynCorp Qalat Team Leader.
Another graduate, who Saar said was one of the best recruits in the class, said he plans to be a policeman in the future. 

"I want to work for my country and build my country up," said Javid, 21, from Kandahar. "I came here by myself, not by my parents' urging. We are the new generation and need to solve the problems of Afghanistan." 

Qalat PRT commander, Air Force Lt. Col. Kevin McGlaughlin, from Minot Air Force Base, N.D., said these students are just the beginning of security improvements for Zabul Province and country. 

"I would like to add my congratulations," Colonel McGlaughlin said to the 42 newest policemen in Afghanistan. "You've accomplished a great thing, doing good work for your community. But this is just the beginning. A secure Afghanistan starts with just police serving the country. Seek out injustice and help people to the best of your ability." 

Akim Jan plans to do just that - as soon as possible. 

"I'm ready to start my job and work together with the Coalition Forces to fight against the enemies of Afghanistan," he said excitedly. 

In addition to receiving graduation certificates and identification cards, DynCorp gave the students vital supplies such as Kevlar vests, utility belts, boots and flashlights. 

The next class for new recruits will begin Oct. 15, with anywhere from 90-200 new students, Saar said.