BEHIND THE SCENES OUTSIDE OF KABUL
Tremendous progress is being made here in the Afghan National Army (ANA) and Afghan National Police (ANP). I spent most of the day today visiting the Kabul Military Training Center, seeing recruits (all volunteers) learn the most basic of skills... which can lead to advancement in a relatively short amount of time. Met with the general in charge of the training center, a very interesting gentleman who has seen so much in his life, going back past the Taliban to the Soviet years. It's clear that Afghan leaders are unique people who have really "been there, done that". And now they sense that this is their big moment in current history: They know the need to grow past the recent 30 years of war to create a nation that is secure against terrorism and increasingly more productive for fellow citizens. It's going to take lots of time, but they've made a very impressive start.
Afghan National Army center outside Kabul.
Afghan National Army vehicle passing by on Jalalabad Road, considered one of the more dangerous roads in the region. It's nickname: "J-Bad Road".
Our team drove down some of the most rugged roads you can imagine to a firing range where the ANA takes target practice. Quite an experience to see and hear dozens of men blasting away with AK-47s, working to improve marksmanship. Their "mentor" is a 23 year old South African, part of the British armed forces. Beyond that location is one of many, many caves in the area... caves that were used by Taliban, Russians and likely Al Qaeda. Walking into a huge cave (just past a herd of wandering sheep and goats) it's quickly understood why it's not an easy task to find Bin Ladin.. or anyone else for that matter.. in such rugged territory.
As noted in earlier reports, this is a pretty large country.... going from the farthest point in the northeast to the southwest is like going from New York City to New Orleans. Needle in a haystack comes to mind.
Checking out tonight's Afghan Army menu.
On the other end of the ANA spectrum is the National Military Academy... Afghanistan's West Point. In fact, America's West Point cooperates with the institution. In operation for just over a year, they're working with over 250 students. Young men are given top quality educational opportunities that rival (maybe soon will even excel) Kabul University. Students find computers, a well-stocked library and top quality instructors. The library is run by a popular and well-qualified Afghan women, which is certainly something new in this culture (especially post-Taliban). This is the path to miltary leadership for the best Afghan soldiers. Had a very enjoyable private meeting with the Afghan general who commands the Academy. It was he, along with U.S. Lt. Gen. Karl Eickenberry (who invited me here) who had the vision to create this growing institution.As with the ANA, the Military Academy functions with the help of U.S. and Coalition mentors and embedded trainers.
Tea time! With the Afghan National Army.
This afternoon I visited the Central Training Center for the Afghan National Police (ANP). This portion of Afghanistan's security is overseen by Germany (part of the NATO forces engaged here) and th Office of Security Cooperation-Afghanistan has officially assumed the U.S. Government's lead role in the reform of the police. The biggest challenge so far has been to strip corruption from the ranks, and very good progress has been made in that area. The ANP is on the front line of the country's attempts to increase the rule of law and its officers are often in the hottest of hot spots around the country, including at the borders. The image that stays in my mind after seeing all of this today is that of the Afghan people laying it all on the line... as if they're sensing "this is our moment.. let's do it".
The access to key leaders here, not only with U.S. and Coalition forces but also Afghans has been excellent. .. beyond what I expected. I'm invited to dinner tonight with several top level people, including Afghanistan's Minister of Defense. Over the next couple of days I'll be visiting other locations around the country to see first hand progress .. including the current drug eradication missions. Check back for more frequent updates here on LarsonBlog.com and KOGO... brought to you in part by El Cajon Ford and www.elcajonford.com.
Afghan National Army center outside Kabul.
Afghan National Army vehicle passing by on Jalalabad Road, considered one of the more dangerous roads in the region. It's nickname: "J-Bad Road".
Our team drove down some of the most rugged roads you can imagine to a firing range where the ANA takes target practice. Quite an experience to see and hear dozens of men blasting away with AK-47s, working to improve marksmanship. Their "mentor" is a 23 year old South African, part of the British armed forces. Beyond that location is one of many, many caves in the area... caves that were used by Taliban, Russians and likely Al Qaeda. Walking into a huge cave (just past a herd of wandering sheep and goats) it's quickly understood why it's not an easy task to find Bin Ladin.. or anyone else for that matter.. in such rugged territory.
As noted in earlier reports, this is a pretty large country.... going from the farthest point in the northeast to the southwest is like going from New York City to New Orleans. Needle in a haystack comes to mind.
Checking out tonight's Afghan Army menu.
On the other end of the ANA spectrum is the National Military Academy... Afghanistan's West Point. In fact, America's West Point cooperates with the institution. In operation for just over a year, they're working with over 250 students. Young men are given top quality educational opportunities that rival (maybe soon will even excel) Kabul University. Students find computers, a well-stocked library and top quality instructors. The library is run by a popular and well-qualified Afghan women, which is certainly something new in this culture (especially post-Taliban). This is the path to miltary leadership for the best Afghan soldiers. Had a very enjoyable private meeting with the Afghan general who commands the Academy. It was he, along with U.S. Lt. Gen. Karl Eickenberry (who invited me here) who had the vision to create this growing institution.As with the ANA, the Military Academy functions with the help of U.S. and Coalition mentors and embedded trainers.
Tea time! With the Afghan National Army.
This afternoon I visited the Central Training Center for the Afghan National Police (ANP). This portion of Afghanistan's security is overseen by Germany (part of the NATO forces engaged here) and th Office of Security Cooperation-Afghanistan has officially assumed the U.S. Government's lead role in the reform of the police. The biggest challenge so far has been to strip corruption from the ranks, and very good progress has been made in that area. The ANP is on the front line of the country's attempts to increase the rule of law and its officers are often in the hottest of hot spots around the country, including at the borders. The image that stays in my mind after seeing all of this today is that of the Afghan people laying it all on the line... as if they're sensing "this is our moment.. let's do it".
The access to key leaders here, not only with U.S. and Coalition forces but also Afghans has been excellent. .. beyond what I expected. I'm invited to dinner tonight with several top level people, including Afghanistan's Minister of Defense. Over the next couple of days I'll be visiting other locations around the country to see first hand progress .. including the current drug eradication missions. Check back for more frequent updates here on LarsonBlog.com and KOGO... brought to you in part by El Cajon Ford and www.elcajonford.com.
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