Release Number 2006-05-02 Defense and Security Highlights, May 9, 2006 Eighth CGSC class graduates future ANA leaders

Combined Security Transition Command – Afghanistan Public Affairs , Afghanistan – The ’s Command and General Staff College graduated its eighth class May 3. This is the third class taught entirely by Afghan instructors. The CGSC trains senior ANA of- ficers to serve in command and staff positions at kandak (battalion) or higher levels. Afghan officers, from major through colonel, complete a wide- range instruction program that con- sists of training in staff operations and procedures, topography and tac- tics, as well as computer skills and English language improvement. They also attend numerous con- ferences and training exercises in- Photo by Staff. Sgt. Mason T. Lowery tended to strengthen their expertise A recent CGSC graduate salutes Afghan Defense Minister Gen. Abdul Rahim in staff officer operations. Wardak and a CGSC instructor after receiving his diploma. Afghan Defense Minister Gen. CGSC symbolizes the move toward better. “They will take the new tech- Abdul Rahim Wardak said, “We are self sufficiency and expanding mili- niques they have learned at the in an important phase of history. Our tary capabilities of the ANA. CGSC to the rest of the ANA. It is army is newly established. Graduat- ANA Lt. Col. Sher Da Ali, an important that our officers know ing these officers is only one suc- honor graduate from the CGSC’s new tactics and pass them on.” cess toward the ANA standing on eighth class, said he was taught ad- To conclude the ceremony, the its own feet. With the cooperation ministration and intelligence in accor- instructors and the graduates per- of our friend country France, this dance with NATO rules. He said the formed the Attan Dance, also known school has a vital role in making an tools and knowledge he has been as the Afghan National Dance. organized national army.” given will prove useful when applied This traditional dance has been French officers first taught the to practical purposes. “I am proud to performed by soldiers for thousands four-month course after the staff be a part of this national historical of years before embarking on a mis- college opened in 2004. event. We are working hard to im- sion. Soon, top Afghan graduates re- prove security and look forward to ANA Capt. Khoga Sidio said he placed the French officers as in- the help and support of our people,” appreciates the training on general structors. The French gradually he said. tactics and staff planning that enable transferred authority to the ANA ANA Col. Mohammad H. Nadim, them to react quickly. officers and assumed the role of director of studies at the CGSC, said “We need peace and security and advisors.The Afghan assumption of he is confident that the graduates will it is our responsibility to provide instruction responsibilities at the return to their units and make them that,” he said. Voices of Afghanistan What did the students learn at the CGSC and how will it help them make the ANA stronger?

ANA CGSC graduate ANA CGSC Capt. Mohamid Jaffer graduate "I learned human Capt. Abdullah resources and finance. “We have learned I''ll use that back at my fighting tactics unit. It will help me pay according to NATO soldiers." rules. We will implement new tactical and technical tech- niques in the ANA."

ANA CGSC gradu- ANA CGSC ate Director of Studies Capt. Mohamid Shafi Col. Mohammad H. “We learned NATO Nadim tactics and all the “They will take the practical things they new techniques do. We'll take these they learned at the tactics to our units CGSC to the rest of and teach and the ANA. It will implement them.” help them lead."

Photos by Staff. Sgt. Mason T. Lowery

Photos available upon request to [email protected]