by SSG Cody Sedlacek, Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force Afghanistan
BAGHLAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan — Ninety Afghan Local Police graduated Jan. 2 in the first ALP class conducted for Dahana-e-Ghori district.
Provincial Chief of Police Brig. Gen. Sherzad, District Chief of Police Col. Samir Gul, Dahana-e-Ghori District Gov. Khan Zada, local district elders and coalition special operations forces team members attended the graduation, held in nearby Pul-e-Khumri district.
The ALP members completed three weeks of training given by Afghan National Army Special Forces and coalition SOF.
“Afghans training Afghans; this is the key to continued security here,” said a coalition SOF team member. “This ALP class is proof that it can be done, and done well.”
According to ALP members, having the ANASF conduct their training made the training smoother, largely due to the lack of a language barrier.
The training covered weapon marksmanship, patrolling, improvised explosive device detection, first aid and other security-oriented tasks.
Gul gave the graduating class their first official brief as ALP members about their duties and responsibilities, and encouraged them to fulfill their role as an ALP.
Later, district elder who attended the graduation, congratulated the ALP class on their new status as “protectors of their communities.”
“Having 90 new ALP graduate today is a great step for the district,” added the coalition SOF team member.