Story by: Sgt. Devin James, CJSOTF-A, KANDAHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan — The newest group of Afghan Local Police (ALP) candidates from Panjwai district, Kandahar province, began security training conducted by coalition Special Operations Forces (SOF), June 4.
The three-week ALP course trained more than 25 Afghan candidates in basic infantry tactics, police operations, human rights and laws of land warfare.
The purpose of the training is to bring in people from their own villages and teach them to secure their community against insurgent attacks, said the coalition detachment commander.
“The ALP are important because they provide a security force in remote areas where there is no Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) representation and the (recruits) have firsthand knowledge of their village, known insurgents and historical caches,” said the commander.
“Experience levels are mixed among the candidates, ranging from no experience to prior Afghan National Police (ANP) or Afghan National Army (ANA) experience,” the commander said. “By the end of training, all of the candidates have the same knowledge base and have reached the same standard of training, ensuring continuity between other areas where the ALP is located.”
Within the first couple days of the course, candidates are trained on basic rifle marksmanship, proper weapons maintenance and familiarization of their assigned weapon.
“During their three-week long program, the candidates will be trained in security tactics, Afghan law, weapons marksmanship and first aid,” said a coalition advisor. “This training instills self-confidence, pride and allows them to be the security force needed in their village.”
During the field training session, coalition instructors reviewed material in the classroom then performed live fire demonstrations for the students. After each class, the candidates practiced everything they had learned, while instructors supervised.
As ANSF take on more responsibility for securing the Afghan people, the ALP program has become increasingly crucial to building a competent and capable police force. This progress allows the ALP to maintain the security gains made by coalition and Afghan forces throughout Afghanistan.
“The ALP will be an extension of the Afghan National Police (ANP),” said the commander. “They will learn how to conduct themselves as an integral part of the overarching Afghan Security Forces chain of command, supported by Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIRoA).”
The commander went on to explain how the lessons learned will be applied in their daily activities. Therefore, it is important for the candidates to understand all aspects of security, and what their security role is in their village, he said.
“They are protectors, and it is essential they have the support of their village,” said the commander.
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