PARWAN, Afghanistan - The training consisted of traffic control point operations, vehicle and personnel search, and first aid operations, all culminating with a live training scenario incorporating all three days of instruction.
The intention, according to police trainer U.S. Army Sgt. Sam Bieber, an infantry squad leader from Manhattan, Kan., was to transform the Afghanistan National Police into a self sufficient organization that operates more cohesively with coalition forces.
"We're here to help these people build pride in being an Afghanistan National Police and someone to look up to," said Bieber. "I want to build confidence in them so their people have confidence in them. Honestly, the Afghanistan National Police is the first face of security presence that these people will see."
Even though there are language difficulties and the Afganistan National Police lacks some supplies, the Soldiers say it hasn't halted anything during the training process plus they're getting to know the men who are willing to learn from them.
"It's tough sometimes because of the language barrier and the resources of the police officers. You can still train them how to be safe and how to do things that are going to help them and help their people," said Bieber. "So far I'm impressed how fast they've picked everything up."
"They're willing to learn so that's good," agreed U.S. Army Pfc. Nick Weeks, an infantryman from Payette, Ind. "One of the things we can really learn from this training is a little bit more of the social background of the people. Sometimes when you're learning it's a lot easier to get to know the people before you just start jumping into training because it makes things run a lot more smoothly."
The policemen say they feel the same way about the training.
"We don't have any problems learning and we like the training. I can take what I learn here and show others. Even if I relocate I can show others on the force," said 3rd Lt. Abdul Musawer, a three year veteran of the Kuh-e Safi district police force.
"This training is very important, we have to learn from the American Soldiers because we are here to do the same things," said Musawer.
In the coming months the Soldiers and policemen will continue to work together to prepare the Afghanistan National Police to take on more measures to secure the area in their district.
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