2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade

Story by Cpl. Jennifer Calaway

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – "I want to help my country and I came to join the military forces," said Said Mohammad, who says he's 18, but has no documentation to prove it. "I want to help this country, but I am not sure how."

Such is a typical response from young men arriving for training at the Afghan National Security Force Academy on Camp Leatherneck. Most came from farming villages with little or no education. Over an eight week training evolution, U.S. Marine, Danish Army and civilian instructors transform recruits like Mohammad and give them the tools they will need to return to their hometowns as capable law enforcement officers.

"Some of these kids look like they're twelve," said Sgt. Sean Legaard, an instructor and infantry Marine. "They literally barely fit in their uniforms, but they want to be here."

While some of their Afghan peers are working hand in hand with insurgent forces, the recruits at the academy are choosing a different path for their future.

"The young ones being here like Mohammad show me that they're sick of seeing the violence and the corruption within the police corps," said Legaard. "I can honestly see that after working with them for the last four weeks and getting to know them."

Much like military boot camp, the course covers all the basics. Recruits begin with proper hygiene, learn how to work with others as a team and then move on to self defense and physical engagement techniques.

"Since they first got here, the students' behavior is improving immensely," said Afghan National Army Maj. Sadiq Ghazi, an instructor at the academy. "These men never received respect, so they could barely handle themselves or appreciate someone trying to stand in front of them and teach them something. Now, they can communicate with each other and ask questions to the Marines when they don't understand."

The class leader, a former police officer who served in his local police station with no formal training, knows the importance of learning life saving techniques first hand.

"One time, we were patrolling down the streets of my village and we began to take fire from the windows," said Khana Sardar Muhammad. "When people are getting shot all around you, everything becomes jumbled. It is good we are learning what to do in those moments."

Over the first four weeks, a mutual respect has developed between the instructors and students, said Legaard.

"Most of these guys, even the young ones, have seen combat. They're pretty tough," said Legaard. "In the beginning, it was rough all around. They didn't want to eat or do anything we said. But now that we've got a solid group and they know that we're not trying to force our ways on them, it's a lot better."

"I think they've realized now that when they're done here, they're going to have a choice," Legaard continued. "And for most of them, that means defending their families. So that's when you can see it really start to click for them."

Now almost half way through the training, Said Mohammad is no longer recognizable as the hesitant boy not sure of his next move. Now, he stands tall in his pressed uniform, listening intently as his instructor translates the Marine's lesson into Pashtu.

"What gives me the confidence that these guys are going to go out and serve the people of Afghanistan well?" asked Legaard."Well, they're learning from us. I have eyes on them every day and can correct them on the spot."

Said Mohammad knows he must learn all he can while at the academy because, very soon, he will be using these techniques, and it won't be for training.

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