AMC, 3-401st AFSB contribute to Afghan First program

Courtesy Photo | An Army Materiel Command's Afghan First program trainee grinds an ammo box in the in the Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, metals shop. Since its inception in March 2006, the Afghan First program has infused hundreds of millions of dollars into the Afghan economy. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Daniel Bellis)  

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN

08.13.2007

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO

By Navy Chief Petty Officer Eric Harrison,
43rd Joint Logistics Command Public Affairs

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Since its inception, the Afghan First program has infused hundreds of millions of dollars into the Afghan economy. However, the Army Material Command and 3rd Battalion, 401st Army Field Support Brigade has contributed in a different way: through training.

Army Lt. Gen. Karl Eikenberry, then-commander of Combined Forces Command-Afghanistan, kicked off the Afghan First program in March 2006.

The first class of apprentices in the AMC training program began their schooling June 2006 and graduated in January, and it has continued strong since.

Heyward McLendon, 3rd Bn., 401st Bde., deputy program manager, said that through this program, they are trying to help establish that baseline of economy in Afghanistan, so this country will be able to stand up on its own with its highly-skilled people.

McLendon went on to say that one of the program's goals is to help foster a working class in Afghanistan.

"We're trying to increase their capability, to allow them to go back into their workforce and create the middle economy," McLendon said.

The first iteration of the apprenticeship program began with 10 Afghan trainees, which consisted of seven mechanics, a supply clerk, an electrician and a billeting clerk. The graduates also received on-the-job training.

"We turned around and offered the graduates of the program employment with the AFSB", he said. "You can walk through our (shops) and see them welding, working in supply and other places."

According to McLendon, 3rd Bn., 401st Bde. was able to find the candidates for the apprenticeship program easily, since they were already employed on site as laborers.

"We picked from the best of the Afghan labor force that we had, the ones who displayed the most initiative."

Another benefit of the Afghan First program is those in the program have an opportunity to expand beyond the AMC workforce to other parts of the community, according to McLendon.

"The Afghan national army is going to need mechanics and supply personnel. One day, the same people we are training to work on our equipment will be able to go back to their own Afghan national army to further broaden that base.

One participant in the AMC Afghan First program said that after 30 years of fighting in Afghanistan, the training he has received is good for the future of the country and the Afghan people.

"I like working here," he said. "I'm learning how to maintain vehicles here and I get certification as a mechanical helper. It's helped me because I can work outside the base at a mechanic shop fixing trucks."

Leonel Garza, 3rd Bn., 401st Bde. warehouse supervisor, said the trainees he has worked with enjoy doing the job and using the knowledge.

"They're good people; they're very intelligent and trustworthy people," said the Texas native. "Once they learn this job, they can go on the economy or get a job with another company, and they can feel that we have trained them in a good environment."

McLendon added that AMC is a good environment to work in for all workers from Afghanistan and neighboring countries.

"Everyone has a chance to succeed here."

• Date Taken: 08.13.2007
• Date Posted: 08.13.2007 16:21
• Story ID: 11795
• Location: BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF