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KABUL, Afghanistan – "The sky is dark over Afghanistan, but my hope is like the sun. I want to bring this darkness to brightness." With those words the Afghan Army Chief of Staff, Gen. Bismillah Khan officially announced the formation of the 8th Commando Kandak.
The group has gone from a disorganized gathering of new recruits huddling in a February snow storm to a highly disciplined team standing proudly in uniforms and maroon berets, armed with M-4 rifles and new military equipment. Commandos from the 8th Kandak graduated at Camp Morehead Wednesday.
After twelve weeks of intense training, 907 new Commandos were addressed by Afghan military leadership, including the Afghan Army Chief of Staff.
"For the past two years, Commando training has been going fast and smooth," Khan said. "Your successful graduation is another efficient step."
A poem commemorating the bravery of Afghan soldiers was read aloud, generating applause.
"They will gain experience during missions very quickly," said a U.S. Special Forces sergeant.
Khan's speech highlighted the need and essentially the encouragement required from the Afghan people to support the Afghan National Security Forces. At a Shura in Kunar province the day before, elders expressed their thanks to General Khan for the security and stability the ANSF are providing to their province.
The speech turned solemn with the reminder of the impact civilian casualties have on the populace and what care must be taken to avoid breaking the critical trust needed from the citizens of Afghanistan.
"We want to be self sufficient someday, and we need the trust of the people for that. If they support us, they support the government," he said.
Khan thanked the international community gathered for the occasion and extended a special thanks to the Special Forces mentors.
"You are here day and night. We thank you for supporting us and the government. You are going shoulder-to-shoulder with us, but we want to get back on our feet. We want to provide security to the people ourselves," he said.
Commandos are often paired with Special Operation Forces during complex missions throughout Afghanistan. Partnered forces from the other seven Kandaks have proven themselves on missions by providing security and stability to the populace, engaging with local leaders and when called, defeating insurgents.
Khan specifically highlighted the Commando contingent in Helmand province, which he called "highly disciplined and motivated."
He concluded by carrying on the tradition of titling the Kandak with an honorable name, which was met with the loudest cheers of the morning. The 8th Kandak, is now known as the "lamer" or "sun" Kandak.
| Date Taken: | 05.07.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 05.07.2010 07:38 |
| Story ID: | 49276 |
| Location: | KABUL, AF |
| Web Views: | 302 |
| Downloads: | 291 |
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