Photo By Gunnery Sgt. Adam Leyendecker | Terry Walker, training adviser at Joint Security Academy Southwest, speaks to Lt. Gen....... read more read more
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CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Lt. Gen. Thomas D. Waldhauser, commanding general for Marine Corps Forces Central Command, visited Joint Security Academy Southwest to witness progress and development being made by Afghan National Security Forces aboard Camp Leatherneck, May 7.
The instructors highlighted the structure of the academy and stressed that the Afghan security forces eat, sleep, live and train with Marines.
“Our goal is for the security forces to be able to walk out of here and go back to their units and train them,” said Maj. Andrew V. Martinez, director of JSAS. “Instructors teach them in their subject matter, but also teach them literacy and professionalism.”
JSAS leaders also explained to Waldhauser that eventually the Afghans will take over and teach each other, and have already begun this process by identifying one top student from the recently graduated Joint Non-Commissioned Officer course to be trained as an instructor.
With Afghan security forces starting to gain more responsibility for securing their country, Waldhauser noted that Marine instructors are doing a great job in guiding the ANSF.
“The Marine is counting on Afghans to know what they’re doing,” said Waldhauser. “The Afghans have to know how to provide protection for their local populations.”
One success has been the united front between the Afghans and Marines at JSAS.
Marines forming a bond with Afghans is just as important as making sure the Afghans are forming a bond with Marines, said Sgt. Maj. Randall Carter, command sergeant major for Marine Corps Forces Central Command.
After spending lunch talking with some of the Afghan security forces, Waldhauser ensured he took the opportunity to thank his fellow Marines.
“I am amazed every time I come here,” said Waldhauser. “I thank you all for the hard work. What you’re doing is making a difference.”
| Date Taken: | 05.09.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 05.09.2011 11:23 |
| Story ID: | 70106 |
| Location: | CAMP LEATHERNECK, AF |
| Web Views: | 357 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
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