Afghan air corps soars again

KABUL, Afghanistan: Graduates completed the first orientation course for the Afghan National army air corps April 30  at the Kabul Air Corps Training Center here.

The four-week inaugural course laid the foundation for the air corps soldiers as they began their careers in the ANAAC.

"This is an exciting new age," said Brig. Gen. Jay H. Lindell, the Combined Air Power Transition Force commander. "I congratulate you as you build, and rebuild, the Afghan air corps."

During the course, KACTC instructors taught 20 students airfield safety, computer instruction, the history of the air corps, logistics and equipment maintenance.

With the help of advisors and instructors from the U.S. Air Force, private contractors and former air corps members, the ANAAC is being rebuilt after nearly two decades of neglect.

"Many of the instructors are former members of the Afghan air corps," General Lindell said. "They have returned, wanting to give back to their country."

Students of the orientation course received technical training in ground support and other services crucial to the maintenance of military aircraft and helicopters.

"We are just in the beginning stages," said Lt. Col. James Langford, the KACTC education director. "This class did very well. If you had been here when they arrived four weeks ago, you would have seen students like any of our typical (U.S.) Airmen recruits."

In addition to the regular coursework, the students received instruction on sexual harassment, military values and participated in a physical conditioning program.

More advanced classes will be taught by October and class size will increase to 30 students, Colonel Langford said.

"During the course, they also learned to stand guard at installation entry points, conduct vehicle searches and stand watches at public buildings and airports," the colonel said. "After graduation, they are all going to join Afghan National Security Forces. Initially they will be stationed here in Kabul, but later they will move on to other locations around the country."

"Our students did very well. The instructors have taught them many things," said Temor Shah, the director of the KACTC. "Later this year, more American advisors will arrive for a year-long deployment, instructing the next round of students."

The curriculum will expand to include a 12-week course on fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing maintenance and aircraft logistics, Colonel Langford said.

The program is a welcome addition to our country's defense, Mr. Shah said.