Afghan National army opens officially its Regional Artillery Training Center in Zabul 0401142

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held, as artillery soldiers from the 205th Hero Corps, Afghan National Army, were present to commemorate the occasion.

Afghan National Army Brigadier General Mohammed Akyam Sameh, a field artillery officer and commander of 2nd Brigade, 205th Corps, Afghan National Army, talked about the importance of the day.

“I am so happy to be able to witness this day and take part in something great,” Sameh said. “This is a great day for us, and the Afghan National Army.”

With the help of security force assistance teams from 1st Infantry Division, U.S. Army, serving at Forward Operating Base Apache nearby, the new training center will allow ANA soldiers from all brigades across Afghanistan to receive training and instruction in all areas of field artillery.

Lieutenant Colonel Eric Lopez, commander of 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, spoke about the opening of the new training facility as well as the ongoing partnership between ANA and the International Security Assistance Force.

“The (Regional Artillery Training Center) is just a great example of the ongoing relationship and friendship that we have with Afghan National Security Forces,” Lopez said. “This will allow them to further develop training and become more proficient in the field artillery world. They have worked hard with us to get to this point, and we look forward to continuing that mentorship and assistance moving forward.”

Lopez went on to talk about the growth he has seen in the ANSF since he arrived in Afghanistan.

“The biggest thing for them moving forward is going to be continuing to gain confidence and do things well,” he said. “Confidence will help them continue to conduct operations by themselves and provide security for the Afghan people.”

The day belonged to the new training center, which Sameh couldn’t say enough about.

“Today marks a new day for us what we could do before wasn’t as much as what we will be able to do moving forward,” he said. “Before we weren’t able to train as much, but now we have instructors who can teach here, and go back to their brigades and teach even more.”

Sameh gives credit to how hard the ANA soldiers have been working, including their willingness and responsiveness to their ISAF partners.

“Our relationship with the ISAF should be a symbol for all ANA to look at, we have worked hard for them and they continue to help us and our relationship gets closer every day,” he said.

He also had a message for the ANA, as “they take the lead in Afghanistan.”

“I tell you all this- right now, we have a great opportunity, a chance to learn something,” Sameh said. “We must take advantage and the key will be to continue to work hard, and earn the trust of our country, so we can truly provide security and stability.”