NANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Soldiers from 66th Military Police Company, based out of Ft. Lewis, Wash., spent 21 days conducting a round-robin training cycle to help their fellow policemen in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan.
Afghan National Police in Shinwar District here were taught hasty and full-vehicle searches Feb. 12. The class was part of larger training cycle that started Jan. 19 to help refresh and reiterate basic police skills.
The two-week ANP police course teaches basic skills, but the 66th MPs are conducting follow-up training to expand on the initial two-week training.
“Most of the stuff we’re teaching them isn’t new, we’re just breaking it down so it’s easier to learn,” explained Army Staff Sgt. Russell Miller, a squad leader in the 66th MP Company.
ANP officers were taught through hands-on, step-by-step instructions. They acted-out scenarios ensuring each policeman learned the valuable skills being taught by their American counterparts.
Miller, from Eugene, Ore., taught classes including first responder, logistics, basic rifle marksmanship, weapon safety, ethics, IED awareness, applying handcuffs, personnel and building searches, crime scene management, rule of law and combatives.
ANP leaders were also taught how to conduct battle tracking, response measures, patrol debriefs, logistical and personnel systems.
“This is good training,” said Nawarullah, an ANP officer from Shinwar District.
The 66th MP Company added a little twist to the training by giving out recognitions for outstanding effort or accomplishments.
“For a little incentive the top shooters got goggles,” said Miller. “We also give out certificates of achievement each day for outstanding effort. The police love it and try really hard to earn the certificates.”
Nawarullah earned a certificate of achievement for his effort during vehicle searches.
“I love being a policeman,” explained Nawarullah, who’s been a policeman for 9 months. “I do it for my country.”