The Time Is Now: Building an ANP Force, “Shohna ba Shohna,” that will stand the test of time

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Feature – The Time Is Now: Building an ANP Force, “Shohna ba Shohna,” that will stand the test of time

by 1st Lt. Steven Comerford, Aide-de-Camp

KABUL, Afghanistan — Since the creation of conflict and resolution involving state actors, one main question has beleaguered the states involved. The question is simple in wording but not in meaning. The question is “How and when do you enable a war stricken people to perpetuate ownership in their country again?” The question is valid, for when is the right time to facilitate the rebuilding of the “soul” of a country? It has become apparent throughout the history of time that not one country can accomplish such a monumental task on its own. So how do you begin to address such a seemingly insurmountable task? The answer is simple; it is the dynamic that has to be changed.

At NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan and Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan, the dynamic has been changed. The new approach is a multinational effort to assist the people of Afghanistan in developing cohesion and self-ownership. This line of thinking can best be captured by Immanuel Kant’s second formulation of his famous Categorical Imperative:

“Act so that you treat humanity, whether in your own person or in that of another, always as an end and never as a means only.”

On the surface, it may be presumed utopian to believe that this type of philosophical sentiment could be transformed into practice, policy or programs at this time in history. However, the Human Terrain Team was fortunate enough to see the seeds of such noble actions. Representing Dr. Jack Kem, the Deputy to the NTM-A Commanding General, the HTT went on a fact finding mission to the Afghan National Civil Order Police Academy in Mazar-e-Sharif. There they witnessed the seeds germinate, grow and begin to bloom into a future free of discrimination, religious persecution and selfish ambition. What the team saw was a new generation of Afghans. Working side by side were once rival groups of Tajiks, Pashtuns, Hazaras, Farsiwans, and Uzbeks striving to become the best police officers for their country Afghanistan.

Leading the way for change for the Afghans was Col. Abdul Shakur Mohmand, Commander of the Mazar-e-Sharif training facility. He is a man of integrity, honor, professionalism, courage and vision. In a symbiotic relationship with his international counterparts, he assists in infusing morals, ethics and professional values. This is readily apparent in the actions and behavior of the cadets. Col. Shakur treats each cadet with respect and they return it with extremely genuine enthusiasm.

While visiting the academy, a U.S. Army Officer would immediately be reminded of their time at Army Officer Candidate School. Pride! Honor! Integrity! Those words reverberated throughout the camp. The environment was similar and encapsulated the esprit de corps that is within OCS.

In this positive environment, the HTT was able to ask the cadets candid questions about the present situation in Afghanistan and the future they envision for their country. The answers were astounding. One cadet said “I want to teach the importance of community and the protection of it. In order to do this we, the people, must be brothers in a nation without discrimination. We need to rebuild a sense of pride within our people. We must do this through education and literacy within our communities. Once we do all of this, we will be united as one. First we must take the first step and that is why I am here, to lead the next generation.” This deep emotion and sense of nationalism, exemplified the thoughts of a majority of the cadets in multiple sessions.

In the world’s eye this may be a small accomplishment. It could even be explained away as an anomaly by some individuals. However, it only takes one person to change the destiny of a country or even the world. At ANCOP cadets voices are being heard. As Martin Luther King Jr. once said “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” Now NTM-A/CSTC-A has planted the seeds and they are taking root within ANCOP. So, let us never be silent, so that our friends will rejoice in the “soul” of a new nation called “Afghanistan” — shohna ba shohna!