KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - On February 21st, 259 Afghan National Police (ANP) from Zabul province graduated from the Focused District Development (FDD) eight week training initiative at the Regional Training Center in Kandahar province Afghanistan.

The graduation ceremony included numerous ANP and coalition senior officers, as well as the Governor of Kandahar, Assadullah Khalid, all of which offered their congratulatory remarks to the proud and well-trained graduates.  Fittingly, Governor Khalid said “with you graduating, it gives us hope and peace; you are the ones who stand against the bad people.”

Brig. General Nasrullah Zarife, Regional Training Center Commander emphasized the importance of the police forces by stating “police understand rules and the responsibilities of policemen.”  “We will be honest with our people.”

Major General Marc Lessard, Regional Command-South Commander offered words of inspiration and support to the new graduates, who had recently completed the FDD cycle one training.  “Today will bring great stability within Afghanistan.”  As policemen you represent the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan; there is no higher honor” said Lessard.  The contributions of every one of you is vital to the ordinary Afghan;” you uphold the rule of law” Lessard further added.

The eight-week FDD cycle one training initiative is the first of three training initiatives and it offered essential skills training to the police elements throughout the districts of Qalat, Shahjoy, and Tarnak va Jaldak in Zabul province.  Such essential tasks included mounted/dismounted patrols, urban/village operations, and district coordination center and station security tasks.