BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (August 8, 2008) – After completing a 10-day basic training course followed by three years on-the-job training, Afghan National Auxiliary Police (ANAP) officers can convert to regular ANP.

Their last hurdle was to complete a three-week continuation course taught by Police Training and Advisory Team (PTAT) instructors.

Fourty-one ANAP officers graduated from the Camp Wright PTAT program, Aug. 7. The Konar Provincial Reconstruction Team, based at Camp Wright, runs the only ANAP sustainment training in the region.  To date, Sailors from the Konar PRT have provided instruction to more than 500 ANAP officers. 

Afghans, who are currently serving as ANAP officers, will see the ANAP program phase out Oct. 1.  Attending sustainment training at the Konar PRT is a crucial piece of training required for these officers to convert from ANAP to ANP prior to the October deadline. 

“Completion of this course will mean these brave ANAP officers will continue to have a job protecting their country from insurgents come October,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Ramirez the Konar PRT PTAT NCO-in charge.

The ceremony was attended by the Konar PRT's executive officer, Konar’s police chief, Konar’s anti-terrorism chief, and education minister.

Abdul Zahir, Konar’s education minister, addressed the ANAP officers at the graduation ceremony.  He told them to resist corruption and serve bravely and honorably.

Maj. John Barfels, Konar PRT’s executive officer, also praised the new officers and challenged them to serve with honor.

“I congratulate you for taking on this very important duty as Afghan National Auxiliary Police officers,” said Barfels. “I know that you will serve your village, your districts, your province and your country with honor.”

Konar's police chief, Gen. Abdul Jalal, also had words for the new officers.

"You must all be honest and root out corruption," he said. “I am very happy with the quality of the police officers graduating from the PTAT program.”

The police chief and the distinguished guests took turns handing out diplomas to the ANAP officers.