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News | June 17, 2011

Afghan troops graduate generator mechanic course

By Cpl. Katherine Keleher , Regional Command Southwest

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan (June 13, 2011) — Nineteen Afghan National Security Forces troops graduated from the Generator Mechanic Course at the Joint Sustainment Academy Southwest, Helmand province.

The seven-day course taught the Afghan soldiers the basic operations of generators, such as preventative maintenance, internal wiring and troubleshooting.

“Teaching them stuff like this makes them more self-sufficient in not just combat but logistics,” explained Cpl. Benjamin Carter, the course instructor. “Once the United States pulls out of Afghanistan it is imperative that they have a working knowledge on things such as generators.”

When the students came to JSAS they had minimal knowledge of generators, which are what supply energy and electricity to Afghan units.

“They did very well. A lot of them picked it up very quickly,” said Carter, of Euslis, Fla. “They were very eager to learn, and asked a lot of questions. I’d have all of them come work at my shop any day.”

After the graduation, the Afghan soldiers showed their pride with smiles and handshakes.

“I am really proud,” said 1st Sgt. Sadatdin Ghori, an Afghan National Army soldier with the 215th Corps who graduated as the class leader. “It’s something we really needed to learn so we can help other people and we worked really hard.”

Soldiers who graduated the course will now go back to their respective units where they can utilize their new skills and teach them to other soldiers.