Training and Education Command

MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, SC -- After traveling halfway around the world, a group of Afghanistan National Army officers arrived aboard MCRD Parris Island April 8 to see what it takes to become one of the "elite."

The group of six Afghan officers, each wearing woodland-pattern camouflage utility uniforms and bright green berets, spent two days viewing various training activities aboard the Depot after spending time at Marine Corps Bases Quantico, Va., and Camp Lejeune, N.C. The group is touring the different bases in an effort to gain valuable information that they will be able to use when training their own armies.

"We came here to visit the Marine Corps to learn new things for our soldiers," said Afghanistan National Army Capt. Momand Zabibullah, who was the most fluent in English of the group. "Everything we learn here, we will take back to Afghanistan."

The soldiers experienced their first taste of recruit training bright and early in the morning at Leatherneck Square. They learned the importance of hand-to-hand fighting through a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program demonstration, which was followed with a tour of the Confidence Course. Leatherneck Square instructors negotiated obstacles such as the "A-Frame" and "Slide for Life," which are both designed to build courage self-confidence and teamwork within recruits.

Throughout their stay, the Afghan officers also spent time at the Combat Pool, the Depot Museum, the gas chamber and were able to view recruits at Page Field during the Crucible's Day Observation Course.

The men, with years of combat experience ingrained in their facial features, listened to each brief intently, absorbing everything that was being said. But, of all the information the Afghan officers were able to obtain during their two-week stay in the United States, surprised them little about the way the Marine Corps operates.

According to Zabibullah, they were already familiar with a lot of the Marine Corps' training methods because of the training programs Marines are currently providing in Afghanistan.

"Everything is pretty interesting ... but nothing too surprising," he said.

During their visit, the officers also noticed quite a significant difference between Marine Corps training and their own: technology. Though a lot of the basic skills are similar between the two forces, Zabibullah pointed out that the technology the American military has at its disposal and the ability to properly equip every troop is what sets the two forces apart.

"Well, there's a lot of similarities, but as you know, we are still building our army ... we aren't as advanced," added Afghanistan National Army Capt. Sadad Abdul Khaliq, through his translator.

Khaliq also seemed impressed with the historical references scattered throughout the Depot and the other Marine Corps bases they had visited. He said he recognized the Iwo Jima Monument from a photograph he had back home.

It seemed everywhere the officers went aboard the Depot, all eyes were on them; each Marine was curious about who they were.

One of the Marines who had an opportunity to speak with the men was Sgt. Dennis Turner, a 3rd RTBn. drill instructor. Turner said there is a good reason for these types of visits.

"They need to see some of our training and need to understand that we aren't all mercenaries ... we aren't just trying to breed killers," said Turner, amidst the sounds of Pugil Stick training at Leatherneck Square, which the officers also viewed. "We are training young men and women with core values."