MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND,S.C. -- A delegation of three officers and three senior staff non-commissioned officers from the Afghan National Army visited the United States to learn about Marine Corps officer and enlisted entry level training, staff training and specialized infantry training.
After visiting several Marine Corps schools and training sites, the group finished their tour of military installations by observing recruit training aboard the Depot April 24-25.
A similar trip was made on April 8, 2005, however, this year's visit marked the first time a group of senior enlisted Afghan soldiers have observed first-hand how Marines are trained, hoping to enhance the development of the capabilities and leadership of the non-commissioned officer ranks within the ANA.
The visit is part of an ongoing effort to develop the professionalism and combat abilities of the ANA.
During the trip, the visitors learned the importance of hand-to-hand combat through a demonstration of the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, which was followed by a tour of the Confidence Course. They also observed recruits completing the Crucible, a 54-hour culminating event and apex of recruit training, where recruits hike more than 40 miles, receive only four hours of sleep a night and eat four Meals-Ready-to-Eat.
They watched as recruits utilized teamwork during the Crucible in order to accomplish a mission. Observing from a distance, the officers and staff NCOs viewed events like Cukela's Wall, an event where recruits depend on each other to get over a ten-foot wall.
The trip to Parris Island helped give the ANA officials a vision of what they would like to incorporate in their own training.
The soldiers all agreed that what impressed them the most was the obstacle courses located at each recruit training battalion.
"It is very important for a soldier to get through every obstacle he encounters," said Col. Raman Shams, one of the Afghan National Army officers, through an interpreter.
Shams said the ANA officials have already discussed the importance of having an obstacle course and plan on creating a course for their own soldiers to train on.
"If a soldier cannot manage his way through obstacles, he has failed; he cannot be helpful to his country," Shams added.
Throughout the duration of their stay, the Afghan officers and staff NCOs also spent time at the Combat Pool, the Depot Museum and the gas chamber.
The officers and senior staff NCOs also visited Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., where officers are trained and MCB Camp Lejeune, N.C., where enlisted infantry Marines are trained.
Shams said the Afghan National Army basic training is only 11 weeks long, however, they are considering extending their training.
According to Maj. Rick Seagrist, a Marine Corps reservist who volunteered to serve on the Marine Corps Embedded Training Team, troops from other countries like the United Kingdom, Germany and Mongolia also have embedded training teams to assist the Afghan National Army in their growing process to have a smooth running army.
The ANA officials also viewed cultural sites in Washington along with several other east coast cities.