Afghanistan, the forgotten project

Nevertheless, the most important training enterprise besides the police force is the Afghan National Army (ANA).  American forces are busy teaching the new recruits of the army to eventually take over their jobs and become the country’s first line of defense.  Camp Shirzai, located in Kandahar is one of the facilities where a plethora of skills are being taught from the technical: firing and caring for weapons, to the interpersonal: proper techniques for arrest and engagement and sensitivity training.

The centerpiece of ANA training is the National Military Academy of Afghanistan, modeled after West Point and opened in March 2005.  The school grants bachelor’s degrees and a berth in the army as a second lieutenant after four years of training with available majors in electrical, systems, civil and mechanical engineering.  The first class admitted 120 students with 97 of them surviving the first term.  It is hopeful that the academy will breed professionalism and integrity into the Afghan Army.^[xviii]

Other facilities are being constructed to continue this training for future generations.  With German and American assistance, a new building was completed as part of the Driver and Mechanic School in October 2005, dedicated to teaching advanced driving techniques in rough conditions and vehicle maintenance.  The building was constructed mostly by the local population to ensure maximum benefit for the Afghans.^[xix]  This new structure is an excellent example of using one project to improve the present and the future.

The road to a better future is also being literally paved.  The PRTs are actively rebuilding roads and bridges to end community isolation.  A healthy and strong transportation network encourages trade and interaction, which can lead to more security and stability.  These projects also invigorate the economy by hiring local workers and contractors and setting the stage for further investments.

For example, the Sayad Khel Road just completed improvements in July which included the construction of a new bridge.  The repairs and construction required the labor of 45 local civilians and is “expected to boost trade between two districts.”^[xx]  At the same time, in Kapisa Province, the Bolyghan Bridge finished construction as part of a wider effort to link the northern half of the region to the southern part.  The bridge allows commerce to continue even during the spring when winter snow melts make crossing the river dangerous.  This project also used a local contractor to ensure that the local economy were the chief benefactor of the construction project.^[xxi]  Regions that were once disconnected are now linked, increasing the chance for better communal relations and uniting the country even further.

With the infrastructure being rebuilt, there is also the need for a robust economy to use that network.  Initiatives are enabling the shattered Afghan economy to repair itself.  The “Afghan First” enterprise is one of those ventures, prioritizing local businesses in building and supply contracts, so that the reconstruction process maximizes Afghan participation. The program hosted a Vendor Day in June in the Paktika and Khost provinces where 42 local and reputable business owners were invited to participate in training and receive an opportunity to bid for contracts.^[xxii]  Having Afghans become the main contractors in projects also has the positive effect of ensuring that products arrive faster.

These types of project represent a part of the strategy in rebuilding Afghanistan.  The United States and its allies are demonstrating to the Afghans that they are the better alternative than the Taliban by funding projects to improve their lives.  Enterprises, like the one at the village of Gowardesh on the border with Pakistan play a critical role in winning legitimacy and support from the people.  Insurgents used the valley Gowardesh is located in as a crossing point from Pakistan to launch attacks.  Fearful of repercussions, the villagers did nothing.