Feature | Evolutions in Security Sector Reform
General Karimi also understands, however, from personal experience, that if the Afghan National Army is to survive post-ʹ ͲͳͶ ϐ of ISAF, the ANA must be a modern and highly professional force designed to enhance Afghanistan’s long-term stability and security. emphasis on Adventure Training outside of the Academy and physically testing exercises where teamwork and confidence building are keys. Term Two revolves around an emphasis on building leadership initiative and moving cadets along the path from being raw recruits to commencing to gain an understanding of the role of an Army Officer. It is at this juncture that academics begin to be brought into the overall curriculum with classroom subjects such as conventional war studies, international affairs and leadership being taught. Classroom assignments do not, however, mean a lessening of the physical activities which continue including physically demanding field exercises.
or is built into the overall Commissioning Course. Equally, the selection process to gain entry to the proposed academy will also have to be given a great deal of thought. Whether the British Army’s well-honed three and a half day Officer Selection Board process will be employed as a template, will have to be decided upon. General Karimi understands that to replicate an institution such as the RMAS with its rich historical legacy, traditions, ethos and culture of training officers will be far from easy. General
Karimi also understands, however, from personal experience, that if the Afghan National Army is to survive post-2014 and the final withdrawal of ISAF, the ANA must be a modern and highly professional force designed to enhance Afghanistan’s long-term stability and security. That requires a professional officer corps whose motto must reflect that of RMAS and one which General Karimi learned as a young officer cadet in the late 1960s; they must Serve to Lead. ■
The third term sees Office Cadets being assigned more responsibilities. There is also a shift towards topics such as unconventional warfare and counter-insurgency. The physical activities continue unabated although the emphasis is increasingly placed on the individual to maintain the appropriate level of fitness through personal exercise and team sports. Arduous field exercises also continue including live-fire exercises. The term concludes with the Passing Out Parade, known at Sandhurst as the Sovereign’s Parade, and the awarding of a Commission. From the perspective of the British Army after completing the Commissioning Course all new officers attend a Young Officer’s course wherein they learn the disciplines and craft of their chosen part of the Army. Completion of this course results in the new officers going off to assume a Platoon Commander assignment. How this stage will be handled from the perspective of the Afghan National Army will have to be thought through to decide whether it remains a separate course after commissioning
ęĆć ĎđĎęĞ ĕĊėĆęĎĔēĘ NOVEMBER-DECEMBER ‘12
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