Afghanistan’s Special Operations commander leads well-trained warriors
Unipath Staff
The need to build and maintain highly advanced military forces while preparing them to face and overcome potential threats is critical for the future of Afghanistan. As commander of the Afghan National Army’s Special Operations Command (ANASOC), Maj. Gen. Sayed Abdul Karim knows this and has spent years preparing the country’s Special Operations forces for challenges that lie ahead.
Karim has led the development of the country’s special operators since the Army established ANASOC in 2011 to better coordinate, maintain and grow its capabilities. Whether it’s training, education or equipment — Karim ensures ANASOC is identifying and providing what’s necessary to build strong, professional and effective special operations units.
In the past few years, Afghanistan’s Special Operations forces efforts have achieved much growth and success. Headquartered at Camp Morehead, a few miles south of Kabul, ANASOC leads more than 10,500 special operators. Its mission is to organize, staff, train, lead and equip the Army’s special operations forces in support of the government’s national security objectives. In 2012, ANASOC inaugurated the country’s first division-size Special Operations unit. In 2013, the command celebrated the inauguration of the 1st ANA Special Operations Brigade in Paktya province.
“Our commando force will fight and eliminate our external and internal enemies,” Karim said. “We will succeed because we live by our creed: Allah, Country, Duty.”
In Afghanistan, Special Operations commandos are held in celebrity-like status by local communities who have seen these elite forces in action. Children crowd around these well-trained troops when they arrive in villages, and many can be seen sporting commando T-shirts.
Part of this support is due to the success of commando missions in securing communities. At any given time, Karim can list Special Operations victories and achievements across the country. This is because the command’s small yet agile and highly trained units are more effective at tracking and eliminating enemies.
“Values are what make a Soldier unique. They do have special equipment, they do have special training, but the truth, just like in the U.S., is that the operator is more important than the equipment,” he said.
ANASOC forces undergo rigorous training at Camp Commando at the School of Excellence (SOE)in Rish Kvor.
Curriculum at the SOE covers a range of skills required for operators to plan and execute successful missions. Students train in urban warfare techniques, advanced marksmanship, communication, combat medical skills, land navigation and other capabilities.
Additionally, the School of Excellence has transitioned from being primarily run by U.S. instructors to being completely taught by Afghan commandos. Karim is pleased with ANASOC’s planning capabilities, high-caliber instructors and successful mission execution.
“Training is very important for Soldiers. It is a way of life,” Karim said.
With his eyes on the future, Karim not only believes ANASOC forces will help Afghans enjoy security and prosperity, but that they can aid other regions dealing with instability.
“If we keep building and improving our forces … one day in the future, we will be part of multinational forces to go somewhere else in the world if there is a conflict,” Karim told CNN in 2014. “That is what I hope for.”