PRT/LASHKAR GAH - AUXILIARY POLICE GRADUATE

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KABUL 005731 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR SCA/FO DAS GASTRIGHT, SCA/A STATE PASS TO USAID FOR AID/ANE, AID/DCHA/DG NSC FOR HARRIMAN OSD FOR KIMMITT CENTCOM FOR CG CFC-A, CG CJTF-76 POLAD E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: MOPS PREL PGOV AF SUBJECT: PRT/LASHKAR GAH - AUXILIARY POLICE GRADUATE REF: KABUL 5284 ¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY: In what should be considered a positive start, the first class of Afghan National Auxiliary Police (ANAP) graduated in Lashkar Gah, Helmand Province, on November 16. DynCorp trainers reported that the training went smoothly and that the 100 trainees were enthusiastic and performed well. Drawn from eight districts, the ANAP were then deployed to three districts, with many of the graduates being assigned to man checkpoints. The second class graduated on November 30. Training expanded to neighboring Nahri Sarraj district on November 25, where 57 recruits have nearly completed the course. After some confusion, recruits from Musa Qala district joined the class in Lashkar Gah that commenced on December 2. The only significant problem encountered has been getting the ANAP paid, a problem officials report has been resolved. END SUMMARY. One hundred graduates deployed to three districts -------------- -------------- ¶2. (SBU) Following the inaugural course in Qalat in October (REFTEL),the first class of Afghan National Auxiliary Police (ANAP) graduated in Lashkar Gah (LKG),Helmand Province, on November 16. Starting on November 4, one hundred recruits (of a starting class of 102, the other two fell ill and were scheduled to resume training in the next class) received a basic introduction to police work from a MOI syllabus, including conflict techniques, weapons familiarization, checkpoint operation and field sanitation. Graduates also received equipment (uniform, weapon and ammunition). The training was conducted by DynCorp and Ministry of Interior (MOI) trainers, with assistance from PRT military personnel. DynCorp trainers described the recruits as enthusiastic about training, and said they performed well; the trainers also reported only a few logistical problems (e.g., no food for one day of training). ¶3. (SBU) The trainees, drawn from eight districts, were mostly raw, though some obviously had familiarity with weapons. The recruiting process stemmed from an agreement between Chief of Police General Nabijan, the MOI and tribal leaders, with Nabijan and the MOI seeking assurances from the tribal leaders that the recruits will observe the police chain of command and the rule of law, otherwise they would be expelled. ¶4. (SBU) Though the idea is to recruit locally and send back ANAP loyal to their communities and therefore less likely to engage in extortion (the reputation of the Afghan National Police (ANP) in Helmand is one of corruption),Nabijan will be able to distribute ANAP across Helmand, within limits set for each district. The graduates of the first class will not all be deployed to their own districts, with most going to Garmser district (south of LKG),some to the LKG reserve and smaller numbers to Nawa-I-Barakzayi (central district) and LKG district center. Many of the graduates are being used to man checkpoints. ¶5. (SBU) At the end of their year contract ANAP course graduates can apply for a year,s extension or apply to the regular ANP. During their year in the ANAP they will receive one week of refresher training every three months, a modification of the initial course. Musa Qala recruits arrive for training -------------- ¶6. (SBU) Training continues in LKG, with two classes already graduated (221 total) and the third underway. This third class has approximately 160 recruits, and includes 20 from Musa Qala district, where local leaders struck a deal with the provincial governor government about providing for their own security. Local leaders from the district accompanied the recruits for the first day, and later expressed an interest in sending additional recruits to future classes. KABUL 00005731 002 OF 002 Training expands to second district -------------- ¶7. (SBU) Training expanded to Nahri Sarraj, the district immediately to the north of LKG, on November 25 with approximately 60 participating. Due to security concerns in the district, the training in Nahri Sarraj is being conducted by UK military and two DynCorp trainers. (NOTE: The only recruitment center is in Lashkar Gah. The ANP is looking into sending ANP up to Nahri Sarraj to recruit there. END NOTE.) Recurring problem: Salary nonpayment -------------- ¶8. (SBU) Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan,s (CSTC-A) Police Reform Directorate (PRD) finance team has included Helmand in its notably successful phased effort to establish a direct pay system nationwide that would ensure reliable payment of monthly salaries to individual policemen. Payment under this system initially envisions using a Ministry of Finance (MOF) agent, followed later by direct payments through a Lashkar Gah bank. Electronic funds transfers into individual bank accounts are the ultimate goal. In the November 23 ANP staff meeting in Lashkar Gah, director for training and education said that the ANAP had not yet been paid, and blamed the MOF for the delay. ANP officials promise that in the next pay period those ANAP should receive both regular and back pay. ¶9. (SBU) In the months ahead, the hiring of security guards related to infrastructure projects in northern Helmand could present an attractive and lucrative alternative to the ANAP. Nabijan is aware of this, and will work with tribal leaders to prevent defections and hold ANAP to their year-long contracts. ¶10. (SBU) COMMENT: The initial training course should be judged a success. The only significant problem arising, nonpayment of salary, has been a chronic problem in Helmand. A resolution seems at hand, hopefully an enduring one. END COMMENT. NEUMANN