Afghanistan inaugurates first military academy
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 11 November 2013 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Afghanistan inaugurates first military academy, 11 November 2013, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/528b68f311.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
November 11, 2013
Afghan President Hamid Karzai (right) shakes hands with the Afghan soldiers during the ceremony opening the National Army Officer Academy outside Kabul on November 11..
Afghan President Hamid Karzai has inaugurated the country's first military academy.
At the opening ceremony on November 11, Karzai thanked Britain for its "support and financial assistance" in creating the National Army Officer Academy.
Built on the outskirts of Kabul, the academy is part of the Afghanistan National Defense University.
Some 270 students were chosen from more than 10,000 applicants to be the first recruits.
British Defense Secretary Philip Hammond said the academy will provide "world-class training."
Trainers and advisers from Britain, Denmark, Norway, New Zealand, and Australia will work with the future officers.
The Afghan National Army this year took on the role of fighting the Taliban insurgency, as the U.S.-led NATO coalition prepares to withdraw next year.
There are currently some 150,000 soldiers in the army.
Based on reporting by dpa and Reuters
Link to original story on RFE/RL website