U.S. transfers responsibility of training Afghan army to Canadians
Canadian Press via Sun Media ^ | 2007-05-15 | (wire service)

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (CP) - Canada has taken over the helm of training Afghan National Army soldiers operating in Kandahar and Uruzgan provinces.

The transfer from U.S. to Canadian hands of the mentoring for the 1st Brigade, 205 Corps of the ANA took place today in a ceremony at Kandahar Airfield. The program is designed to help ANA troops get their skills up to speed to provide security for their own country before coalition forces pull out of Afghanistan.

Lt.-Col. Wayne Eyre, who takes over the authority for the training from the Americans, says it's a vital pillar of Canada's exit strategy for Afghanistan.

Eyre says Afghan commanders understand the importance of winning the hearts and minds of the Afghan people.

Maj. Peter Sullivan, the program's deputy commander, says soldiers are constantly striving to bring Canadian values to the Afghan operation, particularly in the area of human rights.