National Military Academy of Afghanistan
Affirmation Ceremony to Graduating Class
25 January 2009
Salaam Aleykum. President Karzai, Minister Wardak, Ambassador Wood, [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 13:31:00 2009
]General Bishmullah Khan, [Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:20:00 2009
]Many thanks to [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 13:31:00 2009
]Major General Sharif, distinguished guests, and members of the [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 13:32:00 2009
]first[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 13:33:00 2009
] [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 13:33:00 2009
]graduating class of the [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 13:32:00 2009
]Minister Wardak, President Karzai, and the [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 13:32:00 2009
]National Military Academy of Afghanistan. [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 13:33:00 2009
] for inviting me here today. [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 13:32:00 2009
]I'm[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:00:00 2009
] am[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:00:00 2009
] grateful for the invitation to be here today and [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 13:33:00 2009
]honored to stand he[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 13:33:00 2009
]re [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 13:33:00 2009
]before you[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 13:34:00 2009
]this graduating class[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 13:34:00 2009
] ….[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:07:00 2009
] the first graduating class produced by this [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 13:29:00 2009
]fine [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 13:35:00 2009
]military academy. [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 13:29:00 2009
] [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 13:37:00 2009
]I'm [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:06:00 2009
]proud to be addressing[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:06:00 2009
]in front of[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:06:00 2009
] a new generation of Afghan National Army officers.[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:07:00 2009
] w[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:01:00 2009
]ho are about to begin an important mission …[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:07:00 2009
] [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:08:00 2009
]a great and noble mission. [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:08:00 2009
]Those here today[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:08:00 2009
], along with your peers[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:08:00 2009
] already serving[Author ID3: at Wed Jan 21 18:56:00 2009
][Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:08:00 2009
],[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:08:00 2009
] are part of a [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:08:00 2009
]great and noble[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:08:00 2009
] mission[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:08:00 2009
]. S[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:08:00 2009
]S[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:08:00 2009
]tarting today, it is your shared [Author ID4: at Thu Jan 22 10:54:00 2009
]duty to defend the people of Afghanistan [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:08:00 2009
]create a s[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:09:00 2009
]ec[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 13:30:00 2009
]ure Afghanistan[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:09:00 2009
] for [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:36:00 2009
]its people[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:36:00 2009
]. [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:09:00 2009
] [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:36:00 2009
]Y[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:36:00 2009
]ou will [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:36:00 2009
]and [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:36:00 2009
]help bring peace and pr[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:45:00 2009
]osperity[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:46:00 2009
]create a [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:46:00 2009
]new [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:46:00 2009
]future, one [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:10:00 2009
] [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:46:00 2009
]to the land [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:47:00 2009
]after [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:46:00 2009
]30 years of war[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:10:00 2009
].[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:10:00 2009
]where Afghanistan[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:11:00 2009
] is [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:11:00 2009
]at peace[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:11:00 2009
], where prosperity can flourish, and where Afghans and their families can feel safe. [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:11:00 2009
][Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:11:00 2009
]
[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:46:00 2009
] [Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:21:00 2009
]//[Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:21:00 2009
][Author ID1: at Thu Jan 29 17:25:00 2009
][Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:46:00 2009
]
[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:46:00 2009
] [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:46:00 2009
]Today,[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:37:00 2009
] I see before me [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:24:00 2009
]the future leaders of a renewed nation. [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:46:00 2009
] I see young [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:13:00 2009
]men who know their duty is to serve and protect their nation and its people. //[Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:21:00 2009
][Author ID1: at Thu Jan 29 17:25:00 2009
][Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:46:00 2009
]
You have spent the last several years at this academy mastering [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:12:00 2009
]four years learning [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:12:00 2009
]the necessary skills to serve as officers of the ANA[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:12:00 2009
]. A[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:02:00 2009
]nd soon [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:12:00 2009
]… [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:02:00 2009
]you will take your place on the front lines and lead your men against the enemies of Afghanistan. [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:12:00 2009
]In a few hours you will leave this place[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:15:00 2009
] [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:16:00 2009
]of study [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:03:00 2009
]with a new purpose: [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:16:00 2009
]to serve as officers in an increasingly professional, increasingly capable Afghan National Army.[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:16:00 2009
] [Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:22:00 2009
][Author ID1: at Thu Jan 29 17:25:00 2009
]//[Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:22:00 2009
][Author ID1: at Thu Jan 29 17:25:00 2009
] [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:16:00 2009
] [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:16:00 2009
][Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:22:00 2009
]
E[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:16:00 2009
]ach month [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:16:00 2009
]there are over a [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:17:00 2009
]20[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:25:00 2009
]00 newly trained soldiers joining kandaks across the country[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:17:00 2009
]…[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:21:00 2009
] [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:03:00 2009
]and they need you to lead them on the field of battle. I have met the soldiers and officers [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:21:00 2009
]i[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:37:00 2009
][Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:24:00 2009
]n[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 18:47:00 2009
][Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:24:00 2009
]of[Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:24:00 2009
] each of the five Corps of your [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:21:00 2009
]a[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:21:00 2009
][Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:24:00 2009
]A[Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:24:00 2009
]rmy and I can tell you the men that you will soon lead are courageous, capable and strong. [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:21:00 2009
]//[Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:25:00 2009
][Author ID1: at Thu Jan 29 17:25:00 2009
][Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:03:00 2009
]
Always remember that while you wear the uniform of the ANA you represent the government of Afghanistan[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:23:00 2009
]…[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:38:00 2009
]a[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:48:00 2009
]nd you carry with you the hopes and [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:24:00 2009
]dreams[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:04:00 2009
] of all the Afghan people. [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:24:00 2009
]/[Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:25:00 2009
][Author ID1: at Thu Jan 29 17:25:00 2009
][Author ID1: at Thu Jan 29 17:25:00 2009
]
/[Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:25:00 2009
][Author ID1: at Thu Jan 29 17:25:00 2009
] [Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
]You must set[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:27:00 2009
] the example of [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:24:00 2009
]honorable [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:25:00 2009
]service, [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:24:00 2009
]both [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:38:00 2009
]for th[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:25:00 2009
]e men you lead[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:28:00 2009
] and [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:25:00 2009
]for the nation[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:26:00 2009
]carry the nation forward[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:13:00 2009
] and [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:13:00 2009
]training yourselves to be strong leaders. [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:13:00 2009
]You have earned your way through this academy[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:27:00 2009
] and will leave [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:27:00 2009
]with a purpose: to be the leaders of an increasingly professional, increasingly capable military. [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:27:00 2009
]Each month there are thousands of newly trained Afghan soldiers[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:27:00 2009
]… and [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:27:00 2009
]they need [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:27:00 2009
]you[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:27:00 2009
] to lead them. [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:27:00 2009
]The men you lead will be courageous and capable and strong. As officers, you must also be courag[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:28:00 2009
]eous and capable and strong, but[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:28:00 2009
] you must also be firm and bold.[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:28:00 2009
].[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:28:00 2009
] You must lead[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:28:00 2009
]…. y[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:28:00 2009
]ou must be an example for those you command and for the nation. [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:28:00 2009
]When you leave here y[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:28:00 2009
]ou will represent the [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:28:00 2009
]state of Afghanistan[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:28:00 2009
], and[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:28:00 2009
] by doing so[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:28:00 2009
] will represent the interests of[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:28:00 2009
] all[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:28:00 2009
] [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:28:00 2009
]its[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:28:00 2009
] people.[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:28:00 2009
]
Your enemies[Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
] are [Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
]the [Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
]extremists, [Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
]the terrorists, [Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
]the [Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
]terrorists, [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:30:00 2009
][Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
]and[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:33:00 2009
][Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
] enemies of the people who act only in their own interests. They burn schools, [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:30:00 2009
][Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
]insurgents, [Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
]the miscreants[Author ID3: at Wed Jan 21 18:40:00 2009
][Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
],[Author ID3: at Wed Jan 21 18:41:00 2009
][Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
] [Author ID3: at Wed Jan 21 18:40:00 2009
][Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
]and those who would ac[Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
]t against the will and interest[Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
] of the people. Those [Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
]throw acid in the faces of young girls, [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:31:00 2009
][Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
]who burn schools [Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
]and[Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
] [Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
]kill children[Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
] walking home from school[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:31:00 2009
][Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
], attack women [Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
]and[Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
] old men[Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
]…[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:32:00 2009
][Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
]an[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:33:00 2009
][Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
]d[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:04:00 2009
][Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
] indiscriminately kill innocent civilians to spread their terror. T[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:33:00 2009
][Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
]hey are [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:32:00 2009
][Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
], are [Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
]not to be tolerated. You will be called upon to lead [Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
]the kandaks of the ANA[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:32:00 2009
][Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
]Afgh[Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
]an forces[Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
] against the[Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
]m[Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
]se enemies of Afghanistan[Author ID3: at Wed Jan 21 18:44:00 2009
][Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
] so that legitimate government can extend throughout the country[Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
]. [Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
]You should give them no quarter or peace until they are defeated.[Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
] Not only[Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
]You[Author ID3: at Wed Jan 21 19:04:00 2009
][Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
] must [Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
]you [Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
]clear them out[Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
] [Author ID3: at Wed Jan 21 19:04:00 2009
][Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
]of the villages, towns and provinces [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:34:00 2009
][Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
]and[Author ID3: at Wed Jan 21 19:04:00 2009
][Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
],[Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
] you must keep them out; you must hold [Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
]your ground[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:34:00 2009
][Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
]what you clear[Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
] and protect the people[Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
] [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:05:00 2009
][Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
].[Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
] [Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
] T[Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
]he people [Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
]of this [Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
]great[Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
] country [Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
]are depending on you[Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
] to protect them[Author ID4: at Thu Jan 22 11:13:00 2009
][Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
] [Author ID4: at Thu Jan 22 11:14:00 2009
][Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
]as you [Author ID4: at Thu Jan 22 11:14:00 2009
][Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
]. [Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
]T[Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
]hey are in a way[Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
] your larger family, and y[Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
]ou must honor and protect them as you [Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
]would [Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
]protect [Author ID4: at Thu Jan 22 11:14:00 2009
][Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
]your [Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
]own [Author ID4: at Thu Jan 22 11:14:00 2009
][Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
]family.[Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
][Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:27:00 2009
]
[Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:28:00 2009
]As you gain experience[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:35:00 2009
],[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:05:00 2009
] [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:35:00 2009
]grow in numbers and strength[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:28:00 2009
]stronger[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:28:00 2009
],[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:28:00 2009
],[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:35:00 2009
] [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:28:00 2009
] [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:28:00 2009
]and as you lead your Army forward …[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:05:00 2009
],[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:05:00 2009
] your enemy will [Author ID4: at Thu Jan 22 11:17:00 2009
]gets[Author ID4: at Thu Jan 22 11:17:00 2009
] weaker. [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:39:00 2009
]
[Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:28:00 2009
]As you enable [Author ID3: at Wed Jan 21 18:47:00 2009
]the [Author ID3: at Wed Jan 21 18:47:00 2009
][Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:36:00 2009
]government to [Author ID3: at Wed Jan 21 18:47:00 2009
][Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:38:00 2009
]new [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:38:00 2009
]economic development [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:37:00 2009
]and [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:38:00 2009
]new jobs[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:39:00 2009
] in [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:38:00 2009
]more [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:28:00 2009
]areas of the country[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:38:00 2009
] …[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:05:00 2009
]extend [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:38:00 2009
]to new areas[Author ID3: at Wed Jan 21 18:47:00 2009
][Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:38:00 2009
]the reach of legitimacy[Author ID4: at Thu Jan 22 11:18:00 2009
],[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:06:00 2009
] your enemy [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:36:00 2009
]he [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:36:00 2009
]will [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:06:00 2009
]gets[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:06:00 2009
] weaker. As you separate the enemy from the [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:39:00 2009
]protect the [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:39:00 2009
]people and protect them[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:39:00 2009
] …[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:28:00 2009
],[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:28:00 2009
] your enemy[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:39:00 2009
]h[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:39:00 2009
]e[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:40:00 2009
] gets[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:06:00 2009
]will get[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:06:00 2009
] weaker. Your courage and commitment will be your strongest weapons, and your sense of purpose and loyalty to the Constitution and your fellow Afghans[Author ID3: at Wed Jan 21 18:48:00 2009
] … [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:40:00 2009
]will guide you in your actions[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:40:00 2009
]be your truest aim[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:40:00 2009
]. //[Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:28:00 2009
][Author ID1: at Thu Jan 29 17:25:00 2009
]
B[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:40:00 2009
]ut you will not be alone in this fight. [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:40:00 2009
]On behalf of the men and women of ISAF who represent over 40 nations around the world[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:41:00 2009
],[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:06:00 2009
] let me tell you that we are here [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:41:00 2009
]T[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:42:00 2009
]t[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:42:00 2009
]o help you in your mission. [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:42:00 2009
], the International Community is here. ISAF is [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:42:00 2009
]We are [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:42:00 2009
]your partners[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:42:00 2009
], your brother[Author ID4: at Thu Jan 22 11:22:00 2009
]comrade-in-arms[Author ID4: at Thu Jan 22 11:22:00 2009
], and your friends[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:42:00 2009
]. We will not leave you on the field of battle. [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:45:00 2009
]Together,[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:43:00 2009
] we will deliver Afghanistan from fear and [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:45:00 2009
]terror and [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:43:00 2009
]together [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:45:00 2009
]we [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:46:00 2009
]will help you [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:45:00 2009
]build a new future. [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:43:00 2009
][Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:07:00 2009
]
fear and restore prosperity and happiness[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:43:00 2009
]. [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:43:00 2009
]This requires much from both of us; we will provide what support [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:46:00 2009
]we can, but this is your country … you must seize the opportunity to lead your men[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:46:00 2009
]…[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:40:00 2009
]
you must p[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:46:00 2009
]ress your kandaks to train better and to take the fight to a hidden and often cowardly enemy. [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:48:00 2009
]You must not accept failure or a second rate effort. Our enemy will not rest and neither can we. [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:49:00 2009
]and only you [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:50:00 2009
]can[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:50:00 2009
] do wh[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:50:00 2009
]at is necessary to [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:51:00 2009
]truly secure [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:51:00 2009
]it[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:51:00 2009
]. You must [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:51:00 2009
]take command, [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:51:00 2009
]you must [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:51:00 2009
]press your forces to train better[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:51:00 2009
] and[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:51:00 2009
] to fight harder[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:51:00 2009
]. Y[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:51:00 2009
]ou cannot [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:51:00 2009
]and will not [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:51:00 2009
]accept failure. [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:51:00 2009
] You [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:51:00 2009
]must honestly assess them, find a way to make them better, and lead them forward. [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:51:00 2009
]Your[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:51:00 2009
] enem[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:51:00 2009
]y will not rest and neither can[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:51:00 2009
] [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:51:00 2009
]we[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:51:00 2009
]. [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:51:00 2009
]Together, the Afghan National Army and ISAF will not rest or falter[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:52:00 2009
]If we maintain an offensive spirit and always press the enemy[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:52:00 2009
]…[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:52:00 2009
] and [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:52:00 2009
]we [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:53:00 2009
] we [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:53:00 2009
]will not fail in our mission.[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:40:00 2009
] [Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:29:00 2009
]//[Author ID2: at Sun Jan 25 07:29:00 2009
][Author ID1: at Thu Jan 29 17:25:00 2009
] of protecting the [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:40:00 2009
]Afghan [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:30:00 2009
]people[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:40:00 2009
].[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:40:00 2009
]
A combat [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:53:00 2009
]leader[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:54:00 2009
]leader[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:53:00 2009
] is not defined by what he can destroy, but what he can build.[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:54:00 2009
]…be it a well trained combat unit, a fighting spirit[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:54:00 2009
] amongst his men[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:55:00 2009
], [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:54:00 2009
]or a well conceived plan to defeat the enemy.[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:56:00 2009
] As the [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:56:00 2009
]future leaders of this great[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:56:00 2009
]e[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:56:00 2009
] nation I'm [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:56:00 2009
]confident that [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:57:00 2009
]you will help build it and [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:57:00 2009
]keep it safe.[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:57:00 2009
] and [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:57:00 2009
]help[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:57:00 2009
] [Author ID3: at Wed Jan 21 19:16:00 2009
][Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:57:00 2009
] [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:57:00 2009
]re[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:57:00 2009
]build it.[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:57:00 2009
] You are the hope of this [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:57:00 2009
]country[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:40:00 2009
] and [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:57:00 2009
]will give it hope, and [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:58:00 2009
]work toward[Author ID4: at Thu Jan 22 11:34:00 2009
]restore[Author ID4: at Thu Jan 22 11:34:00 2009
][Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:58:00 2009
] the hopes of millions of [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:58:00 2009
]Afghans[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:58:00 2009
]. [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:58:00 2009
]And [Author ID4: at Thu Jan 22 11:35:00 2009
]you should [Author ID4: at Thu Jan 22 11:35:00 2009
]know that ISAF will be there to help. [Author ID4: at Thu Jan 22 11:35:00 2009
]S[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:58:00 2009
]s[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:58:00 2009
]eeing you here today …[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:41:00 2009
],[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 15:41:00 2009
] I know that [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:58:00 2009
]you will serve with honor …[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:58:00 2009
]. Y[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:58:00 2009
] y[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:58:00 2009
]ou will serve with valor …[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:58:00 2009
]. A[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:58:00 2009
] a[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:58:00 2009
]nd you will lead Afghanistan forward. May God bless you, the Afghan National Army, and the great nation of Afghan[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:58:00 2009
]istan[Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:59:00 2009
]. [Author ID1: at Thu Jan 22 14:58:00 2009
]Thank you.