New AUP recruit shows promise

PAKTYA PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Last December, a young Afghan Uniformed Police recruit began making an impression on his International Security Assistance Force trainers at Combat Outpost Zormat, Paktya province, Afghanistan.

Eighteen-year-old Hamyun Angar has been working as a police officer in Zormat district—an area where rule of law has been slow to take root—for about two months. Though he has not yet had an opportunity to attend the eight-week academy, Hamyun participates in the field training courses offered at COP Zormat and the nearby Zormat District Center.   

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Reginald Howard, a squad leader of 3rd Platoon Zormat, 92nd Military Police Company and a native of St. John, Barbados, first noticed Hamyun during a class he taught on weapons handling and retention. When the class ended, most of the recruits went back to carrying their weapons in unsafe ways. Only Hamyun had internalized the information and adjusted his habits.

Since then, Hamyun has continued to show interest in the other classes as well, including unarmed combat training, first aid, basic patrolling, and how to handle domestic dispute cases. Virtually all of the ISAF trainers have come to know, respect, and fondly dub Hamyun “the little guy.” 

“Every time he sees us he wants to train,” Howard said. On the days they are not training, Hamyun asks when they are going to train next, he added.

Howard said he wished he saw many more recruits like Hamyun, who especially excels at combatives training.

During his class on how to apprehend a suspect on Feb. 7, Hamyun had no trouble bringing down DynCorp employee Eric Shaver, who was much bigger.

U.S. Army Sgt. Michael Morris, who is a team leader for 3rd Platoon Zormat, 92nd Military Police Company, from Virginia Beach, Va., taught a class on apprehending a suspect in which Hamyun took part. Morris quickly came to share Howard’s opinion.

“He actually showed he was retaining the information well,” Morris said. “It may have been more relevant to him because he is such a small guy.” 

Hamyun said he was born in Afghanistan but moved to Pakistan with his family at such an early age that he has no memory of Afghanistan prior to his return to Paktya province six months ago. He has been educated up to eighth grade, learning how to read and write. He can speak some English and he makes an effort to communicate directly with U.S. troops even when an interpreter is available. Hamyun said his dream is to work in the criminal investigation department.

“I like to serve my people and I like to learn and I want to have a high rank,” Hamyun said with the aid of an interpreter.

When asked what he likes to learn about, he said, “Everything.”

“I like to work hard and serve my people; the people of Zormat are in danger,” he added.

“He’s one of the few we have who isn’t here for the pay check. He wants to help his government succeed,” said U.S. Army 1st Lt. Michael C. McKiernan, a platoon leader with 3rd Platoon Zormat, 92nd Military Police Company, and resident of Las Vegas.

McKiernan believes in Hamyun’s potential to achieve rank, and he has high hopes for Hamyun’s future with the ANP.

“As long as he puts his best foot forward and does everything according to the law, I think he can do it,” McKiernan said.  “I hope he has a long career in the Afghan National Police, I really do.”