PRESS RELEASE | Oct. 26, 2010
Afghan commander tours Afghan National Detention Facility
By Master Sgt. Adam M. Stump , Combined Joint Interagency Task Force 435

KABUL, Afghanistan (Oct. 26, 2010)— The Combined Joint Interagency Task Force 435 (CJIATF-435) Afghan commander toured the Afghan National Detention Facility (ANDF) Oct. 26 to observe operations, meet with soldiers and discuss their responsibilities.

Afghan National Army Maj. Gen. Marjan Shuja viewed training, facilities, and living conditions of both guards and detainees at the ANDF. He then met with detention facility leaders and spoke to a group of soldiers in formation inside the detention facility.

Marjan urged the soldiers to remember to treat detainees properly and in accordance with Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan laws.

“You must treat detainees with respect,” the general said. “God is a witness. Know your limits. Help them according to the law. Be careful every second and every minute.”

The general stressed the importance of basic discipline. He said soldiers should always remember the basics of showing up to duty on time and being vigilant when performing duties.

“Be firm and careful in how you do your duties,” Marjan said. “We should be proud of our country and of our people.”

The general advised the officer corps to set the example in leading Soldiers.

“Officers need to do their job and teach others their responsibilities,” Marjan said, adding that soldiers perform an important job for Afghanistan’s safety and security.

“This is our duty to work for the country,” he said. “This is a very good duty to take care of the detainees. The Afghan National Army has a responsibility for keeping the country safe. We are the sons and daughters of Afghanistan.”

Marjan told the group he intends to return and discuss further with the soldiers their working and living conditions. The general joined the Afghan National Army in 1967, serving as a platoon commander for the 1st Corps Tank Brigade in Pol-e-Charki and later as a company commander. During his career he served as a company commander and instructor for tank drivers, gunners and commanders. The general also served in various positions within the Ministry of Defense.

Marjan assumed his current duties as CJIATF-435 Afghan commander Sept. 15.

CJIATF-435 in partnership with the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and U.S. interagency and international partners, conducts operations in detention, corrections, the judicial sector and biometrics. Ultimately, conditions permitting, CJIATF-435 will transition detention operations to Afghan control while promoting Rule of Law practices.