Afghan military leader visits Randolph Published July 13, 2007 By Justin Oakes Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- How does a country -- mired in conflict -- continue to support and enhance its relatively new military air service? That is a question that Afghanistan national leaders currently face. Creating a proficient training model and establishing an independent air force is no easy task, and no one is better to assist in the process than the United States Air Force. The top air boss for the Afghanistan military visited Randolph Monday as part of a tour to see how the U.S. Air Force can serve as an example for his country's efforts. Major General Dawran, the Afghan National Army Air Corps commander, toured the Airmen Leadership School and received a briefing on Student Undergraduate Pilot Training. Several aircraft simulator rides provided a more hands-on demonstration of U. S. Air Force training. "It is important to see a Western example of how to undergo such a transition," said Major General Dawran. "It is a priority to see how it can be implemented with the Afghanistan government." Major General Dawran said a major issue concerning the Afghanistan National Army Air Corps. was the need "to build a base like this, and finding the tools to train." The U.S. Army Air Corps was the stepping stone for American military aviation. Such is the case of with Afghanistan. The ANAAC is searching for an effective model to help build up their country's military air service. Major General Dawran said at this early stage of Afghanistan's Army Air Corps, there is no similarity with the U. S. Air Force. The general expressed an interest in all aspects of training, including everything from recruiting to piloting. Randolph is not the only stop on the general's tour. Other points of interest will include the Non-Commisioned Officer Academy at Lackland AFB, aviation maintenance training at Fort Eustis, Va., Undergraduate Pilot Training at Laughlin AFB, and a visit to Andrews AFB, Md. for a Presidential Airlift briefing. In perspective, the ANAAC is continuing to grow and looking to improve its international relationships. "I see a good partnership in the future," Major General Dawran said. "The relationship with the United States is very important because the United States has the ability to help coordinate with the Army Air Corps and assist in its development," said the general. Major General Dawran concluded his visit at Randolph by saying, "I am thankful for the opportunity to visit, and I appreciate all the effort the U.S. government and its people have put forth planning this tour."