An Afghan training camp is a camp or facility used for militant training located in Afghanistan. At the time of the September 11, 2001 attacks, Indian intelligence officials estimated that there were over 120 training camps operating in Afghanistan and Pakistan, run by a variety of militant groups. Afghan training camps are not exclusive to any one group. Afghanistan is commonly used by groups such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda. In 2002, journalists with The New York Times examined the sites of several former training camps, finding 5,000 documents. According to The New York Times: On July 25, 2007, scholars at the Combating Terrorism Center at the United States Military Academy published a study that named over two dozen training camps allegedly attended by Guantanamo captives. In the al-Qaeda document, Military Studies in the Jihad Against Tyrants, a series of rules for training camps were laid out.
History
Afghan training camps have also been functioning for decades. It is believed that several thousand camps were established throughout Afghanistan between the 1980-1989. These camps have historically not only provided militant and physical training but also an extensive training and devotion to Islamic history and faith. Training was also originally provided by seasoned veterans of other armed forcesaround the world. For example, Osama Bin Laden once opened a camp for non-afghan fighters that was led by two former Egyptian servicemen.
Curriculum
While in attendance at these camps, the majority of the recruits’ work revolves around physical training and spiritual devotion. While physical training is important to some operations, theology seems to be the most important task during training. Recruits are asked to memorize sacred texts and engage in prayer throughout the day’s activities. Recruits also learn to operate weapons, how to produce explosives and poisons, vehicle driving and maintenance, basic engineering, farming and urban guerilla tactics. In addition to these trainings recruits are also subject to mazes, obstacle courses, trenches, and classroom lectures.
Admission to camps
According to captured documents, there are guidelines that recruits must satisfy before entering the camp. First, trainees are screened. They are evaluated on ethnicity, their devotion, and their willingness to fight. One entrance form states that recruits must leave behind all valuables, not prepare food while in the camp, obey regulations, and certify that they are in good health for training. The entrance form also asks recruits about their prior military and combat experience. Secrecy is of the utmost importance, so it is common for the recruits inside the camp to not to know fellow recruits’ or instructors’ names. In most cases, the recruits at these camps do not actually know the location of their camp. Trainees are also always kept in small groups of 7 to 10. Camps are also generally located in a desolate area, suitable for militant training, and physical training. One document also notes the camps usually have few entrances and exits.
