DUSHANBE, July 7, 2011, Asia-Plus — On Thursday July 7, U.S. Ambassador to Tajikistan Ken Gross and National Guard Commander General Rajabali Rahmonali laid the cornerstone of the live-fire training building at the Republic of Tajikistan’s National Training Center at Qaratogh.
The $3.1 million project was funded by the U.S. Central Command and is scheduled to be completed by winter.
Ambassador Gross said, “This project demonstrates the U.S. commitment to supporting Tajikistan’s efforts to stem the flow of illegal narcotics and defend the nation against terrorists. The center will support the training of counter narcotics and anti-terrorist units of the Government of Tajikistan.”
When completed, the Qaratogh Training Center will have rifle and pistol firing ranges, a rural village and apartment building live-fire training area, a rappelling tower, outdoor classrooms, and range control towers.
This is the latest U.S.-sponsored project that supports Tajikistan’s counter narcotics and border security efforts. Other projects include building border crossing point facilities and border guard outposts along the Tajik-Afghan border and providing radios, vehicles, and personal equipment. U.S. Central Command counternarcotics, the United States Export Control and Border Security, and International Narcotics and Law Enforcement programs have provided facilities, equipment, and training for National Guard, Border Guards, Drug Control Agency, police, and customs officials throughout Tajikistan.
The goal of U.S.-Tajik cooperation is to improve Tajikistan’s ability to stem the flow of illegal drugs and defend the nation against armed terrorist groups while improving capabilities of the counternarcotics units. U.S. Central Command plans to conduct several follow-on projects at the Training Center, such as building living quarters, a dining facility, a medical clinic, administrative buildings, and classrooms. Additional construction will include fences, lighting, parking lots, and access roads to allow year-round training.
