DUSHANBE, April 28, 2016, Asia-Plus -- U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe recognized the graduation of twenty communications officers representing the Ministry of Interior Special Police Squad (OMON) and Drug Control Agency on April 22.

The students completed a two-month long communication class provided by the United States Central Command’s Counter-Narcotics Program Office.

According to the U.S. Embassy, the course has increased the capacity of the participating organizations to send and receive data through recently procured radios provided by the counter-narcotics program.  The communication officers received instruction on the proper use of various antenna configurations for ensuring best transmissions, secure stand-alone network training, programming instruction, and courses covering radio maintenance and installation.  Additional topics related to the radio frequency spectrum, radio wave propagation, communications planning and reporting, as well as a practical exercise in creating antennas to work in different environments and altitudes.

The series of classes will benefit the Ministry of Interior Special Police Squad (OMON) and Drug Control Agency under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan by expanding their capability to communicate with distant units, creating a stronger and more unified front against drug trafficking within Tajikistan.

Since 1992, the American people have provided more than 1 billion U.S. dollars in assistance to support Tajikistan’s economic growth, democratic institutions, health care, education, and security.  The U.S. Embassy will continue to support partnerships between U.S. and Tajik agencies to provide enhanced equipment, training, and to improve infrastructure.