1st Battalion 22nd Infantry Updates April 2010 Page 2

1st Battalion 22nd Infantry

1st Battalion Newsletter

April 2010

Company A, Company B, Company C

Hello Family and friends of Alpha Company,

As we come nearer to our expected deployment time, the Gators have come together as a lethal and proficient
infantry company by proving our skills at the Joint Readiness Training Center at Ft. Polk, LA.
JRTC is unmatched worldwide in its ability to train and give feedback to units on their way to Afghanistan.
The entire training event tests the capacity of units to deploy, conduct full spectrum operations in counterinsurgency,
and partner at the individual level with foreign security forces. Needless to say, our company met every task
with tenacity and teamwork, leading to success on every challenge faced.

Upon arrival, our platoons worked together through a challenging series of exercises to solidify our planning
and execution of battle drills. During Force on Force, our company conducted an Air Assault mission and captured
a high value target. Near the end of the exercise, our company served as the BCT decisive operation, clearing insurgents
from an enemy stronghold and bringing security and legitimate government to a previously Taliban-controlled area.
While it was emotionally hard to be away from our Families during this period, the knowledge we gained will make
our unit succeed in Afghanistan. Thank you again for the opportunity to serve with your Soldier.

IAN C. PITKIN CPT, IN Commanding

Dear Gator Family,

For this past month, A CO has been given the JRTC experience, and what an experience that was.
But before I begin I would like to give you Families back at Fort Carson a thank you for holding down the Fort
while your loved ones were away. It is really tough on us to be away, but I know that it is just as tough on you.
We, Gators, would not be able to do our job if it wasn’t for you all. So again, thank you.

Now to our rotation here; a lot of us didn’t know what to expect when we got here. Obviously the weather was different
from back home. We all had to adjust to that, but like everything I found here, we did adjust to it. We all relied
on each other to get us through it. We started off our rotation doing STX Lanes, which was training that focused
on one area. Those lanes showed us areas to work on and also to refine what we already knew. I did not see any type
of let down during all of this. I really believe that we started to really come together as a company, and frankly
that is what this training is all about.

Finally, we came to the culminating event, which they refer to as Force on Force. It is basically a five day straight,
no holds barred event. You basically can be hit at any time during this period. A CO dealt with it extremely well.
We came through the experience with a little more knowledge to take with us on our upcoming deployment.
You all should be very proud of your loved ones for their efforts here. We are all looking forward to coming home
and being with our very missed family members at home.

DAVID J. STOEN 1SG, USA First Sergeant

First Platoon spent the month of April training at Ft. Polk, LA. During that time we have grown from
a better than average platoon into an exceptional one that is more than able to win the fight in Afghanistan.
First platoon endured a gauntlet of tough missions with little to no food or sleep, and still completed the mission.
Several Soldiers had to step up and fulfill leadership roles that are above the respective pay-grades.
Despite the added responsibilities placed upon them, without exception, they all performed exceptionally well.
SSG Boyd stepped in for the Platoon Sergeant, SGT Valdez stepped in for his Squad Leader, and most notably
PV2s Morisette and Krumpleman stood in as Team Leaders.

As a Platoon Leader of this fine platoon, just saying that I am incredibly proud of these Soldiers
is an absolute understatement. These men have worked hard to perfect their craft and as a result are more than ready
to win in Afghanistan. I am truly lucky to be a part of this platoon and am honored to serve alongside them.

The Soldiers of 2nd Platoon, A Company, 1-22IN, have successfully completed their rotation within the Joint Readiness
Training Center, Fort Polk, LA. Here each soldier was collectively tested within a simulated deployment environment
and required to perform a gambit of tasks, each designed to train and evaluate the tasks which have been drilled and practiced
over for the last year at Ft. Carson.

2nd Platoon Soldiers operated as an inner cordon during a daylight Air Assault operation, resulting in the capture
of a designated HVI, conducted Key Leader Engagements within a set of various tactical searches, performed as
a Battalion Quick Reaction Force and were selected as the Battalion Main Effort during a night Air Assault operation.
At each phase of training the 2nd platoon soldiers were increasingly selected for positions which demanded more
of each Soldier. Every family member can be proud of the accomplishments achieved by their Soldiers and remain confident
that 2nd platoon is ready to face any challenge which may present itself in the coming year.

The JRTC experience began late April 6 into the morning of April 7th when all but six members of 3rd platoon
staged then boarded a plane headed to Ft. Polk, LA. Despite leaving the comforts of home and family,
3rd platoon was focused on training that would prepare us for Afghanistan.

A short two hours later, boots were on the ground. The scenery before us was completely different- the bright sun,
clear skies and green trees as tall as three stories stretched out as far as the eye could see.

Fast forward the unpacking, preparing equipment, and rehearsing battle drills (actions meant to be performed quickly
with minimal orders) takes us past the outer shell of JRTC and to Situational Training Exercise (STX).

STXs are situations units can expect to find themselves in while in Afghanistan, such as Key Leader Engagements
(when an Army rep and a village leader sit down and talk about various issues); a Cordon and Search is where
a unit surrounds a house to search for contraband or to capture a high-value individual. Lastly, Combat Outpost Defense
is necessary when a unit has to occupy a base near villages to provide protection.

The “worst case scenario” was the theme for all situations which proved to be a great morale booster
after a successful defense of the combat outpost-which in previous rotations by other units had been overrun by the enemy.

After STX, the core of JRTC began: Into the Box we went for Force on Force, which required 3rd platoon to plan
and execute continuous operations for six days straight.

Truth be told, our platoon performed exceptionally well despite minimal sleep and food inherent with
continuous operations.

All in all, every Soldier kept their chin up and did not quit. It was a pleasure and an honor working with your spouses.
It is my hope you can ask your significant other, “what was your high and low point in The Box?”

**********************

Hello Blackhawk Family,

Since the last newsletter, we’ve deployed to the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) and undergone
two intense weeks of training. The men have excelled throughout and in the future you will have the opportunity
to view a highlight film showing some of their exploits. Things went well out here in Louisiana and the company
continues to be among the best around. I’m extremely proud of our Soldiers. Their hard work and just overall
“will to win” proved to be the difference between us and the enemy. The purpose of this training was to certify
that BLACKHAWK Company is ready to deploy and to show what we still need work on. We showed
that we are not only ready to fight and win, but that we are very good when compared to other Companies,
Battalions, and Brigades in the Army. This could never be accomplished without the support of our Families.
These times ask a lot of our Army and even more from our Families. Please keep it up and stay strong so we can continue
to get the job done. As you know we will do all we can to be as good as we can be for the deployment. This means
we will be very busy in the month of May and part of June until block leave. However, this shouldn’t translate into
more than a couple of evenings missed in those sixweeks. As of now we will plan to hold the next FRG meeting
on the 19th at 1800 (location TBD).

Sincerely,
Bradley D. Rudy
CPT, IN
“FEAR NO MAN”

First Sergeant's Corner

Hello fellow Blackhawk Families,

During our deployment to JRTC, I had the privilege to see the best company of the brigade every day.
The Soldiers continue to work hard and impress every leader from company level to the division level.
The training was realistic and hard but our boys excelled every mission. I want to thank all the Families for their
continued support of your Soldier; without your support our mission cannot be accomplished. As always,
I’m extremely proud of this company and look forward to continuing to working for the Soldiers and the Families.

Thanks!
Blackhawk 7

Upon successful completion of Raider Blitz, Headquarters Platoon began the process of packing and shipping
the majority of Bravo Company’s vehicles and equipment to JRTC, to include seven vehicles and hundreds
of pieces of equipment. Upon arrival at JRTC, HQs Platoon immediately set up the company Command Post (CP)
and began running operations. HQs Platoon had four major events during the early part of the JRTC rotation.
The events were a Cordon and Search in the Town of Tofani, a Combat Outpost defense at FOB Tillman
and a Foreign Security Forces Patrol in the town of Marjani. While these lanes were happening the Company CP
was undergoing a Command Post Exercise in order to train the Soldiers on effective combat tracking
and reporting to higher. Upon successful completion of these STX lanes the company prepared for deployment
to Joint Combat Outpost (JCOP) Marjani for the force on force portion of JRTC.

HQs platoon sent out an advanced element on the 19th of April to set up the Company CP.
Once the rest of the Company arrived on the 20th , the Blackhawks began normal operations with about half
of the platoon dedicated to running the CP and the other half providing security for the Commander and 1SG
and also assisting with casualty evacuation and quick reaction force. During the force on force portion of JRTC,
the Company Intelligence Support Team (COIST) and the operations cells worked together for the first time.
COIST provided valuable information on enemy forces as well as the situation in the nearby town of Marjani
which allowed the command group to effectively plan missions to deny the enemy freedom of movement and to grow
a working relationship with the local population. The security section participated in many Key Leader Engagements
in the town of Marjani to attempt to convince the local population to support Coalition Forces and not the Taliban.
They also played a big role in the successful capture of a High Value Target who was a major player in the
construction of Improvised Explosive Devices and car bombs in Blackhawk’s area of operations. One night
while our Joint Combat Outpost came under attack, HQs Platoon prevented the southern Entry Control Point
from being breached by wounding or killing approximately 10 enemy fighters as they approached our wire.
Overall this was a very successful rotation for HQs Platoon which provided many valuable lessons learned
as we look forward to May and our final preparations to deploy in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

After a several week respite in the wake of Raider Blitz to recover and gather ourselves, 1st Platoon Blackhawk
entered into its final major training event prior to actual deployment: a three week rotation at the Joint Readiness
Training Center in Fort Polk, Louisiana. The actual training began even before we touched down here in Louisiana,
as 1st Platoon packed and shipped all necessary equipment and vehicles down to Fort Polk just as we will for deployment.
Once training began, 1st Platoon was a part of three different Blackhawk Situational Training Exercise (STX) lanes.
The first was a Cordon and Search, where 1st Platoon conducted an Air Assault into the town of Tofani
and Blackhawk Company tactically “called out” a dangerous bomb maker from his home, making the town safe once again.
Two days later Blackhawk Company occupied and successfully defended a company outpost against the massive
Geronimo hordes that attempted to overrun the outpost. Our final lane partnered Blackhawk Company with an
entire Afghan National Army Company for a combined Cordon and Search on the town of Marjani, where we would
return shortly thereafter. The culminating event of JRTC was the “Force on Force” portion: a six-day tactical exercise
that was designed to simulate a month spent in country. 1st Platoon was originally tasked to partner with Afghan
Border police south of JCOP Marjani, but it was decided that our talents would be better used operating out of the
JCOP itself. 1st Platoon rotated with 2nd and 3rd Platoons with patrolling, JCOP defense and Quick Reaction Force
every 24 hours. We once again faced the mighty Geronimo warriors, and once again Blackhawk Company prevailed.
1st platoon conducted several Key Leader Engagements with the people of Marjani, answering questions
that allowed Blackhawk Company to better support the population. 1st platoon ambushed Geronimo on the
second night, detaining two enemies and hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribe money. 1st Platoon successfully
defended the JCOP on night four against an all-out Geronimo assault. These actions and more contributed to
high accolades for Blackhawk Company, so much so that the Brigade commander and Brigadier General in charge
of JRTC visited JCOP Marjani on the last day to congratulate us. Our labors complete, 1st Platoon and Blackhawk
Company will now take the lessons learned at JRTC and hone our skills in the upcoming weeks to ensure
future success in Afghanistan.

JRTC has been a good training event for 2nd Platoon. We began the rotation by training individual skills and battle drills
while unpacking all the cargo we sent to Louisiana. During STX training, we executed company level operations;
during which 2nd platoon was the main effort for the company’s foreign security force patrol. We successfully
partnered with Afghan Forces in a raid on a Taliban leader and facilitated the capture of additional intelligence
about their operations. From the 20th to the 25th, we participated in force on force training. 2nd Platoon established
the defenses around the JCOP on day one. We spent most of our time rotating between force protection,
providing a quick reaction force, and being out on patrol. We established good rapport with the village of Marjani
by bringing money to pay the local professionals. 2nd Platoon also found enemy caches and provided the
quick reaction force which aided in the successful defense of the JCOP during the Taliban’s attempt to breach our perimeter.
The highlight of our training, however, had to have been the Pizza Hut patrol. 2nd platoon’s squad leaders planned
and led the platoon in a long patrol to North Fort Polk. We used the time in route to train on mounted battle drills,
as well as integrating mounted and dismounted maneuvering elements. Along the way we stopped and took a platoon photo
at the local Spartan statue. The pizza at the end of the patrol was well worth the hard morning of training.
We learned a lot of valuable lessons both as a Platoon and as individual soldiers during our rotation at JRTC.
We will build upon these lessons in the days ahead as we prepare for deployment to Afghanistan.

------

Since our last newsletter the Outlaws have continued to excel winning numerous awards. The Outlaws received
four Army Achievement Medals during Raider Blitz and our own SPC Craven was awarded “Hero of the Battle”
for Bravo Company during JRTC. His gun team ambushed an enemy force infiltrating toward the Bravo Company
Combat Outpost resulting in a sound defeat of the “opposing force.”

SPC Craven’s actions were typical of Outlaw soldiers during this JRTC rotation. 3rd PLT conducted numerous
dismounted patrols successfully avoiding being bit by any of Louisiana’s wide variety of snakes and alligators
despite numerous water crossings. The Outlaws captured two High Value Targets and were commended for the
thoroughness of their Sensitive Site Exploitation (SSE) Team led by SSG Wilson and SGT Blake.
The platoon was also recognized for a timely counterattack on enemy forces attempting to overrun Bravo Company’s
Combat Outpost which helped to result in the destruction of an enemy “Geronimo” platoon.
Finally, the Outlaws added a new member to their family since the last newsletter.
Jacob Asberry was born 19MAR2010 weighing in at 7 lbs 3 oz.

**********************

Howdy COBRA Families!

I hope this newsletter finds you all in good health and fortune, enjoying having your loved ones back home
from JRTC. I would like to take this opportunity to tell you how proud I am of all the Soldiers in Cobra Company,
and how proud you should be of them too. We came out here to JRTC to test ourselves and see how we are doing
in our preparation for deployment. 1SG Lambert and I pushed each and every Soldier very hard this last month
here at JRTC, and everyone rose to the challenge. Soldiers trained hard, and proved how far we have come along.
When needed, we showed how lethal a force we can be. We also showed how well Cobra Company understands
the Counterinsurgency fight, working with the local nationals to solve problems. Everyday we worked with the
Afghan Soldiers here, which will be vital for our success in Afghanistan. Like any good training center, JRTC
also showed us places we need to still focus on before the upcoming deployment. The Cobra Company was very
successful down here at JRTC because we accomplished my number one goal: get better everyday. That is what I asked
of the Soldiers in the beginning, and they came through. So be proud of what your husband/father/brother/son did
this last month; I am. We are more prepared for Afghanistan now.

From here on out, we will focus on the training we need to continue to do, while shipping our equipment towards
Afghanistan. Block leave will be here soon, so start planning if you haven't already. Team building is very important
from here on out, to ensure we deploy as a team, and the families are a team at home. We will maximize the use
of our time; with families, training, and team building.

Thank you for being the foundation for all of the Cobra Soldiers; 1SG Lambert and I appreciate all the support
you all give to our Soldiers and us. We look forward to seeing all of you again soon.

Isaac J. Hedtke
COBRA COMPANY COMMANDER

Company Outpost Defense Lane
by 1st Lt. Todd McCartney, 1st Platoon Leader

One of the most emphasized training events at the Joint Readiness Training Center was the company outpost defense.
Charlie Company successfully executed this lane on April 16th and 17th, 2010. We moved to the forward operating base
and implemented our defensive plan. 1st Platoon was in charge of security to the north and the entry control point
while 2nd and 3rd Platoons had security to the east, west, and south. The enemy began probing the northern defenses
early in the evening with a few pop shots and some mortar fire which had little effect on Charlie Company.
Soon after, two villagers from the nearby village of Janan came to the gate of the forward operating base,
one was in need of some medical attention due to a shrapnel wound to the hand. The medics that accompanied
the company treated the wound.

Around dusk 2nd Platoon when into the village to meet with the village leaders. They learned the town had a problem
with security, especially at night since they did not have any of their own security forces. Also while in the town,
2nd Platoon confronted a few men who seemed to be out of place, and later turned out being enemy observers.

After nightfall, 3rd platoon when out on patrol to recon the village and provide early warning from the north.
However, the enemy was not yet out. In the early morning 1st Platoon and their Afghan National Army partners
prepared to go out on a reconnaissance and disruption patrol around the forward operating base. Finally in the early
hours of the morning around 0500 the enemy executed their main attack with a vehicle borne improvised explosive device.
The explosion knocked out the gate to the entry control point but the Soldiers defending it stood their ground.
Approximately 35 enemy fighters tried to overrun the forward operating base but none made it past the entry
control point. Additionally, 1st Platoon was able to disrupt their movements to the north and west and prevented
any further attacks by reinforcements.

Charlie Company successfully defended their forward operating base proving they will be successful in Afghanistan.

Cordon and Search Lane
by 1st Lt. Tyler Bryant, 2nd Platoon Leader

Charlie Company kicked off the Joint Readiness Training Center with a cordon and search of the village of Turani.
Intelligence told us there was an improvised explosive device making cell operating in the village and we wanted
to eliminate it. However, in doing so we also wanted to ensure we conducted the operation partnered with our
Afghan National Army counterparts and with the support of the village leaders. Taking this approach helps us gain
the trust and support of the village and helps legitimize the Afghan government by showing their own Army forces
are capable of conducting such operations.

We began this lane by meeting with our Afghan National Army counterparts and incorporating their leadership
into the planning process. This paid off when boots hit the ground. 1st Platoon was tasked with escorting and
providing security for the Afghan commander and Charlie Companies commander as they conducted a key
leaders engagement with the village elder. In doing so they gained the support of the village and added the local
Afghan National Police force to the side of the allies. They also gathered valuable intelligence of where the
improvised explosive device cell was operating and where we could find and culprits.

While all this was happening 2nd Platoon and 3rd Platoon were also executing concurrent operations within Turani.
3rd Platoon established traffic control points on the two main roads leading into the town preventing any enemy forces
from escaping. 2nd Platoon established and inner and outer cordon on the east side of the town to further prevent
the escape of enemy forces.

As the mission continued and intelligence was gathered in the town the main focus shifted from 1st Platoons sector
of the town to 2nd Platoons sector as the building holding the improvised explosive device builders was confirmed.
As coalition forces began to move on the home they started receiving small arms fire from and enemy body guard,
leading to a full assault on the building lead by Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police. Inside we found
our high value target along with lots of intelligence that lead to the arrest conviction of the individual.

Our ability to be flexible and quickly action on gathered intelligence made this first mission a success. On the objective
we used the training we received on modern forensics to gather enough evidence to convict the target individual
and ensure he would not be released. It was a great first mission for Charlie Company and only lead to further
successes throughout the Joint Readiness Training Center rotation.

Foreign Security Forces Lane
by 2nd Lt. David Walker, 3rd Platoon Leader

A rotation at the Joint Readiness Training Center is the nation’s capstone collective training event for all units
deploying to Afghanistan. A single unit’s rotation consists of three phases: individual classes and training, where
soldiers learn to employ new skills and equipment from qualified experts unavailable elsewhere; company training lanes,
single missions that focus on specific collective tasks; and finally, five days of “force on force” continuous operations
that simulate the operational tempo of a combat deployment. Charlie Company’s rotation at JRTC has been an
extremely positive and successful training experience that has benefitted Soldiers of the unit at every level.

The second training lane that Charlie Company executed was the Foreign Security Forces integration patrol.
Throughout the rotation, all elements of the Raider Brigade trained to partner with Afghan National Security Forces
represented by role-players from Afghanistan and augmenters from Fort Carson. Due to limitations in the number
of role-players most of these partnered Afghan National Security Forces are undermanned. During the
Foreign Security Forces patrol, however, all the stops are pulled out. Charlie Company executed this mission
partnered with over one hundred Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police allies. The focus of this mission
was not only for the company to practice conducting kinetic operations, but also to practice partnering with
and training foreign security forces. Soldiers of Charlie Company were challenged to work with, lead by example,
and train their Afghan partners with whom they did not even share a common language. The theme of this partnership
is expressed in a saying from Dari, one of the main languages spoken in Afghanistan, shahnah ba shahnah or
“shoulder to shoulder”.

After two hours to develop a combined plan and conduct combined rehearsals at a Joint Combat Outpost,
Charlie Company and a battalion of Afghan National Security Forces conducted a cordon and search in a large village,
capturing several insurgents and seizing numerous bomb-making materials. Even with only a short amount of time,
the Soldiers of Charlie Company successfully partnered with and integrated their Afghan counterparts in all aspects
of their operation. They will continue to partner with their Afghan counterparts during their deployment and will help
the Afghan National Security Forces win their fight, shoulder to shoulder.

1st Platoons Full Spectrum Operations
by 1st Lt. Todd McCartney,1st Platoon Leader

The main purpose of JRTC is to execute a mock deployment and conduct operations also known as “force on force”
where each Company is responsible for their own area of operations and everything that happens there.
Charlie Company was located at Firebase Tilman near the town of Khushal. 1st Platoon was charged with working
with the border patrol to prevent any enemy forces from crossing the border from Pakistan into Afghanistan.
We moved to the border and linked up with the Afghan Border Patrol. Together we established the border
check point to search vehicles and personnel and deny any enemy freedom of movement across the border.
Additionally they prepared defensive positions around the area to protect themselves while they stayed on the border.
During the first night we took contact from the enemy. The next day we continued to build their defenses to include
setting trip flares and booby traps. The enemy never came back after the first night. After two and a half days
on the border 1st Platoon moved back Firebase Tilman and began conducting patrols around the area and into Khushal.
We quickly established a good working relationship with the leaders and people of the village. Through the course
of the next few days 1st platoon was able to identify 5 different projects for the village and conduct patrols
to improve the security of Khushal. In addition we also helped defend Firebase Tillman and identified three
improvised explosive devices, keeping the routes in the Cobra area of operation safe.

HQ Platoon Update
By: 2Lt. Kyle Hackbarth, Fire Support Officer

Headquarters platoon’s experience at Joint Readiness Training Center was the culmination of months of preparation
and hard training back at Fort Carson. The rotation ended with 5 days of Full Spectrum Operations (FSO) in which
HQ platoon enabled and sustained combat operations from Fire Base Tillman, located just south of the small
Afghan village of Khushal. The men within the platoon, led by SSG Frazier, performed exceptionally well,
and while small deficiencies were noted, the men are much stronger and better prepared for our future deployment
to Afghanistan.

Their JRTC experience started off with a week of pre-rotational classes in which members of the platoon
learned how to run satellite communication equipment set up a Company Intelligence Support Team, and plan,
execute, and fund essential service projects to rebuild the infrastructure of Afghanistan. The pre-rotational classes
were ended with a Command Post Exercise with the Cobra COIST team led by SGT Borawski effectively tracking
and managing intelligence assets in order to capture High Value Targets within our battle space. The actions
of CPL Menchaca, SPC McGowan, and PV2 Morris were integral to the Company being able to conduct FSO
with the proper information, and intelligence. PV2 Morris was the key element in the capture of one of the top five targets
within our AO through his ability to provide a picture of the target found within hundreds of intelligence reports.
Simultaneous to the CPX the other members of HQ Plt were supporting the maneuver platoons during STX lanes
which included Foreign Service Forces Integration, and a COP Defense.

During FSO HQ PLT staffed the company Command Post 24 hours a day in order to collect, analyze,
and disseminate information to the platoons. 1LT Fitzpatrick, the company XO, worked directly with our CRT lead
by SGT Carey preparing defensive positions to defend our fire base. The COIST was battle tracking and collecting
intelligence. They were integral in proposing 3 new nation building projects within the village of Khushal including
a micro-grant to start two new businesses in order to lower the unemployment rate and the building of a medical center.
Cpl Taylor, our communications NCO, was able to use newly acquired satellite communications skills in order
to provide the company the necessary connectivity to speak with BN.

JRTC rotation 06-10 was a great success for the men of HQ PLT, Charlie Company, and 1-22 Infantry.
The men learned new and necessary skills that will carry over to Afghanistan and our mission of supporting GIRoA.
They truly exceeded the battalion’s motto of “Deeds Not Words.”

3RD Platoon Full Spectrum Operations
by 2nd Lt. David Walker, 3rd Platoon Leader

For the final, culminating training event for JRTC, 3rd Platoon conducted five days of continuous operations.
Based out of Firebase Tillman near the village of Khushal, in the very center of the battalion’s area of operations,
the platoon’s patrols added significantly to a very successful force on force rotation. On the very first day
3rd platoon executed the company’s first patrol into Khushal with the objective of capturing a key individual
involved in the local bomb-making cell. The platoon moved on foot through dense vegetation in a wide circle
around the village in order to approach undetected. The first soldiers into the village approached within fifty yards
of the target building before the enemy became aware of their presence and began to attack them. The platoon
executed a textbook attack of the enemy position that ultimately resulted in the capture of the individual targeted.
Almost immediately the company commander was on the scene to engage with the local tribal leaders
to ensure the villagers understood the role our operation played in ensuring their security, while soldiers of 3rd platoon
affected a medical evacuation of several wounded Afghan National Army soldiers and conducted a thorough search
of the captured individual. The expertise with which this critical first operation was conducted was critical
to immediately improving security within Khushal while also collecting information that led to numerous follow-on
successes throughout the battalion’s area of operations.

After rotating through a day of much-needed rest and tower guard, 3rd platoon conducted another day of patrols.
The mission was again Khushal. This time, however, the objective was not to capture insurgents but hearts and minds.
Travelling with the platoon was the battalion’s chaplain, and two medics from Firebase Tillman’s aid station.
Their purpose was to meet and begin to build relationships with the village’s leadership, both its tribal elders
and its mullah or religious leader. In addition, the medics were able to provide medical assessments and immediate care
to the village’s sick. The soldiers learned that the greatly impoverished village had many needs including such
basic necessities as clean water, sewage, healthcare and education. The most pressing of the village’s needs, however,
was security; the villagers were worried because each time an American patrol left, militants would follow behind
and threaten Khushal with violence. After an extremely positive experience that helped build trust and respect
based on our commonalities, 3rd platoon was recalled back to Firebase Tillman.

While enroute back to base, however, the platoon received word that unidentified armed men were moving through
the woods toward the village. Barely pausing even for a breath, the soldiers of 3rd platoon immediately returned
to Khushal, placing themselves between the innocent villagers and the insurgents who would harm them.
The platoon spread out into security positions and began seeking out the enemy. It didn’t take long to find them.
That afternoon the platoon fought off as many as nine enemy soldiers striking from multiple directions.
A few casualties occurred, but they were quickly stabilized and evacuated. Meanwhile, the village of Khushal
was protected, and not a single civilian was hurt. Later that night, just outside of Khushal on a patrol to transport
enemies captured by other elements of Charlie Company, the platoon recognized a vehicle that had been involved
in the earlier attack. When stopped for questioning, the occupants of the vehicle decided instead to fight,
and were quickly eliminated before they could reach the residents of the village.

Another day of rest and tower guard, and the platoon was back in sector. The goal this time was to build on
earlier successes and help improve the conditions in the village of Khushal. In the morning the platoon drove
to the battalion headquarters to pick up some vital medical and school supplies they had requested for the village.
This time, there was no enemy to worry about. The supplies were supplemented by several boxes of meals that are halal,
meaning they adhere to Islamic dietary rules similar to those found in Judaism. In addition to these supplies,
the platoon secured the town while a Female Engagement Team was brought in to help understand the conditions
of the village’s female population. In conservative Afghan society it is taboo for unknown men to interact with
local women. By securing the village while the FET worked, 3rd platoon contributed to enabling half of the population
of Khushal to express their needs and benefit directly from the resources and assets that the United States Army
has to offer. Meanwhile, their earlier efforts to find, fix and finish the enemy in Khushal, as well as a continuing,
constant vigilance ensured that security was no longer the most dire of the village’s needs.

Ultimately, 3rd platoon’s efforts during JRTC’s force on force training contributed significantly to Charlie Company’s
and the battalion’s efforts to counter the Taliban insurgency. Their aggression in seeking out the enemy wherever he hides,
their careful understanding of the nuances of Afghan culture, and their discipline and “drive on” attitude in maintaining
a high tempo helped turn the village of Khushal from amber, meaning neutral, to green, meaning friendly to
American forces and their Afghan government partners. No other town in the battalion saw as much successful change
as the Soldiers of 3rd platoon, Charlie Company in the village of Khushal.

2nd Platoon Full Spectrum Operations
by 1st Lt. Tyler Bryant, 2nd Platoon Leader

The culminating event of the Joint Readiness Training Center is the full spectrum operations of “force on force.”
During this phase of our training we established a firebase and conducted five straight days of operations,
including everything from patrols to defense to sleep plans.

As soon as we hit the ground in the Cobra area of operations and established Firebase Tilman 2nd Platoon
was tasked with establishing a defensive plan for the base. We incorporated obstacles including razor wire, trip flares,
booby traps, and claymores; camouflaged our towers and gun trucks; and established an entry control point.
The successful establishment of the base defenses led to continued success throughout the mission.

As the full spectrum operations continued 2nd Platoon started conducting patrols outside the wire. Many were focused
on engaging with the local population in Khushal and clearing areas around the town to ensure their security
from the Taliban. Engagement with the key leaders in the town let us gather atmospherics on the needs and wants
of the village, therefore shaping follow-on missions.

Overall 2nd Platoons operations outside the wire were very successful. We completed nine separate patrols
resulting in lots of gathered intelligence and the detention of six enemy forces. The largest success was the capture
of a media crew who had valuable video evidence of enemy activities. The training we received and actually conducting
operations in the best replication of Afghanistan available allowed leaders to thoroughly evaluate their troops
and find the few small things we need to work on before our deployment to Afghanistan.

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