RSS 2.0 FeedFebruary 2010, Featured Articles, News from Afghanistan and Iraq
A compelling story of Afghan women seeking women's rights through education. Clearing and presence during Op Fazilat
A compelling story of Afghan women seeking women's rights through education. Clearing and presence during Op Fazilat. Historic Transfer of Authority as Marines leave Al Anbar. ANA Commando recognized for bravery. Iraq: Work, live, and train together at Patrol Base Gaines-Mills. Border Guards reach out to school children in Maysan prov. "Wagonmasters" celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. "Black Lion" Staff Sgt. Cleveland Upton leads from the front.
You can go to our website http://www.troopscoop.typepad.com to view these updates and letters from the troops
Gulandama Dina, the director of women’s affairs of Paktika prov, poses with 2nd Lt. Brooke Brzozowske, a public affairs officer for Paktika PRT, in a garden near the gov.’s guesthouse where she often comes on official business, Jan. 3. Dina has been tirelessly working on promoting women’s affairs for 16 months, despite overwhelming cultural opposition. She hopes to begin a weekly radio broadcast that will educate women about hygiene and home economics among other things. Six years after the passage of the new constitution, the GOA and partnering members of NATO’s ISAF are struggling to fulfill its promises. There are few places this struggle is more difficult than in the region comprising the Paktika, Paktia and Khost provinces. UNICEF rates all 3 among the bottom 10 of Afghanistan’s 32 provinces in terms of girls’ primary school education. Two of the 3 provs., Paktika and Khost, are also below the Afghan average for maternal health, though Paktya fares better in that regard. Many people working closely with women’s affairs issues have said progress has been slow to take root. For instance, Army Lt. Col. Clayton Morgan, who is in charge of civil affairs for PRT, described the traditional Pashtu-dominated culture in the region, and Paktika in particular, as “repressive beyond anything you can imagine.” He cited the practice of giving young girls to older men for marriage in reparations to avert inter-tribal conflict. However, others, such as Genevieve Libonati, a State Dept rep for Gardez PRT in Paktya prov., are beginning to see flickers of hope, especially in education. “There’s an ever increasing demand both from men and women… to learn more about their rights,” Libonati said. “That's been a surprise and a success.” This demand has been growing ever since ISAF began implementing civics training courses in the summer of 2009. The courses, which are funded through the U.S. military’s Cmdr’s ERP, train village elders and tribal leaders in the basics of law, human rights, and the prevention of corruption. Those who complete the 6-day course are encouraged to spread the info to those in their villages who do not have direct access to civil education. The civics training has been successful in Paktia prov., said Staff Sgt. Quitze Garcia, a civil affairs NCO who specializes in women’s affairs for the Paktia PRT. “Women have been calling the radio disc jokeys and asking for the civics training,” Garcia said. “Even more remarkable, men have been calling the DJs and asking where they can send their wives and daughters to training.” In addition to the civics training, a number of construction projects in Paktya prov. are beginning to show promise. One of the more important of these is a women’s detention center in Gardez, which is in the 2nd phase of construction and should be completed by the middle of 2010. Seven female corrections officers have been trained for that facility. The detention facility may not seem like great news for women, but under the Taliban, no women’s prisons existed because women were put to death for any infraction, Garcia said. “Whenever we do anything, whenever we implement anything, the girls are really excited about it,” Garcia said. ISAF has distributed hundreds of thousands of hand crank radios to Afghans, hoping to boost education. They've also encouraged govt-friendly voices to broadcast their views. Dina has long sought to establish a weekly show that would discuss women’s hygiene and rights issues. This wish may soon by realized. On Jan. 3, several ISAF troops showed her a new 300 watt “radio in a box” that has the power to broadcast to everyone in the eastern half of the prov. The broadcasting system is not far from the gov.’s compound where she often comes on official business, and the Afghan DJs there said they were happy to give her some time. Khost province boasts a number of recent successes with regard to women’s affairs. A number of female journalists are broadcasting in Khost, though they need body guards much of the time. Khost City, the capital of the prov., has a girls’ school with a female teacher. Eighteen graduates of this school are expected to be the 1st female students at Khost University (also known as Shaik Zayed University) once living quarters can be built, said AF Capt. Angela Webb, a public affairs officer for Khost PRT. Garcia said she believes that her service in Afghanistan is already changing the minds of Afghans. With her mixed Puerto Rican and Guatemalan ancestry, Garcia is the same complexion as the women here and locals take notice, she said. On a humanitarian aid mission, Afghan children pointed to her and shouted something in Pashtu, which the interpreter conveyed as “Woman soldier! Woman soldier!” On a separate mission to a women's clinic, the Afghan women tried talking to her through pantomime. Garcia, who was suited up in her body armor, realized what they were saying was 'you’re strong!' “You’re strong, too,” she said. “You don’t even know how strong you are.” OPERATIONAL COORDINATION CENTER DISTRICT - Army 1st Sgt. Mario Barber, Delta Co, 2nd Bn, 508th PIR gives candy to an Afghan child during Op Fazilat in Rajan Qala, Jan. 10. The op was a coalition effort to clear the area of IEDs and establish a presence in the community. Staff Sgt. Ryan Gloyer shakes hands with an ANP Officer in Rajan Qala. U.S. Soldiers from 2nd Bn, train ANP officers on building entering procedures at COP Sarkari Bagh, Arghandab River Valley, Jan. 9. Army Sgt. Roberto Carrero, Delta Co, 2nd Bn, drinks tea in Rajan Qala, Jan. 10 after Op Fazilat. Staff Sgt. Ryan Gloyer, Delta Co, gives an Afghan child a fist bump. Sgt. Richard Schandorff and Pfc. Steven Ficklin, 508th PIR stand guard on top of a hill at the Operational Coordination Center District, Jan. 7. The OCCD is a combined operation center for U.S., Canadian and Afghan forces working together to establish security in southern Afghanistan. The II Marine Expeditionary Force (Fwd), U.S. Force - West color guard stands at parade rest just prior to the beginning of the transfer of authority ceremony, in which Maj. Gen. R.T. Tryon, the comm. gen. of II MEF (Fwd) yielded command of Al Anbar prov., to U.S. Division - Center, filled by the Army's 1st Armored Division, Jan. 23. The ceremony marks the end of nearly 6 years of Marine command of CF in Iraq. -30- NATO Training Mission Afghanistan ANA Commando Recognized for Bravery in Kabul Attacks For his bravery and actions that day, General Mohammadi presented 1st Lt. Mentaz with a promotion and the Baryal Medal 1st State during the commando graduation ceremony at Camp Morehead. Mentaz shot and killed a suicide bomber before the bomber could detonate his vest, preventing potentially significant loss of life and damage. A company of other commandos were recognized for their efforts in defeating the insurgency attack, which was subdued in 5 hours. Speaking to the crowd of more than 1,000 graduates, trainers and trainees, Mohammadi praised the efforts of Mentaz and the commandos with him who responded to the Kabul crisis. The same op which has happened in other countries, would last for 2, 3 days. I see it as a great achievement." A kandak is the Afghan equivalent to a U.S. Army bn, and with 929 graduates, the 7th Kandak was the largest class to graduate since the first commando unit completed training July 28, 2007. The next class, the 8th Kandak, begins training Feb. 13, and will have about 1,000 students; the overall goal is to create 9 Kandaks. The 12-week commando course is modeled after U.S. Army Ranger training, and instructors are SF mentors and advisors. According to the TF Morehead cmdr, ANA commandos have one of the lowest attrition rates in the ANSF, something U.S. Army Lt. Col. Kerry Costello credits to the training and dedication of the students. "Each Kandak has an SF embedded with them. I firmly believe the old adage that good teachers make good students, and from doing PT, to marching, to shooting and moving drills, these guys are with the trainees every day," said Costello. "The ANA commando's have the lowest problem with retention in the ANA service. I believe they're better motivated. The course is very physically demanding, but they get more money, better rations and living conditions. These guys are the best of the best." Commando positions are a special duty; volunteers are chosen from ANA after they've completed the 8-week basic training course at the Kabul Military Training Center. In addition to the commando benefits, one of the key reasons the American mentors training program is so successful, is that commandos are now being trained by other commandos. Work, Live and Train Partners (Photos by Pfc. Jessica Luhrs) PATROL BASE GAINES-MILLS - "Punisher" Soldiers of 3rd Pt, Delta Co, 1st Bn, 37th Armor Regt, 1st Heavy BCT, 1st AR Div, are congratulated by their Iraqi counterparts after receiving their combat patches at their shared compound, Jan. 20. -30- DVIDS "Wagonmasters" Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Photos by Sgt. Matthew Cooley) COB Q-WEST - Col. Larry Phelps, 15th Sust Bde cmdr speaks at a Martin Luther King Jr. Day observance at the Morale Welfare and Recreation tent, Jan. 18, hosted by the 15th STB, 15th Sust Bde, 13th ESC. -30- DVIDS Iraqi Border Guards Reach Out to School Children (Photos by 1st Lt. Juan Torres Jr.) COB HUNTER - Villagers look on as Iraqi Dept of Border Enforcement officers distribute soccer balls and t-shirts to more than 250 students at a school in southern Maysan prov. The border police are partnered with 2nd Sqdrn, 13th Cav Regt "Sabers," deployed in an advise and assist mission from Fort Bliss, Texas. Students look on as Iraqi Lt. Col. Hasan, distributes soccer balls at a school in a remote village of southern Maysan province. "I am very thankful for the soldiers who work to keep us safe," said one child. "The smiles of the children make me look forward to future visits and offering gifts," Hasan said. A local student displays his new soccer ball, imprinted with the Iraqi Dept of Border Enforcement's insignia. Other than the birth of his son and getting married, Upton considers graduating Ranger school to be one of the best feelings he's ever had. "A lot of it was learning on the fly which was kind of tough to do. So, when I actually graduated it was a really good feeling," he said. "My 1st sgt came to see me graduate, and my parents were there. My dad pinned the tab on me. It was an amazing feeling." With nearly 5 years in the Army, Upton has already earned the rank of a staff sgt. "When I came in, I was really motivated to do everything I could, get everything I could out of the job, and get as much training as possible," said Upton. "So, for those first 2 years I did a lot of things as far as schools, and with that came the promotions." Upton is currently deployed for a 2nd time to Iraq and plans to become a warrant officer in aviation.
(Army photos by Spc. Kayleigh Cannon)
By Spc. Shantelle Campbell
Joanna Fox is the editor of Troop Scoop News
This is a weblog of daily updates about the great successes by our heroic US troops and the courage of the Iraqi people. You can read about the amazing progress that has been made in Iraq, enjoy wonderful photographs not published by mainstream. Whenever interesting stories from Afghanistan become available, I will include them in my updates.
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Pakistan Captures 2 Top Taliban Figures, Militant Chiefs
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Panjshir PRT Honors ANP Success (photo)
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Forces Pursue Taliban Leaders in Afghanistan
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Gorgon operation, development and security in Afghanya valley
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FOB Ghazni brings medical care to Gelan district
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Pulling the plug for future funding of the Army Freedom Team Salute
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Off-target Rockets Prompt Apology for Civilian Casualties
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Taliban leaders flee as marines hit stronghold
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Road Brings Iraqi Communities Together
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Forces in Iraq Target Iranian-backed Terrorists
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Afghan, International Force Kills Enemy Fighters
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Seabees Bring More Support to Afghanistan Surge
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Forces Remove Two Taliban Commanders From Fight
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Ghazni PRT members meet with Afghans to discuss irrigation project
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Gates Pledges Mine-resistant Vehicles to ISAF
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Force Captures Taliban Leader, Seizes Weapons
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Afghans prepare for NATO assault on Taliban enclave
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Camp Atterbury Military Policeman Saves Life
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Georgia National Guardsmen open radio stations to give people of Afghanistan their own voice
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Singing Army Wife Meets Leno Between Recording Sessions
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Soldier Steps Outside The Box, Learns Valuable Lessons
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New Program to Advance the Role of Women (Photos)
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Wounded Warrior: Blind Soldier Becomes Company Commander
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U.S. Carrier Leaves Haiti; Relief Mission Continues
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Forces Quell Suicide Attack in Afghanistan
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ANP amps up security: tactical responders and first of women officers
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Panjshir government demonstrates readiness in disaster preparedness
In a depicted scene, the earth shook, buildings collapsed and a cluster of victims were either trapped under wreckage or incoherently wailing for help as emergency responders sprang into action.
Wisconsin agencies comes together to serve state's newest veterans
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Study Shows Deployments' Impact on Army Wives
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Conference Boosts International Afghanistan Support
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Five NCOs inducted into Audie Murphy Club (photos)
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A surprise promotion for a Navy Ghazni PRT warrior (Story with photos)
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Afghan Forces Contain Attack on Barracks
American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Jan. 29, 2010 - Afghan security forces reacted quickly today to contain an insurgent attack on the Afghan National Army's Sharwali Barracks on the western edge of Lashkar Gah, the capital of southern Afghanistan's Helmand province, military officials reported.
P H O T O S: Veterans See Improvement in Iraqi Army
By Army Sgt. Ben Hutto Special to American Forces Press Service COMBAT OUTPOST HAMIYAH, Iraq, Jan. 29, 2010 - Soldiers from the Iraqi Army's 3rd Brigade, 8th Division, listened intently here as they received instruction from U.S. soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division's 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team
Officials in Iraq Confirm Death of Key Terrorist
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Joint Task Force Organizes Haitian Airport
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ISAF Officials Express Regret Over Civilian Casualty
WASHINGTON, Jan. 28, 2010 - International Security Assistance Force officials in Afghanistan expressed regret today for the death of a religious leader who was killed when an ISAF convoy fired on what appeared to be a threatening vehicle.
New courthouse to improve Rule of Law in Kunar (story and photos)
KUNAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – The Kunar Provincial government took its next step in improving the rule of law here by laying the first ceremonial brick on a new courthouse in downtown Asadabad, Jan. 26.
Marines Help Afghans Gather in Protest Aftermath
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Army Officer Leads Family Into Service
By Elaine Wilson American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Jan. 25, 2010 – As the eldest of six children, Army Capt. Kate Gowel always felt a desire to lead. She first led the way into the military -- a path all five of her siblings soon followed -- and later led the way in her career as a military lawyer
Face of Defense: Airman Bucks Family's Army Tradition
American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Jan. 27, 2010 - When Capt. Karoline Scott decided to join the Air Force, she knew she'd be stepping into a long line of military tradition. She also knew she'd be the sole blue uniform in her family's sea of Army green.
Face of Defense: Soldier Finds Calling in Law
By Elaine Wilson American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Jan. 27, 2010 - Army Capt. Andy Scott started out as an Army engineer, but an interest in the law led him down a different path.
Face of Defense: Black Hawk Pilot Aids Soldiers
By Elaine Wilson American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Jan. 27, 2010 - Unlike many of her peers, Army 1st Lt. Kerney Scott, a Black Hawk helicopter pilot, didn't grow up dreaming of flight.
Face of Defense: Future Army Chaplain Answers Call to Serve
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Guardsmen Hunt Roadside Bombs in Afghanistan
By Army Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill Special to American Forces Press Service ARLINGTON, Va., Jan. 27, 2010 - Joined by fellow National Guardsmen from Georgia, Kansas, South Dakota and Washington, Missouri's "Houn' Dawgs" are sniffing out improvised explosive devices in Afghanistan and rendering them harmless.
Air Force Team Cares for Haiti Victims in Flight
By Derek Kaufman Special to American Forces Press Service WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio, Jan. 27, 2010 - A three-person medical team from the Wright-Patterson Medical Center here is providing aeromedical evacuation support for victims of the earthquake in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
Operation Targets Explosives Operator in Afghanistan
American Forces Press Service KABUL, Jan. 27, 2010 - Two insurgents, including a senior explosives operator, were killed during an operation conducted by a combined Afghanistan and international security force near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border early Jan. 25, military officials reported today.
Restoration of Mosque Symbolizes Change
SAMARRA, Iraq - During a recent visit to the ancient city of Samarra, Lt. Gen. Charles Jacoby, the United States Corps -Iraq commander, walked along the city's streets with the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division commander, Col. Henry A. Arnold, III and the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment commander, Lt. Col. Eric Timmerman
5,000-Bed Hospital to Increase Haitian Medical Capacity
By John J. Kruzel American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Jan. 26, 2010 - U.S. and international relief workers in Haiti are developing a 5,000-bed hospital in the capital of Port-au-Prince to increase medical capacity as the country struggles to recover two weeks after a devastating earthquake struck.
Military Families Gain Access to Free, Online Tutoring
By Elaine Wilson American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Jan. 26, 2010 - The Defense Department has launched a free, online tutoring service for servicemembers and their families.
Combined Forces Capture Insurgents Across Afghanistan
American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Jan. 26, 2010 - Afghan and international forces captured multiple insurgents, including a Taliban cell leader, in operations across five Afghan provinces last night, military officials reported.
Rewards Program empowers local population
Based on the success of Operation Jaeza, Regional Command East is running a second installment of the promotion campaign, encouraging local Afghans to use community safety call-in lines to report on weapons, improvised explosive devices, and criminals in exchange for rewards.
Marines End Anbar Mission as Army Takes Lead
By Army Spc. Kayleigh Cannon Special to American Forces Press Service RAMADI, Iraq, Jan. 25, 2010 - The 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force transferred authority of Iraq's largest province to the Army's 1st Armored Division in a Jan. 23 ceremony here that marked the end of the Marine Corps' mission in Iraq.
USS Normandy Serves Dual Role in Haiti Efforts
By Christen N. McCluney Special to American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Jan. 24, 2010 - The Norfolk-based guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy is supporting relief efforts in the air, at sea and ashore for victims of the devastating earthquake in Haiti.
Logistics Task Force Keeps Relief Flowing into Haiti
By Christen N. McCluney Special to American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Jan. 24, 2010 - A newly established joint logistics hub at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay in Cuba is helping save lives by making sure that food, water, supplies, equipment and personnel are delivered to bring relief to survivors of the disastrous Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti
USS Carl Vinson Sailors Support Haiti Mission
By Christen N. McCluney Special to American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Jan. 24, 2010 - Sailors aboard the USS Carl Vinson are playing a pivotal role in providing medical services and humanitarian support during Operation Unified Response in Haiti, the ship's commander said yesterday.
4BCT chaplains in Afghanistan helping provide school, hygiene, medical supplies to Afghan kids
One of the Ft Carson 4BCT chaplains in Afghanistan is helping provide school, hygiene, medical, and other supplies to the kids of Afghanistan
Iraqi Border Guards Reach Out to School Children
CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE HUNTER, Iraq, Jan. 22, 2010 - Members of the Iraqi Department of Border Enforcement's 2nd Battalion, 11th Brigade, make a point of visiting local schools to hand out gifts to students as part of their efforts to develop relationships with the remote villages of the southern Maysan province.
U.S. Forces in Haiti to Grow to 20,000
By John J. Kruzel American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Jan. 21, 2010 - Roughly 20,000 U.S. troops will be supporting relief efforts in Haiti by Jan. 24, military officials said, adding to the 13,000-strong American force currently there.
Force Protects Afghans While Targeting Taliban Commander
American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Jan. 21, 2010 - An Afghan-led security force killed four insurgents during an operation in Afghanistan's Ghazni province
Hall of Remembrance Opens at Fort Hood
By Joy Pariante Special to American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Jan. 19, 2010 - The survivor outreach services center here officially opened the Hall of Remembrance Jan. 11 to honor all those affiliated with Fort Hood and surrounding Texas communities who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the nation
Afghan women tune in to women’s rights through education
KHOST PROVINCE, Afghanistan— Standing just over five and a half feet tall, Gulandama Dina, the director of women’s affairs for Paktika province, wears a black hijab, or traditional headscarf, though many find her words about the rights of women far from traditional.
Task Force Rough Rider hosts Afghan national security meeting (Story with Photo)
NANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan- The Georgia Army National Guard's 1st Squadron, 108th Cavalry Regiment, Task Force Rough Rider, is refining the traditional shura for Afghanistan's National Security Forces, by giving them a greater voice within their communities
Nuristan PRT Female Engagement Team holds MEDCAP for children (Story with Photos)
P H O T O S: Nuristan Provincial Reconstruction Team Female Engagement Team visited a remote village in the area of eastern Nuristan province, Afghanistan, and held a child medical civic action program
Echo Troop 3-17 CAV makes mission happen
P H O T O S: KUNAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan - The Soldiers of Echo Troop, 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment form a small unit charged with a big job in Kunar province