Notes From the Commander - Fort Wainwright, AK - U.S. Army

V olume 4 I s s u e 4 D euce Four
Page 8
Bravo Company - Barbarians
HELLHOUNDS TRAIN AFGHAN
NATIONAL SECURITY FORCES
Before American presence in this part of Afghanistan,
the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police,
or Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF), had a
problem with the Taliban. ANSF lacked the training to
be able to keep the Taliban at bay from their countless
attacks against their forces and the people of Afghanistan.
But the time has come for ANSF to be trained by
the best trained Army in the world.
Since deploying to Afghanistan, 3 rd PLT, B Co, 1-24 IN,
has partnered with ANSF, but the training is a new aspect
of the partnership. Training ANSF has been a challenge
that 3 rd PLT has accepted in order to bring them
up to standard in our tactics and to give them an understanding
of why we fight the way that we fight. The
Hellhounds know what it is needed for ANSF to defend
themselves and their country. Over the past month, 3 rd
PLT has taught ANSF many things, such as Basic Rifle
Marksmanship (BRM), Platoon and Squad Movement
Techniques, and Combat Lifesaver Skills (CLS). Sometimes,
the ANSF and Hellhounds have had friendly
competitions during training that many men - Afghan
and American- enjoyed. ANSF motivation and work
ethic has made for disciplined partners in arms.
SFC Mark Grover, second from right, gives guidance to ANP
during a mission.
HELLHOUNDS GET NEW STRYKERS AT
KANDAHAR AIR FIELD
Recently, 3 rd Platoon traveled to Kandahar Airfield
(KAF) to receive new Strykers with increased
protection. These new Strykers are equipped with a
double V-shaped armored hull on the bottom that is
designed to deflect blast pressure away from the crew
compartment while adding a second layer of armor.
These new Strykers, or Double V-Hulls (DVHs), were
designed and fielded by General Dynamics in less than
a year in order to meet the unique challenges of
operating in Afghanistan's rugged terrain.
During downtime at KAF, the platoon enjoyed
shopping on the Boardwalk, as well as eating at the
many excellent dining facilities available. It was a
welcomed change of pace. The trip also gave the
platoon a much needed chance to restock on many
supplies at the PX. Overall the trip to KAF was
productive, but it was good to get back to FOB
Bullard to continue its mission.
SGT Cayce Watson, left, leads his Squad during a patrol in the
midst of a dust storm.