The SECFOR went to the first of a series of targeted compounds in the village of Qareh Khani in the Chahar Darah District, in pursuit of a Taliban sub-cmdr who facilitates weapons and orders IED and rocket attacks.
The combined force then moved to clear and secure the building. While clearing the area, the SECFOR was engaged by an insurgent barricaded within one of the buildings, and another insurgent in the courtyard. Returning fire, the assault force killed the insurgents.
After the compound was cleared and secured, the assault force detained the IED maker, and an additional suspected insurgent for further questioning. Evidence collected at the scene directly linked the IED maker to a pressure plate IED attack that occurred less than 3 kms from the targeted compound on April 14. Additionally, several other IED related incidents have occurred in the immediate area over the last 2 years. IED materials including blasting caps and wire were found at the compound.
At the second compound, 2 armed males ran from the buildings into some thick vegetation. Afghan forces called for the individuals to peacefully surrender; however, they engaged the combined force and were subsequently killed. After the compound was cleared and secured, the SECFOR questioned the remaining residents. One suspected insurgent was detained for further questioning. The women and children present were protected throughout the searches.
(Photos by Sgt. Phillip Valentine)
“The main purpose of this class is to train these Soldiers to be the eyes, ears and voice of their cmdr in regards to Equal Opportunity,” said Sgt. 1st Class Alfredo Garza, equal opportunity advisor and deployed sexual assault response coordinator, assigned to HHC, CAB, 1st ID. “These leaders will have the tools and knowledge to spot discrimination, and help Soldiers locally with EO concerns.”
“These new EO leader graduates provide Soldiers in their units with another avenue to ensure they're treated with dignity and respect,” said Sgt. 1st Class Michael Patterson, USD-C senior EO advisor. “If young Soldiers are intimidated by going to their cmdr with an EO concern, now they’ll have an NCO to go to.”
"Being a leader is more than a personal accomplishment," said Patterson. "Good leadership comes from truly caring about Soldiers, and understanding where they're coming from while addressing their concerns."
Col. Roger Cloutier, bde cmdr of 1st Advise and Assist Bde, 3rd ID, spoke about Soldiers from his unit who graduated from the course, July 17. He expressed how proud he was, and thankful for what the new EO leaders can now provide the bde’s Soldiers in their new position.
“These 9 NCO's now have the knowledge they need in order to see situations are handled before they become serious,” said Cloutier. “I’m especially proud of these Soldiers who volunteered to take this training above and beyond their normal duties.”
One of the graduates of the class, Staff Sgt. David Tirko, an infantry squad leader assigned to Co A, 2nd Bn, 7th Inf Regt, 1st AAB, 3rd ID, enjoyed what he learned, and he was amazed how much it changed his view. “The class was an enlightening experience,” said Tirko. “Equal opportunity awareness training should not be taken lightly. It's a serious matter that should be constantly put in Soldiers’ minds.”