Written by Army Capt. Kenneth Stewart
Medical personnel from the U.S. military tour the Paktya Regional Medical Center on FOB Thunder, May 14. The tour is part of plans to increase the hospital’s patient capacity. (Photos by Army Spc. Adam Mathis)
PAKTYA PROVINCE – Afghan health care providers serving at the Paktya Regional Military Hospital (PRMH) in Gardez, have dramatically increased their ability to care for wounded Afghan servicemembers in the last year.
“We have doubled our capacity in the last year,” said ANA Col. Totakhil, PRMH cmdr. “Last year we were seeing between 18 to 25 patients per day; now we're seeing between 35 and 40 daily, and we're able to take care of as many as 60.”
According to statistics kept by the Coalition Medical ETT, the transfer of Afghan patients to the hospital has increased 300% in the last year. Totakhil credits his staff’s surgical skills, an improved supply system, and excellent support from coalition advisors for his hospital’s success. “I'm proud of my staff; in the last 5 nights they've not slept,” said Totakhil. “They've been taking care of patients from all over Afghanistan.”
The ability of the hospital to take on more Afghan patients is advantageous for both coalition and Afghan forces. “Moving Afghan patients out of coalition beds and into the Afghan health care system, allows Afghan medical professionals to use their skills in real world, real time situations," said AF Master Sgt. Will Williams Jr., the coalition’s medical ETT’s NCO-in-charge.
According to AF Col. Willie Tellez, TF Med East cmdr., "there's a tremendous need for Afghan medical professionals throughout the country." To meet the need for Afghan medical providers, the Ministry of Health intends to test the aptitude of over 1,000 applicants for physician’s asst. training. Of those tested, approx 350 will be sent to hospitals throughout Afghanistan for training; Totakhil’s staff in Gardez will train approx 50 students.
Visitors to the PRMH will indeed find a capable staff of local professionals. The hospital contains modern X-ray, surgical and even dental equipment. Afghan providers are performing surgeries, treating infections, and demonstrating to their fellow countryman that Afghans can and will take care of their own.
PRMH cmdr., Col. Totakhil explains improvements to patient care to AF Col. Willie Tellez, while conducting a tour for coalition medical personnel.
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DVIDS
Sangin Marines Bid Farewell to SMMC
Story by Cpl. Benjamin Crilly
Sgt Major Carlton Kent, Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps, speaks to the Marines and sailors of 1st Bn, 5th Marines, RCT 8, on FOB Jackson, Sangin, May 12. Kent spoke of the pride he felt when he first became a U.S. Marine, and how that pride will never leave him. He's set to retire on June 9, after 34 years of faithful service. (Marine Corps Photos by Corporal Logan Pierce)
FOB JACKSON, Helmand prov. - The Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. James Amos, accompanied by the Corps’ top enlisted Marine, Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps Carlton Kent, spoke to the Marines and sailors. “We wanted to come up and look you in the eye, and tell you ‘Thanks’,” said Amos. “We know where you are. Sgt. Maj. Kent and I spent Christmas right here.”
The Commandant went on to assure Marines that he knew the good work they were doing in Sangin, and had been tracking the goings on even after their holiday visit. The 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps went on to paint a picture to the Marines of what Marjah had been like in February 2010, when Op Moshtarak launched, and the heavy fighting that ensued. He compared that to how Sangin is, and then compared it to the other areas where 1/5 had fought. Amos reminded Marines that every place 1/5 has deployed to, in both Iraq and Afghanistan, have fallen out of the public eye due to their efforts within a year.
“Here's my prediction: a year from now we'll be somewhere else, and people will say things like, ‘when was the last time anyone reported anything bad up in Sangin Valley,’” said the proud cmdr. “You're part of that; standing on the shoulders of the Marines who've come before you. “You're in a legendary bn,” said Amos. “You've been in every tough fight the Marine Corps has ever been in.”
He then shifted the focus of the Marines to his senior enlisted advisor, who'll be retiring June 9. He will pass on the sword to Sgt. Maj. Michael Barrett, who's coming from his last posting as the 1st Marine Div Sgt. Maj.
“The greatest joy for me, when I became the 35th Commandant, was to know that Sgt. Maj. Kent and I were going to get to work together again,” said Amos, about a Marine he has known for a long time. “I don’t want to see him go. He's a tremendous sgt. maj., and will go down in history.”
The 16th Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps assured the Marines that with his retirement he was passing the responsibilities and duties to a very capable Marine and war fighter, who would continue to do great things. “The Commandant and Sgt. Maj. Mike Barrett will take the Marine Corps to the next level,” said Kent.
Kent reflected on the legacy that the Marines present will continue after he's gone. The 34-year veteran of the Marine Corps reminded them that whether they do 4 or 24 years, they'll always be Marines, and can take pride in that. That hit home in the questions that followed when he was asked what his greatest moment had been. Without hesitating he answered, “earning the title of U.S. Marine; that was the greatest moment.”
Lt. Col. Thomas Savage (left), bn. cmdr. for 1st Bn, 5th Marines (1/5), greets Sgt. Maj. Carlton Kent, with a smile, as he arrives at FOB Jackson.
Gen. James Amos, Commandant of the Marine Corps, speaks to the Marines and sailors.
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Alpha Company 1/5 Project Improves Sangin EconomyStory by Cpl. Benjamin Crilly
Date: 05.06.2011
Posted: 05.15.2011 01:10
Capt. Michael Donaldson, 29, the comm. officer of Alpha Co, 1st Bn, 5th Marine Regt, speaks to the local elders and contractors at a shura at PB Jamil, Sangin, Helmand prov., May 4. The shura discussed how the cash-for-work program will be run in Sangin, and how local security will enable it to run.
PATROL BASE JAMIL - The GoA is working with Marines of Co A, to boost the economy and give the people of Sangin work through projects in the area. The projects are designed to clean up parts of Sangin, and address the needs brought by tribal elders. This makes it imperative for civil affairs Marines to interact with the elders firsthand, and properly evaluate the scope of suggested projects.
“You have to start from somewhere. After all the work that 3rd Bn, 5th Marines did, people are a lot more willing to come forward and talk to us,” said Sgt. J. D. Hodges, the 4th Civil Affairs Group rep for Co. A, 1/5. ”It's good to know who doesn't have the interest of the community first.”
A project to clean up and dig storm sewers for a road, heavily used by local commuters going to and from the Sangin Bazaar, was selected and announced earlier in the week. The project entailed contractors placing bids for truck leases, and then showing up with 10 workers a piece. The road was divided into even sections and worked on during set hours until completion. The set hours allowed the Afghan Local Police and ANSF to provide security for the workers, ensuring that the work wouldn't be hindered.
The sectioning off of the road, allowed the Marines to evaluate the quality of the work, and the supervisor’s ability to manage the small scale project. District officials will assess the contractors work, and select whether or not they'll use them for future projects. To be assigned to future projects, the contractors had to participate in this project.
Since the funds for these projects are dispersed by GoA through the Marines, the Marines chose to set up a cash-for-work program to pay the workers and contractors individually for this project. This allows the money to be split up, to reduce the enemy threat to any one individual, since the Marines can't provide around the clock security for each contractor.
“People out here are desperate to feed their families, and they'll do anything it takes to put food on the table,” said Capt. Michael Donaldson, the comm. officer of Alpha Co, 1/5. “This is awesome because we can take 50-60 Taliban age males out of the fight, by giving them honest work to do.”
The project will also lead to more projects, enable workers to have work over the summer, be able to work consistently, and simultaneously improve their community. “This project will be a success if just one contractor shows up with 10 men,” said Hodges, 28.
“The cash-for-work program and security being provided primarily by ANSF is important, because it's bringing together all the functioning elements of a working, successful society,” said Donaldson. “If you look at the lines of operation, developing security, economy and governance, they're all in there. Every single one of those can be found in the cash-for-work program.”
The Marines understand that the elders who create the projects, and the laborers who do the work, are ultimately the ones who will determine the success of the test project, and ultimate success in Sangin, not the Marines or the GoA.
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DVIDS
Coalition Mentors Produce Afghan Instructors, TrainersBy AF Tech. Sgt. Mike Andriacco
Sgt. 1st Class Mohamed Gul, an ANA master instructor, demonstrates tactical movements for the first Train the Instructor Course at the Regional Military Training Center - N (RMTC-N). Master instructors are selected among top graduates of the Train the Instructor course to prepare their students to train the ANA. (Army photos by Sgt. 1st Class Ruben Ramirez)
CAMP MIKE SPANN – A critical component of every nation’s national security is the ability to recruit and train people into competent soldiers, to foster a self-sustaining military force. The RMTC – N, under the ANA Training Command, is hosting the first Train the Instructor class, charged with training ANA military instructors, as the nation moves toward an independent military and peacekeeping force. The inaugural class graduates May 17.
The Combined Training Advisory Group (CTAG), based out of Kabul, sent a team of 2 Afghan master instructors to teach ANA students with the assistance of Det 62, 95th Div mentors. “The purpose of the course is to develop quality instructors through an ANA standardized instructor training program,” said Lt. Col. Francis Carr, RMTC-N dir. “The product is a specialized instructor that is critical to build a self-generating ANA.”
The course provides the common foundation for all instructors across the ANA, and uses a similar curriculum to the U. S. Army instructor course. The class is taught by ANA master instructors, under the guidance of U.S. military mentors. This ensures a basic level of quality instructor, and will help standardize the country’s budding military nationwide, as the self-sustaining force develops.
“Quality control is vital to the continued development and advancement of the ANA Instructor,” Carr said. “It's used to maintain standards, stewardship and accountability across the instructor cadre. ANA personnel must know their responsibilities, and understand the importance of their position.”
As with any training program, new instructors will eventually be needed to replace the current ones, as they move forward with their careers. The Train the Instructor class will identify the top graduates and train them further. Those students will attend the Master Skills Instructor Course, and learn to teach the classes they just attended. All this will occur under the direct oversight of the Remote Basic Warrior Training mentor team.
Through this program, the ANA instructors learn to take control of their recruitment and training process. This helps them develop a sense of pride, and the ability to see the long-term benefits of a self-sustaining force. “We’ve seen a lot of motivation from this first class,” said Staff Sgt. Robert O’Hair, a Train the Instructor course mentor. “They certainly understand the importance of the mission here, and that they'll directly shape the future of their military. The master instructors proved willing and able to answer all questions raised by the students, with the help of the CF advisors. They demonstrated the professionalism and respect required by today’s modern ANA instructors.”
The class will soon graduate 20 students and another is scheduled to begin in early July. The course is just one more example of coalition efforts to support the development of the ANSF capacity and capability, as they progress toward taking the lead for security across the country by the end of 2014.
Staff Sgt. Robert O’Hair, an RMTC- North instructor/mentor, familiarizes ANA students with the M-240B machine gun in the Train the Instructor Course.
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IRAQI STORIES:
NewsBlaze
'Vanguard' Bn TAC Team Facilitates Special Mission functionStory and photos by Spc. William Ermatinger
Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Evans (left), senior enlisted advisor with 1st "Vanguard" Bn, 18th Inf Regt, 2nd AAB, 1st ID, checks and clears the weapon of a Soldier with the Tactical Assault Command (TAC) team, prior to entering Victory Base Complex.
BAGHDAD - Soldiers with the TAC team, HHC, have a critical mission to escort the battalion command team throughout Baghdad. The TAC team, which assembled in July 2010, is comprised of exceptional Soldiers nominated from each company, shortly before the unit's deployment in support of Operation New Dawn (OND).
"We were put together and within 4 days we were out in the field and able to go beyond the expectation of the bn. cmdr. himself," said Staff Sgt. Joshua Fox, TAC Plt Leader. "We were able to maneuver and control our elements well, and now have become proficient since we've been here."
The TAC team has the ability to provide more than just the usual security element. "A PSD is a personal security detachment, but the TAC actually has the capability to be a TOC [Tactical Ops Center], when we roll out into sector," said Fox. "The bn command team can still lead and command from our vehicle."
Since arriving to Iraq, the TAC team has continually improved their internal tactics, techniques, and procedures, which have enabled them to better accomplish their mission. "From the more experienced NCOs, down to the junior guys who are on their first deployment, this is a quality group of Soldiers who've worked and trained hard to be the best at what they do," said Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Evans, senior enlisted advisor with 1st Bn.
Staff Sgt. Joshua Fox (right), talks with a fellow team member, prior to a mission at Camp Taji.
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U.S. Division-North Public Affairs
‘Thunderhorse’ Soldiers earn their spurs
Story and photos by Spc. Andrew Ingram
Sgt. Steven Bryant and Spc. Tim Haubenshild, both infantrymen serving with Co D, 2nd Bn, 12th Cav Regt, 1st AATF, 1st ID, cross the finish line after a 6-mile foot march to kick off the “Thunderhorse” Bn Spur Ride at COB Warrior, May 14, 2011. The Spur Ride is a tradition for Soldiers serving in Cavalry units to prove their skills and earn their spurs.
COB WARRIOR – "During the Spur Ride, 74 participants, or “shave tails,” sought to prove themselves worthy of their spurs—an honor reserved for those within Cavalry units who've mastered their craft as warriors—during a day-long test of mettle," said Command Sgt. Maj. William May, senior enlisted leader of 2nd Bn., and senior spur holder for the event.
The name “shave tail” derives from the Cavalry tradition of shaving the tails of horses to mark new troopers as amateurs who hadn't yet earned their spurs. Troopers could only wear spurs once they proved themselves capable of proper performance with a horse and saber.
“We carry forth the tradition of the Spur Ride to maintain the history of the Cavalry,” said May. “We don’t have colts, carbines and horses anymore; we have our warrior tasks that we have to be proficient in. We've our own mounts, which are our tanks or our humvees. Those Soldiers who have proved their proficiency in these tasks prove their worthiness as Cavalry troopers to be spur holders.”
To be inducted into the Order of the Spur, Soldiers must complete a series of physical and mental tests to demonstrate tactical and technical skills, and exhibit knowledge of Cavalry traditions.
Shave tails of 2nd Bn. began the competition at 5 a.m. with a 6-mile foot march to test their endurance. After the march, which the shave tails were required to complete within 90 minutes, they conducted a layout of their gear, took a written test on the history of the 1st Cav. Div., and recited “Fiddler’s Green,” the official poem of the Cavalry.
Shave tails who couldn't complete any assigned task, immediately became disqualified, and by 8 a.m., only 18 Thunderhorse troopers remained. Those 18 Soldiers separated into 3 teams of 6 to continue the challenge.
May said, "teams integrated Soldiers from each company within the bn., ensuring that the shave tails would have to learn to work with their new team as they continued the Spur Ride.
During the next 10 hours, remaining Soldiers traveled by foot to sites throughout COB Warrior to test skills at 6 stations.
"Soldiers working as a part of a team instead of just trying to win something for themselves, is one of the benefits of the Spur Ride," said Sgt. Anthony Ceppaglia, senior mechanic, Co F.
“I’m having a lot of fun out here,” said Ceppaglia, after completing 3 of the 6 stations. “I’ve got my teammates here, and they're keeping me motivated. I'm keeping them motivated, and we're going to finish this thing together.”
By the 6 p.m. finish, Soldiers covered an estimated 12 miles, and completed tasks ranging from first aid, to troop movements, to reflexive rifle firing drills.
After 13 hours of constant action, the 17 remaining shave tails mounted wooden horses, and senior bn. spur holders placed spurs on Soldiers’ boots, inducting them into the Order of the Spur.
“This is awesome,” said Spc. Shahram Darr, an infantryman serving with Co D. “Once you have been through the whole Spur Ride—10 to 12 hours of hard-core training and challenges, it feels great to know you finished and accomplished the challenge.” Darr said that he almost decided not to compete, due to an injury he sustained earlier in the week, but decided to push through the pain to support his teammates.
May said that he hopes the success of the new spur holders will motivate their comrades to strive for excellence. “To do this in a combat environment, means just a little bit more than doing it back at Fort Hood,” said May. “These Soldiers finished this challenge in the environment in which they're executing their craft, and our craft as combat Soldiers is to close with the enemy, and destroy them as quickly as possible. “To do that, you have to possess these skills as an individual and as a team member,” said May. “I’m proud of these Soldiers. They showed their true Cavalry Red and White today.”
1st Lt. Tyrie Carroll (left), plt leader, and Spc. Josh Maze, an infantryman, assemble an M2 .50-caliber machine gun as part of a bn. Spur Ride.
Sgt. Alex Phillips, an armor crew member, conducts a reflexive rifle fire station.
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