June 12, 2012

Bragg paratroopers, Afghan soldiers disrupt insurgent safe havens in Ghazni Province

FORWARD OPERATING BASE ARIAN, Afghanistan (June 8, 2012) — Insurgents are learning that U.S. and Afghan forces will go anywhere at anytime to disrupt and destroy their capabilities, said a U.S. military commander in southern Ghazni Province today.

June 11, 2012

411th Engineers assume control of operations in Afghanistan

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (June 11, 2012) — The 411th Engineer Brigade officially took command and control of military engineering units throughout Afghanistan, June 4, in a transfer of authority ceremony here.

June 8, 2012

Soldier serves with big heart, helps Afghan children

BAGRAM, Afghanistan (June 8, 2012) — On one blustery Sunday morning, Spc. Helen Jeschow is enfolded in a bright blue wave of burqas the minute she walks through the gate, as women enveloped head-to-toe in the traditional garb of the region rush to greet her. She stoops to hug and kiss the kids, cooing at them through the interpreter, Alex.

June 7, 2012

ANA mentorship, it’s a win-win for all

FORWARD OPERATING BASE LINDSEY, Afghanistan — Finding time for one’s hobbies in a war zone is often a challenge. For Master Sgt. Derek Dotson and the 3-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team Stability and Transition Team, when a hobby happens to align with Afghan National Army mentorship, it’s a win-win for all.

June 6, 2012

Afghan artillery fires first operational rounds in Paktika

PAKTIKA PROVINCE, Afghanistan (June 6, 2012) — Afghan National Army field artillery lit the night sky for the first time ever in eastern Paktika province last week, as a newly emplaced howitzer battery became tactically operational.

June 5, 2012

From partners to leaders: ANA take charge in Garmsir

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Afghanistan (June 5, 2012) — Marines in Garmsir are seen less frequently on patrols with the Afghan National Army as they take a step back as partners and the ANA become more independent.

June 4, 2012

Key Helmand members, ANA soldiers meet, discuss peace, reintegration program

SHORABACK, Afghanistan (June 4, 2012) — About 130 Afghan citizens and Afghan National Army soldiers gathered here, June 3, 2012, to participate in an Afghan Peace and Reintegration Program seminar to discuss program

June 4, 2012

Marine, Afghan operation against insurgents successful

DEH MUSHEK, Afghanistan (June 04, 2012) — Another door bursts open as an Afghan soldier slams his boot against its wooden frame. The familiar smell of animal manure burns his nostrils.

June 1, 2012

Medevac crew reacts to dangerous call

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan (June 1, 2012) — In the midst of combat, acts of valor and bravery are performed so often they are sometimes overlooked. This was almost the case with the story of the Soldiers who rescued Marine Lance Cpl. Winder Perez.

May 31, 2012

Marine Engineers Transfer Authority in Afghanistan

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan (May 31, 2012) — After a successful deployment providing general engineering support to both 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) and 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), 9th Engineer Support Battalion relinquished their responsibilities to 8th Engineer Support Battalion in a transfer of authority ceremony here, May 30.