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unit newsletter from Afghanistan
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achieve.
Pictured above CSM Sellers having dinner with 4th K andak CSM
Another month has come and gone here in RC East, Afghanistan. The month of January brought several changes on how the TF REPEL accomplishes our mission. We will make some operational adjustments, such as more combined actions with our Afghan National Army counterparts. But our mission does not change. We will continue to work with the ANSF to improve their capabilities as they take the lead with sustaining the security and peace throughout Afghanistan. As we move more and more into conducting COIN Operations one thing our Troopers must have a thorough understanding of is the ROE. All Troopers will need to know any updates to the ROE and EOF guidelines by heart. Ensure that your Soldiers have a copy of the latest guidelines, and are
prevent months of unnecessary investigations.
Leaders at all levels must continue to focus on safety, standards and discipline. As a Battalion we have done remarkably well in all of these areas. I attribute this to the positive reinforcement of standards by our senior and junior Leaders. Leaders must continue to remain engaged in performing PCCs and PCIs, ensure your equipment is fully mission capable, making sure the Soldiers are getting enough rest, and maintain standards, both on and off the FOB/COP. Mitigation strategies of suicide prevention are a topic that I ask all Leaders to focus on. The 2009 report of suicides across the Army was recently published and the numbers were lower than in 2008. This is great news, it means as an Army we now understand how to get out in front of this issue and solve the problems which affect the lives of our Troopers. Suicide affects all of us. The Combat Stress Team along
to assist Leaders in identifying the early signs of stress and depression. Additionally, this training discusses coping mechanisms which will help our Troopers work through tough situations.Leaders need to emphasize down to the lowest level that there is no stigmatism with getting help.
The Army released the names of seven TF REPEL NCOs that will be promoted to the rank of Master Sergeant. Congratulations to SFC Olesen(HHC), SFC Eckstein (HHC), SFC Encina (HHC), SFC Monroe (A Co); SFC Hall (Rear D); SFC SFCNickleson (B Co); and SFC Neuvfille (C CO). All of these senior NCOs are of the highest caliber. I for one am looking forward to seeing what they bring to our Army as First Sergeants. The key to their selection was professional development, education, fitness and leadership. I want us to continue to improve and expand NCO professional development. I encourage all enlisted leaders to take advantage of the opportunities to expand and increase your knowledge and skill-‐sets, and to mentor junior leaders. The United Stated Army Noncommissioned Officers are the backbone of the Army, and an example to the world. Our deployment comes at a historic time in Afghanistan, and it is more important than ever that we put our best foot forward, and operate like the most professional fighting force the world has ever seen. We have accomplished a lot in the first three months of this deployment! Be proud of what you have achieved, and continue to make this deployment one for the history books.
February 2010 Vol.1 Issue 2
Repel Times
Sgt. Maj . of the A rmy K enneth O . Preston, seen here posing with senior Noncommissioned O fficers f rom the 173rd Airborne B rigade Combat Team at Forward Operating Base Shank, Dec. 22.
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When my family and I were back in the States we used to take Tea Kwon do. As we went up through the ranks we had to learn how to break more and more boards with our hands, fists, elbows and feet. When we got to where we were breaking three boards at a time with multiple parts of our body, there were many times when our fist or foot would make contact with the boards and stop with excruciating pain. Our knuckles and feet would turn a nice shade of purple but we would have to keep trying until all the boards were all broken. What we learned early on is that in order to break the boards, one must look and aim through the boards. You must focus on the goal and not the boards that seem unbreakable or unbeatable.The same is true for us in life. Whether it is the length of this deployment, getting out of debt, breaking bad habits, working on our marriages or raising our children. Sometimes when we first start these adventures it seems like hitting a board that is unbreakable. It hurts and we do not like it. In the book of Hebrews 12 :11 Paul writes thatpainful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained
Earlier he had written 12:2 Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame,
February 2010 Vol.1 Issue 2
Repel Times
I wrote about this verse in my last letter also because it encourages us that even though things may difficult, when we are focused on the goal, when we can see through the pain and the difficulty of our task a harvest of righteousness is waiting for us on the other side. I pray for each of you this year, that we will continue to look beyond the pain or that task that seems unbreakable and keep our focus on the goal. What joy is set before us for our accomplishments? Keep those in mind and I promise, it will cause a lot less pain when the board finally breaks.
Pictured above LTC Johnson the Commander of the 173D Brigade Support Battalion awarding CPT Turpin the Chaplain of the 173D BSB a combat patch during the 173 BSB Patch Ceremony on 23 JAN.
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Pictured above and below Troopers from A CO conduct a mission rehearsal with the ANA.
173D BSB Paratroopers strike a pose with Czech Soldiers before heading to the town of Pol-‐e-‐Alam to conduct an aid mission on 23 Jan.
