Titans take control of Sarkari Karez Page 2 Sykes Regulars replace Pale Riders Page 4 The King of Scrounge

helps Soldiers Page 6 The Sykes Regulars: A brief history Page 8 Spartans fly by 4,000 flight hours Page 9 From Trash to Treasure Page 10 Faces from Home Page 11

Wrestling Tournament Brings Zharay District Together Page 13 Four-Legged Catamounts Page 15 From Business Suits to Combat Boots Page 16 Outreach shura held in Maiwand Page 18 Faces of the Spartans Page 20 Clinic treats 7,000 patients Page 21 Culvert Denial: Keeping the roads safe in the eastern Maiwand District Page 22

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Spartan Soldiers and Families, Entering into 2012, Task Force Spartan is on the cusp of irreversible momentum in Zharay and Maiwand Districts of Kandahar Province. In the 10 months our task force has been operating in the birthplace of the Taliban, we are seeing gains that will ultimately defeat the enemy in this area, as well as returning the Afghan people to Afghan normalcy. The unrelenting drive and strength of Spartan Soldiers, even at this point in the deployment, continues to capitalize on the past years successes. We are seeing the return of Afghan families to their villages and farm fields, in an area that used to be the forefront of the Talibans focus. Community pressure is a virtual weapons system, and families are taking back their communities by joining the local police forces and turning in weapons caches and homemade explosive material in record numbers. Reports we receive from interviewing these families indicate they are becoming increasingly more confident and trustworthy in both the Afghan security forces and local government. Our Soldiers continue to partner with the Afghan Army and Police, along with district government officials, to provide critically-needed services and security to the residents living here. The positive turnaround in these families confidence levels is noticeable. Just a month ago, after a hugely successful grassroots effort by Chosin Soldiers in Nalgham, Task Force Spartan hosted a district-wide wrestling tournament near the Zharay District Center that drew over 1,000 people in attendance. The district governor told the crowd that, Today broke the back of the Taliban, and that people no longer lived in fear of intimidation or repercussions. In Senjaray, Catamount Soldiers invited children out to the first kite-flying festival an event that attracted nearly 200 children, who were noticeably excited to be running around enjoying themselves. These events are revisiting normal life for Afghans, who can see a brighter future ahead. Driving on Highway-1, it is easy to see the positive changes taking place everywhere we look. Solar lights and mile markers now line the road, guiding motorists to their destination. Large Afghan flags and murals unify families behind the rich history and nationalism of Afghanistan. Vehicle inspection stations are scanning and inspecting thousands of vehicles daily, severely limiting the illegal trafficking of weapons and drugs between Helmand and Kandahar Provinces. With less than two months to go however, we are not letting up on the gas pedal. Throughout February, we will be continuing two major offensive operations that will keep the enemy in panic mode, while stifling their funding sources. These operations should seal the gains, and set our successors from the 82nd Airborne Division up for success. Much of our mission success would not be possible without the tremendous support of Spartan Families and North Country organizations. Whether it is donating school supply kits and birthing supplies for Operation Education and Operation Spartan Stork, or the continued support we receive through care packages and Adopt-a-Platoon sponsorships, we owe a sincere thank you to those back home who have our backs. We look forward to saying thank you in person soon for your support. You should be proud of the actions your Spartans are doing everyday on the battlefield. We are Winning! With Your Shield, Or On It! Climb To Glory! All The Way! COL Patrick Frank Spartan-6

Titans take control of Sarkari Karez

Spartan Times

Lt. Col. Christopher Kidd, commander of 2nd Battalion, 34th Armor Regiment (left), and Command Sgt. Maj. John McDwyer, command sergeant major of 2-34 Armor (right), prepare to case the unit colors in a transfer of authority ceremony with 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, at Forward Operating Base Sarkari Karez, Dec. 23.

The Soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 34th Armor Regiment Dreadnaught, passed responsibility of Forward Operating Base Sarkari Karez and the surrounding battle space to the Soldiers of 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment Titans, Dec. 23. In a traditional transfer of authority ceremony, the departing unit forms up behind the guidon, or unit colors. In the ceremony, the outgoing unit cases their colors, symbolizing the end of their time in Afghanistan. Lt. Col. Christopher J. Kidd, commander of 2-34 Armor, and Command Sgt. Maj. John McDwyer, command sergeant major

of 2-34 Armor, cased the units colors in the ceremony. After 2-34 Armors colors were cased, 3-71 Cavalry officially assumed command of Sarkari Karez. The outgoing unit, 2-34 Armor, has a rich history and can trace its origins to October 1941 at Fort Knox, Kentucky. The 34th Armor Regiment was initially assigned to the 5th Armored Division, and in seceding years has been activated and deactivated to fit the needs of the nation. The Dreadnaughts fought on the battlefields of Europe, in the jungles of Vietnam, the desert sands of Iraq and most recently on the perilous fields of Maiwand District, Kandahar Prov-

ince, Afghanistan. The Dreadnaught mark on history was achieved over nine months in Maiwand, the battalion immediately established security, said Col. Patrick D. Frank, commander of 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Task Force Spartan. From May 15 to December 23, 2-34 Armor has worked closely with TF Spartan, to clear the Maiwand District of insurgents and stabilize the Afghan people. Now, their role in the counter insurgency fight has come to an end.

Titans continued on page 3.

Over the course of their deployment, the Dreadnaught Soldiers have conducted more than 1,800 patrols, 31 Air Assaults, built five pieces of tactical infrastructure and transferred command of Combat Outpost Ata Mohammed and Strong Point Jawkari to their Afghan National Security Force counterparts. Their operations resulted in the seizure or reduction of more than $600,000 worth of illegal narcotics, weapons and improvised explosive device making materials. The Dreadnaughts have fought hard over the last nine months, clearing pockets of enemy resistance, and building capacity within the Afghan National Security Forces, Lt. Col. Mike Kirkpatrick,

Titans continued.

commander of 3-71 Cavalry said. As we assume their duties, we will continue to clear, mold and build. After the TOA ceremony, the Soldiers of 2-34 Armor will return to Fort Riley, Kansas and be reunited with their friends and family. The responsibility of Sarkari Karez and the surrounding battle space now belongs to Titan Soldiers. Titans, once again, you have assumed your duties professionally and I have every confidence that you will improve our performance, as well as the performance of our partners, Kirkpatrick said to his Soldiers standing in formation. 3-71 Cavalry was originally activated December 1941, as the 701st Tank Destroyer Battalion.

Spartan Times

Lt. Col. Mike Kirkpartick, commander of 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, speaks at the transfer of authority ceremony with 2nd Battalion, 34th Armor Regiment, at Forward Operating Base Sarkari Karez.

The 701st deployed to North Africa in 1942 and fought throughout WWII. The unit was eventually attached to the 10th Mountain Division in Northern Italy, where the unit served in many crucial operations. Soldiers in 3-71 Cavalry deployed to Afghanistan for the first time in February of 2006, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as part of TF Spartan. The Squadron was deployed to northeastern Kunar and Nuristan Provinces. TF Spartan deployed in support of OEF again in December 2008 to Logar and Wardak Provinces, where 3-71 Cavalry again provided the unit with multi-faceted operational support. Now, for the units third deployment to Afghanistan, Soldiers have been operating in Kandahar Province for the past eight months. However, 3-71 Cavalry was detached from TF Spartan and has been operating out of Forward Operating Base Terra Nova in the Arghandab River Valley. Titan Troopers of 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment who have already been defeating the Taliban in Maiwand, will now officially join this professional team and continue the progress for the Afghan people, said Frank. Upon assuming authority of FOB Sarkari Karez, the Titans will be operating with TF Spartan for the remaining three months of their deployment. We will finish with honor, Kirkpatrick said to his Soldiers. Titans, you have proven yourselves in the Arghandab, and established yourselves as a force to be reckoned with in Maiwand.

Sykes Regulars replace Pale Riders

Spartan Times

Lt. Col. Mike Katona (left), commander of 4th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, and Command Sgt. Maj. Charles Cook (right), command sergeant major of 4-4 Cavalry, case the unit guidon at the Transfer of Authority Ceremony, held at Forward Operating Base Pasab, Afghanistan, Jan. 3. By casing the unit colors they have officially transferred authority to Soldiers in 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment and ended their deployment.

Sykes Regulars Soldiers with the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, assumed command of one of the most kinetic areas in Afghanistan Jan. 3, from 4th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment Pale Riders, at Forward Operating Base Pasab, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. The Pale Riders fell under Combined Task Force Spartan, which is currently deployed to the birthplace of the Taliban in southern Afghanistan. Over the past ten months, Soldiers of 4-4 Cavalry have adapted their fighting techniques to fit the mission in Zharay District, Afghanistan. Through multiple Air Assaults, dismounted combat operations and a successful partnership with Afghan National Army Soldiers, the Pale Riders

have made tremendous changes in the Afghans way of life. What was originally a heavy (cavalry) squadron, adapted, overcame and transformed into a light, agile, and lethal combined arms team, Lt. Col. Mike Katona, commander of the Pale Riders said. In a traditional transfer of authority ceremony, the units form up behind the unit guidon. The outgoing commander and command sergeant major then case their colors, and the incoming commander and command sergeant major uncase their unit colors. Katona and Command Sgt. Maj. Charles Cook, command sergeant major of the Pale Rider cased their unit colors, officially relinquishing authority to Soldiers in 5-20th Infantry, and officially ending their

deployment. I know that Lt. Col. Soika and Command Sgt. Maj. Dallas will take the fight to the next level, and I look forward to seeing the successes of the (Sykes) Regulars, said Katona. Lt. Col. Steven Soika, commander of the Sykes Regulars, and Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph Dallas, command sergeant major of the Sykes Regulars, uncased their unit colors and officially assumed authority of the Pale Riders former battle space. After the TOA ceremony, the Soldiers of 4-4 Cavalry will return to Fort Riley, Kansas, and be reunited with their friends and family.

Continued on page 5.

Spartan Times

Lt. Col. Steven Soika (left), commander of 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment and Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph Dallas (right), command sergeant major of 5-20 Infantry, uncase the unit guidon, officially assuming responsibility of Zharay District from 4th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment at the Transfer of Authority Ceremony held on Forward Operating Base Pasab.

Sykes Regulars continued.

The responsibility of the Zharay District and the surrounding battle space now belongs to the Soldiers of 5-20th Infantry. Sykes Regulars Soldiers have a rich history of answering the nations call to arms. They have been in nearly every major conflict since the unit was created by President Abraham Lincoln in 1861. Since the units formation, Soldiers of 5-20 Infantry have fought valiantly in the Civil War, the Indian Wars, the War with Spain, the PhilippineAmerican War, World War II, Vietnam, and in Operation Iraqi Freedom. This unit has gone to Iraq three times, this will be our first Afghanistan deployment, and it will be a high learning curve for everybody, said Maj. Joseph Richey, the Executive Officer of 5-20 Infantry. I

think we will adapt fine. We have a lot of Soldiers, so I think we be able to both provide security, like 4-4 (CAV) and partner a little bit more extensively. I want to publicly thank our brothers of 4-4 CAV for paving the way to success with unrelenting

pressure on enemy forces, the forces that desire the continued subjugation of the Afghan populace, said Soika at the TOA ceremony. For the next year, Soldiers in 5-20th Infantry will work to continue to improve the Zharay District and defeat the insurgents.

Soldiers stand behind their unit guidons at the Transfer of Authority ceremony at Forward Operating Base Pasab, Jan. 3.

Jim Juczak, also known around the North Country as the King of Scrounge, is an expert in renewable energy, saving money and making something amazing out of nothing. He spent more than 20 years teaching everything from foreign languages to shop class, and he has been on the staff at Cornell University. For the past 90 days, he has been finding new and inventive ways to help the Afghan people in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan by working side by side with Soldiers in 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Task Force Spartan. At home in the North Country, Juczak lives on his farm, in a mortgage free home that he, his wife and some of his friends built out of recycled objects. His home and the surrounding homes on his property are run off of renewable energy and the majority of the food used by the residents of the community is produced on the farm. We live at a place that we built, its called Woodhenge, he said. Its the intentional community that we set up. In the North Country, Juczak spends his time spreading his knowledge of an economically and environmentally friendly lifestyle with local students and fellow freethinkers. I run an intentional community; I teach people how to build self-reliant systems around themselves including energy systems. I write, and I lecture, he said. Juczak says that the inspiration to begin his lifestyle of frugality and self-reliance came from one of his students. About 20 years ago, he was teaching a shop class, when one of his students asked

The King of Scrounge helps Soldiers

Spartan Times

Jim Juczak (center) teaches locals in the Zharay District Center about renewable energy and using junk to make efficient household items. One of the most useful items he built was a fuel-efficient stove made out of bricks.

him what he was doing to be less wasteful and more environmentally conscious. Since then, Juczak has worked to act on his beliefs that self-reliance and thrift are important. I decided to put my money where my mouth is, if I tell people I eat a lot of my own, home grown food, I do it, Juczak said proudly. While the TF Spartan Soldiers were preparing for their year-long deployment to the Zharay and Maiwand Districts in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, Capt. Kimberly Duenow, officer in charge of the Spartan Agricultural Team, began to look for ways to train her Soldiers on as many different agricultural topics as possible. She found Juczak through a partnership with Cornell University and TF Spartan. The captain showed up at my office one day and said I heard you know something about renewable energy, Juczak said. I offered to

do lessons for her team, and they started to show up for two to four hour lessons at the cooperative extension. The Spartan agricultural team began training with Juczak and the other instructors at the Cornell Cooperative Extension. I did everything from food preservation to how to set up solar systems, wind systems, that kind of stuff, Juczak said. Juczaks enthusiasm and skill stood out to the Soldiers. After going through the training with her team, Duenow realized that Juczak was an incredibly valuable asset to the TF Spartan agricultural mission. She and other TF Spartan officers discussed deployment with Juczak, and he expressed his willingness to help out on the deployment.

Continued on page 7.

Scrounge continued.
Jim was really enthusiastic and had expressed his interest in wanting to come out and help us more and deploy, said Duenow. Since Juczak had such a vast wealth of knowledge that would be incredibly useful to local Afghans, TF Spartan invited him to deploy with them to Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. Juczak decided to come to TF Spartan and spend 90 days in the fight with the Soldiers. Juczak came to Forward Operating Base Pasab having no idea what to expect from a military base, Soldiers and Afghanistan. According to him, he was expecting the living conditions to be considerably more austere and the Soldiers more impetuous than what he came to find. I dont have any military experience, so moving into a tent with ten enlisted men has been a riot, he said. It is nothing like I thought it would be; they are much shyer and much more polite than I thought they would be. While he has been at FOB Pasab, he has helped the agriculture team teach locals about various forms of renewable energy and has taught many locals how to build valuable and useful equipment out of next to nothing. Jim is great because he is so resourceful and with our limited budget and funding he has been a huge asset to us, said Duenow. He is a very resourceful, handy guy who has helped out with pretty much everything. Juczak has worked with the Spartan Agricultural Team to teach classes at the Zharay District Center. The classes have been a fun and successful way to educate locals

Spartan Times
on energy efficiency and ingenuity. One of the projects that stood out the most was the fuel efficient stove Juczak taught locals how to build. He has been training local Afghans on fuel efficient stoves to minimize the amount of wood that (is used), said Duenow. He has also had a hand in Operation Stork, which is a TF Spartan initiative to help decrease infant mortality rates through education, and the distribution of birthing kits, containing a few basic medical and household supplies to assist in safe home births. The birthing kits are a good idea, anytime you can do something good and save a life with something (like) a package, it is a good thing, he said. Jim did not just help assemble the birthing kits; he got his family involved with Operation Stork. Upon hearing about the birthing kits, his family decided that this year they wouldnt exchange Christmas gifts, they decided that they would just find ways to bring in donations, Duenow said. Many times over the past three months, the civil affairs or agricultural teams took Juczak out into the Zharay district to get his opinions on the most effective way to clean out irrigation channels, clear trees out of a road, or how to build energy efficient items for local Afghans. Although Juczak has been outside the FOB multiple times, he has never been afraid. He says that he can tell his wife with confidence that he is being well protected by the Soldiers that he has worked with and that he has lived with for the past 90 days. Wilson is my gun, Juczak said of Spc. David Wilson, a Soldier on the Spartan agricultural team and an infantryman. They didnt issue me a gun but they issued me a Wilson! Juczak has also helped Soldiers interact with local Afghan contractors and get better deals on contracts. He says that many times, an engineer or builder will present a contract that is written in superfluous technical jargon in the hopes of confusing customers and finagling more money out of the job. I have made my salary here getting projects canceled where the bids were ten times what they should be for what they got, Juczak said jokingly. A lot of times an engineer will couch it (a contract) in terms they hope no one understands, or they hope no one looks at it in detail. Juczaks 90 days with TF Spartan ended the turn of the New Year, but that does not mean that is the last the Soldiers will see of him. The bond Juczak has made with TF Spartan Soldiers ensures that he always has a place in the Spartan Brigade.

Jim Juczak (center) teaches locals in the Zharay District Center about renewable energy and using junk to make efficient household items.

The Sykes Regulars: A brief history

Sykes Regulars Soldiers with the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, assumed command of one of the most kinetic areas in Afghanistan, where they began the next chapter of their storied legacy in every war that the U.S. has fought since the American Civil War. The battalion replaced the 4th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment in Zharay district, Kandahar province, Afghanistan. Sykes Regulars Soldiers have a rich history in answering the nations call to arms. They have been in nearly every major conflict since the unit was created by President Abraham Lincoln in 1861. Since the units formation, Soldiers of 5-20 Infantry have fought valiantly in the Civil War, the Indian Wars, the War with Spain, the PhilippineAmerican War, World War II, Vietnam, and in Operation Iraqi Freedom. This unit has gone to Iraq three times, this will be our first Afghanistan deployment, and it will be a high learning curve for everybody, said Maj. Joseph Richey, the Executive Officer of 5-20 Infantry. I think we will adapt fine. We have a lot of Soldiers, so I think we be able to both provide security, like 4-4 (CAV) is, and partner a little bit more extensively. While the Sykes Regulars have never been to Afghanistan, their Soldiers have trained tirelessly in preparation for this deployment, and are aware of the task at hand. Kandahar province is the most kinetic area in Afghanistan, and is often referred to as the birthplace of the Taliban, where its founder, Mullah Omar, started the movement. Insurgents see Zharay district as the symbolic heartland of the Taliban, and often request additional fighters from throughout the region to assist in the fight. While many units in Afghanistan are focusing on their mentorship of Afghan security forces, and stabilizing the local governments, the Soldiers of 5-20 Infantry will have to fight to defeat the insurgents and secure the local population. We trained up and focused a lot on the non-kinetic aspect of it, on partnering with the (Afghan National Security Forces) and building their capability, Richey said. Soldiers initially focused their efforts towards partnership and training, but then received orders to deploy to Kandahar. Soon thereafter, the unit refocused their training to more battle drill-type specific exercises. The extensive training ensures Soldiers are ready and able to tackle the challenges of Kandahar province. Their mission will not only be fighting the insurgency or working with the Afghan security forces and stabilizing the Afghan government, but the true counterinsurgency fight is finding the proper balance between the two, and Sykes Regulars are ready for that task. I think we will bring a lot more people than 4-4 Cav has, and I think with that we may be able to stabilize the area a little bit more, reduce the violence a little bit and maybe transition into (building) the capability of the government and the security forces, Richey said. The next several months will not be easy for the Soldiers and Families of 5-20 Infantry, but through the same determination and valor displayed by their Soldiers of the past, the Sykes Regulars will accomplish their mission in Zharay district. They will add to the rich history of the battalion. We go back a ways, Richey said of the units history with a smile. The Soldiers want to represent the unit well, and the unit has a lot of camaraderie.

Spartan Times

Soldiers in 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment patrol in Zharay District.

photo by Spc. Kristina Truluck

Spartans fly by 4,000 flight hours

Soldiers in the Tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems platoon, 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion have surpassed 4,000 hours of unmanned aerial vehicle flight. This is a significant number of hours for any company, but B Company reached 4,000 flight hours in only eight months. Many companies will only reach an average of 2,500 hours in a 12 month period. It was a lot of work, especially with the amount of operators we have, said Spc. Matthew Cooper UAS operator, B Company, 3rd BSTB. We have been flying nonstop; at least 21 hours a day. The operators are not solely responsible for reaching this milestone, an average shift has about five Soldiers that are qualified to operate the aircraft, as well as various maintenance Soldiers. The company is equipped with four unmanned aircraft, as well as equipment on the ground to operate and maintain the UAS. The systems require an average amount of maintenance, including regular inspections by crew chiefs and operators, said Warrant Officer Marilyn Payano, a UAS Tech 3rd BSTB. An operator and maintainer for the aerial vehicles require six to seven months of training in order to effectively operate and maintain the aircraft. Every Soldier undergoes extensive preliminary training to become one of the operators or maintainers; the Soldiers never stop learning how to use their equipment on the battlefield. Once qualified, crewmembers are required to undergo biannual evaluations as well as notice evalu-

Spartan Times

Brig. Gen. Kenneth Dahl, deputy commanding general for support, 10th Mountain Division, visits Solider in the Unmanned Aerial Systems platoon.

ations to ensure proficiency in their ability to accomplish their assigned duties, Payano said. While the B Company Soldiers are deployed to Forward Operating Base Pasab, they are working tirelessly to do their jobs and help the Spartan mission. I did about 100 hours in one month, and pretty much everyone hit that, Cooper said. This is my first deployment, so I dont have anything else to compare it to, but it has definitely superseded what I thought I was going to get, he continued. I thought I was only going to get 300 flight hours this year and I am already pushing 600. UAS Soldiers bring a unique skill set to the fight in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. With their aircraft, they can provide an almost constant overview of the battlefield. Our system provides near real time full motion video to allow commanders to be able to keep eyes on the ground Soldiers and any potential threats that could af-

fect their operations, Payano said. Surveillance of the battlefield helps to provide a more comprehensive view of the ground. UAS operators can identify improvised explosive devices before Soldiers on the ground can see it, they can identify the direction of an attack and they can help pursue fleeing enemy combatants. Our specialty lies in the ability to conduct large area searches for enemy activity over an extended period of time, Payano said. The video produced by the aircraft can be in full color or in infrared, which provides more visibility of the battlefield in low light conditions so insurgents can be pursued and intercepted, even at night. UAS Soldiers have been extremely busy fighting their portion of the counter insurgency fight. When they passed 4,000 flight hours at the beginning of December, hardly anyone noticed. Its just another day for us, we are just trying to get the job done and get home, Cooper said.

By Capt. Daniel V. Nosse 4-25 Field Artillery

From Trash to Treasure

Spartan Times

For Soldiers with 4th Battalion, 25th Field Artillery Regiments Golf Company, Be Silent and Act means complete the mission without complaint. Outside of their normal missions, the Soldiers of Golf Forward Support Company worked on the new Afghan National Police station early each morning and late into the night, providing an operational and even visual impact to the security improvements along Highway 1 in the Wolfpacks area of operations. The improvements being made were a positive sign to the thousands of motorists and courtesy photo families who use the Highway 1 on Soldiers with 4th Battalion, 25th Field Artillery Regiments Golf Company build the new Afghan National Police station along Highway 1. a daily basis. Improvements such as these containerized units under a new towers around the stations perimare going to spread into other arroof, to serve as the new patrol eter were all noticed by passersby. eas, said Col. Patrick Frank, ComIn helping with the progress, Al- station offices. The buildings were mander of Combined Task Force pha Company, 710th Brigade Sup- surrounded with a graveled parking Spartan. Highway 1 is visible area, new barrier walls, and a new port Battalion first dispatched sevthroughout Afghanistan. Entry Control Point. The Soldiers eral patrols between the Maiwand This past August, wrecked and emplaced suitable guard towand Zharay districts, to remove burned-out vehicles lined the high- wreckage littering the roadside. Al- ers around the facility, while also ways shoulders, and the dilapidat- pha Company Soldiers loaded the building two checkpoint stations on ed police station was an embarrass- ruined vehicles onto their line-haul the highway. Their work turned an ment for the Afghan security forces assets and turned them into a local eyesore into a usable facility that manning the building. Now it is a the police officers could take pride. contractor for disposal. source of pride and progress for The efforts within the Wolfpack While that was taking place, CTF Spartan, and a visible affirma- Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, Area of Operations have made tion of the security improvements noticeable improvements, while 34th Armor Regiment worked on within Zharay district. a partnership with the local ANP contributing to the overall improveGolf Forward Support Compaments in security throughout the officers, headquartered in a station nys renovation of the police patrol known as Watch Tower Speaker. Spartans area. The police patrol station at Watch Tower Speaker stations renovation contributes to They conducted joint security was completed in the end of Octhe pride and credibility of the local patrols and set up checkpoints to tober. Previously, the patrol stapolice forces, and while coupled register motorcycles along the tion was in disarray. Trash littered Wolfpacks stretch of Highway 1. with the joint patrols, it helps lend the ground, concertina wire hung Working around the clock to legitimacy to efforts in increasing everywhere, barrier walls were security. renovate the patrol station, Golf cracked, and insufficient watch Company Soldiers installed three

FACES FROM HOME

FACES FROM HOME

Wrestling Tournament Brings Zharay District Together

Today We Broke the Back of the Taliban.

Spartan Times

Afghan wrestlers compete in the tournament held at the Zharay District Center, Dec. 24. People from nearly every village in the Zharay District came to the tournament hosted by the Zharay District Governor, and Soldiers in Task Force Spartan.

Hundreds of Afghan men and their children gathered at the Zharay District Center, Dec. 24, for a wrestling tournament hosted by Niaz Sarhadi, the Zharay District Governor and Soldiers in Task Force Spartan. Wrestling has been a national pastime in Afghanistan for centuries. However, under the 30 years of Taliban control, Phelwani was forbidden. Phelwani is a traditional Persian wrestling style that is popular in countries like Afghanistan, India and Pakistan. It is a belt style of wrestling with a catch-hold starting concept. In a Phelwani competi-

tion, two Phelwan, or wrestlers, wrap their arm around a sash tied to their opponents waist. The first wrestler to bring their opponent to their back is deemed the winner by a panel of judges. Typically, the wrestlers will face an individual opponent for two rounds in the ring before moving on to the next opponent. In preparation for the tournament, TF Spartan Soldiers cleared an area directly outside of the Zharay District Center and built a wrestling arena. The walls were decorated with paintings and each village had a specific area to sit and represent their wrestlers.

We planned it over the course of about three weeks, and it took about 15 different staff sections across the brigade to include our Afghan counterparts, said Maj. Kirby Dennis, the operations officer for 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment. So, there was a lot of set-up and preparation. In terms of the aesthetic quality, we did some painting around the area, we got the field set, we got flags set up. One of the biggest challenges in organizing the tournament was spreading the word to the local population.

Continued on page 14.

Wrestling continued.

Spartan Times
ent than anything I had ever done before, said Spc. David Wilson, an infantryman in Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Wilson competed in two rounds with an Afghan Phelwan and was thrown to the ground both times. The other TF Spartan Soldier to compete was also defeated. The Afghans cheered wildly when they won over the Americans. I think it was a good event for the Afghans because it brings them together in something they like doing, said Wilson. This was the second wrestling tournament that has been hosted by Zharay District leaders and TF Spartan Soldiers and it will not be the last. We are going to continue to organize these types of events in the future, Dennis said.

the enemy has to go up against, the Coalition Forces, ANSF and our civilian leadership in the Afghan Most importantly it was about communities are able to come messaging to the Afghan people and the shura leaders so they could together and return a sense of normalcy to the community, that is bring their Phelwan in to have a something the enemy cannot do, day of fun, Dennis said of the he continued. tournaments organization. (It is) very deeply ingrained in The tournament was a trementheir culture, Dennis said of the dous success; it was not only an incredible gathering where Afghans significance of the wrestling tourand TF Spartan Soldiers had a good nament to Afghans. At the tournament, an Afghan time together, it was also a historic drummer played traditional Afghan event. The fact that hundreds of songs, and many of the attendees locals gathered in a public arena participated in traditional Afghan to cheer on Afghan athletes shows dancing. that the Taliban has been defeated. Afghan Phelwans were not the Afghans are beginning to show confidence in their government and only ones to participate in the tournament; two Soldiers in TF Spartan in the Afghan National Security competed against the Afghans and Forces. The word has definitely gotten several Afghan boys held little out and we (had) wrestlers from all matches of their own in the arena. It was fun to get out there and across the district, Dennis said. do something that was a lot differThis is just one more thing that

Afghan men participate at traditional Afghan Dance at a wrestling tournament held at the Zharay District Center, Dec. 24. People from nearly every village in the Zharay District came to the tournament hosted by the Zharay District Governor, and Soldiers in Task Force Spartan.

By SGT Larry L. Hayes 2-87 Infantry

Four-Legged Catamounts

Spartan Times

The job of locating Improvised Explosive Devices in the War on Terror is going to the Dogs, and its a good thing too. The Catamounts are being helped by some four-legged friends while out on patrol. The Tactical Explosive Detection Dog and Military Working Dog Teams are out on the ground with the Catamount Soldiers to provide an extra bit of help in locating IEDs so that Soldiers can mitigate the risk of injury and death. The journey from household pet to bomb-detection hero begins in Europe, where most of the dogs are purchased. They are then trained for up to 117 days on basic commands, detection and patrolling at the Dog Training School on Lackland Air Force Base. The dog handlers themselves also have to go through three months of training in order to work with the dogs. They are taught everything they need to know to handle the dogs they will become close partners and friends with. The Soldier must learn how to control and care for the dogs while deployed. The training is standard so that a handler and can work with whatever dog he is in charge of handling, and vice versa. The handlers also make sure to take good care of their dogs. K-9 tradition is that the dog himself is one rank above the handler. Once handler and dog make the cut, they are on their way to Afghanistan to meet each other for the first time, and the training is put to the test.

Soldiers and their dogs pose for a picture in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan.The Tactical Explosive Detection Dog and Military Working Dog Teams are out on the ground with the Catamount Soldiers to provide an extra bit of help in the field.

photo by Sgt. Larry Hayes-

On ground in Afghanistan, the new team has to be certified before they can be sent out on missions. This certification will be done over and over again throughout the deployment to ensure that both are mission capable. For the dogs its made to be a game, almost like Hide and Seek, but the handlers know the risk involved and the consequences and rewards for being well-trained and ready to go at all times. Their job is a very important one, and can be the difference between life and death. Although, a dog teams deployment is especially dangerous, when you ask a handler whats it like to deploy with a dog they all express the same joy. This joy is shared with whatever company they happen to be with for a period of time. The morale boost a dog has on soldiers can be measured by the looks on their face. It gives the soldiers a chance to forget about their surroundings for a little while

and remember what its like to just be someone playing with their own pet. The Soldiers in the companies are also appreciative to have such an asset on the ground with them during patrols. The dog teams add an extra amount of security when out on a mission for the unit they are with. They give an extra advantage to the detection of explosives that are hidden on the battlefield. The dogs have the capability of locating what is hidden from the naked eye and their handlers are very astute in noticing the changes and subtle disruptions in the surrounding area. So, the combination of dog and handler provide a very formidable foe of the dangerous IED. In short, MWD and T.E.D.D. Teams are an invaluable asset to the Catamounts as well as an integral part of the Catamount Family.

From Business Suits to Combat Boots

One in four Congress members has previously served in the United States military; however, very few congressmen leave public office to serve in the armed forces. Maj. Charles Djou, the former U.S. representative to Hawaiis 1st Congressional District, did just that. He is currently deployed with the 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Task Force Spartan) in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, as a Judge Advocate General. Djou has always been patriotic and eager to serve his country in any way he could. Even from an early age, he was involved with public service. When I was 16 years old, before I could even vote, I decided that I was interested in politics and I volunteered for a woman named Patricia Saiki, he said. I didnt do anything fancy. I was a stamp licker, that was back in the time when you still had to lick stamps. His passion for the political process caught the attention of the congresswoman, and after his many years of volunteering for Rep. Saiki, he went on to represent Hawaiis 1st Congressional District, as she did 20 years earlier. She got me involved in politics in the state of Hawaii and one of the amazing things for me, I think one of the amazing things about our nation, is that 24 years after I volunteered as a pimple-faced 16-year-old licking stamps, (Rep.) Pat Saiki served as the honorary chair of my campaign for the United States Congress, and I went on to hold in the United States Congress, the very seat that I was a stamp-licker for, Maj. Djou said.

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Maj. Charles Djou sits at his desk in the Task Force Spartan legal office on Forward Operating Base Pasab.

Prior to his career as a politician, Djou earned his bachelors degree in business, as well as a law degree. After I graduated law school, I joined a big fancy law firm in Honolulu. I practiced law for about five years with that law firm, he said. It was Djous passion for politics that led him to run for the Hawaii State Legislature in 1998. So frequently, Republicans dont challenge Democrats in elections, he said of the driving force behind his first political campaign. In 1998, there was a seat in the Hawaii Statehouse, and the Democrat was going to win merely by filing her election papers, because there was going to be no Republican running for that seat. So, I thought I should put my money where my mouth is, and after years and years of volunteering for (Rep.) Pat Saiki, I decided I would put my name in the ring, he continued. While his first attempt at run-

ning for public office was unsuccessful, he was not deterred. I was defeated in 1998, (but) because I have a thick skull, I tried again in 2000, and I was elected to the Statehouse, Djou said. I served one two year term there. As a state representative, Djou proved to be the right candidate and a motivated politician. I was very fortunate as a freshman in the Statehouse. My colleagues selected me the Republican floor leader, which is very unusual as a freshman, he said. But unfortunately my seat was re-districted out of existence, so in 2002, I switched from the statehouse to the Honolulu City Council. There were several contributing factors that lead Maj. Djou to serve in the United States Army. Its something that I find (is) an honorable profession, he said of military service. It is another form of public service, and I have always believed in public service.

Continued on page 17.

Djous patriotism and dedication to serving his country comes partially from his parents backgrounds as refugees that found a better life in America. His father fled from the communist revolution in China and his mother from the turmoil in Vietnam. My father fled China as a refugee after the Communist Revolution in 1949, which followed the Japanese occupation in 1940, he said. And I think it is from that understanding of my fathers side of my family that I have an interest in freedom, I have an interest in defending freedom. His heritage contributed to his patriotism and commitment to the American ideal that all people have a right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It is through the Vietnam War and the engagement in Southeast Asia that my mom was able to come to the United States and become an American citizen, he said. So, it is that kind of family background that I think attracted me to the military. In college I had been in ROTC, but I graduated from college in 1992, right in the peak of the drawdown. National tragedy is what ultimately led the politician to combat. After the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, Djou answered the nations call and joined the Army Reserve. After September 11, I decided I was still young, I was still able bodied and I could still contribute, so I took a direct commission into the Army Reserve, Maj. Djou said. In the Reserves, Djou is a judge advocate with the 22nd Legal Support Organization, and was recently

Djou continued.

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attached to Task Force Spartan for their deployment to Kandahar province, Afghanistan. In garrison each brigade is given two JAGs, but when brigades deploy they are given three JAGs instead of two, and the third is always either a Guard or Reserve JAG, Djou said. Djous deployment is quite similar to other Soldiers. He still misses his family, sleeping in and eating pizza. Its a sacrifice. I think when you put people in harms way, it is a sacrifice not from each individual Soldier, but it is a sacrifice made by the Soldiers Families. The burden of defending our nation does not

Maj. Charles Djou, a Judge Advocate General attached to Task Force Spartan, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, prepares to go on a mission in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan.

Courtesy photo

just rest on the Soldiers shoulders, but also on the spouses and children, Djou said. Despite the sacrifice, Djou believes in the Task Force Spartan mission of stabilizing the Afghan government and security forces. I think we are making tremendous progress, this is exactly what our nation should be doing. I think we are pushing back the Taliban, we are trying to stabilize this nation, he said. I think the work here by Task Force Spartan is nothing short of outstanding. Djou compares the commitment of Spartan Soldiers to the actions of Soldiers in other foreign wars.

Continued on page 19.

Outreach shura held in Maiwand

Over 80 local residents living in northern Maiwand district of Kandahar province, Afghanistan, gathered at the DeMaiwand mosque, Jan. 10, for an outreach shura hosted by newly-appointed District Governor Salih Mohammad. Governor Mohammad is a relatively new and extremely active leader in the Maiwand district, and as a local representative of the Afghan government, he makes it a point to be actively engaged with the districts citizens, through regular shuras and even press conferences. The (District Governor) is engaged, and eager. He works well with (International Security Assistance Forces), and has done more in two months that the previous DG accomplished in nine months, said Maj. Del Boyer, a member of the Task Force Spartan Stability Transition Team. So far he has conducted five outreach shuras like the one he conducted in DeMaiwand. The shura was held to discuss security and progress in the village of DeMaiwand, a remote village in the Ghorak Mountains of Maiwand. At the shura, village men were given the chance to come face-toface with their district leaders, as well as Brig. Gen. Niaz Murtaza, the commander of the 3rd Brigade, 205th Afghan Army Corps, and ask questions about what the leaders are doing to improve their area. Afghan National Security Forces and ISAF are building a new strong point at DeMaiwand to help push the insurgents away from the people and provide the village with more security. A strong point is compound where a platoon-sized element will operate, which pro-

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Local Afghan men carry the Afghan flag to the shura hosted by District Governor Salih Mohammad (right), Jan. 10.

vides security and accessibility for nearby Afghan residents. It will enable a police presence in a known Taliban thoroughfare, (where) there has been no ANSF presence in that area, said Boyer. It will be manned by Afghan National Army, Afghan National Police and ISAF to start, with the intention of turning it over to ANSF. At the DeMaiwand shura, the Afghan soldiers distributed handcrank radios and a mosque refur-

bishment kit for the Shrine of the 400 Martyrs, which is located near the village. The kit contains prayer rugs, small furniture, and even paint for the mosques exterior. Prior to the shura, Governor Mohammed and Brig. Gen. Murtaza visited an Afghan police station in Hutal where they conducted a press conference with media from Kandahar City.

Continued on page 19.

Djou continued.

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It is because our nations goodness and what we did in Vietnam and what we did Southeast Asia, that my mother was able to come to the United States, and I have every confidence that whatever happens here, we are doing the right thing, Djou said. While his experiences and challenges may be similar to any other deployed Soldiers, the fact that he is in Afghanistan has a different meaning than many others who are deployed today. I voted in favor of Operation Enduring Freedom. I find it a little interesting that I am probably the District Governor Salih Mohammad speaks with the villagers at the DeMaiwand only person that can say that I vot- mosque at an outreach shura, Jan. 10. ed myself here! Maj. Djou said. Frank, commander of Task Force Maiwand continued. Ultimately, he is proud to be of Spartan, at the press conference. service to his country in any way Col. Frank responded to the govMedia engagements like the that he can, whether it be making ernors concerns and informed the one the DG held are critical to the laws for the state of Hawaii, or media and the Afghan leaders presinforming the greater public in providing legal counsel to deployed Maiwand, Boyer said. In addient of the plans already in place Soldiers. tion, it allows the DG an opportuni- to continue to further develop the I really, truly believe that the ty to engage the public and confirm district and to work with the logreatness of the United States of cal famers to eradicate poppy and the commitment of (the Afghan America and the American people, government), as well as informing grow legal crops. is in part, that a child of a refugee, We are providing wheat seed them of projects and opportunities could be given the privilege of for the farmers and we are providthat are taking place in Maiwand. writing the law of the land of the ing them with alternate means At the press conference, the most powerful nation on Earth, other than poppy, said Frank, of governor spoke about the secuDjou said. the efforts being made by Afghan rity gains that have been made in In the tradition of deployed and coalition security forces to Maiwand district. He also spoke Soldiers, the first thing that comes stop farmers from growing illegal of the need for more schools, and to mind when he thinks about what for farmers to find crops to grow in poppy. he will do when he redeploys is his place of poppy. The governor asked DeMaiwand was relatively family and food. untouched by Afghan and coalition that coalition forces continue to I actually am looking forward forces presence until recently, but assist him in transitioning farmers to getting a good pizza! Djou said away from growing poppy. the leaders of the district are workwith a laugh. In all seriousness, ing diligently to improve the area We are going to partner with I very much am looking forward the governor and his security forces through partnership and engageto spending more time with my ments with the villagers. to ensure additional progress in family, I am never ever, ever again Maiwand, said Col. Patrick D. going to take for granted holding my wifes hand or hugging my children.

Faces of the Spartans

Clinic treats 7,000 patients

Over 7,000 patients have been treated at the level two clinic, located on Forward Operating Base Pasab. On a day to day basis, we have sick call for both U.S. Soldiers and then we have sick call for the Afghan National Army Soldiers, we see some degree of local nationals, but that is generally the life threatening injuries, said Maj. Paige Waterman, the officer in charge of the level two clinic on FOB Pasab. The level two clinic is prepared to handle just about every type of illness and trauma, except for surgery. The clinic has a trauma bay, ex-ray capabilities, a dentist, a physical therapist, and several medics and doctors that are qualified to treat their patients. In terms of U.S., we are not seeing as much trauma here, one it is getting colder so there is less across the board, and two the more serious injuries flys over us to a level three where they can get the surgical care they cant get here, Waterman said. Spartan Soldiers and Afghan National Army Soldiers can come to the clinic for medical care in the morning and afternoon hours on a daily basis. We see routine sick-call issues, we see the disease non-battle stuff, then of course we see the injuries that are not battle related, Waterman said. The medics that work at the clinic say that they enjoy the work that they do; they love knowing that they help people. It is gratifying, it is really nice to see someone walking after injuring themselves, or after someone injures them, it is good to see them moving around, healthy and intact, said Spc. Ryan Bautista, a medic at the level two clinic. When ANA Soldiers come to the clinic, they are generally accompanied by the ANA medics. The Spartan medics use it as a chance to train the ANA medics to treat their own Soldiers. Its nice to see that everyone is getting treated the same way, and honestly I do the same thing for an Afghan person as I would do for a US person, Waterman said. The joint environment at the clinic is contributing to a joint environment on the battlefield. While Afghan and U.S. troops are both being provided with the highest quality medical care, the ANA medics are learning everything they can. We try to involve the ANA medics when they come in, Waterman said. We try to talk them through (what to do) we are trying to teach them to watch us the first time, and the second time they will do it themselves so they can be independent. Due to language barriers and differing educational backgrounds, training can be difficult. However, the ANA medics are extremely willing to learn, and adapt well to the training they receive. Its a lot of work because they dont have the same educational backgrounds Americans do, there are some challenges we face when working with the Afghan medics, but we get it done none the less, we try our best, Bautista said. Civilians in the area are also medically evacuated to the clinic for trauma care, where they are treated by Spartan and ANA medics. We had a bus full of children that we treated a few months back, it was gratifying to be able to help lend a hand and get those kids patched up, Bautista said. Each shift has enough medics to handle nearly every type of situation. Typically we have at least 5 on shift at a time and they work 12 hour shifts, so that leaves some that are off or on details, Waterman said. The clinic reached 7,000 patients at the beginning of December. Since then, they have already treated more than 500 U.S., ANA and Afghan civilians.

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Command Sgt. Maj. Bryant Lambert, command sergeant major of the 82nd Airborne Division, (center) inspects the level two clinic trauma bay on Forward Operating Base Pasab.

Culvert Denial: Keeping the roads safe in the eastern Maiwand District
By Capt. Edward Park 4-25 Field Artillery
Throughout history, roads have been essential for the development of any country. We look back into the past during the Roman state where roads were used for regular trade and communication. We can look to our homes and realize the importance and impact the Interstate Highway System has in the United States. Afghanistan has a main highway that directly impacts the lives of all the countrys people. This highway links villages and towns and allows the people of one village to communicate with the people of another town. Farmers and businessmen use this road to transport goods and trade for economic development. At the same time, Afghanistan National Security Forces use this highway to move and supply their units. People traveling across the region stop by the bazaar and the gas stations along the highway to refuel or to buy food. Land along the highway is great for small businesses and for the economy. However, the insurgents continue to disrupt the way of life for the Afghanistan people and try to hinder economic growth and security in the area by targeting the roads. Typically, the insurgents insert explosive materials or bombs inside the numerous culverts underneath the countrys busiest road to prevent economic growth and hinder the response time for the Afghanistan police and army. Since arriving to Afghanistan in March 2011, Soldiers of Headquarters and Headquarters Battery (Hawkeye), 4th Battalion, 25th Field Artillery Regiment (Wolfpack) have worked tirelessly to improve the security for the people of Afghanistan and their fellow Soldiers of Combined Task Force Wolfpack. The Hawkeye Battery partnered with the Afghan National Police, Afghan National Army and Afghanistan Civil Order Police have adopted a 6.5 mile stretch of the main highway in eastern Maiwand District of Kandahar Province to keep it safe. Afghan National Security Forces and the Hawkeye Battery have patrolled this highway daily to ensure it is safe for all traffic. The Hawkeye Battery recently completed a project to protect all the culverts in Combined Task Force Wolfpacks stretch of the highway. In the past, culverts were blocked completely to prevent

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bombs from being emplaced at the cost of not allowing water and debris to pass underneath the roads. With the assistance of the local people, specially designed cages and basic military wire obstacles have been emplaced around culverts on both sides to ensure that the busy highway is safe to travel on while remaining environmentally friendly and still allowing water to pass underneath the roads. This has ensured the safety of the Afghan people, ANSF and International Security Assistance Forces traveling along Combined Task Force Wolfpacks area of the highway. Thanks to the teamwork, perseverance and dedicated efforts of the Hawkeye Battery, the culverts in the area are no longer a target for the insurgents, and the people of Afghanistan and ANSF can move through the area without difficulty.

Soldiers fix concertina wire surrounding a culvert while doing improvements to Highway 1.

courtesy photo

Contributors
Capt. Kevin SandellPAO OIC Staff Sgt Bruce PetittPAO NCOIC, Broadcast Journalist Sgt Patrick GuerraBroadcast Journalist SGT Melissa StewartPrint Journalist/Layout and Design Capt. Edward Park4-25 Field Artillery SGT Larry L. Hayes2-87 Infantry Capt. Daniel V. Nosse4-25 Field Artillery SPC Kristina TrueluckCombat Camera

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