THE SPO-ÂTIMES
V o l um e 1 , I s s ue 4 A ug us t 2 0 1 2
I nt er na l n ew sl et t er f or o ur s er vi ce me m ber s a n d f a m il i e s. . . The SPO Times is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. Contents of The SPO Times are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, or the Department of the Army. The commanding officer for NTM-A DCOM SPO is Brig. Gen. Clark W. LeMasters Jr. The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of Capt. Monika Comeaux, DCOM-SPO Public Affairs Officer. Contact information: monika.comeaux@afghan.swa.army.mil, DSN: 318-237-0470, Cell: 070-681-8709.
Small coalition team developsANSF networks Story by Capt. M onika Comeaux, DCOM -SPO PAO CAM P EGGERS, Afghanistan Âą Engineers who participated in the building of the Suez Canal likely look at the artificial waterway and think: I contributed to something long-lasting and I, in a small way, influenced history. Coalition forces working in Afghanistan may feel the same way about their projects. One of these projects is building the Afghan National 6HFXULW\ )RUFHVÂś QHWZRUN LQIUDVWUXFWXUH See ANSF NETWORK on p. 14
A team of Network Support Operations professionals look over a network diagram to see where is the next fiber optic manhole can be found for inspection at Forward Operating Base Delaram, Afghanistan, in Regional Support Command-Southwest May 15. Courtesy Photo 1
TABEL OF CONTENTS: P.1&14: Small coalition team develops ANSF networks P. 2-Â3: From our leaders P. 4-Â5: TSS Shouz transition P. 6-Â7: Deployment: for some, a family affair 3 $IJKDQ :RPHQ¡V 3R lice Corps graduation P. 9&12: Featured coalition partner
P. 10-Â11: SchĂźtzenschnur P. 13: RSC-ÂCapital communi- cations equipment training P. 15: Camp Shaheen barracks transfer P. 16-Â17: From Trash to Treas- ures;Íž massive cleanup initia- tive creates space, recoups tax- SD\HU¡V PRQD\ P. 18-Â19: Around the battle- field
From our leadership DCOM-SPO Team and Families, As the month of August comes to an end, I am very proud of all of our or should I say all of your accomplishments and I ask that you remain vigilant as you continue to focus on the mission. Also make sure you are taking care of your selves and those around you. I wanted to personally congratulate our service members who have participated in and won various boards in the recent past. It reflects great credit on you and on your leadership who assisted in your preparations. Congratulations to CPL Jeffrey VanDorn for winning the NTM-A Member of the Quarter for the NCOs and congratulations to UT2 (SCW) William Bentley for being nominated the 2nd Quarter Sailor of the Quarter (NCO) and congratulations to AM3 Kevin Wildner for being nominated 2nd Quarter Sailor of the Quarter. What a great way to represent DCOM-SPO and your individual services! We have some exciting events coming up in September and October, and I highly encourage G G G G UGv G G G G G G G G ˅ G G UG No matter how busy you are over here, do reach out to them and make sure they know how proud you are of their accomplishments. In the beginning of October, several base camps in Afghanistan will be holding a Shadow Run for the Army Ten Miler. I know I will be participating in the Camp Eggers version. Who else is with me? Think about it, how many people can say in the whole entire world, that they participated in the Army Ten Miler in Afghanistan? I highly encourage all of you to sign up and participate. Remember, G G G G G G G G SGˈG ˅ G G G G G G SG ˅ G G G G T ing un- UˉGh G Gv SG Gh Gm Gu G G G G G G G should be going around filming holiday greetings. Make the most of this opportunity and record a greeting for your loved ones. Small things like this mean a lot when you are thousands of miles away from each other! Continue executing our plans and moving forward with the mission. You are writing history as you teach, coach and mentor our Afghan counterparts bettering their logistics systems. Military historians may once write about Operation Steel Rain, Keystone 9 or OP Selab and as you read it you G G G G aGˈpG G GmyhnvG G G ˉG GˈpG G G G G G G G G UˉG y G G G G G G G SG G G G G G G ˄ G G G G U˅GpG G ¡ G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G working and focused team. Keep up the good work! Shona ba Shona! CSM Terry E. Parham Sr., DCOM-SPO/13th ESC CSM
2
DCOM-SPO/13th ESC As we close out August, you have made some great progress on our focus areas and all those day to day issues that arise. Everyone of you have shown great flexibility to adapt to the very dynamic environment. We are entering the last few weeks of the Force Manning Levels reductions, as well as, the normal rotations of people ending their tours. Keep working hard to ensure that all our team-mates know what the priorities of work are and how your individual sections priorities tie into the 13 Focus Areas. Here are a few big things that you need to be aware of. The logistics assessment process - AKA the Logistics Common Operating Picture or LCOP (Focus Area number one) is near completion. Each section leader needs to ensure your people understand what the LCOP is about and determine how you can provide information to make it more accurate or how can you use the information provided to better accomplish your mission and assess your progress. J5 is leading our effort to set up a Senior Security Shura on Logistics. This meeting will involve senior leaders from both the ANA and ISAF and focus on one of our 3rd Quarter priorities - ANSF Commanders must own their logistics systems. This meeting will provide the senior ANA leaders a look at their national supply system, an overview of the ANA organizations that contribute to supporting the Corps, a chance to meet the key players within the ANA logistics organizations and a tour of the Central Supply Depot. Our goal is to energize the ANA Corps leadership's involvement in the logistics system and improve communications from the Corps to the National Logistics system. Logistics Operations is spearheading a Class IX (Repair Parts) campaign. Designed to analyze Class IX requirements, update Authorized Stockage Lists (ASL) and develop plans to increase the stockage levels of Class IX to over 90% across the country. RSC-Capital is leading effort at the ANA Central Supply Depot, working to increase productivity and improve the warehousing process. RSC-C is also working closely with the Central Movement Agency- the ANA's transportation organization, to increase frequency of convoys. RSC-C's efforts tied together will improve the distribution capabilities of the ANA. Logistics Operations, Fuel section is working closely with our ANSF partners to develop and implement a new fuel distribution concept for the ANSF. Through weekly meetings with NTM-A and IJC elements to develop fuel requirements and regional distribution plans, purchases of fuel metering and testing equipment, planning and information sharing meetings with ANA and ANP- the DCOM-SPO Fuel team is bringing this extremely difficult concept to life. NTM-A received endorsements from the senior level ANA and ANP leaders to move forward with this concept and we expect to have the first of many Executive Fuel Committee meetings within the next few weeks. We will continue efforts started last month aimed at improving ANSF Logistics reporting and distribution, as well as, the work to finalize MOD 14 (supply requisition process) changes. These efforts along with the many other things you are working on are making a difference each and every day. I ask you to continue to communicate across the staff and with the RSCs on the projects you are working or the concepts you are developing - Horizontal and Vertical integration is what you will hear me call this effort. Always ask yourself and your team- "who else needs to know?". Remember the people closest to the problem have the best information - you must include them in the planning. As the concepts become FRAGOs - the RSCs must review and provide input - in nearly every case, they will be executing the mission. Remember we are all one team! BG Clark LeMasters, DCOM-SPO/13th ESC Commander 3
Training Support site Shouz Transitions to Afghan Control By U.S. Navy Lt. David P. Varney, RSC RSC--West/NTM West/NTM--A Unit Public Affairs Representative SHOUZ, Afghanistan ¹Training Support Site (TSS) Shouz formally transitioned to Afghan National Army (ANA) control at a ceremony held at the facility on Aug. 15. A delegation from the 207th Corps, the Regional Support CommandWest command team and the key staff of contracted personnel who supported the base for the past few years attended the ceremony. Representing the 207th Corps was, ANA Lt. Col. Sadudin, G-3 Operations Officer and members of the 6/1/207 Kandak (battalion). For the coalition, the RSC-W Transition Team led by U.S. Army Col. Keith Detwiler, RSC-W Commander, and U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Mark Huston attended the event. Detwiler, speaking just before the Afghan flag was raised at the site said, ³,WœV DQ KRQRU WR VWDQG KHUH ZLWK WKH forces of the Afghan National Army and International Security Assistance Forces. This significant ceremony marks the conWLQXHG SURJUHVV RI WUDQVLWLRQ LQ WKH :HVW ´ U.S. Army Col. Keith Detwiler, Regional Support Command-West commander and +H ZHQW RQ WR VD\ ³7KLV ZDV ILUVW Afghan National Army Lt. Col. Sadudin, G-3 operations officer shake hands after transeen in the transition of training functions sitioning Training Support Site Shouz to full Afghan control in a ceremony held Aug. 15 at the site. Photo by U.S. Navy Lt. David P. Varney RSC-West UPAR - where NATO trainers once trained Afghan recruits, it is now Afghan officers and noncomThe 207th Corps was planning to build a facilmissioned officers who are responsible for this train- ity at a cost of $6 million at an alternate location from ing. We are now transitioning sites and facilities so TSS Shouz. TSS Shouz was scheduled to be demolthat the coalition contributions that are represented ished at a cost of $1.5 million. The former comhere may continue to be used in support of the Afghan mander of RSC-West, Col. Roderick T. Arrington, National Army so it may continue to bring peace and offered the site to the ANA 207th Corps, who decided stability to the people of Afghanistan." that it would be a good location for two Companies The facilities at Shouz were originally built at from the 6/1 Kandak. This action negated the need to a cost of $4 million by the US State Department and build a new site for the Kandak, saving $11.5 million were used as a concrete plant in the construction of in total costs, Marsteller said. Highway 1. After construction was completed, the site Sadudin, also speaking before the flag raising was gifted to the Ministry of the Interior, who turned FHUHPRQ\ VDLG ³RQ EHKDOI RI WKH th Corps, I am the site into an Afghan Border Police (ABP) Training very proud to say we are ready and fully committed to Center. The ABP Training Center was recently con- transition this facility to our control. solidated with the Regional Training Center at Adraskan, explained US Army Capt. Jeff Marsteller, ANA Operations Officer at RSC-W. See TSS TRANSI TI ON next page 4
TSS TRANSI TI ON I am very proud to have worked with our ISAF and coalition partQHUV WR PDNH WKLV D UHDOLW\ ´ Marsteller is also proud to see the facility transition and believes the Afghans are ready to take WKH OHDG ³:KHQ \RX ILUVW VWDUW WKH transition you wonder if the unit is ready. After having worked with the 207th Corps you can see how capable and eager they are to take the lead. Lt. Col. Sadadin and Lt. Col. Wajed of the 207th Corps are true professionals who have integULW\ ´ :LWK VXFK JUHDW OHDGHUVKLS WKH $1$œV IXWXUH LV EULJKW KH VDLG Marsteller sees this achievement as a joint milestone for everyRQH LQYROYHG ³7KH WUDQVLWLRQ LV D culmination of months of work to ensure the Afghan Army is set up for success. When the Afghan flag was raised it truly became the symbol of a successful Coalition/ $IJKDQ WHDP HIIRUW ´
Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers hoist the Afghan national flag symbolizing the transition of Training Support Site Shouz from the Regional Support Command-West (RSC-W) soldiers to the ANA partners Aug 15. Regional Support Command-West falls under NATO Training Mission ² Afghanistan, which is a coalition of 38 troop-contributing nations charged with assisting the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in generating a capable and sustainable Afghan National Security Force ready to take lead of their country's security by 2014.Photo by U.S. Navy Lt. David P. Varney RSC-West UPAR
GOING-AWAY PRESENT
British Royal Navy Lt. Cdr. Timothy Grimley recently
left the DCOM-SPO team and Afghanistan. His father used to be a policeman. He or-
dered a British police hat from home, similar to the one his dad used to wear,
and presented it to Afghan National Police Col. Dashti during the last Phoneix
Working Group they attended together. The badge on the
helmet actually used to beORQJ WR *ULPOH\›V IDWKHU 5
Deployment: for some, a family affair By Capt. Monika Comeaux, DCOM-SPO/NTM-A PAO Sgt. 1st Class Stephen Latch, mobility chief, and Staff Sgt. Carmelita Ann Latch, integrations noncommissioned officer, both deployed in support of Deputy Command of Support Operations under NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan, pose for a photo July 31, 2012 at Camp Eggers. The married couple deployed from Fort Hood 13th Expeditionary Sustainment Command in December of 2011. This is their second deployment together;Íž they try to stay on the same deployment cycle by choice. Photo by Capt. Monika Comeaux, DCOM-SPO/NTM-A PAO
CAMP EGGERS, Afghanistan Some families have a son, daughter, mother or father deployed, but for some, a deployment is a complete family affair. Sgt. 1st Class Stephen Latch, the mobility noncommissioned officer in charge, and Staff Sgt. Carmelita A. Latch, an integrations noncommissioned officer, both work with the Deputy Command of Support Operations under NATO Training MissionAfghanistan at Camp Eggers. They ERWK GHSOR\HG IURP )RUW +RRGÂśV 13th Expeditionary Sustainment Command. Being a married Army couple has both its advantages and disadvantages, but the Latch family seems to latch onto the positives to help them through their second deployment together. Âł7KHUH LV DOZD\V VRPHERG\ there to talk to, which is really
helpful; it is always nice to have that moral support with you, no PDWWHU ZKDW ´ VDLG 6WHSKHQ /DWFK ³:H DUH SHUPDQHQW EDWWOH EXG GLHV ´ KH VDLG ³+H LV ZKR , YHQW WR ´ FRQ tinued Carmelita A. Latch. The couple began and finished each RWKHUœV VHQWHQFHV WKURXJKRXW WKH entire interview. They are together practically 24/7; being fortunate enough to be housed together. 7KH\ VDLG LI WKH\ ZHUHQœW on the same camp, they would worry about each other constantly. ³7KHUH DUH WLPHV ZKHQ KH gets on my nerves because he picks RQ PH ´ VKH VDLG ´EXW DV IDU DV XV getting mad at each other and have to be away from each other, we KDYH QHYHU EHHQ OLNH WKDWZH DUH one of those couples who function EHWWHU WRJHWKHU WKDQ DSDUW ´ VKH said. The couple left three kids 6
back home, who they miss dearly: Loni who is 20, Rudy who is 19 and Lexi who is 11, said Carmelita A. Latch. Loni and Rudy are both house- sitting family homes in two different states. Loni attends college full time in Virginia. Rudy has a full time job in Texas. Lexi is with her mom and grandparents, the Latches explained. Being the youngest, it is harder for her to deal with her dad being away, but she copes well, said Stephen Latch. ³5HDOO\ VKH >/H[L@ LV D trooper. This is the fourth deployment that I have been on since she has been alive. She is getting kind of in the zone now where she unGHUVWDQGV ZKHQ VKH GRHV JHW WR missing me a lot, normally I either ...send her a necklace or something, she can look at, give her something that she can hold and WRXFK DQG WKDW KHOSV KHU D ORW ´ VDLG Stephen Latch.
The two older kids back in the United States shared their views via e-mail about not having either SDUHQW DURXQG ³, ORYH WKHP DQG miss them more than anyone could NQRZ DQG , FDQœW ZDLW WR VHH WKHP DJDLQ ´ VDLG 5XG\-Allan Kaech Jr., &DUPHOLWD $ /DWFKœV VRQ ³,W JLYHV me a sense of independence living on my own, with the sense of security that they will still be there for PH LI , QHHG WKHP ´ ³%RWK RI P\ SDUHQWV EHLQJ deployed, is very hard. When I need to talk or need anything, they DUH QRW KHUH ´ VDLG /RQL 0DULH .DHFK &DUPHOLWD $ /DWFKœV daughter, starting her message with how having to talk about her parents being gone actually brings her to tears. She also misses the double dates she used to go on with her husband and parents, she said. The Latch family set some solid goals during this deployment to make time go by faster. They paid off most of their bills already and are saving up for their mid-tour leave. They have also been working
RQ FROOHJH FRXUVHV ³,W KDV EHHQ D ORQJ GHSOR\PHQW ´ VDLG &DUPHOLWD $ /DWFK ³:H ERWK VWDUWHG FROOHJH out here. He has done 20 college credits since we have been out here, I will have finished 25 college credits, and I have also raised my General Technical score out here, so I am excited about that. We have accomplished a lot here, and it has EHHQ DPD]LQJ ´ VKH VDLG ³, KDG QR FROOHJH DW DOO LW LV D UHDOO\ ELJ VWHS IRU PH ´ VDLG Stephen Latch. Loni back home is also working towards a degree using 6WHSKHQ /DWFKœV 3RVW *, %LOO Her mom set an incentive to inspire KHU ³, SURPLVHG P\ GDXJKWHU , take her anywhere in the world when she graduated college. Now she wants to go to Greece, so I am WU\LQJ WR VDYH XS IRU WKDW ´ VDLG &DU melita A. Latch with a broad smile. ³$ OLWWOH ELW RI VXIIHULQJ RQ our part to get her ahead of life. I WKLQN LW LV DOO ZRUWK LW ´ VDLG 6WHSKHQ Latch. The couple will take leave shortly to rest up a bit and enjoy the
Texas hunting season. They will keep their eyes on their goals not only for the duration of the deployPHQW EXW DOVR IRU WKHLU IXWXUH ³0\ goal is to retire as a sergeant maMRU WKH ILUVW IHPDOH VHUJHDQW PD MRU RI WKH $UP\ ´ VDLG &DUPHOLWD $ Latch. ³, ZDQW KHU WR SDVV PH ´ VDLG KHU KXVEDQG ³, WKLQN SHUVRQ ally that she has the potential. Obviously I have a biased opinion, because she is one of my most favorLWH QRQFRPPLVVLRQHG RIILFHUV ´ VDLG Stephen Latch. They both agreed that their biggest goal overall is to safely return to their children. As for tips how to survive in the military and on deployments as a married couple; they emphasized professionalism, trust, patience and communication. They also wanted to give a ¾VKRXW RXWœ WR WKHLU NLGV EDFN KRPH ³:LOO \RX OHW /RQL 5XG\ DQG /H[L know that mom and dad loves them DQG ZH ZLOO EH KRPH VRRQ ´
Congratulations to
Staff Sgt. Andrekus, who recently re-
ceived a coin and a letter of apprecia-
tion from Brig. Gen. Stephen B. Leisenring, the DCG of
CTSCSfor doing a
great job as the Regional Training
Center Laghman
Contracting Officer
Representative. Job well done! 7
$IJKDQ :RPHQ›V 3ROLFH &RUSV *UDGXDWHV 13 students in Inaugural Course By U.S. Navy Lt. David P. Varney Regional Support Command-West/NTM-A Unit Public Affairs Representative HERAT, Afghanistan ¹ The Afghan National Police-:RPHQœV 3ROLFH &RUSV UHFHQWO\ JUDGX ated 13 female noncommissioned officers from its inaugural course at a ceremony held at Regional Training Center-West on Aug.9. More than 100 personnel attended the ceremony, including several honored guests like Afghan National Police Gen. Sharifa from the Ministry of Interior, Maria Bashir, Appeals Court Prosecutor for Herat Province, and U.S. Army Col. Keith Detwiler, Regional Support Command-West commander, along with many Afghan National Police and Coalition Forces Personnel. The 16-week course at Regional Training Center-West, was the inaugural course for the Herat Region, and was designed to introduce leadership skills and advanced police tactics to experienced :RPHQœV 3ROLFH &RUSV 2IILFHUV ,W SURYLGHV D VLQJOH all inclusive advanced skills instruction in professional policing, police survivability, and first line supervisory skills to Afghan National Police graduates of the basic 8-week Police course. Course Lead ,QVWUXFWRU $QGUHD 1DYDU VDLG ³7KLV FRXUVH ZLOO SUR vide students with the skills necessary to provide improved leadership to those under their supervision, make them more of a valuable asset to their command and the ANP, as well as provide them the skills to operate with minimal supervision themselves ´ The course curriculum included instruction on first line leadership, criminalistics, logistics, conflict resolution and advanced tactics such as movements and building clearing. Participants also learned advanced weaponry on machine guns and rocket propelled grenades, studied police law, women's rights in Afghan law, and advanced First $LG 1DYDU UHLWHUDWHG WKH FRXUVHœV VLJQLILFDQFH E\ VD\LQJ ³7KHVH SROLFHZRPHQ DUH WKH VRIWHU VLGH RI the Afghan National Police. When they go into homes, families prefer when female police officers go in first to speak with the families, and to search WKHP LI QHFHVVDU\ ´
Maria Bashir, appeals court prosecutor for Herat Province, preVHQWV D JUDGXDWLRQ FHUWLILFDWH WR D JUDGXDWH RI WKH :RPHQ¡V 3ROLFH Corps Non-Commissioned Officer Course Aug. 9, 2012 at Regional Training Center-West, Herat Province, Afghanistan. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. April Wickes
Sharifa, a 33-year veteran of police and government, congratulated the newly graduated officers, and emphasized the importance of their mission sayLQJ ³\RX FRQWULEXWH WR WKH GD\ WR GD\ VHFXULW\ RI WKLV QDWLRQ <RX ZRUN ³VKRKQD ED VKRKQD´ VKRXOGHU WR shoulder) with our Afghan men and Coalition partners. As women, we need to help our country and SDUWLFLSDWH LQ WKH VHFXULW\ RI RXU JUHDW QDWLRQ ´ See POLI CEWOM EN on p. 15 8
AUGUST¡S FEATURED C OA L I T I O N PA R T N E R KARL HABEL
from Germany What unit was you assigned to and what position did you serve in before you came here for this mission? Back home in Germany I work at the German Army Forces Command in Koblenz as a section head for training and exercises. My sections task is to coordinate the army division training plans for pre-deployment trainLQJ DQG WR DOORFDWH WKH UHTXLUHG WUDLQLQJ UHVRXUFHV DQG IDFLOLWLHV 6\QFKURQL]LQJ RXU EULJDGHVÂś DQG GLYLVLRQVÂś participation in national and multinational/NATO exercises above battalion level is also what we are dealing with. What is your branch? I am an armored infantry officer by trade. However, after having commanded a Panzergrenadier (motorized or mechanized infantry) Battalion ten years ago, I have worked for many years now in positions dealing with training and operations. Where do you live in Germany? My hometown is Limburg on the Lahn River in the state of Hesse, right between the cities of Cologne and Frankfurt. Limburg is an old medieval town with an almost 800-year-old cathedral. With its historic part of nicely renovated half-timbered houses, Limburg provides a lot of homely restaurants and cafes as well as modern shops. My family and I enjoy it very much living there. You are the chief of staff for DCOM -SPO. How would you describe your daily activities for someone, who does not know a lot about the military? Like every military headquarters, DCOM-SPO consists of various sections that provide staff expertise and skill sets in different working areas required to accomplish given tasks and missions and to support the commandLQJ JHQHUDO WR FRPPDQG DQG FRQWURO VXERUGLQDWH XQLWV $ FKLHI RI VWDIIÂśV UHVSRQVLELOLW\ LV WR FRRUGLQDWH DOO WKLV ZRUN DQG WR V\QFKURQL]H HIIRUWV WR PHHW WKH FRPPDQGLQJ JHQHUDOÂśV UHTXLUHPHQWV DQG LQWHQW +RZHYHU WKH UHDO hard work is done within the staff sections comprising of personnel management, training, logistics operations, planning, budget and finance and network support operations. How long have you served in your military? I joined the Germany army in 1979 and have served for 33 years. How long have you been in Afghanistan? My deployment started mid-February this year. My tour ends at the end of August. Have you deployed to other countries before? I f so, where, what did you do and how much time did you spend in the particular missions? This current deployment is my third one. I was twice on a mission in Kosovo before. The last time, in 2008, I ZRUNHG IRU WKH .)25 1$72ÂśV .RVRYR IRUFH KHDGTXDUWHUV IRU RQH \HDU See COALI TI ON on p. 12 as a force advisor for the New Kosovo Security Forces. 9
German Armed Forces Badge for Weapons Proficiency : Schützenschnur Recently several DCOM-SPO personnel had the opportunity to qualify on German weapons, and many of them earned the gold, silver or bronze version of the badge, depending on how well they fired What is the Schützenschnur? According to Wikipedia, Schützenschnur is the German Armed Forces Badge for Weapons Proficiency and is a decoration of the Bundeswehr, the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Germany. The decoration is awarded to German military personnel of all grades, but is only allowed to be worn by enlisted members. The German armed forces regulations point out, that "the Schützenschnur is a decoration for weapons proficiency for enlisted Soldiers." Officers can receive the award, although it is not currently authorized to be worn on their uniforms. Foreign military members also may be awarded the badge, the German military regulation on officers still applies, permitting only the enlisted members to wear the badge. Section 29-19 part C of the AR 670-1 states the following: The German Marksmanship Award/Schuetzenschnur is authorized for wear only by enlisted personnel. Officers may accept, but may not wear the Schuetzenschnur. If authorized, personnel wear the award on the right side of the uniform coat, with the upper portion attached under the center of the shoulder loop, and the bottom portion attached under the lapel to a button mounted specifically for wear of this award. The history of the Schützenschnur dates back to the Eighty Years' War where Spanish troops were ordered to hang any Dutch person who carried a musket. Therefore Spanish musketeers began to carry ropes which were often carried over one shoulder. Awarding a cord as a decoration began in the early 18th century in Prussia under Frederick William I of Prussia. With the reorganization of the Prussian Army under Gerhard von Scharnhorst the Schützenschnur became an official military award. The Reichswehr and later the Wehrmacht adapted the Schützenschnur as an award for proficiency in marksmanship. The award existed in 12 different levels with different versions for infantry and armored troops. In 1957 the Bundesgrenzschutz introduced the Schützenschnur. A similar decoration existed within the East German National People's Army and the Border Troops of the German Democratic Republic.
See SCHÜTZENSCHNUR on next page 10
Service members from the Deputy Command of Support Operations under NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan walk back from checking their targets August 2 at a range near the Kabul International Airport. Photo by Sgt. Jason Gist, DCOM-SPO SJS
Capt. Nathan R. Field, from Regional Support Command-Capital under Deputy Command of Support Operations, NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan fires a German weapon Aug. 2 at a range near the Kabul International Airport. Photo by Sgt. Jason Gist, DCOM-SPO SJS
SCHÜTZENSCHNUR « Classes / Grades x
Spc. Ariel Gallarzo, an ammunition specialist from Deputy Command of Support Operations, NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan receives his Schützenschnur certificate Aug. 2 at Camp Eggers, Afghanistan. Courtesy Photo
German Armed Forces Badge for Weapons Proficiency in Bronze (Schützenschnur in Bronze) is awarded for shooting with the rifle and the pistol and the machine pistol with at least two scores in at least bronze (medical service at least one score in at least bronze). The admissible categories of weapon depends on the branch of the service member. The category of heavy weapons (most commonly the machine gun) is not mandatory to earn the bronze badge. The rifle, pistol and machine pistol are the only weapons that require minimally score of bronze. x German Armed Forces Badge for Weapons Proficiency in Silver (Schützenschnur in Silber) is awarded for shooting by a service member with his designated "light" weapon (pistol, rifle or machine pistol) and one of the "heavy" weapons (machine gun or Panzerfaust) with all scores at least in silver. x German Armed Forces Badge for Weapons Proficiency in Gold (Schützenschnur in Gold) is awarded for shooting by a service member with his designated "light" weapon (pistol, rifle or machine pistol) and one of the "heavy" weapons (machine gun or Panzerfaust) with all scores at least in gold. x The number of exercises depends on the chosen (or ordered) weapon and the grade of the badge. A member of the medical branch, for example, can reach the bronze badge by two exercises with the pistol. A paratrooper needs for the gold badge one exercise with the G36 rifle (or three with the G3 rifle) and two with the MG3 machine gun (or two with the Panzerfaust). The German Armed Forces Badge for Weapons Proficiency in Gold is awarded with the number 5, 10, 15 etc. for annually retaking. 11
COALI TI ON continued from p. 9. Where did you learn to speak English so well? I am not sure whether or not I speak English well. I try to survive and there is always space for improvement. I had English at school and there have been many occasions and opportunities so far to maintain my English throughout my army career. Do you speak any other languages besides English and German? Danish works quiet well since I lived and worked for a while in Copenhagen some years ago. I know a little French, not very much unfortunately, just enough to be able to order a delicious French wine and some good food on vacation in France. What is your favorite sport? ³)RRWEDOO´ RI FRXUVH ZKLFK LV VWLOO *HUPDQ\œV QXPEHU RQH VSRUW DQG ZKLFK IRU ZKDWHYHU UHDVRQ LV FDOOHG 62& CER at some places in the world. Until the age of 30 or so, I used to play football in a team back home. At least, I think it came pretty close to football what we were doing there on the pitch every Sunday afternoon. Today I prefer going out for running as this is a good compensation to daily business in the office. Describe the experience of working in a NATO mission, with other coalition forces. As always in a multinational environment, it is very inspiring of me to see how military professionals of other armies think about things and what processes and procedures they choose to resolve problems and accomplish tasks. Besides that, I very much enjoy to see how camaraderie works among Soldiers of so many nations like here at NTM-A. What new things have you learned during this mission? I learned a lot about logistics and I learned how much effort it takes to make others understand how an efficient and effective logistics system works. Furthermore, I learned something about the Army staff process and procedures since all we do here goes along with these procedures. What new things do you think you taught others during your time here? Those US service members I worked with and who never worked in a multinational environment perhaps took some benefit from the sometimes different view on how to run staff work. Anything you would like to add about your experiences here? I will take away a lot of useful experiences and benefits from this deployment. Learning never stops as you know and I actually put together my own little smart book with a variety of observations and notes I took throughout the past six months. Some of these will surely be very useful in my job back home too. But more importantly I would like to emphasize how much I appreciated working together with my comrades from the US, Australia, the UK, Belgium and Turkey day by day and shoulder to shoulder here at DCOM-SPO. It was a great time, thank you all! Germany army Col. Karl Habel, the chief of staff for Deputy command of Support Operations, NATO Training MissionAfghanistan rides in a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle June 25 at Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan. Habel tries to visit outlying areas when his boss goes on battlefield circulation, to personally get to know subordinate units and OHDGHUV 7KLV LV +DEHO¡V third deployment during his 33-year-long military career, but only his first one to Afghanistan. Photo by Capt. Monika Comeaux, DCOMSPO/NTM-A PAO 12
RSC-Capital Conducts Communications Equipment Training for 78 Soldiers
By Army Capt. Mark S. Haynes, RSC-Capital Unit Public Affairs Representative Karl Garret, a site lead for communications systems install, repair and training, and contractor from Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) reviews the basic components and instructions for a Harris PRC 152 radio system at Camp Phoenix, Kabul, Afghanistan Aug. 21. RSC-Capital holds weekly training for its troops on various topics to keep them trained and vigilant . Photo by U.S. Army Capt. Mark S. Haynes, RSC-Capital UPAR
CAMP PHOENIX, Kabul, Afghanistan -‐ Regional Support Command-‐Capital recently conducted in-‐depth communications training for 78 Soldiers on Aug. 21. RSC-‐Capital conducts weekly training to attendees on a different topic to improve skills in communications for missions the unit conducts on a daily basis. This week Karl Garrett, a contractor from Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) and Marine Lance Cpl. Hernan Gallego were the subject matter experts regarding the Harris PRC 152 hand held radio which is used on missions throughout the Kabul area. Soldiers attending the training were taught everything from basic operations of the radio to detailed instructions on trouble shooting during missions. Each Soldier came away with a better understanding of the latest communications equipment fielded by the unit in an effort to be more self sustaining while on their missions. Hernan Gallego, a U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. from New York, New York, Platoon Communications Chief for Security Forces at Regional Support CommandCapital gives in-depth instructions on the use of a radio system to a group of Soldiers during communications training at Camp Phoenix, Kabul, Afghanistan Aug. 21. Photo by U.S. Army Capt. Mark S. Haynes, RSC-Capital UPAR
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Automation section manages and (ANP) and Afghan National Army develops the STAMIS (Standard (ANA) by completing installation The one and only team in Army Management Information projects at all of the ANA and ANP charge of this important Systems) software and provides SULRULW\ ORFDWLRQV ´ VDLG %HUJ development in the entire country functional oversight and training These locations are the Corps and of Afghanistan works under NATO for CORE IMSEE (a shipping, Brigade headquarters for the ANA, 7UDLQLQJ 0LVVLRQ $IJKDQLVWDQœV receiving and inventory which encompasses a total of 28 Deputy Command of Support management system), and sites. NET SPT OPS also works on Operations. They refer to Afghanistan Property installation projects at the Regional themselves at Network Support $FFRXQWDELOLW\ 6\VWHP $3$6 ´ HQ's (RHQ's), Provincial HQ's Operations or NET (PHQ's), Operational SPT OPS for short. Coordination Center ³We plan and Regional (OCC-R's) execute installation and OCC-P's for the projects at key Afghan ANP, which means an National Army and additional 79 sites, Afghan National Berg explained. Police facilities to His crew is a provide access to the mix of U.S. military, Ministry of Defense or coalition forces and Ministry of Interior civilians. Everybody QHWZRUNV ´ VDLG 8 6 brings something Air Force Col. Craig different to the table N. Berg, the officer in and for some, it is a charge of NET SPT new territory. OPS. Air Force Tech. Sgt. ³This includes Eszra Tanner from installing all of the onHurlburt Field Air site wiring within and Force Base, Fla., has between the buildings, always worked on as well as the longactual computer haul connectivity back systems during his Army Maj. Reginald Satterwhite, an officer in charge of Afghan National Security Forces networks support operations under Deputy Commander of to Kabul. This can be career. Support Operations, inspects network cables at Forward Operating Base as few as one building Today he Delaram in May of 2012. Courtesy Photo for ten personnel, and manages network as many as 2,300 personnel in the said Air Force Master Sgt. William development contracts for the case of the Afghan National C. Hebb, the noncommissioned Afghan National Security Forces in 'HIHQVH 8QLYHUVLW\ ´ DGGHG %HUJ officer in charge of Logistics the Capital and Eastern regions of All of the work is done by Afghan Automation. WKH FRXQWU\ ³, KDYH QHYHU GRQH LW companies under individual The NET SPT OPS team EHIRUH VRPHWKLQJ QHZ WR OHDUQ ´ contracts his section manages, he consists of 27 people in 7DQQHU VDLG ³, QHYHU GHDOW ZLWK said. management positions. The actual contracts, or money or bidding for Within NET SPT OPS there work on the ground is done by FRQWUDFWV OLNH ZH GR LW KHUH ´ +H are actually three focus areas: Afghan companies under individual now has new tools to put in his Logistics Automation, Network contracts, Berg said. toolbox an thinks that his Expansion and Network Support. ³Our mission is to develop experiences in Afghanistan will Logistics Automation for example simple, survivable and sustainable help him better understand the focuses in enabling the Afghan networks in order to advance the bigger picture even back at home, partners to conduct automated command and control capabilities he said. LQYHQWRU\ PDQDJHPHQW ³/RJLVWLFV of the Afghan National Police See ANSF NETWORK next page ANSF NETWORK
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ANSF NETWORK ³Every day I learn something new professionally and also in WKH PDWWHU RI WKH (QJOLVK ODQJXDJH ´ said Albanian army Capt. Klodian Goirica, one of the officers dealing with logistics accountability within NET SPT OPS. Albania is a small country and a new member of NATO. Goirica is very grateful for the opportunity of being able to work in this mission and having the chance to take these experiences home with him. The most important lesson he learned from his FROOHDJXHV ZDV ³WKDW WKHUH LV DOZD\V D VROXWLRQ IRU DQ\ SUREOHP ´ Goirica said.
NET SPT OPS encounters many challenges from the field . Some locations in the South only have Wi-Fi connectivity, which tends to be much slower than fiber optics, said Tanner. Berg said there are no real challenges from a technical perspective, however there are RWKHU XQLTXH FKDOOHQJHV Âł:H KDYH to be very creative with getting materials, personnel and tools to the site where the work needs to be performed. The folks here in Kabul, as well as the folks in the Regional Support Commands who work the projects at their level, have to work very hard to ensure security is thought about when they are
completing their missions as well as helping the contractor get to where WKH\ QHHG WR EH ´ KH VDLG Just recently, NET SPT OPS finished the installation of network infrastructure for the $IJKDQ 0LQLVWU\ RI 'HIHQVHœV Ground Forces Command and Joint Operations command in Kabul, said Tanner. The goal is to have a solid network in place for the ANSF by the end of 2014. Gorica thinks that their HIIRUWV ³ZLOO FRQWULEXWH WR D professional army and to a safe and secure country which will open the road to prosper[ity] and a great IXWXUH IRU WKH $IJKDQ 3HRSOH ´
POLI CEWOM EN continued from p.8. Bashir reinforced that message to the graduates DV ZHOO ³)HPDOH SROLFH RIILFHUV DUH QHHGHG LQ ,VODPLF ODZ WR DUUHVW DQG VHDUFK ZRPHQ KRPHV DQG VFKRROV ´ Bashir went further, by challenging the women, ³WKHUHœV DQ $IJKDQ VD\LQJ \RXœUH QRW JLYHQ \RXU right, you need to go after your right - by constructing and securing your country. Afghanistan should not be
constructed only by men. Women need to contribute DQG GR WKHLU SDUW DQG WKDWœV ZKDW \RXœUH GRLQJ E\ JUDGXDWLQJ IURP WKLV FRXUVH EXW GRQœW VWRS WKHUH *R after your right and show that we are free, go after it, DQG WDNH \RXU ULJKW DQ\ ZD\ SRVVLEOH ´ Also attending the ceremony was Detwiler, commander of RSC-:HVW ZKR VDLG ³,W LV DQ KRQRU WR attend this great ceremony. Your service to Afghanistan will strengthen your bond with the community. I thank you for your service, and for your commitment to WKH 1DWLRQ RI $IJKDQLVWDQ ´ One of the graduates, ANP Sgt. Azeta Amiri, is well aware of the significance of her achievement, DQG KHU PLVVLRQ ³2QH RI P\ dreams is to serve the people of Afghanistan, and to help families and FKLOGUHQ 0HQ FDQœW VHDUFK IHPDOHV in homes. Before, with the Taliban, IHPDOHV FRXOGQœW JR WR VFKRRO WKH bazaar, but now I can serve in the U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Carmi Casal, a finance specialist, presents a graduation certifipolice as a noncommissioned officer FDWH WR D UHFHQW JUDGXDWH RI WKH :RPHQ¡V 3ROLFH &RUSV 1RQFRPPLVVLRQHG 2IILFHU &RXUVH for a better future, by securing the Aug. 9, 2012 at Regional Training Center-West in Herat Province, Afghanistan. SHRSOH RI $IJKDQLVWDQ ´ U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. April Wickes 15
From Trash to Treasures Massive cleanup initiative creates space, UHFRXSV WD[SD\HUÂ&#x203A;V PRQH\
Story by US Army Capt. Monika Comeaux, DCOM-SPO PAO KABUL, Afghanistan ÂąThe Todd Maritime Services International site, an overflow lot and storage area used by both Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces in Kabul has housed tons and tons of coalition scrapmaterials, which piled up over the years, taking up lots of useful space in the yard. It was time for a cleanup and to turn trash into treasures! Since the site is shutting down in the near future, instead of moving the material from one location to another, we came up with a plan to turn it all in to the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office (DRMO), said U.S. Marine Corps
Capt. Matthew P. Beuchert, a logistics officer for Regional Support Command-Capital. When we explored the possibilities of clearing away salvageable materials in the yard and recoup funds for the American tax payer, we did a lot of planning, said U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Branton M. Joaquin, Supply and Services Branch Chief in Deputy Command of Support Operations under NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan. ³)URP WKH LQLWLDO SODQQLQJ phase to the last truck, the process took three months. The salvage portion of the heavy lifting was two months of 12-hour days, with only RQH GD\ RII SHU ZHHN ´ VDLG -RD
The harvest team who worked on the Todd Maritime Services International yard clean-up at Kabul poses for a photo with a sign announcing they have harvested 1 million pounds of coalition scrap during the summer months of 2012. The clean-up initiative came from the Deputy Command of Support Operations and Regional Support Command-Central, both working under NATO Training MissionAfghanistan. The initiative came as the TMSI site will no longer used so instead of moving the scrap from one site to another, it made sense to dispose of it in an economical way. Photo by USMC Capt. Matthew P. Beuchert, RSCCapital logistics officer.
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quin. The mission had multiple participants, including local Afghan contractors, members of RSCCapital and of course DRMO. This type of mission was not new to the Defense Logistics $JHQF\ÂśV 'LVSRVLWLRQ 6HUYLFHV VDLG U.S. Navy Lt. Michael J. Nolan, the assistant officer in charge of DLA Disposition Services, Afghanistan and the officer in charge of the Disposition Services Detachment in Bagram. Âł'/$ 'LVSRVLWLRQ 6HUYLFHV oversees the responsible disposal of US equipment no longer needed in the battle space. Items with offensive and defensive capabilities are sent to one of our DEMIL
(demilitarization) centers for processing, but other unserviceable items and scrap metal are sold to local contractors with the proceeds returning to the US Treasury. Another collateral benefit of our scrap sales program is the positive impact it has on the Afghan economy, whereby entrepreneurial local companies can build thriving businesses from the purchase and reVDOH RI 86 VFUDS PHWDO ´ H[SODLQHG Nolan. The life cycle of scrap removal consists of site assessment, if no DEMIL-ing is required then sorting the items into serviceable and unserviceable piles. Serviceable equipment is either retained or goes to a retro sort yard, where it can be placed back into the supply system. With some exceptions, remaining unserviceable material is sold to scrap contractors, in this particular case to Afghan companies, explained Nolan. The logistics challenges in this particular operation at TMSI were making sure we only sal-
An Afghan contractor checks scrap metal and boxes loaded on back up a contracted "jingle" truck at Todd Maritime Services International, a coalition-contracted shipping and receiving yard in Kabul in July, 2012. The metal and other coalition equipment was collected and sold with the help of the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office. The Deputy Command of Support Operations under NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan and within DCOM-SPO, Regional Support Command-Capital worked very closely with DRMO on the project in hopes of showing our Afghan partners how to obtain funds from old equipment and scrap materials. Photo by USMC Capt. Matthew P. Beuchert, RSC-Capital logistics officer
vaged equipment that belonged to coalition forces, organizing transportation and billeting for the DeIHQVH /RJLVWLF $JHQF\œV 'LVSRVLWLRQ Services crew, organizing transportation for the scrap metal and protecting the truck drivers who participated in the mission, Joaquin added. It was also difficult to find Afghan laborers to work on the mission during Ramazan, added Beuchert. ³2QFH WKH SODQQLQJ ZDV ODLG out, the process worked like a 6ZLVV ZDWFK ´ -RDTXLQ VDLG The materials recycled at the TMSI site included unserviceable heavy equipment like hoists, backhoes and forklifts; unserviceable vehicle parts; furniture; warehouse racking; building materials and kitchen supplies, said Nolan. The scrap harvest also colContracted Afghan workers sort through lected and sold 5,500 pairs of boots metal shelves and wall lockers at the TMSI not wanted by the ANSF partners yard in Kabul in July, 2012. Photo by USMC Capt. Matthew P. Beuchert, RSC-Capital logis- and 5,000 rolls of building insulation, said Beuchert. tics officer. 17
When it was all said and done, over 1 million pounds of scrap was salvaged at TMSI, said Joaquin. ³2XU PDLQ JRDO LV WKH UH sponsible disposal of military equipment and the proper handling of items that have military capability VR WKH\ GRQœW IDOO LQWR ZURQJ KDQGV´ said Nolan. He added that it is also QLFH WR EH DEOH WR UHFRXS WD[SD\HUœV money. One of the intents of this particular mission was to show our Afghan partners that they can perform similar operations on their RZQ VDLG %HXFKHUW ³7KLV VW\OH PLV sion can be accomplished throughout Afghanistan in every region, [it] provides money back to the government, clears storage space, and can create local jobs depending on how the Afghans contract the support. Very simple, yet has high EHQHILWV DQG UHZDUGV ´ VDLG Beuchert in conclusion.
From around the battlefield Right: Sgt. 1st Class Tameka Horne (Right), a transportation management coordinator promotes Sgt. Alondo Sowell (center), also a transportation management coordinator on July 1 in front of Freedom House, on Camp Eggers, Afghanistan, as Lt. Col. Aaron Hardy (Left), a logistics support operations officer stand by during the ceremony. All three work in the Logistics Support Operations Section of Deputy Command of Support Operations under NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan, and all three deployed from )RUW +RRG¡V WK ([SHGL tionary Sustainment Command. Photo by Capt. Monika Comeaux, DCOM-SPO/NTM-A PAO
The staff of Kandahar Regional Military Hospital poses for a groupshot with Brig. Gen. Clark W. LeMasters Jr. during his visit Aug. 20. Photo by U.S. Army Capt. Monika Comeaux, DCOM-SPO/NTM-A PAO
CPL Jeffrey VanDorn, a human resources specialist with Deputy Command of Support Operations poses for a photo Aug. 25. VanDorn won the NCO of the Month Board on Aug. 14 at Camp Eggers and then won the Service Member of the Quarter Board on Aug. 24. Photo by U.S. Army Capt. Monika Comeaux, DCOM-SPO/NTM-A PAO 18
$Q HPSOR\HH RI WKH $IJKDQ 1DWLRQDO $UP\¡V &HQWUDO :RUNVKRS LQ .DEXO IL[HV D ZHDSRQ $XJ LQ WKH IDFLOLW\¡V VPDOO DUPV VHFWLRQ Photo by U.S. Army Capt. Monika Comeaux, DCOM-SPO/NTM-A PAO
From around the battlefield AM3 Kevin Wildner, AOCS Aaron Hargis and UT2 William Bentley pose for a photo Aug. 24 after Wildner and Bentley received recognition for being the Sailor of the Quarter on Aug. 8 at Camp Eggers. This was a first-time selection for both. Wildner is a Navy aviation mechanic stationed at Navy Operations Support Center in Youngstown, Ohio. His hometown is Niles, Ohio. Bentley is a utilities second class Navy Seabee. He is stationed at Selfridge Air Force Base, in Detroit Michigan. He is originally from Jackson, Michigan. They both work as an Afghan National Security Forces Fleet Managers in the Deputy Command of Support Operations under NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan, at Camp Eggers. They both give credit to Hargis for their success. When asked about their deployment experiences, Bentley said ´,W KDV EHHQ YHU\ FKDOOHQJLQJ DQG UH warding having the opportunity to work LQ D MRLQW HQYLURQPHQW ¾ :LOGQHU stated that the DCOM SPO Material Readiness Branch became his family during the deployment.
Photo by U.S. Army Capt. Monika Comeaux, DCOM SPO/NTM-A PAO
Regional Support Command-South service members pose for a group shot with visiting Deputy Commander of Support Operations personnel Aug. 21 at the Forward Operating Base Lindsay Class IX yard. The yard is used to sort and process parts arriving for the Afghan National Security Forces into Kandahar. Photo by U.S. Army Capt. Monika Comeaux, DCOM-SPO/NTM-A PAO
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