Issue 88 Jan. 28, 2012
Serving the Soldiers, Civilians and Families of 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div.
Oasis: a Soldier’s retreat Story and photos by Sgt. Ruth Pagan 2nd Brigade Combat Team PAO
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ot all deployments are made equal. For some Soldiers the worst part about deployment is being away from friends and family, while other Soldiers have it a lot harder, basic amenities like daily showers, laundry services and hot meals are rare. The Oasis, located on Forward Operating Base Walton, was built by the Soldiers of 204th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and was designed for Soldiers who are roughing it. “The Oasis was built to provide Warhorse Soldiers a respite,” said Lt. Col. Todd Bertulis, commander for 204th BSB. “We want to give Soldiers the ability to come off the line and take a break, get some sleep, and possibly forget where they’re at and where they’re stationed for just a few days.” The Oasis is a compound unto itself where Soldiers don’t have to worry about the accountability of their weapon or maintaining uniform standards and are able to relax for a few days. “Overall it’s been a very posi-
tive thing,” said Maj. Matthew Giertz, the204th BSB operations officer. “It provides a place for Soldiers to come and relax— to decompress; for them to kind of step away from the day-to-day op tempo and missions.” “It was nice to have a three day
“The Oasis was built to provide Warhorse Soldiers a respite.” ~Lt. Col. Bertulis
get away, and we had a whole lot of fun here,” said Sgt. Brad Edgar, a scout with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. “The best part was the chance to just get away from the whole environment outside the gate and have some fun.” “It’s pretty awesome,” said Pfc. Anthony Wendle, a Soldier with Co. A, 2nd Bn., 8th Inf. Reg. “We got to sleep and relax. The best part was being able to have my own little personal space; we really don’t get a lot of that.” “We offer them (Morale, Welfare and Recreation tents) for internet, video games, gym, dining facility, private rooms with comfortable beds, and no uniform standards so they can chill
First Lt. Brian Haun, the platoon leader for Co. A, 2nd Bn., 8th Inf. Reg., dives for the volleyball during a game with his platoon Jan. 18.
out and relax while they’re here,” said Sgt. Dylan Gray, noncommissioned officer in charge of the Oasis, who is with Company A, 204th BSB. Not only does the Oasis offer relaxation, but it also provides Soldiers an opportunity to have their vehicles and weapons maintenance done by BSB personnel. “We offer services when they come in,” Gray said. “They can choose to have light maintenance done on their vehicles; anything
Sgt. Dylan Gray, the noncommissioned officer in charge of the Oasis, who is with Co. A, 204th BSB, welcomes a new group of Soldiers to the Oasis, Jan. 16.
that we can do within the three days they’re here.” “We can do services on their weapons, vehicles and even (radios),” Giertz said. “It’s kind of a two-for-one; come relax and recharge yourself, so you can get back into the fight and continue your mission.” “Personally, as the logistics guy for the brigade, I look to try and see if I can assist the task force with maintenance services for vehicles and or weapons,” Bertulis said. “Plus, having the BSB here provides other opportunities for folks such as behavioral health if that Soldier requires it.” “We help them network around the (camp) to get them whatever assistance they may
Sgt. Andrew Smith, a scout with Company A, 2nd Bn., 8th Inf. Reg., 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., ground guides his vehicle through the gate of the Oasis.
need be it medical, finance, behavioral health or if they want to see the chaplain,” Gray said. The only thing that Soldiers are required to do while at the Oasis is attend a two hour class on resiliency training. The Oasis is a unique facility manned by Soldiers who really care about their fellow Soldiers. “I think I’m really providing a good service for those Soldiers who have been out there in bad living conditions for the past seven months and haven’t seen a decent bed, laundry facility, a decent gym or haven’t been able to talk to their families very much,” Gray said. “I personally feel like we are providing a wonderful service for these guys; I pride myself in this place.” “It’s really just Soldiers helping Soldiers, which is really what a brigade support battalion is all about,” Bertulis said. “We want to keep taking care of Warhorse and doing the best we can here.” Spc. Todd Billings, a supply specialist with Co. A, 204th BSB, clears the weapon of Spc. Brockway Forsman, a Soldier with Co. A, 2nd Bn., 8th Inf. Reg. Jan. 16. Billings is one of four Soldiers who helps operate the Oasis.
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Warhorse Pride
‘Bandit’ Troop trains ANA Story and photo by Capt. Bonnie Hutchinson 2nd Special Troops Battalion
Soldiers with 1st Platoon, Troop B, 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, attached to 2nd Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division conducted tactical training with their Afghan National Security Forces partners Dec. 18-23. Though “Bandit” Troop conducts regular training with the Afghan National Army, the training focus has shifted to more complex tactical instruction. “Teaching the basics to our Afghan partners is a vital aspect of partnership and mentorship,” said Capt. Kyle Hoisington, commander of Troop B. “However, to guarantee that they are able to transition into an independent and effective military force we have a responsibility to teach them the more complex aspects of offensive operations.” The training focused on the M240B and M249 machine guns, infiltrating and exfiltrating, route selection, operation
Pfc. Nathan Kalwicki, a Soldier with 1st Platoon, Troop B, 1st Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg., performs a functions check on an M240B machine gun.
post establishment, engagement area, development, force protection procedures, range card construction, priorities of work, traffic control point operations, and mission planning and execution. The ANA soldiers started their training by building a terrain board with assistance of 1st Platoon Soldiers. Using the visual aid emphasized the importance of mission planning and briefing. During the training, the ANA leadership helped instruct on
Issue 88 Jan. 28, 2012
several aspects of offensive and security operations. “It was very fulfilling to see our ANA partners proactively engaged in both the learning and teaching aspects of the exercise,” said Staff Sgt. Chris Cannaday, a squad leader with 1st Platoon. After the training was complete, the ANA and 1st Platoon Soldiers conducted a joint nighttime patrol to apply all of the lessons learned during the training. The ANA demonstrated their ability to conduct proper troop leading procedures while executing complex missions. “The ANA Soldiers displayed a firm understanding of force protection and offensive operations,” Cannaday said. “This showed us that the partnership and mentorship we have been dedicated to has been effective.” “As the ANA continue to learn and show an increased ability to function as an independent military force, I am confident that they will succeed as the primary security force for Afghanistan,” said 1st Sgt. Luis Sulit, the first sergeant of “Bandit” Troop.
MPs assist AUP with security reinforcement Story and photos by Capt. Bonnie Hutchinson 2nd Special Troops Battalion
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oldiers with “Jester” platoon, the military police element of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, assisted Afghan Uniformed Police in reinforcing the security at Substation 2. “As all Afghan Security Forces continue to transition into increasingly independent fighting forces, it is now our responsibility to provide them with the tools and knowledge to succeed on their own,” said Staff Sgt. Joseph Parks, a squad leader in the MP platoon. “A major part of that is ensuring they understand how to properly utilize the tools at their disposal.” Tools at their disposal include security barriers, commonly referred to as HESCO barriers. HESCO barriers are square welded-
Warhorse Pride Col. John S. Kolasheski...................2nd BCT Commander Command Sgt. Maj. Ralph Delosa..............2nd BCT CSM Maj. Kevin Toner................................................2nd BCT PAO Sgt. Seth Barham..................................................PAO NCOIC Sgt. Ruth Pagan......................................Layout and Design Spc. April York.........................................Layout and Design
mesh frame works with an inner liner. Once set into place, they are filled with dirt to create security walls. “Every time we conduct a joint mission and assist the AUP our partnership continues to get stronger,” Parks said. “Although the initial force protection improvements are almost complete, conducting additional assessments is vital,” said 2nd Lt. Joshua Motes, the platoon leader. “We want to reinforce our partnership as brothers in arms by working and training side-by-side. As we continue to do this, I believe the trust and respect we have for each other will be unbreakable.” The Warhorse Pride is produced in the interest of the Soldiers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. The Warhorse Pide is an Army-funded newsletter authorized under provision of AR 360-1. Contents of the Warhorse Pride are not necessarily the view of, nor endorsed by the U.S. government, Department of Defense, Department of the Army or the 4th Infantry Division. All editorial content of The Warhorse Pride is prepared, edited, provided and approved by the 2nd Brigade Combat Team Public
Soldiers with HHC, 2nd STB, 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., tie down HESCO barriers that have been loaded onto a backhoe. Once properly arranged, the HESCO barriers will add security reinforcement to the Afghan Uniformed Police substation.
Soldiers with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, push HESCO barriers off a truck at Substation 2. Affairs Office. The Warhorse Pride welcomes articles, commentary and photos from readers. The Warhorse Pride reserves the right to edit submissions selected for the publication. All issues of The Warhorse Pride can be viewed online from your home computer at www.facebook. com/2bct4id Submissions should be e-mailed to the editor: seth.barham@afghan.swa.army.mil