Serving the Soldiers, Civilians and Families of 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div.
Issue 55
April 21, 2011
Warhorse Brigade learns about ANSF Story and photo by Maj. Kevin Toner
created jobs, a more skilled labor market, and connects the Afghan people to their Leaders from the NATO Training Mission protectors,” he said. NTM-A has established 70 training – Afghanistan briefed the 2nd Brigade, sites in 21 of Afghanistan’s provinces. The 4th Infantry Division leadership about the most important facet of training is leader current state of Afghan Army and Police development and the brigade’s role in creating development. “Afghans train Afghans better than we do an effective, self-sustaining force here April in many ways,” said Col. Dale Buckner, Chief 12. of Staff for the NTM-A Deputy Commander NTM-A has the overall mission to – Army. “By developing Afghan leaders develop an Afghan Army that can protect and trainers we ensure the future of Afghan Afghanistan from external threats and a security forces.” professional national police force to provide One of the greatest challenges facing internal security. NTM-A is illiteracy. Training the army and police is an “With about 86 percent of Afghans international effort. NTM-A consists of 49 illiterate, it’s challenging to train stewardship countries providing resources, 33 of which and accountability, therefore, teaching also providing troops. Afghans how to read is part of our programs “The U.S. troop surge in Afghanistan has of instruction,” Smith said. allowed an Afghan surge,” said Brig. Gen. NTM-A works at the national level while Jefforey Smith, Assistant Commanding brigades have the responsibility to advise and General, Afghan National Police mentor their Afghan counterparts. Development. “In the past year the army It’s important that units at the lowest level and police have made great improvements mentor, advise and partner with their Afghan in recruiting, retention, specialty skills and counterparts, explained Smith. marksmanship.” “The Afghans want to serve, but they “Afghanistan businesses are now making need help doing it,” Smith said. “With your the uniforms for its security forces. This has 2nd Brigade Combat Team PAO
Commander’s Column
Lt. Col. Todd Bertulis, Commander 204th Brigade Support Battalion
The military ball is just one of the many great traditions we share and celebrate with Armed Forces from around the world. Recently, the Soldiers of the 204th Brigade Support Battalion of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team held a ball at the Crowne Plaza in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The night was filled with tradition, fellowship, and entertainment with over 340 Soldiers and Family Members joining us to dine, dance, and celebrate the long history of the 204th Brigade Support Battalion.
Brig. Gen. Jefforey Smith, Assistant Commanding General, Afghan National Police Development, speaks to brigade and battalion staffs about the current state of Afghan Army and Police.
partnership they will become a professional, effective, and self-sustaining force.” “The briefing validated in my mind the brigade’s approach to training and organizing for our mission in theater. I am more confident today that our training struck the right balance between counter insurgency operations and our concerted focus of advising and partnering with Afghan Security Forces,” said Maj. Matthew Kinkead, brigade operations officer. “Every week that goes by will be tougher for the insurgents; they lose every time they engage with the Afghan Army,” said Buckner.
Our Army’s current pace of deployments has made it difficult for units to continue many of our military traditions. I am thankful for the opportunity to share our traditions as I recognize that many do not understand the Army’s customs and rich heritage. Looking back at our ball, many of the Rough Riders clearly expressed pride in our unit, our Army, our nation and several communicated that they learned a lot and had a blast in the process. The comradeship in the ballroom was recognized by our guest speaker, BG Gus Perna, and it was clearly
noticeable as the night progressed. I encourage all Soldiers and leaders to participate in their unit’s functions and traditions whenever they can. The evening was a great break from the demanding tempo of our preparation for deployment. As we approach our upcoming deployment and our opportunity to add to the great history of the 204th and the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, I must thank all those Soldiers and Family members for their dedication and steadfast support of the continued on page 2
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Warhorse Pride
2nd STB promotes two new captains
Issue 55 April 21, 2011 continued from page 1
Rough Rider Battalion. Remember to take care of each other and take time to enjoy friends and families before departing. We appreciate all you do each day. Rough Riders – Making it Happen!
Capt. Bonnie Hutchinson and Capt. Heather Jantsch, from HHT, are both promoted from first lieutenant to captain during a promotion ceremony held at the 2nd Special Troops Battalion classroom April 8. Thier commander, Lt. Col. Patrick Stevenson, leads them in their reaffirmation of the oath of office.
The U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center and the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers program are calling all Soldiers to put their best safety stories on camera for a chance to win the Third Annual Peer to Peer Safety Video Competition. “The power of peer influence, especially among our Soldiers, is truly something we need to harness to help us prevent accidents and save lives throughout our Army,” said Col. Scott Thompson, U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center deputy commander. “The Peer to Peer Safety Video Competition puts our Soldiers center stage so they are able to share their own messages directly with their peers, and through that sharing, possibly save a life.” The Peer to Peer competition, which is open through June 30, encourages Soldiers to make short videos highlighting off-duty safety topics including, but not limited to, driving, motorcycles, privately owned weapons and sports activities.
Warhorse Pride Col. John S. Kolasheski..................2nd BCT Commander Command Sgt. Maj. Ralph Delosa............2nd BCT CSM Maj. Kevin Toner...............................................2nd BCT PAO Spc. April York........................................Layout and Design Sgt. Seth Barham............................................................Editor Sgt. Ruth Pagan...............................................................Editor
Videos may be as long as 180 seconds and, when complete, should be posted to the USACR/Safety Center website for consideration. “This competition challenges Soldiers to personalize safety messaging and pick topics that have meaning for them and their peers,” said Dr. Patricia LeDuc, USACR/Safety Center Human Factors Task Force director and Peer to Peer competition facilitator. “A good video captures your attention, evokes emotion and makes you think.” Submitted videos will be judged on concept, message effectiveness and creativity, with the top three entrants sharing a $4,000 prize package to benefit their local BOSS programs. LeDuc said the partnership with BOSS helps the center expand the video competition to reach all corners of the Army. “Our partnership with BOSS is what makes the prizes possible, and because of this, we anticipate that more Soldiers are going to want to make great
videos to share with their fellow Soldiers,” she said. “More Soldiers mean more great videos that will spread important safety messages across our Army.” Last year’s winning video team from 55th Signal Company (Combat Camera) submitted a comedic video focusing on cell phone use and driving. It points out some of the trouble people can get in when they talk on a cell phone and drive. Thompson said he knows that every Soldier has a favorite “there I was story” and is encouraging all troops to take the time to put their story on video to help spread important safety messages. A list of rules and video submission guidelines for the Third Annual Peer to Peer Safety Video Competition is available at https://safety.army. mil/peertopeer. Entrants may submit their entries at t his site and view videos submitted during the previous two competitions.
The Warhorse Pride is produced in the interest of the fairs Office. Soldiers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry The Warhorse Pride welcomes articles, commenDivision. The Warhorse Pride is an Army-funded news- tary, and photos from readers. The Warhorse Pride letter authorized under provision of AR 360-1. reserves the right to edit submissions selected for the Contents of The Warhorse Pride are publication. not necessarily the views of, nor endorsed by the, U.S. All issues of the Warhorse Pride can be viewed government, Department of Defense, Department of the online from your home computer at www.facebook. Army or the 4th Infantry Division. All editorial content com/2bct4id of The Warhorse Pride is prepared, edited, provided and Submissions should be emailed to the approved by the 2nd Brigade Combat Team Public Afeditor: seth.barham1@conus.army.mil