2d Cavalry Re giment The Dragoon Newsletter Volume 3, Issue 6 AUG 2013 Col D.A. Sims, 77th Colonel of the Regiment Regimental Command Sgt. Maj. Wilbert E. Engram Jr. U.S. Army Troops with Troop B (Bull Troop), 1st Squadron, Combined Task Force Dragoon, conduct a foot patrol Aug. 12, 2013 at Forward Operating Base Zangabad, Afghanistan. The Troops conducted the foot patrol in order to secure the base and speak with members of the local community to inquire about the presence of enemy forces. (U.S. Army Photo by Spc. Joshua Edwards) Highlights in 2d Cavalry History Contents Calendar Events 2 Muslim Center 3 1st Squadron 5 2nd Squadron 6 3rd Squadron 7 4th Squadron 8 Fires 9 1-4 August 1863 Brandy Station, Virginia. The 1st Cavalry Division was ordered to make a reconnaissance on the 1st of August to determine the strength of the enemy. The reconnaissance was pushed forward to Brandy Station where a severe engagement took place in which the 2d Cavalry took a prominent part in the charges and counter charges. In these series of fights the 2d Cavalry lost seven killed, 28 wounded, and five missing. 03 August 1918 Aisne-Marne Offensive, France. On August 3rd, Troop I encamped the woods west of Coulonges, near Chateau Thierry. The area was shelled by the Germans all night. From now until the end of the war, the troop was attached to the 3rd Army Corps along with temporarily duty with the French 10th Cavalry Regiment. While in the Aisne-Marne sector, Troop I had eleven men wounded, seven of them by gas. 03 August 1944 Fougeres, France. On the 3rd of August, Troop C, 2nd Squadron was given the mission of patrolling north of Fougeres. As Troop C elements entered the town a German 88mm opened up on them and wounded their commanding officer in the upper leg. This engagement marked the Groups first troop to meet the enemy in combat and first wounded in action. RSS 10 www.2cr.army.mil www.flickr.com/photos/dragoons/2scr
History Highlights cont... PAGE 2 10 August 1861 Wilson s Creek, near Springfield, Missouri. Co. C, 2d Cavalry. Early on the morning of August 10th while Maj. Sturgis detachment attacked the enemy from the front, Col. Sigel s detachment (with Company C, 2d Dragoons) made a wide movement and approached the enemy from the rear. The attack was a complete surprise and threw the Confederates into confusion. This was done so well that the enemy was not aware of their approach until they were within sight of their tents. During the engagement the cavalry was placed on the flanks while the main force of the army attacked and made good progress in driving the enemy south toward Springfield. 9-10 August 1877 Big Hole Basin, Montana. Det. Co. L, 2d Cavalry. Late in July it was reported that Indians had moved east into Montana with the intention of escaping into British Columbia. Having heard this information, Col. Gibbon organized a small force at Fort Ellis consisted of 180 men including eight men of Company L, 2d Cavalry. Beginning next morning, a desperate engagement lasted two days, during which Col. Gibbon s force was so crippled he was unable to follow the savages when they withdrew on the night of the 10th. In this encounter Sgt. Edward Page, Company L, was killed, and Pvt. Wilfred Clark of the same company was cited for gallantry and decorated with the Medal of Honor. Become a member of the 2d Cavalry Association - For more information, visit our website at: http://www.dragoons.org/
PAGE 3 Soldiers find place to worship, observe Ramadan on Kandahar Airfield Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Mark Albright F aith is an important aspect to everyone's religion. Practicing beliefs can be difficult for Soldiers deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. While deployed, Soldiers often find it hard to practice their faith for many reasons: work schedule, religious services availability or just needing to make it more of a priority. At Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, Muslim Soldiers have a chance to observe the holy month of Ramadan at the Kandahar Islamic Center. Accommodating Soldiers' religious needs is important to maintaining support for the diversity of religions in Combined Task Force Dragoon. "As we all know the Army represents the spectrum of society at large. We have people from all different faith groups, different backgrounds and cultures," said Maj. Robert Allman, CTF Dragoon and chaplain. "Considering that we have people from different backgrounds and faith groups it is logical that we would have Soldiers from the Islamic tradition." Soldier diversity is important to the U.S. Army. Combined Task Force Dragoon is just as diverse when it comes to religion. Muslims are a minority within both, and the opportunity to practice Islam and observe Ramadan, with other Muslims at the center, allows Soldiers and civilians a chance for fellowship and camaraderie. According to the Islamic Society of North America, Ramadan is an annual religious observance in the 9th month of the Islamic calendar, is part of the Sgt. Richard Blevins with the 115th Military Police Detachment talks with Sgt. Marcus Lewis and Pvt. Munir Muhammed both with Task Force Dragoon at the Kandahar Islam Center Aug. 3, 2013. The Soldiers are deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and observed Ramadan with prayer and an iftar (a break- five pillars of Islam and is practiced by fasting during daylight hours. The month is determined by the visual sightings of the crescent moon. Additionally, during daylight hours, Muslims must abstain from smoking, drinking and doing anything in excess or sinful in nature. The Islamic center was built by a previous unit at Kandahar Airfield, converted from an old tea house building, and has been in operation for a few years. "When I first reverted to Islam, I searched all over (Iraq) where we were allowed to pray as Muslims," said Sgt. Richard Blevins, a unit supply specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 115th Military Police Battalion. "The problem was, we weren't allowed to set foot in any mosques. So that first year in Iraq was a very lonely year for me." Muslims refer to converting to Islam as "reverting". They believe that everyone is born Muslim and if they are raised in another faith and return to Islam then they have "reverted". The mosques were off limits for security reasons when Blevins reverted to Islam. Blevins is a Maryland National Guard Soldier who reverted to Islam on his first combat tour to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2007. The proud parent of three children, Blevins has been married for 14 years and has been happy with what the center has to offer. "The first time I have been able to have a place to worship is here (at the center). From the moment I set my foot through these doors, until now, this has been the most open, welcoming tolerant community," said Blevins. The center offers prayer times and
PAGE 4 Ramadan continued religious support, and held iftars -- a breaking of the fast dinner, every night during Ramadan. The center provides this support to all Muslims on the base, both civilian and military. "I was walking on cloud nine when I first came in to the center. I was convinced, like Iraq, this was going to a very lonely time for me. There are not really words to describe it," said Blevins. Blevins was raised in the Christian faith and his father is a Christian minister. Both his father and wife have accepted him as a Muslim. His relationship with his father has remained as it was before and his wife, who has remained a practicing Christian, had natural worries about his reversion to Islam, but has fully accepted and respects her husband's new faith. New Muslim Soldiers Newly deployed Muslim Soldiers with CTF Dragoon have also found the Islamic Center and have taken part in Ramadan, and are eager to attend prayer and meet new friends during their time in Kandahar. "When I found out about (the Islamic center) I didn't really believe it because people always say there is a place and it always ends up being a nondenominational church," said Sgt. Marcus Lewis, a power generation equipment repairer with HHT, Regimental Support Squadron, CTF Dragoon. "When I found out it was an Islamic center I got really excited." Lewis, like Blevins, reverted to Islam when he was 21 and typically observes Ramadan alone. He doesn't know any other Muslims to pray with and was unaware of the Islamic center. Once people find out he is a Muslim, Lewis enjoys explaining his religion. "I guess it's natural sometimes for people to be apprehensive. Some people don't understand our religion. I am pretty much accepted wherever I go," said Lewis. "I like to educate people. People often ask me the difference between Christians and (Muslims) and they are surprised to find out it isn't as different as they think." Private Munir Muhammed, a motor transport operator with Troop A, RSS, was just as excited to find out about the center. "I was not aware that there was a Muslim center on Kandahar. It feels good to have the faith of Islam recognized by the Army by having this center. It will bring some of the Soldiers together so they don't feel alone," said Muhammed. Muhammed has been a Muslim his entire life and joined the Army in Oct. 2012. "Joining the Army is really different because there are a lot of Christians and it's hard to practice the faith," he expressed. "I haven't (had) a chance to make my way over there, but I'm excited to see what it's like, hopefully it's a good service and I get to meet some fellow Muslim Americans." Muhammed joined his fellow Muslims for an iftar at the Islamic Center during Ramadan later that week. Being Resilient Resiliency is a key part of Dragoon Total Fitness, and it's one of the five philosophies of the regiment and the U.S. Army's Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness. Religion is a part of the unit's Master Resiliency Training program. The ability to practice all religions is a part of DTF and the CSF2. It encourages spirituality as social and spiritual activities, allowing Soldiers to better deal with the stresses of their daily lives.. According to CSF2, a Soldier's spirituality draws upon personal, philosophical, psychological, or religious teachings, and forms the basis of their character. Accommodating a person's faith structure is important to the Regiment. "One thing we do as chaplains, regardless of somebody's faith, is we care for them; we treat them the way we want to be treated ourselves," said Allman. "We see every person as a human. We care for their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs." The CTF Dragoon supports the observance of religious services and affords the chance for Soldiers to seek out their own religion, and for them to be more resilient and continue the unit's mission of mutual respect within its ranks. All Soldiers have the ability to practice their faith on their own. Having other people around who share the same beliefs and values are an important part of faith and having a place to practice that faith is just as important. The Islamic Center and other places of worship bring people together to share a common belief and represent a strong foundation and stability to its members.
War Eagle Update PAGE 5 U.S. Army Cpl. Andrew Strickland with Bull Troop, 1st Squadron, Combined Task Force Dragoon, operates a Rapid Equipping Force Minotaur Aug. 15, 2013 at Forward Operating Base Zangabad, Afghanistan. Strickland used the Minotaur for counter IED operations during a foot patrol. (U.S. Army Photo by Spc. Joshua Edwards) A fter settling into the district of ANA s confidence and morale as they Panjwa i in Afghanistan, the conducted the execution with War Eagles providing support. It is a step in War Eagles are prepared to get to work and make progress during this deployment. August ANA to fully assume security opera- the right direction that will enable the brought days of partnered operations, tions independently. This operation War Eagle promotions and VIP visits. will prove to be the cornerstone of the It was an exciting month, but even War Eagle and ANA partnership and more significantly, it was a safe month continue the trajectory of the ANA in for the Troopers of 1st Squadron. reaching their ultimate goal of developing a safe and stable Afghanistan. It was a successful month for the War Eagles and their relationship with the Afghanistan National Army. The ANA successfully conducted a major clearing operation in the Taliban stronghold within the Panjwa I District. The operation s success can be directly attributed to the support the War Eagles provided. For two weeks, the ANA and War Eagles burned the midnight oil planning one of the most comprehensive clearing operations in Panjwa i. The partnered mission lasted six days in which multiple weapons caches were discovered. The operation was a wonderful boost to the Several War Eagles were promoted during the month and are worth mentioning; Spc. Collins, Pfc. Strawn, and our favorite physician s assistant Cpt. Rose. Additionally, 1st Lieutenants Johnson, Van Dusen and Mounticure made the list for promotion to captains. Hopefully they will be pinning on their new ranks in the near future. This month has also been a time of many VIP visits. Col. D.A. Sims along with Command Sgt. Maj. Engram have visited multiple times, not only to observe the great partnership we are building here in Panjwa i with the Afghans, but to also interact with our Soldiers. On his last visit, Sims reenlisted Spc. Zachary Young. Spc. Young was very excited and we are all proud to have him sign a four year extension to his contract. Maj. Gen. Paul LaCamera, the Regional Command South commander has also visited twice. His first visit allowed him to tour FOB Zangabad and to review our defensive posture. Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, commander of International Security Forces Afghanistan visited for a second time. Dunford s visit was definitely the highlight of the visitors we hosted this month. 1st Squadron along with our Afghan partners showed Dunford the capabilities of the Afghan Security Forces in all of Panjwa i. The next month will hold much of the same for the War Eagles. We hope to successfully continue our initial mission to provide support to the ANSF as they lead the fight to secure their country. We also look forward to our 2nd, 3rd and Field Artillery Squadrons brethren joining us and reuniting the full force of.
PAGE 6 Cougar Update Cougars board a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter at the Joint Multinational Training Command's Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Aug. 13, 2013, during Air Movement Training in preparation for their upcoming deployment. Photo by Gertrud Zach. T ask Force Cougar was on the move in August as many of its Troopers deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In Afghanistan, the Cougars joined up with two teams who were already working to advise Afghan security forces. Meanwhile, as parts of the task force were going forward, the other Cougars continued advanced training at the Grafenwoehr Training Area. The first element to deploy in August was the advance party comprised mostly of Troopers from Headquarters and Headquarters Troop (Headhunter). They were followed by the movements of Troop E (Eagle) (during the deployment the troop will be called Adler, which is German for eagle) and Troop F (Fox). A select number of Cougars assigned to Dragoon Ready Reserve may be called to join TF Cougar in Afghanistan. When they are called, they can expect to receive solid support from the leadership throughout the deployment process. Even before the advance party left Rose Barracks, two teams were hard at work in Afghanistan. Security Force Assistance Teams 2201 and 2202 have a special mission to work directly with the leaders of the Afghan security forces to enable the Afghan units to operate effectively and independently from international support. The Afghan forces have made much progress over the last several years. During the Cougars last deployment to Afghanistan, most security operations were a joint effort between international and Afghan forces. Now, the Afghan forces perform most of their missions independently. Because training is an important mission for a unit in garrison, the Cougars continued to train in August to prepare Troopers for their mission in Afghanistan. Before the advance party deployed, all the Cougars came together for a 12-mile ruck march, known as the Cougar Prowl, as a confidence building test of physical and mental endurance. Also, with support from the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade based in Ansbach, the Cougars conducted air movement training to prepare them for being transported by helicopter. August was a busy month for the Cougars, so it was a relief for everyone when Troopers finally reached their duty stations and can now focus on the mission rather than the movement. Families can be sure that their Troopers have received excellent training to prepare them for their missions and that safety is always at the forefront of planning and executing operations. Furthermore, families and friends are encouraged to browse and like the Cougar s Facebook page, which can be found at https://www.facebook.com/pages/2d- Squadron-2d-Cavalry-Regiment, or by searching for 2D Squadron, 2D Cavalry Regiment. Pictures of deployed Troopers are posted there, and families and friends can make comments showing support for their loved ones as they proudly serve their country.
Wolfpack Update PAGE 7 U.S. Army Soldiers, assigned to 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment approach check point 2 vicinity of Hahnbach during Squadron 18.36 mile foot march, Aug. 01, 2013. (Photo by Joshua L. DeMotts) Used with permission. 2013 Stars and Stripes. W olfpack Family and Friends, The month of August has proven to be a poignant one as Soldiers spent the past few weeks with their families before leaving for deployment. The training tempo has tapered down significantly allowing Soldiers and their families to focus on personal time and final preparations for the ensuing deployment. Earlier this month, on August 2, the Wolfpack s 6-month training regimen culminated in an 18.36-mile (30km) tactical foot march through the German countryside. Soldiers started in Sulzbach, and marched north through Hahnbach and Vilseck until they finally reached their final destination at squadron headquarters on Rose Barracks. The foot march proved to be physically draining and mentally challenging, but as usual, the Wolfpack was up to the task and executed it brilliantly. Despite the heavy equipment, rolling hills, and searing heat, 491 Soldiers completed the march and were greeted by the squadron colors, commander, and command sergeant major at the finish line. In all, 96 percent of the Soldiers within Wolfpack completed the march. Such a strong showing at the finish line is evidence of our individual Soldier s physical fitness and mental resilience. The resounding success of the foot march is also a testament to the juniorlevel leaders who set the conditions for their subordinates successes. In the upcoming weeks, the Wolfpack will slowly make its way to Afghanistan to execute its mission of advising and assisting the Afghan National Security Forces. The Soldiers will travel to Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan, and once there, Soldiers will execute their final training requirements to ensure that they are fully-prepared to accomplish their mission in Afghanistan. These training events range from confirmation of a soldier s qualification on their individual weapon system and a counter IED threat class to various drivers training classes. Soldiers will also be issued additional theater specific equipment in Kandahar. When Soldiers leave Kandahar Air Field they will be armed with the knowledge, equipment, and skills to carry out their jobs. After months of tough and effective training, coupled with engaged leadership, Wolfpack Soldiers are more than ready to undertake the challenges that they will encounter in theater. The road that lies ahead will be a difficult one, but the determination, optimism and dedication of our Soldiers and families will keep our fighting force strong, and of course, Always Ready!
Saber Update PAGE 8 ꜛU.S. Army Sgt. Brian Mcintire (left) with 4th Squadron, Combined Task Force Dragoon, Security Force Assistance Team 401, teaches Afghan National Army soldiers with 2nd Mobile Strike Force Brigade, how to properly apply a tourniquet Aug. 24, 2013 at Camp Hero, Afghanistan. Mcintire extends his knowledge and experience to the ANA through a series of classes designed to teach them the fundamentals of medical aid. (U.S. Army Photo by Spc. Joshua Edwards) T ask Force Saber Troops are making a big difference in the security around the area of Kandahar Air Field. Patrolling efforts have yielded weapon-cache finds, the discovery of an enemy rocket launch site and also the capture of various individuals involved in insurgent activities. Members of the Security Force Advising Teams are also making a difference as they meet with their Afghan counterparts to offer guidance on a range of command and staff and service support activities. The always amiable gesture of gratitude displayed by the Afghan National Army to our SFATs after every meeting, demonstrates the level of professionalism that our Sabers bring to an ever more competent Afghan National Security Forces. The confidence in which the ANA conducts business is further proof that they are ready. In addition to the efforts put forth by our Sabers, improvements are underway to make Forward Operating Base Lindsey even safer from potential enemy attacks by retrofitting sand bang emplacements. Keeping busy makes the days go by faster, said a Soldier as he takes a gulp of water while resting from a sand bag detail while another soldier rushes by carrying two sandbags on each shoulder saying, This is good PT! Members of Troop N (Nemesis) and Troop P (Palehorse) came together, in a combined effort, to fill approximately 1,800 sandbags. Although Sabers are hard at work in making the district of Daman a safer place, they still are able to find the time to unwind in some friendly competition. A well-challenged volleyball tournament took place on the first weekend of August, where members of Nemesis, battled for supremacy against Romanian and Bulgarian teams on the sands of the court. The friendly competition brought together, not only multi-national coalition forces, but also civilian contractors from various parts of the world.
PAGE 9 Artillery Hell Update Field Artillery Squadron candidates prepared to move out on the Spur Ride at Rose Barracks, Germany. B y late July, the last certifications and major training events were completed, and Field Artillery Squadron kicked off the month of August by holding its final Hail and Farewell before the anticipated deployment. Lt. Col. Steve Fandrich took the opportunity to formally say goodbye to a lieutenant who is leaving for the 75th Ranger Regiment and welcome several additions to the team. The squadron also conducted a leadership reaction course. Senior leaders of the squadron from sergeant first class and above were divided into several teams to negotiate the course. Finally, the squadron executed a traditional Spur Ride, to test candidates from every element within the formation if they had what it takes to earn their Spurs. On Aug. 1, the squadron welcomed several of its newest graduates of the warrior leader course. The command team was on hand to greet and congratulate the graduates. Immediately following the graduation the squadron commander became the Senior Spur Holder as he gave an animated opening speech to the spur ride candidates. Close to 300 candidates were split into groups with members ranging from private to major. Each group had a designated group leader in the rank specialist or below. The groups were then tasked to start at a specific station and complete a round-robin in order. The first portion of the event was the physical fitness portion where the uniform was ACUs, running shoes and a water source. This portion consisted of several stations where candidates were required to complete specific exercises in a period of time. With temperatures rising, current spur holders were present, giving motivation and directions but most importantly, stressing hydration and safety. The uniform for the remainder of the event was ACUs, boots and a water source. Upon the completion of each station, candidates had to gather all their gear including their large ruck sacks, vests and water source and move to the next station with distance ranging from one-half up to 2 miles. The course consisted of stations such as a CrossFit obstacle course, M9 and M249 disassemble and assembly and preventative maintenance checks, as well as a grenade assault course, call-for-fire training, tactical questioning, tactical and medical care and evacuation and M2 and M240B assemble and disassembly. After twenty-plus punishing and continuous hours of physical and mental challenges, the event culminated with the award ceremony, where the senior spur holder gave congrats and handed out certificates. Even though not every candidate was able to complete the competition, over 200 candidates became new members of the Order of the Spur. Just a few days later, the FA Squadron conducted a spur call and several new spur holders had the opportunity to wear their silver spurs for the first time. For the final squadron-wide event the squadron conducted an espirit de corps run on Aug. 7 with the run conducted in civilian attire. Runners represented their favorite football, basketball and soccer teams or even their favorite units. Within the next month the squadron will be completely deployed. The squadron will maintain a half day schedule until the last aircraft goes wheels up.
Muleskinner Update PAGE 10 Task Force Muleskinner heavy expanded mobility tactical truck, loaded up and ready to convoy back to Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan for retrograde operations. T ask Force Muleskinners have hit their stride this month as they continue daily operations in Afghanistan. An important aspect of the Muleskinner mission is the retrograde and de-scoping of all outlying tactical infrastructures within the Combined Task Force Dragoon operational environment throughout southern Afghanistan. Retrograde operations are the result of cooperation from multiple task forces across CTF Dragoon, 43rd Sustainment Brigade and other agencies assigned to Kandahar Airfield working closely with TF Muleskinner. The retrograde operations involve the combined effort of all TF Muleskinner Troopers under the direction of the support operations shop, using both personnel and equipment assets from Alpha Troop, secured by Engineer Troop s, Route Reconnaissance and Clearing mission and the ability to maintain communications while out on convoys supported by Signal Troop. TF Muleskinner tracks all changes to base closure and transition timelines throughout southern Afghanistan in order to maintain command and control of retrograde operations. The retrograde operations cell within the SPO helps with the synchronization of de-scoping operations for each outlying tactical infrastructure in the CTF Dragoon s area of operations. Task Force Muleskinner set up the retrograde operations cell within the SPO shop to plan and oversee all retrograde operations throughout CTF Dragoon. The two retrograde teams assigned to Alpha Troop consisting of four soldiers each augment Task Forces Logistical Support Teams. The SPO shop along with the RDTs conduct site surveys at all of the outlying tactical infrastructures scheduled for transition and assist in the classification and disposition of items retrograded from each site. The equipment tagged for retrograde is moved onto Kandahar Airfield with the help of the three Convoy Security Teams working for Alpha Troop. These teams of approximately sixteen Soldiers provide their own security as they move throughout southern Afghanistan with integrated Army and civilian logistical assets. The retrograde operations for CTF Dragoon involve a monthly movement of approximately 100 twenty-foot containers worth of equipment from outlying locations back to Kandahar Airfield. Once the retrograded equipment arrives on Kandahar Airfield, it is turned into the appropriate agency under the direction of Sgt. 1st Class Damon Cantey, noncommissioned officer-incharge of the retrograde operations cell. He serves as the liaison between TF Muleskinner and the five civilian and government agencies that the unused and unserviceable equipment is turned into. TF Muleskinner retains command and control of retrograde operations throughout CTF Dragoon by tracking each piece of retrograded equipment from identification by the RDTs to turn in on Kandahar Airfield.
PAGE 11 Downrange Photos U.S. Army Sgt. Pedro Ramirez (right) with Engineer Troop, 1st Squadron, Combined Task Force Dragoon, and Spc. Dana Chatt, also with Engineer Troop, hang a wooden cut-out of the American Flag Aug. 14, 2013 at Forward Operating Base Zangabad, Afghanistan. Ramirez and Chatt hung the flag to remind themselves of home during their deployment to Afghanistan. U.S. Army Spc. Matthew Semeria with Troop B (Bull Troop), 1st Squadron, Combined Task Force Dragoon, gives candy to a local Afghan child during a foot patrol Aug. 13, 2013 at Forward Operating Base Zangabad, Afghanistan. Semeria and his platoon secured the base and spoke with members of the local community during a foot patrol. U.S. Army Sgt. Brian Mcintire (left) with 4th Squadron, Combined Task Force Dragoon, Security Force Assistance Team 401, teaches Afghan National Army soldiers with 2nd Mobile Strike Force Brigade, about combat lifesaving techniques Aug. 24, 2013 at Camp Hero, Afghanistan. Mcintire trains ANA troops how to perform medical aid and save lives on the battlefield. Photos by Spc. Joshua Edwards