Photo By Jon Arguello | Army Lt. Col. Christopher Kolenda (left), 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment...... read more read more
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By Army Spc. Jon H. Arguello
22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
FORWARD OPERATING BASE FENTY, Afghanistan – After 16 months of assisting the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, improving security and development in eastern Afghanistan, the Soldiers of 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, finally returned to their homes and families as the 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, took their place in the Kunar and Nuristan provinces.
"3-71 Cav. was absolutely a first-class organization," said Army Maj. Christopher Doneski, 1-91's executive officer. "The plan they developed for the transfer of authority should be the model for all organizations."
It wasn't only for the transfer of authority that the "Titans" received praise. The cavalry squadron was credited with improved security and the equally important establishment of relationships with key area leaders that will pave the way for the incoming 1-91, Task Force Sabre.
"The Titans did an exceptional job at working with the local and district government to improve security and reconstruction in this region," added Doneski. "Their best weapons didn't fire bullets.
The simple techniques of treating all people with dignity and respect permeated all of their operations. Providing the people of this area with hope for the future was the key to their success.
The Titans aggressively pursued reconstruction projects that were important to the local leaders and in turn, they supported the project in the squadron with increased security. This technique empowered the local leaders to determine the future for their population and most importantly - their children."
The challenges of fighting an insurgency are complicated and demand a unit that can be flexible, active and tenacious.
"It's hard to explain how well the 3-71 adapted to the mission," said Maj. Eric Zenk, a Task Force Spartan spokesperson. "They went into an area that was unknown for the most part and established a foothold, not just in terms of geography but in terms of partnerships with the people in their area of operations. Essentially they are the architects of the bridges that will take us and the Afghan authorities to new levels of security in the region."
Cavalry units are unique in many ways explained Doneski.
"Cavalry units bring a unique blend of combined arms and esprit-de-corps," Doneski explained. "Our ability to respond rapidly, plan and utilize intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets will be decisive during this deployment. The integration of infantry, scouts, mortars, forward observers, joint tactical air controllers, intelligence analysts and combat service supporters provides us unparalleled flexibility."
The Sabres plan to build on 3-71's foundation of successes and there is no doubt this highly lethal and quick-moving combined-arms unit will bring a renewed vigor to the fight.
"Through partnership and teamwork, we will assist the local government and shuras in determining the way ahead for this region," said Doneski. "Our true roll is to facilitate self-reliance by integrating Afghan National Security Forces and government in everything we do. All of our patrols will have some Afghan representation whether that is Afghan National Army, Afghan National Police, or another Afghan security agency."
| Date Taken: | 06.12.2007 |
| Date Posted: | 06.12.2007 11:09 |
| Story ID: | 10791 |
| Location: | JALALABAD, AF |
| Web Views: | 993 |
| Downloads: | 772 |
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