The Dragoon Newsletter February 2014

Volume 4, Issue 2

Command Sgt. Maj.

Wilbert E. Engram Jr.,

Regimental Command

Sergeant Major

Historical Events 2

Operation

Chamtoo II 3

1st Squadron 4

2nd Squadron 5

3rd Squadron 6

4th Squadron 7

Fires 8

RSS 9

Highlights in 2d Cavalry History

FEB 2014

www.2cr.army.mil www.flickr.com/photos/dragoons/2scr

February 8, 1837: Located at Camp Monroe in Florida during the 2nd Seminole War, a force under the command of Lt. Col. Alexander C.W. Fanning would defend the camp which had been established in 1836. On Feb. 8, a force of Seminole Indians attacked which led to the death of Cpt. Charles Mellon. Mellon was the only casualty that day. On Feb. 9, 1837, Fanning renamed the camp in his honor. This kind of attack was a common occurrence in the hostile Florida swamps during the conflict. Dragoons had to be vigilant, even in well defended outposts.

February 11, 1967: The 1st Reconnaissance Squadron border camp near Kronach , Germany (Northern Bavaria) was re-named Camp Sergeant Patrick Leonard. Leonard was a Medal of Honor recipient while a member of Company C, 2d Cavalry Regiment during the Indian Wars. His actions as a sergeant at the Little Blue River near Little Blue, Nebraska on May 15, 1876 led to him being awarded the Medal of Honor on June 22, 1870. The Regiment named several of the border camps in Germany after valorous members of the 2d Cavalry Regiment.

Col D.A. Sims, 77th

Colonel of the Regiment

Newsletter

2d Caval ry Regiment

The Dragoon

Soldiers from the U.S. Army's 4th Squadron 2d Cavalry Regiment receive a mission brief prior to a patrol on Feb-ruary 25, 2014 near Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Dragoon Newsletter VOLUME 4, I SSUE 2

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History Highlights cont...History Highlights cont...

February 15, 1946: The Regiment began its re-designation from the 2d Cavalry Group to the 2d Constabulary Regiment. The transformation would be complete on March 20, that year the Regiment assumed duties in southern Bavaria. The constabulary period saw drastic changes to the organization of the Regiment and the table of organization and equipment. The Regiment, at the time, consisted of the 2nd Squadron, 42nd Squadron, and the 66th Squadron which had just been re-organized from a field artillery unit. The constabulary was considered an elite unit by the U.S. Forces in Europe, and several other cavalry organizations were likewise used for this purpose. The ability for cavalry units to patrol vast areas was key, and would seamlessly transition into the Regiment patrolling vast areas of the East German and Czechoslovakian border during the Cold War.

February 21, 1862: During the Civil War, the Regiment saw action out west. Company G was assigned defensive duties protecting Union interests in the territory of New Mexico. The Regiment was also assigned a battery of light artillery that previous year, in October. The battery of six guns, commanded by Capt. Alexander McRae, supported Company G, 2d Cavalry, and one company of the 3rd Cavalry which was also present.

Dragoon Newsletter

Operation Chamtoo IIOperation Chamtoo II

VOLUME 4, I SSUE 2 PAGE 3

An Afghan National Army Soldier assigned to the 205th Corps displays his coun-try’s flag prior to departing Combat Outpost Mushan during Operation Chamtoo II in Panjwai District, Kandahar Province, Feb. 19, 2014. Operation Chamtoo II was an operation planned, and conducted entirely by Afghan National Security Forces to pacify Panjwai District ahead of the April presidential elections. (U.S Army photo by Cpl. Alex Flynn)

Captain Clay Randles, physician assistant for 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, works alongside Afghan National Army medical personnel to save the life of a wounded Afghan Uniformed Policeman during Operation Chamtoo II in Panjwai District, Kandahar Province, Feb. 19, 2014. (U.S Army photo by Cpl. Alex Flynn)

Afghan National Army Soldiers assigned to the 205th Corps depart Combat Outpost Mushan during Operation Chamtoo II in Panjwai District, Kandahar Province, Feb. 19, 2014. (U.S Army photo by Cpl. Alex Flynn)

Captain Clay Randles, physician assistant, and combat medics assigned to Iron Troop, 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, work along-side Afghan National Army medical personnel to treat a civilian wounded during Operation Chamtoo II in Panjwai District, Kandahar Prov-ince, Feb. 19, 2014. (U.S Army photo by Cpl. Alex Flynn)


War Eagles UpdateWar Eagles Update

D uring February the War Ea-gles were focused on con-solidating and re-organizing the squadron following a

successful deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. This included merging the forward and rear property books and adjust-ments to personnel as the War Eagle Ready Reserve merged with the rest of the squadron. The War Eagles also re-established their systems and battle rhythm to enable training and opera-tions. In addition to the normal daily opera-tions of the squadron, members of the War Eagles participated in a multitude of recreational activities designed to enhance resiliency throughout the month. Soldiers from both Mustang and Bull Troops participated in the 2d Cavalry Regiment’s Warrior Adventure Quest.

This program served to provide pla-toons the opportunity for team building and also to give Soldiers safe and con-trolled activities to relieve stress and ease reintegration following the Regi-ment’s combat deployment. Soldiers participated in instructor-led events that served to foster trust in their comrades, leaders, equipment and training. These activities included a high rope course and a paintball tournament. Soldiers in Apache will participate in WAQ March 10-12 and Soldiers in Co-manche Troop are scheduled to attend April 1-3. War Eagle Squadron uncased their colors during an outdoor ceremony on February 28th. This ceremony served to officially mark the return of the squadron from deployment, the deacti-vation of the War Eagle Ready Re-

serve, and the reunion of Comanche Troop with 1st Squadron. During his remarks Lt. Col. Phillip K. Gage, the commander of 1st Squad-ron, offered thanks to not only the Sol-diers, noncommissioned officers and officers of the squadron, but also rec-ognized the families for their uncondi-tional support of the unit. Gage also reminded those present to keep the Dragoons, still serving in Af-ghanistan, in their thoughts and prayers. As the month draws to a close, the War Eagles have a lot to look forward to in March. Key events coming up include the squadron after action review (March 4-6), the spouses appreciation luncheon (March 12 , 11am-1pm in the Regi-mental Museum), and the spring ball (at Marx Wreger Halle in Weiden on March 29 at 1836).

Lt. Col. Phillip K. Gage the commander of 1st Squadron, 2d Cavalry Regiment and his Command Sgt. Maj. Martin Celestine un-case their unit colors during a ceremony Feb. 28, 2014 at Vilseck, Germany. This cere-mony served to officially mark the return of the squadron from deployment, the deactiva-tion of the War Eagle Ready Reserve, and the reunion of Comanche Troop with 1st Squadron.


Cougar UpdateCougar Update

F amily and Friends of Task Force Cougar, During February, the climate of northern Kandahar Province

cooled to the lowest temperatures of the year, but, at the same time, TF Cougar was heating up with its most significant operation to date in support of Operation Enduring Freedom 13-14. While Fox Troop continued to con-duct missions in the deserts of Af-ghanistan, Eagle and Headhunter Troops reintegrated into the Rose Bar-racks, Germany community and took some well-deserved time for recreation and relaxation with their friends and families. For many years, the Taliban have been able to penetrate into northern Kandahar Province through the Siah Sang gap that allowed the insurgents to take improvised explosive devices and other weapons into Kandahar City,

where they would terrorize the local population. Because the gap was so important to the insurgents, they de-fended it strongly for a long time. In February, due to the steady im-provement of the ANSF and a little ad-vice and assistance from TF Cougar, the Afghan government cleared the insurgents out of the gap and estab-lished permanent checkpoints there. This operation’s success was a plain demonstration of the Afghan govern-ment’s commitment to continue to push the Taliban out of Afghanistan, even as the US withdraws combat forces, is a sign of the good work that the Cougars have done in Arghandab and Shah Wali Kot districts. In March, the Cougars will advise the ANSF to develop sound security plans for the Afghanistan presidential elec-tion in April. This election will be deci-sive to the country’s future and TF

Cougar will help guide the security forces so that the elections are inclu-sive, fair, and secure. There is no doubt the families of de-ployed Cougars are eager for their loved ones’ return and they should take comfort that their Troopers are coming home soon. In the meantime, the Cougars are providing crucial advi-sory support and ensuring that the good work resulting from the sacrifices made by Cougar Soldiers over the last decade in Afghanistan, are preserved. In closing, I’d like to express our thanks and gratitude to those of you reading this – the friends and family of Task Force Cougar – we would not be able to execute the mission at hand without your continued support! Cougar 6 and Cougar 7 Toujours Prêt! Second to None!

Lt. Col. Charles Svelan talks with the Afghan National Army’s 1st Kandak, 1st Brigade, 205th Corps commander, Lt. Col. Andor Mangol and Shah Wali Kot district chief of police Capt. Bacha Khan about the construction of a check-point near Najmuddin village on February 22, 2014.


Wolfpack UpdateWolfpack Update

W olfpack Family and friends, February has been a month defined by hard

work paying good dividends. By this point in the deployment eve-ryone has gained a high level of profi-ciency in their jobs. Equipment is be-ing kept in the highest state of readi-ness and missions with our Afghan counterparts are flowing smoothly. The Wolfpack continues to work through well established relationships and bonds that have grown over the past few months. This month Iron, Killer, and Lightning Troops all supported Afghan opera-tions in Zharey, Panjwai, and Maiwand Districts. Operations focused on sup-porting Afghan forces in removing en-emy from these districts to increase security in the area. 1st Lt. George Runkle, the squadron battle captain, describes the level of success that has been achieved in the Wolfpack area of operations as “our Afghan partners are

proficient and able to secure their country without assistance.” This is the goal the Wolfpack has been working toward since its arrival and we are happy to have achieved it. Despite the high operation tempo, the Wolfpack has been prioritizing Sol-dier professional development. Throughout the deployment the Wolf-pack has conducted five Soldier and noncommissioned officer of the month boards. These boards provided Wolf-pack Soldiers and NCO’s the opportu-nity to demonstrate their professional proficiency. For the month of February Spc. Bai-ley and Sgt Pino, both with Killer Troop, won their respective Soldier and NCO of the month boards. In fur-ther support of professional develop-ment, nine Soldiers and 17 NCOs have been recommended for promotion since deployment. These promotions were based on Soldier and NCO per-formances in the five promotion boards that have taken place throughout the

deployment. Board appearances are nerve racking experiences. They can leave the Soldier wishing he were in combat instead of having to face the squadron command sergeant major and troop first sergeants. The brave that prepare for the boards and succeed are met with the admiration of their superiors and peers, but most importantly have the ability to advance professionally. Wolf-pack Soldiers are leading the way in adhering to the high standards of pro-fessionalism that are set to define the Army in upcoming years. As February draws to a close the Wolfpack is looking to March. The Wolfpack only has a few weeks left to make a positive impact in the area of operations before the incoming unit takes over; however, until that day comes we will continue to make every day count. When the Wolfpack does finally hang up its spurs it is looking forward to a long awaited reunion with Family and friends at Rose Barracks.

Sergeant 1st Class Christopher R. Schuerger a Gruber Award 2013 winner, is recognized by Brig Gen. John Thomson, Regional Command South, deputy commander of sup-port. The Edmund L. Gruber award is awarded to an individual whose thought and innovation results in significant contributions to the en-hancement of the field artillery's war fighting capabilities, morale, readi-ness, and maintenance. This award is competed for Army wide.


Saber UpdateSaber Update

D ear Saber Supporters, this second installment of the 2014 volume of newsletters is also our second to last

deployed newsletter. That should be good news to all of our friends and families in Germany and in the United States. However, Saber Squadron has not let up the pressure on the enemy forces in the districts surrounding Kan-dahar Airfield. Your Troopers continue to place constant pressure on the in-surgent networks operating in the area. Soldiers from Nemesis, Outlaw, Palehorse, and Ghost Troops continue their thorough reconnaissance and security efforts in our area of opera-tions, looking for the enemy as they attempt to conduct their nefarious ac-tivities. The Troopers’ 24-hour patrolling ef-forts have resulted in intelligence gains that have helped us to further disrupt the insurgent activities and literally pre-vent attacks. We can’t say enough about the hard work they are putting in day-in and day-out on patrol. Because of the hard work your Troopers have been putting in, the Regional Com-mand South deputy commanding gen-eral provided the squadron additional combat power from Battle Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division from Ft. Hood to assist us. Lately, the Troopers have been working with our Afghan National Se-

curity Force partners to prepare for the upcoming Afghan presidential election. election day is April 5, 2014, but it’s not too early to prepare for it now. Troop commanders have been working with their Afghan partners to conduct recon-naissance and to assess polling sites. While the ANSF will conduct 100% of the election day security, our Soldiers have been consulting with them and offering advice on their plans. This election is an important moment in the history of Afghanistan because it will mark the first peaceful transition of power ever. While War Horse Troop is not di-rectly involved in conducting security patrols or assisting with election prepa-rations, they are accomplishing one of the most important tasks for RC-S and that is the reduction of forces and ret-rograde of equipment. When War Horse took over responsibility for For-ward Operating Base Lindsey back in late July, there was years’ worth of equipment build-up as the result of units “settling in.” Every unit that had occupied the base before us had rightly done something to improve liv-ing conditions there. However, it has been War Horse’s task to reduce the base and subse-quently turn it over to the Afghan Na-tional Army. The plan when we arrived was to turn it over this summer, but the deputy commanding general chal-lenged us to complete the closure sev-eral months ahead of schedule. The

Soldiers of War Horse have done an outstanding job in working to meet that goal and in fact by the time you read this newsletter, they will have turned over half of the camp to full Afghan Army control, and the other half to an-other US unit that will conduct the final turnover after the Afghan elections. All Saber Soldiers are now off of FOB Lindsey and consolidated at Kan-dahar Airfield. It took a tremendous effort from the various platoons and sections of War Horse to achieve that, from the military police platoon and medics who kept us safe and took care of us there to the mechanics and sup-port platoon Soldiers who moved tons and tons of equipment off the FOB to the mayor’s cell who managed the ef-fort. As our time in Afghanistan comes to an end, it’s a good idea for friends and family to reduce mail sent to Soldiers here. Mail from the US shouldn’t be sent here after March 7. Mail from Germany shouldn’t be sent here after March 14. At this point, please limit what you send to letters or goodies that can be consumed, as Soldiers won’t have time or space to pack additional items that need to return to Germany with them. Our next newsletter will be our last in Afghanistan and we’ll probably all be home when you get it. Thanks for your continued support.

U.S, Army Staff Sgt. Trevor Harney from Continental, Ohio with 4th Squadron 2d Cav-alry Regiment keeps watch as the unit visits an Afghan National Police (ANP) outpost near Kandahar, Af-ghanistan. (photo by Scott Olson/ Getty Images)


Artillery Hell UpdateArtillery Hell Update

T ask Force Hell continued to train, advise, and assist the Kandahar City Afghan Uni-formed Police in February.

Simultaneously, the squadron has also began redeployment activities. Although TF Steel Warrior’s arrival is much anticipated, everyone remains focused on the mission at hand. Hellraiser Battery continues to se-cure the Kandahar City AUP Security Force Assistance Team and Archer Battery continues to secure the Provin-cial AUP SFAT, Provincial Governor SFAT, and the National Directorate of Security SFAT. Lt. Col. Fandrich con-tinues his engagements with the AUP commanders in the city, preparing them for the upcoming elections. During the month of February, Hell-raiser continued to excel at retrograde operations and base defense. They also established a Quick Reaction Force for Forward Operating Base Walton. Hellraiser conducted over 30 patrols to different sub districts throughout Kandahar City and were recognized by leaders within the Regi-ment and division for their tremendous progress reducing the size of the base.

Hellraiser also fielded the first mobile ALTUS Aerostat in Regional Com-mand South at FOB Walton; this en-ables them to better assist the AUP’s operations inside Kandahar City by providing reports from persistent ISR. In addition, Hellraiser reenlisted Spe-cialists Garcia, Rodarte, Landrum, Lee, Vedia, and Rodriquez. Also this month, Hellraiser also promoted Pfc. Hyde and Pfc. Vedia to Specialist. For the upcoming month, Hellraiser will conduct their relief-in-place with Headquarters, Headquarters Battalion, 2nd Battalion, 77th Field Artillery. Archer Battery continued operations throughout Kandahar Province. The assigned SFAT advisors, security force and headquarters platoons have been busy conducting their last full month of operations before the RIP next month. SFATs were busy as they furthered their relationships with key Afghan counterparts, setting the next advisors up for success. The Archer SECFOR platoons re-mained vigilant over the last month while out on patrol. First platoon sent a squad out to liaise with the security

leaders for President Karzai when he visited Kandahar City. While their role was limited, the over-all operation demonstrated the Af-ghan’s capabilities and bodes well for upcoming operations. 2nd platoon and SFAT 501 teamed up with the AUP in Zharay to pass out school supplies to local school chil-dren. Archer’s 3rd platoon continued their security for the local SFATs and the NDS liaison and did a great job ma-neuvering the large tactical vehicles in the busy and unpredictable streets of Kandahar City. The noncommissioned officers did a great job at preventing any hint of com-placency from entering into the forma-tion. Over the next 30 days Archer Battery will conduct a RIP with A Battery, TF Steel Warrior and prepare for rede-ployment back to Rose Barracks. The Soldiers will be able to hold their heads high while leaving Kandahar, Afghanistan knowing they carried out their mission with security and safety at the forefront of every operation.

Field Artillery Squadron Female Engage-ment Team members, Spc. Garcia and Pfc. Bordelon, meet with the Saraposa Prison Warden.


Muleskinner UpdateMuleskinner Update

I t’s hard to believe it is already nearing the end of February 2014 and Task Force Muleskinner is wrapping up its eighth consecutive

month in support of Operation Endur-ing Freedom. This past month, the Task Force has been busy preparing our inbound re-placements for a successful relief-in-place and transfer-of-authority on top of its daily operations and duties. Due to the complexity of the TF Muleskinner task organization and mis-sion, our RIP will be conducted with multiple inbound units from 4th Bri-gade, 4th Infantry Division to include 704th Brigade Support Battalion, Alpha Company/4th Special Troops Battalion, and Delta Company/1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment and HHC 4th Bri-gade, 4th Infantry Division. In order to facilitate this processes, the command teams and staffs of both units have been conducting weekly

teleconferences to discuss Muleskin-ner combined arms breach team op-erations, convoy security operations, support operations, retrograde opera-tions, administrative processes and current enemy tactics. It is our job as a Task Force to en-sure the transition is as smooth as possible, setting our replacements up for success, which our Soldiers and leaders have been working hard to ensure. A unique part of the TF Muleskinner RIP is the turn-in of our current Stryker fleet to be replaced by Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles to include MaxxPros and MATVs. This is required because 4th Bri-gade, 4th Infantry Division is a Light Brigade Combat Team. This task has engaged resources from the Task Force as they train, test, inventory, and QA/QC the entire Regiment’s fleet for the incoming units.

The Lightening, Alpha, and Regi-mental Headquarters and Headquar-ters Troop executive officers and sup-ply sergeants are working diligently to inventory and inspect all incoming ve-hicles. The maintenance platoon and com-munications shop (S-6) personnel are working hard to ensure the fleet’s maintenance and communications meet the Dragoon standard, perform-ing inspections prior to units receiving the equipment. This has been a challenge, as some of the communication systems are configured differently than those found in Stryker vehicles. Thanks to our internal inspection team, the transfer of vehicle fleets will be transparent to our replacements, ensuring they can quickly assume op-erations and responsibility of the Regi-ment’s area of operation in southern Afghanistan.

Sgt. Taschler of Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, Task Force Mule-skinner, inspects the engine on the new mine resistant ambush protected vehicle.


Around the RegimentAround the Regiment

Staff Sgt. Tyronne Jones (right) with Headquar-ters and Headquarters Troop, 2d Cavalry Regi-ment, recites the oath of enlistment Feb. 19, 2013, at Landstuhl, Germany. Jones re-enlisted during his recovery from injuries sustained during an insurgent attack in southern Afghanistan. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Joshua Edwards)

Troopers with the Dragoon Ready Reserve receive awards after competing in a number of sporting events during the Vesta Cup com-petition Feb. 26, 2014, at Rose Barracks, Germany. The Vesta Cup is a three-day competition between squadrons within the unit designed to boost morale and encourage teamwork. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Joshua Edwards)

Regimental Chaplain, Maj. Robert Allman, performs a baptism Feb. 9, 2014, at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan with Sgt. Brian Kear and Spc. Michael Culbertson, both from Alpha Troop, Task Force Muleskinner, Combined Task Force Dragoon.

The Dragoon Newsletter February 2014

News & Politics

Transcript of The Dragoon Newsletter February 2014