MG Spears Visit to Kandahar

The South Carolina Adjutant General, MG Stanhope Spears along with CSM Eddie Harris the State Command Sergeant Major made the trip south to sunny Kandahar to visit SC soldiers deployed throughout the region of Afghanistan. In ARSIC (S) 40% of the soldiers are from South Carolina, under Spear's command. This trip was not only special for the troops, but for the leaders as well, whom was given the opportunity to update MG Spears on this deployment, in particular what his troops are facing and the job they are doing.

Also accompanying MG Spears on this trip was BG Bob Livingston, Commander TF Phoenix VI, COL Cory Cannon, Commander of RSAC, LTC Ken Braddock and myself.

Pictured above thirteen soldiers from Bravo Company, SECFOR, receiving their CIB/CAB (Combat Infantryman's Badge & Combat Action Badge). These awards stemmed from combat action on May 23, 2007, in which they were ambushed by approximately seventy enemy forces. In this battle two British soldiers were injured and no US forces that provided the escort.

(MG Spears pinning the CIB/CABs)

As we visited the RPAC, (Regional Police Advisory Command), commanded by COL Kornish of W, Va. his senior enlisted member is from South Carolina SGM Andy Bolt. Pictured below SGM Bolt forms the troops for MG Spears presentation of the Afghan Campaign Medal.

Chuck Crombo of the State Newspaper embedded with TF Phoenix writes; Spears and Command Sgt. Maj. Eddie Harris, the S.C. Guard’s top enlisted soldier, sat in on briefings aimed at giving them the latest information on the military situation in Afghanistan. Some of the news wasn’t pleasing to hear. The Taliban controls a majority of the country’s southernmost area — perhaps as much as 70 percent of the region, commanders told Spears. “I just about choked” at that news, Spears said afterward. Fighting between coalition forces and the Taliban also takes place daily, commanders said. “Every time we leave (the base), there’s a chance of being hit by an IED (bomb) or ambushed,” said Maj. Bill Connor of Orangeburg. Connor’s remark was a reminder that while S.C. troops are here to advise and teach Afghan forces, they’re getting shot at. “We were set up to mentor, but we’re fighting,” Connor said.

These comments though not pleasing to hear was exactly what the troops want the leadership to fully understand. Our primary role is mentoring and advising, but the truth is we are fighting just as much as we are mentoring. It is extremely important for leaders to fully understand what they are asking of their soldiers, as they make key decisions.

As MG Spears and CSM Harris arrived at TLS, (Air Terminal on Kandahar called "Taliban Last Stand"). COL Thomas McGrath, Commander of ARSIC (S) arrived to thank them for visiting his troops and handed him a letter. The letter heaped praises upon his SC warriors for doing a great job and thanked him especially for making the trip south, where many choose not to come.

Crombo wrote: Spears’ trip to a combat zone, particularly one as contested as southern Afghanistan, impressed the troops. “It’s a morale boost for my guys,” said Staff Sgt. William Simpson of Columbia. “It lets you know the Guard and the people of South Carolina support us.”
Afghanistan is more than 7,000 miles from South Carolina and getting here can take days. Spears and Harris, for example, left the United States on Saturday and arrived in Kabul on Tuesday. Spears, in turn, heaped praise on the troops. “You’re the worker bees. You’re the ones who are out there hoofing it every day,” the two-star leader said. “South Carolina is very proud of what the 218th is doing.” Harris reminded the troops they needed to remember those back home, too. “Take care of yourself. Take care of your buddies, and call home,” Harris said. “That’s important. “And bring everybody home.”

I pray that we are able to bring everybody home, but that is "Enshala" (God's will!!!).

The Heart of the Taliban

Since my last post we have been quite busy here in ARSIC South. In war, time is constant, you never really take a break. You are constantly planning, trying to stay one-step ahead of the enemy and how you can better support this command. During this week, several of the staff and command from ARSIC South visited an out-post recently setup near the FOB, (Forward Operating Base), Spear Wan Gar. Early in the trip we passed by several herds of camels just grazing in the open fields. It really seemed so surreal, almost enjoyable, but you quickly realize that you need remember this is a war zone and to stay perky (alert). Spear was about an hour and a half drive from KAF. While driving there I got the feeling like we were driving straight through Taliban areas. This became more apparent the closer we got, as kids pelted our vehicles with rocks, busting out the light of one of the vehicles traveling behind us. My first thought was, if the kids are doing this, what are the parents teaching these little jokers..

(sorry for the connotation), but that was my first thought....

As we neared the facility, it became quite apparent why we placed an outpost there. We were definitely in the heart of the Taliban. In the picture below, ARSIC (S) Commander COL Thomas McGrath is discussing security with an Afghan Army Officer, while COL Kornish, RPAC, (Regional Police Advisory Command), Commander listens intently ensuring everyone understands how crucial this outpost is to the region. Standing behind them is LTC Blake Storey whom travelled with us to assist with improving the security of the outpost.

I am one that believes that a picture is worth a thousand words. The below picture should speak for itself... If not, I will elaborate.. I am standing in front of a grove of marijuana plants about 6 feet tall. Behind me is a donkey that is used to carry these plants during harvesting time. I wonder who they are for????

Shortly after we arrived we were informed that a large group of Taliban was advancing near our position. The below picture is of the mortar team we brought with us, setting up to defend our position. With these guys, I knew that if they did advance, they would definitely regret it... Needless to say that they quickly realized that they better try something else, as we were prepared for them. Afghanistan is filled with danger, depending upon what region you are in, the threat is either less or greater. We are continually getting rocketed at night by the Taliban, but Thank God, none of them hit anything or anyone... That is God!!!!!

Many of us feel that Afghanistan is the forgotten war. The media is focused on Iraq, we don't have the troop presence as we would like or need, nor the priority of getting supplies/equipment. No wonder we feel that we are forgotten. But we see danger every day, we just get it done, and trust in God above, that is what soldiering is about. Our SecFor, (security forces) from South Carolina continues perform in an exemplary manner. You can be so proud of all your guardsmen, they are doing what is expected of them.

For those of you that was not sure what plant I was standing in front of, this is a close-up, you tell me? Unfortunately, growing drugs is how many Afghan farmers care for their families. In many cases the Taliban fund their operation by the drug trade, whether marijuana or opium and pay the poor farmer to cultivate it for them. I know one thing, that it is plentiful here. In order for the Afghan government to change this, they need to find some agricultural products to replace this practice with. However, it too will take time, as this problem has been around for quite some time, so change will also take time...

I leave you with a picture below of an Afghan soldier trying to cool off and clean up a bit. One problem I saw, was the enclosed fencing that he is sitting next too is used to shield them during bathing, also there were so many up and down the creek bed washing, standing in, as well as cleaning the dishes they use for eating. No drinking out of the creek for me! The reality of this is the Afghans have a long way to go with proper hygiene, but this is their country and the infrastructure is simply not there for so many of its people. No water other than a creek or a well, no sewage, no toilet paper, no land fill/sanitation, they simple open something and drop it on the ground, little to no electricity, so they clean dishes using cold water and their hands as the dish rag. Now you know why we have to take those little malaria pills....

CSTC-A

CSTC-A is Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan. Since my last post, I had the distinct opportunity to visit TF Phoenix's Higher Headquarters CSTC-A located in Kabul City. BG Thomas Sinclair taught me that it is very beneficial to frequent your higher headquarters from time to time and this trip proves him right. Not only was I able to meet the key personnel making decisions that affect the entire country of Afghanistan, but I now have a relationship with them which enables me to know and fully understand the direction and initiatives being pushed at the highest levels. I also had the distinct pleasure of visiting the Ministry of Interior to meet and talk to the Director of ICT, (Information, Communications and Technology) for Afghanistan, BG Hasim. He has a staff of about 157 people.

I found him to be quite intelligent, speaks a little English, so he required a translator to be present during our meeting. Afghans are naturally hospitable, it is a part of their culture to treat you well and with respect. During this meeting we were treated to a full-course Afghan meal, with all the trimmings. I just wish I knew what I was eating. (Some things are better left unsaid or unknown). Below is a picture of some of the food, they bring the food out in stages, much as they do in Italy. It truly was delectable.

BG Hasim has not taken a vacation in years, due to the country's focus on re-building. Undoubtedly, there is so much to be done, as there is so much that has been done. Afghanistan has come a long way, but it has a long way to go. There are many challenges the country face, such as improving the social services needed in outlying areas, to bringing them such things as electricity, phones and schools. BG Hasim's job is to improve the information and communications infrastructure of the country. However, everything is built around funding, in a country riddled with corruption, things are quite costly and slow. But I must say that he is getting it done quite quickly with the assistance of the US and our Coalition partners. The below picture is of members of CSTC-A Communications section that deals with improving comms for the Afghan National Police.

As you can see they are a team of Marines, Navy, Air Force and Army personnel. Life in Afghanistan is hard. Re-building in not an easy task, but necessary. As you know, I have a heart for kids and for people. In most cases these kids never get to enjoy playing in a playground or going to an amusement park. In most cases their total life surrounds their home, village and family. There is an aura of hopelessness that encamps so many kids and adults of this country.

This week begins Ramadan, a time of fasting and reflection for most Afghans. I has truly been educational being here, learning about these people, their culture and their country. I just wish it wasn't so hot.....

Kandahar City

Since my last post we have continued to be attacked by enemy rockets, even as I write this post, I had to quit and head to the bunker. As we get closer to Muslim holy month of Ramadan, attacks seem to increase not only here is Southern Afghanistan, but the entire region. The southern region is still run in most parts by Tribal elders. Kandahar City is a large town with a huge Taliban influence. I recently went on a mission to down-town Kandahar to access Afghan Police Communications. This was a very dangerous mission in broad daylight, especially not knowing who or where the enemy might be. Only trusting in your team, your own survival skills and instincts and most of all God. The below picture is of a JPCC (Joint Provincial Coordination Center), which manages the coordination of Police actions and needs for the Kandahar Province. Do you think we can get another antennae on the top of the building?? I am so grateful and honored to be the J-6 for the southern region, my efforts have such an impact on so many US, Coalition and Afghan forces.

The Canadians mann this small outpost. they are dead in the middle of Kandahar City. They are contributing so much to the stability of this country, as well as other nations. The below picture is of an ANP, (Afghan National Police) vehicle that was hit by an RPG, killing several police officers. While we don't hear much about the Afghan loss of life and sacrifice, they are fighting along side US and Coalition forces and in most cases are killed in greater numbers due to the lack of armored protection. In this region IEDs are still the weapon of choice for the Taliban against US and Coalition forces, and RPGs, (rocket propelled grenades) are used during most ambushes on both Afghan and US forces... These are two of the Afghan National Police, as you can see, one of them is quite young, no where near the age of 21. Not all of them wear complete uniforms, so it can be very difficult to distinguish actual Police from the Taliban that stole a uniform. The Taliban rules by fear and intimidation, so as we better equip and train these forces, they become better able to combat these enemy forces. The more that they are able to fight and win against the Taliban increases their confidence, so that they feel able to take care of their own problems and not rely so heavily on the Coalition.

This type of life is common here, they live with it every day. The average police officer makes $75 a month, how do we expect them to not be corrupt.... but it is up to the Afghan government to find ways to improve the pay and the opportunities of their people, but we are assisting them in this endeavor. So you see, this is not a one or two year deal, it takes time.... My heart truly goes out to these people, as they do not know any other way of life. They are so customs and religion guided that change is difficult. As you can see in the picture below, this way of life has been around for hundreds of years, and still prevalent. It is very rare to see a woman in Kandahar that is not fully covered. As you can see in this picture, the husband is being pulled by a donkey, and the wife and child are in a make-shift bucket on wheels. He possibly could have come from miles away, in the above 100 degree temperature. Generally, only the wealthy Afghans have vehicles, so I would assume this man to be a poor farmer.

In the pic below is another Afghan woman, trying to gain permission to enter the Police Headquarters. It is very rare to see a woman alone. So for me, that could have very easily been a man dressed in a burka, so we are always suspicious. This is a very different culture than ours. You see that this Police Station is not too secure, anyone can walk within a cat's hair away from the compound. It is shielded from the street only by a concrete barrier, but very accessible by foot traffic.

Yesterday I attended another ramp ceremony for a fallen US soldier that was killed by a IED. He was 18 years old. It is never easy being there and seeing a soldier being loaded into a plane for his final trip home. It really reminds us the true price of freedom. Our service and sacrifice really stands for something. Everyone of us standing in that formation our hearts went out to the soldier and his family. I ask for your continued prayers and for that of our fallen comrades and their families. I leave you with a picture of one of my cohorts. LTC Blake Storey and myself prior to our trip to Spin B.