Rakkasans take the reins

KHOST, AFGHANISTAN

02.25.2010

Story by Pfc. Christopher McKenna 

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO

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KHOST PROVINCE, Afghanistan — After eight years, the Soldiers of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) have returned to Afghanistan.

The Soldiers of the Rakkasan Brigade, who only a year ago were returning from Iraq, officially assumed responsibility for the Khost, Paktika and Paktya provinces during a brief ceremony with members of the outgoing 4th Brigade, 25th Infantry Division at Forward Operating Base Salerno, Khost province, Feb. 24.

This marks the fifth combat deployment for the Rakkasans since the start of the Global War on Terror.

"This is a proud day for the Rakkasans as we add a chapter to our historic legacy," said U.S. Army Col. Viet Luong, commander of 3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. "We are very fortunate to be following the footsteps of the magnificent Task Force Yukon, who in the last year have made significant impact in security, development and governance in [Paktiya, Paktika and Khost]."

The Soldiers of the 4th BCT, 25th Inf. Div. helped improve the agriculture, infrastructure and health of the area, and improved compassion and capability of the Afghan National Security Forces they were partnered with, said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti, commander of Combined Joint Task Force-82 and Regional Command-East.

The 4-25th Soldiers supported an increase of nearly 8,000 Afghan service members during their tenure, helped get more than 200 miles of road paved and approved the development of numerous education centers and agricultural projects.

"Though much has been done by Task Force Yukon, there is still plenty of work to be done," Scaparrotti said.

Working hand-in-hand with the Afghan forces, the Rakkasans will continue where Task Force Yukon left off.

"It's a tremendous comfort for me to know that everything Task Force Yukon worked so hard for with be taken care of by the Rakkasans," said U.S. Army Col. Michael Howard, 4th BCT, 25th Inf. Div. commander. "Our Afghan partners have already been embraced by the Rakkasans."

Howard said that the differences between when he was in Afghanistan in 2003 and over this past year are amazing.

"In my first tour in Afghanistan, U.S. infantry patrolled almost always without Afghan partners. In 2009 our Afghan partners are starting to patrol without coalition," he said.

Howard said the Army has sent one of the most combat experienced brigades to accomplish the coming mission in the Paktiya, Paktika and Khost provinces, as is evident with the Rakkasans 28 combat streamers on their guide-on.

"There is no doubt in my mind that the Army has sent the very best they have to offer," Howard said.

All but three of the brigade's subordinate battalions have taken over military operations in their respective areas.

"These are exciting times and I am honored to assist you in helping write this chapter in Afghan history," Luong said. "Task Force Rakkasan will share your love for this nation and its people."