Paratroopers come together to accomplish mission

Photo By Pfc. Andrya Hill | U.S. Army 1st Lt. Matthew Asmus, platoon leader for 2nd Platoon, Headquarters Battery,...... read more read more

Photo By Pfc. Andrya Hill | U.S. Army 1st Lt. Matthew Asmus, platoon leader for 2nd Platoon, Headquarters Battery, 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division leads his men to clear the courtyard of a kala, May 13, in the Sabari District of the Khost province in eastern Afghanistan.  see less | View Image Page

KHOST, AFGHANISTAN

05.18.2009

Story by Pfc. Andrya Hill 

2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division Public Affairs

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FORWARD OPERATING BASE SALERNO, Afghanistan — Throughout history, Soldiers have been required to adapt to unique environments and missions. For Paratroopers from 2nd Platoon, Headquarters Battery, 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division is no different.

"Our mission here is that of a maneuver infantry mission. Most of my Soldiers do not have maneuver or an infantryman military occupational specialty, but they have actually done very well learning the maneuver job," said platoon leader, 1st Lt. Matthew Asmus. "I've been really impressed,"

Facing the challenges of acclimating to the skill set required for an Infantrymen specialty became a necessity for every Soldier in 2nd Platoon upon arrival to Afghanistan.

"They have learned to adapt. They have been able to pick up the infantryman way of thinking, because they are placed in that position," said platoon sergeant, Sgt. 1st Class Adam Chacon.

The Soldiers have had to depend on one another to teach and guide them in the ways of the infantry.

"Our forward observers, cooks, mechanics, no matter what their MOS is, everybody is working as though they are infantrymen, even though that may not be their job title. It works because they are not scared to say they don't know how to do something, instead, they'll go to somebody who may. Our platoon feels confident in each other. We put personal pride aside and say 'Hey, I need help with this,'" said Pfc. Samuel Wood an infantryman with 2nd Platoon.

Due to their determination to accomplish each mission, the platoon has pulled together as a team, making sacrifices and overcoming obstacles to fulfill a vital role on the front line.

"We try to compensate and we prepare ahead of time. There are a few sacrifices, such as sleeping, but it seems to be a very dexterous platoon. Every Soldier here has been able to adapt to the environment, to become a combatant when its time to be a combatant," said Wood.

The Soldiers unanimously agree that their Platoon's strength can be directly attributed to their leadership, but also to their comrades that fight alongside them.

"It has a lot to do with our leaders, being so devoted to making sure we are as perfect as we can be. We have really good leadership. Each of them has their own highlighted points, but a lot of these higher ranking guys out here listen, said Pfc. Christopher Kaiser, a forward observer with 2nd Platoon.

They take into account what somebody else might have in their mind or what they see, and down to the smallest ranking guy, they listen to what knowledge he has," Kaiser added.

In addition to the role of an Infantryman, each paratrooper has acquired a unique skill set; that of positive interaction with the local's of the area, an essential tool in the counterinsurgency practices used in Operation Enduring Freedom.

"The leadership has all done their part to assure what kind of attitudes are going to win this war and the hearts and minds of the people. We have put that out to the Soldiers, but really, they see through example. They see the leaders interacting in a friendly way trying to gain the trust of the population and the Soldiers follow their example," said Asmus.

The Soldiers concur, and said that their leadership insists on motivation to demonstrate their friendly intent to the residents of the surrounding communities.

"Our platoon leader loves to get involved with people, with the elders, and he wants the women to feel like they are equal. He tries to instill that mindset into the Soldiers," said Wood.

The balance between Infantryman and delicate local interaction has been handled exceptionally well by the members of 2nd Platoon.

"They never lose their bearing. They keep a cool head and keep their situational awareness, but at the same time they are still able to interact nicely. That is what we've tried to put out. We have to in this area, otherwise we're never going to get smiles," said Asmus.

The Soldiers have grown to appreciate the local Afghans, their culture, and the distinctive opportunities these interactions provide.

"It is actually exciting to interact with another culture, to be able to say 'Hey, we care about you and we aren't here to just shoot everyone.' On top of that, this is a learning process, and it's great to interact, and learn about the culture," said Wood.

Regardless of job title or description, 2nd Platoon has formed an intimidating team capable of sustaining combat and counterinsurgency operations, which has developed into a rare cohesion and trust that surpasses historical unit standards.

"This is definitely a group of guys that I can trust. I know they are going to get the job done without any question, and everybody has adjusted really well," said Kaiser.