3d Cav. Regt. Soldiers chat with Afghan leaders

KHOST PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

09.30.2014

Story by Spc. Erik Warren 

3d Cavalry Regiment Public Affairs Office

KHOST PROVINCE, Afghanistan (Oct. 2, 2014) – Outside of Assistance Platform Clark, within sight of its north eastern border, is the small village of Trakai.

2nd platoon, Apache Troop, 1st “Tiger” Squadron, 3d Cavalry Regiment, along with soldiers form the Afghan National Army 203rd Corps conducted a foot patrol to Trakai Khost province, Afghanistan, Sept. 30, 2014, to speak with local leaders.

“Key leader engagements are a tool that allows the ANA and U.S. to get a feel for the human climate of a location,” said 2nd Lt. Brad Strimel, platoon leader, 2nd Platoon, Apache Troop. “With a KLE, we sit and talk to local leaders, usually local elders, and discuss issues that have been going on that effect them and us mutually.”

Apache Troop did not show up unannounced; they where invited by the elders following a successful visit the last time they entered the village.

“We where invited back because the last time we visited Trakai they were impressed by us,” Strimel continued. “We respected their culture, and we did not act overly aggressive. Our behavior gained favor with them; so they wanted us back.”

“Missions like this where Soldiers get out and talk to local leaders are important to success for the Afghanistan mission,” said a Soldier who only goes by “Freddy,” from 2nd Platoon, B Company, 109th Military Intelligence Battalion, and 201st Battlefield Surveillance Brigade who came along on the visit. “Having a working relationship and communicating with the local populous is an effective way to combat enemies of Afghanistan from infiltrating and controlling populations that would otherwise be friendly.”

The ANA led the mission to the village proving yet again that they are capable of conducting operations when NATO forces move out of Afghanistan.

“Every mission we go on is conducted with the ANA,” said Strimel. “Now, there is about two ANA soldiers for every one of us when we go out. They are very professional, and they do the majority of the work. We have very few issues when we go out on missions. Its important for people to understand that at this point we are able to trust the ANA to get the job done.”

2nd platoon and ANA soldiers walked five miles on a hot day to conduct this meeting and it paid off for all parties involved. The locals where able to voice concerns about their village and the soldiers from both sides got important information.

“With this mission, we improved relations with locals, gathered information on surrounding villages and learned of any enemy influences in the area,” said Strimel. “With the ANA in the lead, the situation here has greatly improved.”

• Date Taken: 09.30.2014
• Date Posted: 10.11.2014 12:03
• Story ID: 144914
• Location: KHOST PROVINCE, AF