1-182nd Infantry Battalion’s leadership visits PRT Farah, fellow soldiers

FORWARD OPERATING BASE FARAH, AFGHANISTAN

10.02.2011

Story by 1st Lt. Mark Graff 

Provincial Reconstruction Team Farah

FORWARD OPERATING BASE FARAH, Afghanistan – 1-182nd Infantry Battalion Commander, Lt. Col. Thomas Stewart, and Command Sgt. Maj. Greg Widberg visited 1-182nd soldiers assigned as Provincial Reconstruction Team Farah’s security force here recently. Members of the Army National Guard unit, based out of Braintree, Mass., are deployed to Afghanistan for nine months.

“Our plan is to get to every PRT throughout the deployment. This is our second trip,” said Stewart. Stewart and Widberg conduct the trips to maintain strong ties to the infantry platoons assigned to reconstruction teams in a dozen Afghan provinces. Of all 1-182nd soldiers in Afghanistan, those normally part of Charlie Company but now serving in Farah Province are farthest west.

Throughout the visits, much of their focus is on tactical operations. Soldiers assigned to PRTs provide security and transportation for outside-the-wire missions in places like Farah province, a little-known, though still dangerous, combat zone. It’s typical for the command team to accompany their soldiers on a mission while visiting.

Detailing how ongoing training improves tactical prowess, Stewart said, “If you go an entire deployment and you don’t see enemy contact until your eighth month, how sharp are you really going to be at that point? So, the cyclic training program, it makes sure that you do stay sharp.”

Some members of the 1-182nd have performed with valor in combat situations already, and their excellent performance is “a true testament to the young leadership … They’ve really proven their salt out here,” said Widberg.

Fostering communication and conducting administrative business, such as ensuring young soldiers are on track for promotion, are key elements to be addressed.

“We do a combined commander’s and sergeant major’s call, formally. I’ll talk about some of the administrative things. I’ll get with the NCOs later and say ‘listen, we need to follow up on this sort of thing,’” said Widberg.

PRTs are commanded by either a U.S. Navy or Air Force “O-5s”, or commanders and lieutenant colonels, respectively. PRT Farah commander, U.S. Navy Cmdr. Shane Voudren, from Turner’s Falls, Mass., said developing strong relationships with 1-182nd leadership is crucial.

“The security force soldiers work for the PRT, but they still technically belong to the 182nd, so it’s really important for the commanders to have a solid relationship,” said Voudren.

Upon redeployment and returning to their families, the soldiers will formally come back under the command of the 1-182nd.

Stewart and Widberg understand the significance of family support and communication during deployments - topics they emphasized while at FOB Farah.

“This deployment isn’t just our deployment. It’s also the family members’ deployment. I would encourage family members to get involved with their family support groups … so that they can make it through this time,” said Stewart.

The current rotation of American-led provincial reconstruction teams in Afghanistan took over from their predecessors in June 2011.

Provincial Reconstruction Team Farah’s mission is to support economic development and effective governance at the municipal, district and provincial level in Farah Province in order to enhance the Afghanistan government's legitimacy and its ability to provide basic services to the people to Farah.

• Date Taken: 10.02.2011
• Date Posted: 10.16.2011 01:39
• Story ID: 78557
• Location: FORWARD OPERATING BASE FARAH, AF