2nd Brigade support battalions start nine-month mission in Paktika

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division Public Affairs
Story by Sgt. Mark Moore

Date: 02.16.2013
Posted: 02.17.2013 08:40
News ID: 102143

FORWARD OPERATING BASE SHARANA, Afghanistan – Three task forces assigned to 2/10 Security Forces Assistance Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, held transfer of authority ceremonies at Forward Operating Base Sharana and FOB Rushmore Feb. 10, 11 and12.

Task Force “Allons,” 2/15th Field Artillery Regiment and Task Force “Providers,” 210th Brigade Support Battalion uncased their unit colors at FOB Sharana’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation Center, Feb. 10 and 11. Task Force “Gladiators,” 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion uncased their colors at FOB Rushmore Feb. 12.

The transfers of authority marked the beginning of each units’ role in support of 2/10 SFAB’s mission to advise and assist their Afghan counterparts in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

TF “Allons” assumed authority Feb. 10, from the 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery Regiment “Proud Americans,” 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division.

The commander of TF “Allons,” Lt. Col. Christopher Wendland, was pleased with the transfer and praised the Proud Americans after the ceremony.

“The transfer of authority between TF ‘Allons’ and 2/32nd FA was extremely smooth,” said Wendland. “The Proud Americans did a great job transferring everything over to us.”

TF “Providers” assumed authority on Feb. 11, from the 701st Brigade Support Battalion, 4th IBCT, 1st Inf. Div.

The “Providers” commander, Lt. Col. James Cotter, acknowledged that their mission over the next nine months would be challenging.

“We have a very challenging mission over the next nine months, but the soldiers are well trained and extremely motivated to accomplish it,” said Cotter. “I know with the leaders we have, and the talented soldiers working towards the same goal, we will be successful.”

Task Force “Gladiators” assumed authority Feb. 13 from 4th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th IBCT, 1st Inf. Div.

The governor of Paktika province, closed the “Gladiators” ceremony with words of continued continuity and a strong sense of hope for the Afghan people.

“The Afghan forces are ready to protect their country, their families and their society, there is no doubt in that,” said Muhebulla Samim, governor of Paktika Province. “This is a direct result of our combined support.”

“We will continue to work together with the new Task Forces in Paktika and Ghazni provinces, if you have any problems, I will work with you to sort them out,” Gov. Samim concluded.