LOGAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – On a frigid, wind-whipped hilltop, troops perched in sandbag-improved fighting positions while diligently scanning their sectors, providing overwatch for their fellow soldiers and Afghan National Security Forces clearing the village below in Kharwar District Jan. 11.
Soldiers assigned to Company D, 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Task Force Storm, and ANSF conducted a two-day foot patrol to establish a stronger Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan presence in the district.
The mission came to fruition after Logar Provincial Gov. Attiqullah Lodin dictated the goals and timeframe to the ANSF.
“Our mission was to provide security for the [Afghan National Army] and [Afghan National Police] as they conducted clearing operations in Musakhen and Sheykan,” said U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Glen D. Pegher, Co. D platoon leader.
Afghan forces have visited areas within the vast rural district in the past.
“We needed to clear suspected enemy caches and wanted to meet the populace in towns we have not visited frequently,” said U.S. Army Capt. Andrew J. Stahura, Co. D’s commander. “One town visited is a key area for insurgents.”
The ANSF have continued to progress in their military proficiency.
“They [ANSF] are now coordinating missions and working with the district subgovernor to visit towns that haven’t been visited for six months to a year,” said Stahura, who is from Butler, Pa.
During this mission the ANSF recovered two weapons caches and detained four suspects.
“Our company was able to achieve all of its goals, and we were able to take tools of terror off the street,” said Pegher, a native of Mars, Pa.