KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – Company C, 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, coupled with the officers of Police Sub Station 15 held a three-day operation designed to improve security and intelligence within Sub District 6 of Kandahar City, Aug. 4-6.
“The enemy really started placing heavy intimidation tactics within the villages of Neyda Muhhamed and Diwatiano,” said Capt. John Intile, the Charlie Company commander. “Our intention for this operation was to go in and secure the populace.”
The three-day/night operation, based out of Police Sub Station 15, included a Female Engagement Team, a Civil Affairs team, military police, snipers and Joint Terminal Attack Controllers.
“The FET and CA teams gained invaluable information,” Intile said.
“We were able to talk to the women of the village and get information about how they really don’t feel safe outside their homes and different illnesses affecting them,” added Sgt. Shanequa Cardona, a FET member with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Bn., 8th Inf. Reg.
After each day’s operation, the elements came together and exchanged information gathered.
The debriefs were very important because the information gained from other elements allowed the adjustment of approach in the next day’s operation, said Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Stockpole, a civil affairs team leader with 489th Civil Affairs Battalion, attached to 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div.
Soldiers and Afghan Uniformed Police strengthened relationships by working and living together for an uninterrupted 72 hours.
By being able to live together during this operation, the level of understanding has grown between the soldiers and AUP, Intile said.
“I’m grateful for this opportunity to provide support for the soldiers, my brothers,” said Col. Abdul Cadeare, the commander of PSS15.
In culmination of the events, the AUP handed out humanitarian aid in the form of flour, rice, beans and oil to the villagers. That evening, a dinner was held for the village leaders and elders.
The dinner was important because it identified who a lot of the key leaders were and was a good way for them to all interact, Intile said.
“It’s too early to say exactly how successful this mission was, but so far, we think we got good results,” Intile said.
Cadeare emphasized, “This experience has been very good for all the people involved.”