A reduced presence does not equal a reduced commitment

Courtesy Photo | Two soldiers providing security for the expeditionary advisory package to Forward Operating Base Thunder prepare to board a Chinook Helicopter for their trip back home. The 3d Cavalry Regiment conducted security at a “cold base” or base unoccupied by Coalition Forces Dec. 8-10, 2014 so advisors could safely discuss issues with their Afgan counterparts. (U.S. Army photo taken by Maj. Vance Trenkel) (Released)  

GARDEZ AFGHANISTAN, AFGHANISTAN

12.10.2014

Story by Maj. Vance Trenkel 

3d Cavalry Regiment Public Affairs Office

PAKTYA PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Two months after the closing of Forward Operating Base Lighting in Paktya province, collocated with the Afghan National Army’s 203rd Corps, the 3d Cavalry Regiment and Train, Advise, Assist Command - East leadership returned on an expeditionary advisory package to physically check in with their old Afghan counterparts.

TAAC-E Commander Brig. Gen. Christopher Bentley met with Maj. Gen. Youseff Yaftali, 201st ANA Corps Commander. Col. Cameron Cantlon, who was previously collocated with Yaftali had a chance to catch up on projects and current mission campaigns. Air Force Brig. Gen Michael Rothstien, NATO Air Command Command General discussed the soon-to-be completed forward area refuelling point. Marine Brig. Gen. Paul Lebedine, was also there to discuss the future advise and assist cell that is standing up in Kabul.

“I enjoy the three-day visits. It allows us to reconnect with our senior leaders we advise,” said Cantlon. He also mentioned, “face-to-face interaction is important to remain a high level of rapport with our counterparts.”

The 3d Cavarly Regiment provided security and advisors for the event. Almost all the advisors that came on the expedition had previously been partnered with an Afghan counterpart from the 203rd Corps previously. The 3d Cavalry Regiment is now located in North East Afghanistan conducting daily advising with another ANA Corps. They had to fly about 100 miles south to meet with their 203rd counterparts.

“It is so much colder than the last time we were here,” said Maj. Mike Provencher, one of the lead advisors from the 3d Cavalry Regiment. The tempatures were down around zero degrees in the mountainous environment of south east Afghanistan. The 203rd Corps sits at about 7800 feet above sea level.

“It is truly an honor to be working with the 203rd Corps. The last time I was here was 2009 and it is simply amazing to see the growth and advancement of the Afghan National Army,” said Bently to Yaftali.

The EAP’s will happen less and less as time goes on. Rear Admiral John Kirby, The Pentagon Press Secretary, recently visited eastern Afghanistan. He stated, “the Advisors are quickly working themselves out of a job as the ANSF gets more capable.”

• Date Taken: 12.10.2014
• Date Posted: 12.13.2014 04:18
• Story ID: 150251
• Location: GARDEZ AFGHANISTAN, AF
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