Task Force Talon snipers a valuable asset

Courtesy Photo | Sgt. Joshua Jones, a sniper with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, scans his sector for possible threats. When intelligence is received that suggests a possible attack, the snipers are always ready to scan potential enemy attack positions for possible threats, said Staff Sgt. Shawn Young, sniper section leader for 2nd Bn., 8th Inf. Regt. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Daniel Bustamante)  

KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN

07.28.2011

Story by Spc. April York 

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, have been conducting extensive partnered security operations with Afghan National Security Forces in western Kandahar City over the past month to disrupt and destroy Taliban networks and secure the population.

A vital enabler to these missions has been Headquarters and Headquarters Company’s sniper team. These operations have included everything from human terrain mapping to large-scale clearance operations.

“The snipers who are uniquely equipped and expertly trained, have been pushed out several times to support these missions and have provided a reassuringly watchful eye over the soldiers and ANSF partners, not to mention the unsuspecting enemy,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Shawn Alvarado, command sergeant major for 2nd Bn., 8th Inf. Reg.

The snipers have been critical to the Task Force Talon partnered patrols as they are able to identify suspicious activity and report it to the unit on the ground.

They are armed to engage and destroy any enemy targets once they have positive identification and the snipers can engage these threats from a great distance and a well concealed position, said Capt. Daniel Bustamante, human resources officer for 2nd Bn., 8th Inf. Reg.

Not only have the snipers been a great asset on patrols, but they are a force protection measure for soldiers working and resting on Afghan National Civil Order Police Headquarters.

When intelligence is received that suggests a possible attack, the snipers are always ready to scan potential enemy attack positions for threats, said Staff Sgt. Shawn Young, sniper section leader for 2nd Bn., 8th Inf. Reg.

“The sniper team has been a true combat multiplier that helps ensure patrols are always able to take the fight to the enemy, secure the population and move forward,” said Alvarado.

• Date Taken: 07.28.2011
• Date Posted: 07.28.2011 10:57
• Story ID: 74454
• Location: KANDAHAR, AF