By the International Security Assistance Force
KABUL, Afghanistan — The 2nd Battalion, 2nd Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, has been placed under the operational control of Brig. Gen. Denis Thompson, Task Force Kandahar commander, by the Commander of Regional Command-South. 2-2 was declared ready for operations and assumed responsibility for their designated area of operations in Kandahar province, Aug. 27, 2008.
The arrival of 2-2 in Kandahar province represents an augmentation of troops. They will be used to improve the security situation so reconstruction, development and good governance can take place, and so the everyday lives of the local population can be improved.
"The addition of 2-2 Infantry to our team will have a real impact on the insurgency and on the overall security picture here," said Brig. Gen. Denis Thompson, who commands the International Security Assistance Force task force operating in Kandahar province.
The battalion will work closely with Afghan leaders and security forces to disrupt insurgent activity. The improvement of security in the area will then allow for more development and governance work to occur. All of this should serve to increase the local population's confidence in their government and make it easier for the people to reject the insurgency.
"Our mission is to bring enduring security to Maywand District," said Lt. Col Daniel Hurlbut, commanding officer of 2-2 Infantry. "We are speaking with key leaders and the people of Maywand District to ensure we are respectful of their plans for the future of the area, and we are enlisting their support to ensure our security operations are a success," he said.
"2-2 Infantry are a well-trained and professional force, who are up to this challenge," Thompson said. "I am confident that they will be successful in further disrupting and isolating the insurgents from the local population as they work alongside Afghan security forces to improve the lives of Afghans."