KUNAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan (Dec. 31, 2013) -- What happens to a unit when they've completed their mission? They get another one.
Recently, the members of the 101st Airborne Division's historic Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, received their new mission after successfully completing everything that was asked of them while they were operating in the Khost province of Afghanistan.
That new mission is helping to facilitate Security Force Advise and Assist Teams, or SFAATs, in Regional Command-East, north of Kabul, for the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Task Force Patriot.
To accomplish this mission, Easy Company sent one platoon to Forward Operating Base, or FOB, Gamberi, one to FOB Fenty, and one to FOB Wright. Thier last platoon went south of Kabul to assist the 3rd Brigade, 10th Mtn. Div.
"This mission has really gone well," said Lt. Col. Scott Kirkpatrick, commander, 2nd Bn. "Specifically from a military intelligence, signal, and logistics perspective, we've met all of the primary criteria."
Easy Company will be helping 4th Brigade in their efforts to turn the Afghan National Security Forces, or ANSF, into an efficient, fully self-sustaining fighting force, for the remainder of their deployment.
"[The] 4th Brigade has been very heavy on ANSF development throughout their entire tour here. I think our ability to come up here and just enhance that really [takes] it to the next level. They already had the ball moving well in the right direction and we're just helping push it a little bit harder," said Kirkpatrick.
At FOB Wright, 1st platoon says even though they're separated from the rest of their unit, finishing their mission won't be an issue.
"We've spent the majority of our deployment on our own and my guys have shown the maturity to be able to handle being away from [the rest of the unit], working with other units and keeping that pride and professionalism to be able to do that," said 1st Lt. James Kromhout, platoon leader, 1st platoon, Easy Company.
The Soldiers say that pride is a big part of their organization, now famously known as the Band of Brothers, and that it only serves to aid them in their mission.
"That's a huge blessing, to have such a rich history to pull from," said Kromhout. "I think having a high esprit de corps and a strong history behind you enables you to train and teach that Soldier that it's not just about him so that he understands he's part of something bigger and he can reach back and touch that."
While assisting the SFAATs, Easy Company is also preparing for the next chapter in its illustrious story. When the unit returns to the states it will be one of many re-flagged and re-purposed to different units. Easy Company and it's battalion will move from the 4th Brigade of the 101st, to the 3rd Brigade, where they will continue their story.
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