PAKTIYA PROVINCE, Afghanistan - The week has been full of ceremonies where the smaller squadrons have relieved the 10th Mountain Brigade.
The 3rd Cavalry Regiment has arrived in Afghanistan and replaced the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), in Regional Command-East, Afghanistan, and has been tasked with the responsibility to train, advice and assist the Afghan National Security Forces and NATO base closures within its area of operation.
On July 18, 2014, Col. Cameron Cantlon, 3d Cav. Regt. commander, took responsibility of Train, Advise, Assist Command-Southeast from Col. Samuel Whitehurst, 3rd BCT's comander. The "Brave Rifles" will occupy five forward operating bases spread across eastern Afghanistan.
Sabre, Thunder, Steel and Muleskinner squadrons have all replaced a brigade as they take on the role of advising the Afghan National Army and preparing to close out the NATO presence in this part of Afghanistan.
The mission of advising the Afghan National Security Forces, government and local officials, as NATO forces return to zero, falls on the regiment of "Brave Rifles." The troopers have a moto of "fight where it's told and wins, with honor, where it fights." They will win this fight by readying the Afghans to be self-sufficient, said Capt. Andrew Hummel, regimental day Battle Captain.
"I thank the 203rd Corps for hosting this event," said Cantlon. "It sets a precedent that we will never forget, the friendship and all the Afghans National Security Forces. The five provinces we are living in have a rich history and it is an honor to serve with the Afghan National Army and amongst the people from this area."
RC-East is a mountainous region that shares its eastern border with Pakistan. The arid land includes the provinces of Ghazni, Khost, Logar, Paktica, Paktiya and Wardak that the more than 2,000 troopers will operate.
The troopers of 3d Cav. Regt. have prepared for this critical mission over many months by conducting training at Fort Hood, Texas, by attending the Security Force Assistance Academy in Fort Polk, Louisiana, and by its tour at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California. While at NTC, the Security Force Advise and Assist Teams honed their skills of interacting and advising with ANA role-players in scenarios they might experience in Afghanistan during their deployment.
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