214th FiB security team deploys

By Spc. Steven Bryant, 214th FiB PAOMarch 22, 2012

Deployment ceremony
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT SILL, Okla.-- The 214th Fires Brigade conducted a deployment ceremony for its Security Force Advisory Team March 16 at Rinehart Fitness Center.

The SFAT mission has become more essential in light of recent events in Afghanistan. For the United States to be able to leave the region with any sense of security and confidence in the Afghan government and its ability to lead, newly deploying teams and units must work closely with Afghanistan National Security Forces.

The level of trust required to do this is enormous and has been strained by the accidental Quran-burning earlier this year at Bagram Airfield.

The event served as a sobering reminder to the cost of a decade of war in a foreign land with foreign customs. The United States has learned much over the last 10 years, however, and many view this crucial time between advisory missions and complete independence as the single greatest opportunity to leave a lasting positive impression upon one of the most culturally diverse and tactically significant areas in the Middle East.

The Army realizes the importance of the SFAT mission and future missions. Much time and training has been spent not only updating Soldiers on tactics and weapons systems, but cultural respect.

As a result of this updated and extensive training, Col. Timothy Daugherty, 214th Fires Brigade commander, also known as 'Leader Six' within the SFAT, feels confident in the U.S.'s ability to provide a bright future for a proud population with a historically long memory.

"We are the last and best hope for the Afghan people to get out from under tyranny and oppression … . As leaders, we are dealers in hope and we are going to provide that hope to the people of Afghanistan," he said during his speech at the ceremony.

True to his family and Soldier-oriented leadership style, Daugherty kept his remarks short. All battalions from the 214th Fires Brigade attended the ceremony and were grateful for the opportunity to shake hands with the deploying Soldiers and wish them and their families well.

For the next month, Soldiers comprising the team will make arrangements to be gone by setting up automated finances, ensuring their spouses and children will be taken care of during their absence, and spending as much of their free time as possible with their families.

This personal time is something the Army takes great pride in being able to provide to Soldiers, reinforcing bonds with loved ones and mentally preparing the troops for their arduous mission.