FORWARD OPERATING BASE SHARANA, Afghanistan -- Several hundred Jordanian troops have volunteered to protect Forward Operating Base Sharana, Afghanistan, keeping the perimeter safe so U.S. and Afghan Soldiers can execute their missions in a more secure environment.
Jordanian soldiers volunteer for many reasons, but Jordanian Army Sergeant of the Guard Abdullah M. Al-Habahbeh has specific reasons why he serves.
"I wanted to be part of a group that helps to fight for freedom and that prevents terrorism," Al-Habahbeh said.
Not all Jordanian soldiers are combat arms. Many come from other specialties, such as armor, air defense, artillery, communications, infantry and cooks, to fill their ranks.
The differences in job fields do not block or break down the open communications that have been established between the two armies.
"Whenever there are issues, we let each other know and we find a solution together," said Al-Habahbeh.
Staff Sgt. Miguel Carcamo, SOG for A Company, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (LI), 2nd Security Forces Assistance Brigade, proudly speaks of his close working relationship with the Jordanian soldiers.
"We are always together, we eat together, we do everything together," Carcamo said.
The Jordanian military is one piece of the larger picture. The International Security Assistance Force is composed of 49 different nations, including the U.S. and Jordan.
The Jordanian mission on FOB Sharana builds into the greater ISAF mission, which is to assist the Afghan government in establishing a secure and stable environment.
By helping guard FOB Sharana, the Jordanians allow U.S. advisers and Afghan National Security Forces the freedom of maneuver needed to secure the country.
Without the Jordanians manning the towers, U.S. Soldiers would have to fill that role. Their hard work and dedication helps to not only keep coalition forces, Afghans and contractors safe on the FOB, but also allows the forces stationed here to dedicate more effort towards their mission.
(Brooks serves with 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (LI), 2nd Security Forces Assistance Brigade.)
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