PAKTIYA PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Amidst a week full of ceremonies where smaller squadrons have relieved a brigade element of the 10th Mountain Division, the 3rd Cavalry Regiment arrived in Afghanistan and replaced the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) in Regional Command -- East, Afghanistan. 3rd Cav. Regt. has been tasked with the responsibility to train, advise and assist the Afghan National Security Forces and NATO base closures within its area of operation.
Col. Cameron Cantlon, 3rd Cav. Regt. commander, took responsibility of Train, Advise, Assist Command-Southeast July 19 from Col. Samuel Whitehurst, 3rd BCT's commander. 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 say the regiment will fight where it's told and win 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," Cantlon said. "It sets a precedent that we will never forget, the friendship of 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 more than 2,000 Soldiers will operate.
The troopers of 3rd Cav. Regt. have prepared for this critical mission over many months by conducting training at Fort Hood 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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