PAKTYA PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Bandit Troop commander, Capt. Andrew Coleman, along with 2nd Platoon Bandit Troop, 1st Squadron, 3d Cavalry Regiment, went on a combined mounted and dismounted reconnaissance patrol with the Afghan National Army's 203rd Corps Military Police to the south east of FOB Lightning Aug. 4, 2014.
The purpose of the mission was to meet the ANA soldiers and assess the conditions of the ANA observation posts outside of FOB Lightning That help keep U.S. forces and ANA 203rd Corps soldiers safe from potential attacks. The patrol discovered that all Ops were well-manned with disciplined ANA soldiers throughout.
The mission started at 6:30 a.m. with a linkup between Bandit Troop and the ANA at the range outside of FOB Lightning. The ANA MPs showed up prepared and ready for a mission with U.S. forces.
The ANA MPs were prepared to conduct full dress rehearsals of the U.S. battle drills with 2nd Platoon after displaying a rapid understanding of the plan given by the 1st Lt. Cornely, 2nd Platoon, Bandit Troop.
"These Soldiers were very professional and ready to go out on a combined mission, definitely ready to do it by themselves," stated U.S. Army squad leader, Staff Sgt. Nicholas Belz.
All elements of the patrol mounted their tactical vehicles and moved to the vehicle drop off point upon completion of rehearsals. The troopers then conducted a dismounted movement for 7 km with a rise in altitude of over 1000 feet.
At the end of the patrol both parties thanked each other for the privilege of operating together and hoped for further combined missions.
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