CAMP MABRY, Texas -- An element of Soldiers from the Texas Army National Guard and 36th Infantry Division, part of "Task Force Arrowhead" in Afghanistan, are blazing a new trail for Army National Guard Divisions and how they support contingency operations. This small group of less than 50 Soldiers is providing critical intelligence analysis, production, and translation support to the Train, Advise and Assist Command-South (TAAC-S) in southern Afghanistan, but they are doing it from over 8,000 miles away in their home station Intelligence Reach Operations facility in Austin, Texas. This capability enables the forward deployed TAAC-S headquarters with enhanced intelligence support while meeting U.S. Central Command and National troop level restrictions.
In early 2016, the 36ID IROC conducted premobilization training and coordination with the 7th Infantry Division, located at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. This partnership embodied best practices concurrent with the Army Total Force policy. The 7ID Intelligence Reach-back element began conveyance of lessons learned, common tactics and procedures over five months prior to the 36ID transfer of authority for the TAAC-S mission.
"In 13 years of service, I have never worked with a more professional, inviting and supportive relationship between the Texas Army National Guard and any active-component unit," said Cpt. John Hahn, 36ID IROC Commander after the transition of mission from 7ID to 36ID. "Soldiers from the 109th (Military Intelligence Battalion) and the 201st (Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade) enabled an efficient transition, above and beyond my expectations."
After completing the transition with 7ID, the 36ID IROC quickly gained momentum and throughout the first iteration of Task Force Arrowhead, the 36ID IROC has increased production of intelligence products by 89%. This increase directly correlates to the high demand from the mission requirements as well as the ability of the 36ID IROC Soldiers to expand on the efforts and achievements of the 7th Infantry Division Intelligence Reach. One vital strength displayed by each of these Intelligence Reach elements, is the dedication to the Total Force concept, exemplified by preparing the next Division HQ for success.
"As an advisor, we needed time to prepare tactically and technically for meetings with our Afghan counterparts. We never had enough time to research information on enemy actions, significant population or environmental effects changing around us daily. An Intelligence Reach element provides that invaluable resource of time, unthreatened by daily events, to explore and analyze and pass to us, the products needed for our job," said Chief Warrant Officer Chris Bolliger, on the value added from his experience as a security force advisor.
In response to fewer Soldiers deployed to Afghanistan, the demand for both quantity and quality of intelligence production from a reach-back element is paramount to overseas operations. The Afghan National Defense Security Forces remain a constant focus for improving stability and overall effectiveness of governance within southern Afghanistan.
"Cpt. Hahn and his team of MI professionals are serving a critical function in the success of intelligence efforts in the TAAC-S area of operation. Their expertise and insight, in collaboration with the analysts in Afghanistan, allows for overlapping efforts in pursuit of intelligence dominance for the Resolute Support mission, "said COL Daniel J. Quick, the Chief of Staff for the TAAC-S in Afghanistan. "Many of the 36ID IROC team are veterans of Afghanistan, while others bring a fresh perspective to the enterprise, challenging preconceived notions and allowing a unique analysis of enemy activities in the region. Initially supported by subject matter experts from the 201st EMIB and 7ID at JBLM, the 36ID IROC personnel have expanded their capabilities and expertise through extensive training and mission execution".
Recently, 36th Infantry Division sent their second group to lead the TAAC-S headquarters in Afghanistan. Later this year, the 36ID will transition both the TAAC-S HQ mission and the IROC to the 40th Infantry Division in the California Army National Guard. Members of both Division headquarters have already initiated transition coordination to ensure a seamless transfer of responsibility once 40ID assumes the mission.
"Key work and capability build for the facility in California is well underway, "says Lt. Col. Jason Dickerman the Forces Command G2 Plans Officer. "The partnership between FORSCOM, ARNG and INSCOM has really demonstrated the power of the Total Army Force. The 36ID has set a standard for follow-on rotations, but the 40ID in California is up to the challenge and is committed to the mission; their Soldiers are excited to get to work!"
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