KABUL, Afghanistan - With the ceremonial uncasing of the 3rd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, colors embellished with streamers representing service in every major American campaign since the War of 1812, "Task Force Warrior" assumed the Afghan training and advisory mission of the 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, ("Triple Deuce") 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Dec. 11.
Held at Kabul Military Training Center, where 20,000 recruits train annually to become soldiers in the Afghan National Army, the ceremony was attended by personnel from the Afghan National Army and coalition countries supporting NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan, including the United States, Britain, Turkey, Australia, France, Greece and Poland.
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Gary S. Patton, NTM-A, deputy commander-Army, said the mission that the warriors of 3rd Bn.-4th Inf. Regt. are undertaking is critical to the future security of Afghanistan. The 3-4 is from Baumholder, Germany.
"It is a mission that relies on building up training systems instead of putting up checkpoints; of training Afghan trainers instead of patrolling with Afghan platoons; and of training young Afghan recruits instead of hunting down Taliban terrorists," Patton said.
"Task Force Warrior" will advise the ANA at 10 locations throughout Afghanistan, helping Afghan soldiers continue to take greater responsibility in ensuring peace and stability for their country.
"I challenge each Soldier in formation today to be a positive role model for your Afghan counterparts - to stand out as an example of a professional Soldier, in every position, at every rank," Patton said.
Like the 3-4, the "Triple Deuce" has participated in campaigns ranging from the War of 1812 to the Civil War, both World Wars, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Recently, the 2-22 was honored with a Meritorious Unit Commendation for the successful completion of the mission that 3-4 is about to undertake.
During its tenure with NTM-A, the "Triple Deuce" helped the ANA meet its 2010 growth goals three months early, with more than 1,600 Afghan officers and noncommissioned officers completing the Train the Trainer program. In addition, ANA marksmanship qualification grew from 30 percent to over 90 percent.
Lt. Col. Michael Loos served as Kabul Advisory Group commander for the "Triple Deuce". He said the unit's success would not have been possible without the support of its Afghan partners and the multinational training team of 650 personnel from 10 different countries.
"We have seen an unsurpassed level of cooperation and teamwork between the advisor group and the Kabul Military Training Center - truly indicative of the professionalism and vision of the KMTC leadership, led by Brigadier General [Amlaqullah] Patyani," Loos said. "I am very conscious that every success had to be first embraced by General Patyani and his team - necessitating tremendous trust and confidence in their coalition counterparts."
For his part, Patyani said the continued improvements in the quality and quantity of Afghan soldiers have resonated throughout the country.
"Today, the people of Afghanistan are so thankful to the Afghan National Army and send their thanks to the ANA by being volunteers," he said.
Lt. Col. Dan Kelley of the 3-4 said his warriors are looking forward to their partnership with Brig. Gen. Patyani and the ANA.
"The Soldiers of 'Task Force Warrior' are proud to take on this critically important mission, working shoulder to shoulder with our superb Afghan National Army counterparts in order to continue training quality Afghan Soldiers and leaders," he said.
Social Sharing