Final edition of the durable dispatch compressed version

DurableDispatch
Special Troops Battalion completes
diverse mission to support U.S. &
Coalition Forces
* 280 Soldiers will return to Fort Riley, Kan. in the coming days, after a 9
month deployment to Afghanistan.
‘Durable’ Brigade welcomes 6 to
the Sgt. Audie Murphy Club
* Soldiers partake in a series of events evaluating them on their abilities to
perform warrior tasks and their leadership styles
Task Force Reliable; diverse
mission, diverse training
* Leaders engage in practical exercises to gain a better understanding of air
drop and postal operations
Want to see more photos of DURABLE Troops? Check
out the 1st Sustainment Brigade’s Facebook page at:
www.facebook.com/1stSustBde

Durables dialogue
As the days in theater for Task Force Durable come to a close, our
Soldiers remain as committed as ever to providing the best sustain-
ment and retrograde support to the thousands of Service Members
and Coalition Forces spread throughout eastern and northern
Afghanistan. As I have said on many occasions, the Soldiers, Sail-
ors and Airmen of TF Durable are dedicated professionals whose
contributions have been recognized at the highest levels.
In March TF Durable hosted several personnel from the 101st
Sustainment Brigade for their Leaders’ Recon and Staff Embed.
During this time the 101st Sust. Bde. leaders and staff were fully in-
tegrated into the daily operations of TF Durable allowing them to
gain a better understanding of current and future operations and
processes. The knowledge gained was then used to help the 101st
Sust. Bde. better train and prepare for the day they take over sus-
tainment and retrograde operations. As we move into the transi-
tion I have challenged our Soldiers to set processes and procedures
in place so that the 101st Sustainment Brigade is better than we
were when we took over operations. I have no doubt the Soldiers
of TF Durable are up to this challenge and will do all they can to
ensure the 101st Sust. Bde team is postured for success immediately
on arrival to Afghanistan.
With the advance party of the 101st Sust. Bde. on the ground we
move into the final stage of our deployment and the Soldiers of TF
Durable are once again proving they are the best at what they do.
These final days of the deployment can be very hectic and stressful
as Soldiers work to ensure their counterpart is prepared to take
over the mission as well as prepare themselves for the transition
of going home. It won’t be easy and there will be some long days
ahead but I know our Soldiers will manage with ease.
To our Durable Families and friends, I cannot thank you enough
for your unwavering support of our Soldiers. Your support has
been a cornerstone of the great success we have had while con-
ducting operations throughout this deployment. Although we
have missed many births, sports games, dance recitals, birthdays
and graduations, the support you provide to our Soldiers is truly
invaluable. Thank you!
“Always Ready!”
Col. Brian Tempest
Throughout the deployment I have challenged TF Durable Soldiers
to remain focused as if it was still ‘Day 31.’ At ‘Day 31’ Soldiers are
starting to figure things out but are not so far along in the deploy-
ment that they become complacent. Even though we have just a few
weeks left in Afghanistan we are still at ‘Day 31.’ We won’t hit ‘Day
32’ until we have completed the Transfer of Authority and are ready
to get on a plane headed to Fort Riley, Kan.
To the Soldiers of TF Durable, the great successes we have had
throughout this deployment are a direct reflection of your diligence
and determination to provide the best support possible. Your
accomplishments have been recognized and applauded from the
lowest levels all the way to the highest and will positively impact the
Warfighter outside the wire long after you are gone. Well done, but
don’t forget we are not at Day 32 yet.
In these final days we have welcomed Soldiers from the 101st
Sustainment Brigade into our ranks as we prepare to transition
and hand over the mission. Though the days ahead may be long
and frustrating I encourage you to take a moment to remember
the bigger picture. The ultimate goal is to conduct the transition in
such a way that the warfighter outside the wire is unaware we have
departed and the 101st Sust. Bde is able to assume responsibility
with little doubt they are prepared to take on the task.
To our Families and loved ones back home, your continued support
has been absolutely crucial to the success of the TF Durable deploy-
ment. Your support has given our Soldiers peace of mind to allow
them to remain focused on the task at hand and for that I cannot
thank you enough.
“Sustain to Victory!”
Command Sgt. Maj. McCloud
Sustain to Victory

Capt. Kymberly Koenig
Task Force Durable Public Affairs
Audie Murphy became the most decorated Soldier during
World War II. He was awarded 33 awards, to include the Medal
of Honor, the highest military award for bravery. The MOH is
awarded for “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of
his life above and beyond the call of duty.”
During battle, Murphy killed 240 enemy forces while wounding
and capturing many others. He enlisted into the Army as a Private
and quickly rose to the ranks of Staff Sergeant before receiving a
battlefield commission to 2nd Lieutenant.
During the war he was wounded three times while fighting
in 9 major campaigns. Throughout Murphy’s 3 years of active duty
service during WWII he became one of the best combat Soldiers of
all time.
On April 19, 2013 the 1st Sustainment Brigade welcomed
six additional members to the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club. The
6 Noncommissioned Officers went through a series of selection
boards prior to their acceptance into the SAMC.
“We were asked a lot of situation questions that put us
into ethical dilemmas while at the same time tested our knowledge
and discipline of the study material and to see how we are under
pressure,” said Staff Sgt. Stephen Harris, platoon sergeant, 1st
Support Maintenance Company, 1st Sust. Bde.
The Soldiers partook in the two day event at Kandahar Airfield,
Afghanistan where they were evaluated on their abilities to
perform warrior tasks and interviewed regarding Murphy’s life
and their leadership styles explained Staff Sgt. Raju Dhakal, squad
leader, 1st Sust. Bde.
“While studying for the board, I felt like I had a brother I
never met before but knew so much about,” he added.
Harris, a native of El Paso, Tx. said he utilized the
assistance of other Soldiers and their specialties within the unit to
help him prepare for the board. “I would go to the supply section
asking about the Financial Liability Investigation of Property
Loss process or ask the communications section to instruct me on
loading and setting up communication systems.”
Soldiers strive to be a member of the SAMC for a variety of
reasons.
The eight year veteran added, “I originally thought I
didn’t fit the characteristics of a SAMC member. My mentors
explained to me, my leadership style, caring attitude for Soldiers,
discipline and loyalty I displayed to my unit demonstrated that I
was already a SAMC member, just without a medallion.”
“I believe I didn’t have to be a member of the Sergeant Audie
Murphy Club in order to take care of my Soldiers. As a
Noncommissioned Officer in the Army, I am obligated to take care
of my Soldiers,” explained Dhakal. “I want to be part of this club
because this club goes out in the community and represents not
just the Army but the NCO Corps of the Army. I want to educate
Soldiers about the sacrifices that our ancestor made in order to
sustain freedom.”
“The candidates that I was studying with inspired me;
their stories, their knowledge and their expertise,” he added.
Dhakal, a native of Silva, Illinois who has served 9 years
explained,
“The board is about you as a NCO. Go out there and
represent you as a Sergeant in the Army. In my eyes everybody is
a leader with different leadership skills and I think that’s what
this board and award is all about. It recognizes a NCO according
to their ability to lead and train Soldiers and better the Army for
future generations.”
“The Sergeant Audie Murphy Club isn’t just a board and
wearing a medallion, it’s a lifestyle,” added Harris.
The 1st Sustainment Brigade welcomed 6 new Noncommissioned Officers to the
Sgt. Audie Murphy Club Apr. 19, 2013. The Soldiers partook in a two day event
at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan where they were evaluated on their abilities
to perform warrior tasks and interviewed regarding Murphy’s life and leadership
styles. (Photo by U.S. Army Capt. Kymberly Koenig, Task Force Durable Public
Affairs)
‘Durable’ Brigade welcomes 6 to the Sgt. Audie Murphy Club

Sgt. V. Michelle Woods
The Durable Brigade bid farewell to the 396th
Transportation Company and welcomed their replacements, the
1084th Transportation Company during a transfer of authority
ceremony at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan April 27, 2013.
The Louisiana National Guard Unit’s primary mission is to
provide convoy security in addition to transporting supplies.
“Our primary mission here is to provide convoy security
to host nation trucks delivering commodities to various forward
operating bases,” said 1st Sgt. Howard L. Ivory, an Alexandria,
Louisiana native.
Capt. Anthony L. Garrison, 1084th Transportation
Company Commander said his Soldiers were well-trained and
prepared for their mission in Afghanistan.
“We did convoy escort training, weapons qualifications
on several different weapons to include the Common Remotely
Operated Weapon and many culminating training exercises at Ft.
Hood, Texas as well as our home station in Louisiana,” said the 20
year veteran.
“Everything we did was battle-focused,” added Ivory, who
has served for 24 years. “We trained in every aspect of moving out
as a convoy escort team and having those Soldiers work together as
a team so those wrinkles were ironed out prior to getting here.”
The 396th Trans. Co. completed a nine-month deployment
and returned to their home-station at Fort Stewart, Ga. The
outgoing company transferred their authority as well as the
knowledge they gained during their support of Operation Enduring
Freedom.
“It’s been a very smooth transition,” said Garrison. “I
can’t thank Cpt. Raymond Willson and his team enough for laying
everything out and helping us prepare for the mission.”
The 1084th Trans. Co. has a mixture of first time deployers
and combat veterans however the command team said they feel
very confident in their troops’ ability to successfully complete the
mission.
“We do have a lot of young Soldiers,” added Garrison. “We
also have Soldiers with multiple deployments so I’m very confident
that with the mix of experience in the company, we are going to
have a successful deployment,” added Garrison.
The 1084th Transportation Company assumes convoy operations

The Special Troops Battalion, 1st Sustainment Brigade,
1st Infantry Division will return to Fort Riley, Kan. in the
coming days, after a 9 month deployment to Afghanistan. The
diverse ‘Reliable’ Battalion comprised of military police and
quartermaster detachments, ordnance, finance and human
resource companies provided support to U.S. and Coalition Forces,
contractors and civilians throughout Regional Command’s East,
North and Capital.
Lt. Col. Charles Stamm, commander, STB, said the
battalion was responsible for postal, custom and aerial delivery
operations as well as ammunition support.
“Our support to U.S. Forces consisted of providing needed
ammunition, sending and receiving mail and providing funds
for Eagle Cash Cards which allowed Soldiers access to needed
funds. Our Paratroopers rigged parachute bundles of supplies to be
dropped to Soldiers in remote regions, otherwise inaccessible,” he
added.
The unit which deployed in unison with the brigade’s
headquarters experienced the diversity of a sustainment brigade
first hand. The unit which deploys in modularity and gains new
units upon deployment oversaw 7 companies with 7 different
mission sets designed to enable combat operations. The battalion
was comprised of a mixture of active duty, Army Reserve, National
Guard, Air Force and Navy units.
The unit was faced with many challenges during the
deployment due to the continuous changes as they turned over 6
companies and 20 detachments during their 9-months in theater.

“The Soldiers of our Battalion performed remarkably
well despite their own challenges of Force Management cuts. The
Soldiers, faced with a significant mission, rose to the event with
laudable comments from across the theater,” said Command Sgt.
Major Thomas Moore, senior enlisted advisor, STB. “They truly
embodied our motto as ‘Always Reliable.’”
The 28 year veteran from Pittsburgh, Pa. explained, “Over
the years of continuous deployments our Soldiers develop unique
skills to adapt and take on these challenges. By being agile leaders,
adaptive Soldiers contributed to our success. They respond to
challenges that no other force in the world can do.”
‘Reliable’ Soldiers worked to reduce the need of resources
throughout Afghanistan in preparation for the drawdown of forces.
Stamm, a 21 year veteran from Iowa Park, Texas added,
“Whether it was turning in excess equipment, reconsolidating and
reorganizing hundreds of containers full of supplies, decreasing
reliance of civilian contractors, or working to wean Afghanistan
Special Troops Battalion completes diverse mission to support U.S. & Coalition Forces
from the U.S. Dollar to the Afghan Dollar to build their economy,
the ‘Reliable’ Soldiers impact touched thousands of Soldiers during
our deployment.”
The ‘Reliable’ Battalion rigged more than 3,000 air drop
bundles, totaling over 4 million pounds of supplies to forces in
outlying regions. The finance detachments processed 50% of the
financial transactions throughout theater through local national
payouts, deposits and withdrawal transactions. In addition, the
human resource companies processed 10 million pounds of mail
during the holiday season.
During a ceremony just days before leaving theater,
Stamm told the Soldiers, “I want all of you to know that what we
did is important to the Warfighter and that each member of the
team was vitally important to our success.”

After nearly 9 months have passed during a unit’s
deployment, the suspense of returning home to loved ones and the
things missed while being across the world is at the forefront of any
Soldier’s mind. Before a unit is able to board the plane to depart
theater they must go through a series of events to ensure they are
safely preparing to return home.
The 396th Military Police Company, Special Troops
Battalion, Task Force Durable serves as customs agents at Bagram
Airfield, Afghanistan and is responsible for clearing all items and
personnel, to include troops, civilians and contractors returning to
the United States.
“We make sure everything going back to the States is
safe to go back there and nothing is hazardous to people’s safety
or agriculture safety,” explained Spc. Zachary Gardner, customs
inspector, 396th Military Police Co.
During a unit’s last few months in theater as they are
preparing to pack their items in containers to be shipped to their
home station by boat, the Soldiers from the 396th Military Police
Co. must inspect every box and container to prevent contraband
and prohibited items returning with the Soldiers.
Departing theater is a two step operation, explained Sgt.
1st C;ass Robert Anderson, shift supervisor, 396th Military Police
Co. “About two weeks prior to the container’s scheduled departure
the unit makes an appointment to have us inspect the cargo and
containers to be shipped,” he said.
“We look for cleanliness of the container to ensure there
isn’t any dirt or residue,” added Gardner. “We must enforce all
United States Department of Agriculture regulation to ensure that
nothing that could be harmful to the environment is brought back.
In addition, the unit must lay all of their items out to be inspected,
ensuring no contraband items are present.”
Since assuming their mission in November, the unit has
inspected over 1,700 containers worth of equipment.
The unit which began preparing for their mission last
spring received training with the United States Customs and Border
Control Agents (CBCA). They worked with the US Customs at the
border and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at the
El Paso airport to train on the Department of Homeland Security’s
regulations.
“During training, we learned searching procedures, the
characteristics to look for in people and where to look for items
people may be trying to hide contraband,” explained Gardner.
On the day of their scheduled flight the unit arrives at the
passenger terminal to get manifested for that flight. The Soldiers
396th Military Police Co. serves as custom agents
receive a brief for packing their checked baggage, notifying them of
any prohibited items in which they have ten minutes to dispose of
them.
Following this, a scene similar to that at an airport forms
as Soldiers line the terminal, remove all items from their pockets
and place them in bins on a conveyer belt. Bags are run through a
scanning device where items unable to be identified are recognized
and further searched.
“We’re doing a mission where we have to focus our
attention at the spur of a moment. We have to stay focused for
hours at a time looking for items as they run through the scanners,”
said Anderson.
The unit clears an average of 14,900 bags and 4,700
personnel each month while identifying over 7,600 items that could
be of hazard to the United States.
“It could be done elsewhere but here we have a frontline
view to ensure no ammunition or explosives get transported on
a military plane,” said Gardner. “We have seized drugs, steroids,
illegal substances and made sure they are stopped here rather than
moved elsewhere.”
The clearance from the 396th Military Police Co. is the
final step a unit must receive prior to boarding the plane destined
for home.
Sgt. Tiffany Krumsiek, 396th Military Police Company, Special Troops Battal-
ion, Task Force Durable nspects the items of a ‘Wings of Destiny’ Soldier from
the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade April 17, 2013 to ensure no items that could
be of hazard to the United States are shipped home. (Photo by U.S. Army Capt.
Kymberly Koenig, Task Force Durable Public Affairs)

In a technology-dependent world where wars are fought
using computers and unmanned planes, the Soldiers of 267th
Signal Company, 1034th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion,
Task Force Durable provide critical communications support for
units throughout northern and eastern Afghanistan.
Although they deployed as a whole, the flexible and
versatile unit is dispersed to Bagram Airfield, Camp John Pratt and
Joint Combat Outpost Hairatan.
“For us as communicators, the most important part of
our mission is ensuring that our communications equipment is up
and running properly,” said 1st Lt. Calvin K. Wu, platoon leader,
267th Signal Co. “We perform maintenance on the equipment,
adjust our equipment due to changes in weather, ensure that the
right communications security is in place and coordinate or bring
our own power sources. This is done constantly to ensure that
communications never suffers.”
“We maintain the Joint Network Node and Satellite
Transportable Terminal, which provides the backbone to
communication to support the units which need access to phone
and data,” said Sgt. Anthony Johnson, JNN team chief, 267th Signal
Co. “Without the JNN and STT, the supported units wouldn’t have
secure communication.”
In addition to providing signal support, Soldiers deployed
to JCOP Hairatan also provide base security by manning the guard
towers, said Sgt. Dustin Lamar Scott, radio team chief, 267th
Signal Co.
As with any deployment, troops are often faced with
personal and professional challenges.
Wu said that some of the professional challenges Soldiers
face on this deployment is the limited resources when trying to find
a solution to a problem.
“In the rear, if something gets broken, we could easily go
out and buy that part and make the repairs,” said the Mississippi
native. “When we are deployed, we no longer have that luxury.
Creative problem-solving is not only encouraged, but sometimes
required when making the mission happen.”
Wu, Johnson and Scott all agreed the biggest personal
challenge Soldiers face while deployed is being away from loved-
ones.
“The Soldiers miss family and friends, no doubt, but
overall they know we will be back soon enough,” said Scott.
U.S. Army Spc. Eric Argento, a signal systems support specialist with the 267th
Signal Company, 1034th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, Task Force
Durable, works on antennas at Joint Combat Outpost Hairatan, Afghanistan.
(Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. V. Michelle Woods, Task Force Durable Public Affairs)
267th Signal Company provides communications support, base security
Pfc. Dominick Gongwer, signal systems support specialist and Columbus, Ohio,
native, 267th Signal Company, 1034th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion,
Task Force Durable, is currently deployed to Camp John Pratt, Afghanistan where
he provides communications support to units throughout northern and eastern
Afghanistan. (Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. V. Michelle Woods, Task Force Durable
Public Affairs)

US and Coalition Forces have been partnering with
Afghan Forces and working alongside them while assisting in the
training and transition to the Afghan National Security Forces
(ANSF). Additionally, Soldiers throughout Afghanistan have also
been aiding the Afghan people by helping to build their economy.
In October of 2012, Soldiers of the 1st Sustainment
Brigade were challenged with maintaining a cashless battlefield
throughout Afghanistan, explained Capt. Andrea Matthiew,
financial management plans officer, Task Force Durable.
The Soldiers of the D/230th Financial Management
Support Detachment ensure customers have access to both the
United States Dollar and Afghan currency, explained Sgt. 1st Class
Michael Towner, disbursing agent, D/230th FMSD, Special Troops
Battalion, TF Durable.
Towner added, “The way we help build Afghanistan is by
limiting the amount of USD that is disbursed onto the battlefield.
Local venders come to my office three times a week to receive
payment for the business they have received from their shops at the
bazaar.”
The bazaar workers receive their payment in Afghan
currency so U.S. Forces are not flooding the Afghan economy with
American currency. A monthly withdrawal limit is placed on the
amount of U.S. currency forces can withdrawal, encouraging forces
to utilize the Eagle Cash Card which works as a debit card and
can be utilized throughout the FOB, to include all vendors at the
bazaar, he explained.
Part of the unit’s mission is to help Afghanistan build
a successful economy by ensuring the Afghan currency is not
devalued by disbursing an abundant amount of USD.
In addition, Soldiers are responsible for providing
disbursing services to over 10,000 Soldiers, U.S. Civilians,
Contractors and local nationals within the Logar and Wardak
Provinces.
Pfc. Neal Jamieson, military pay technician, D/230th
FMSD says, additionally, the unit who assumed the mission in
February provides assistance in correcting military pay issues,
issuing eagle cash cards and answering pay inquiries.
“Our mission is very important because the things we do
in our office directly affects morale of Soldiers on the battlefield,” he
said.
The unit trained for 12 months prior to assuming
responsibility of this mission. They trained both tactically and
technically by establishing a ‘mock office’ and conducting mock
Finance Soldiers help boost Afghan economy
business operations based on information received from the
previous unit, added Jamieson.
They attended a certification exercise at Fort Dix, NJ
where they put their training into practice and provided an
opportunity for the unit to train on documents they would
experience in a deployed environment, providing them the
opportunity to correct any deficiencies in their procedures.
According to Towner, during the unit’s certification the
evaluators were shocked at their level of preparedness and credited
them with being the best trained detachment since the beginning of
the evaluations.
“We created a standard for them to go by and will now expect the
same from the units that follow us,” he added.
With the daunting task of managing the financial services
throughout two large provinces and just one month in theater,
the unit has coded 2,092 transactions and currently maintains an
accuracy rate above the Defense Finance Agency and Accounting
Services standard, both on the individual coder level and
throughout the section.
Spc. Raymond Terranova, D/230th Financial Management Sup-
port Detachment, Special Troops Battalion, Task Force Durable
verifies the amount of Afghan currency to distribute to U.S. and
Coalition Forces. Service Members utilize Afghan currency,
rather than the U.S. Dollar to help boost the economy. (Photo by
U.S. Army Capt. Kymberly Koenig, Task Force Durable Public
Affairs)

266th MCT tracks air and ground transportation at FOB Shank
With the ever-changing Afghan theater the requirement
for Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen and supplies to be
transported throughout Afghanistan; across highways and by air
remains a constant need.
Soldiers of the 266th Movement Control Team (MCT), 1st
Sustainment Brigade run multifaceted transportation operations
through the oversight of the rotary and fixed wing terminals and
the ground movement yard at Forward Operating Base Shank.
Through the use of the National Afghan Trucking (NAT)
companies, Soldiers serve primarily as escort elements during
convoys. These trucks are monitored and tracked from the time
they arrive to be loaded until the time they depart.
The MCT Soldiers are responsible for ensuring the trucks
are equipped with the proper documentation and staged to deliver
supplies to US and Coalition Forces explained Spc. Dennis Wiese,
movement control specialist, 266th MCT, 1st Sust. Bde.
“Our mission is to track and move supplies throughout
Afghanistan. Trucks will arrive here at FOB Shank and we make
sure everything with them is correct so we can push the supplies to
the customers. They may be other Soldiers in need of food, water or
even unarmored vehicles they may need in order to complete their
mission,” he said.
The unit learned of their mission just weeks before
deployment and assumed responsibility of the mission this winter,
after training for 12 months in conjunction with the exercises
they conducted in preparation for the Global Response Force. This
yearlong assignment tasked the unit to be available to rapidly
respond to disasters around the world while maintaining a high
state of deployment readiness, explained Capt. Charlie Jones,
commander, 266th MCT.
“We received a change of mission from what was originally
expected and we were sent to FOB Shank to operate the rotary
and fixed wing terminals and ground yard,” said Spc. Zubeena
Shahnaz, air movement request specialist, 266th MCT.
Shahnaz, who validates and tracks rotary wing movement
requests added, “we had a class about operating ground yards
before deploying. Although our mission changed from what we
originally thought, the unit did an excellent job learning their tasks
in a short period of time.”
Tracking host nation trucks can be a daunting task for
young Soldiers.
Spc. Weise whose daily responsibilities include escorting
the local national trucks and drivers around the FOB and works
one-on-one with the local drivers explains, “some of the daily
challenges we face are drivers not showing up when they are
supposed to, trucks breaking down inside or enroute to our yard
and aggravated drivers because they didn’t have the material
handling equipment to unload the trucks.”
The unit helps overcome these obstacles by staying in
contact with all their customers daily to keep the drivers informed
of when their customers will arrive to unload the trucks. Soldiers
will stay with the broken down vehicles until they are able to get
the vehicles operating again.
Weise added, “Our mission is important because we
receive the trucks and make sure everything is correct with them
and delivered in a timely manner so we can push supplies on to
Soldiers who need them in order to accomplish their mission.”
Since the unit arrived in theater three months ago, they have
decreased the amount of trucks waiting over 72 hours by 71
percent and decreased the average dwell time per truck by 86
percent and saving the Army $140,000, he explained.
“Nothing happens until something moves and we are the
ones responsible for the move,” said Shahnaz.
Sgt. Joseph Winters, movement control noncommissioned officer, 266th MCT,
1st Sust. Bde, directs National Afghan Trucking drivers to the staging location
for delivery of supplies to units from FOB Shank. U.S. and Coalition Forces serve
as convoy escort teams for the trucking company who delivers supplies to forces
across Afghanistan. (Photo by Capt. Kymberly Koenig, Task Force Durable Public
Affairs)

Capt. Jimmy Plata
Special Troops Battalion Human Resources Officer
Task Force Reliable is the most diverse battalion within the
1st Sustainment Brigade; its unconventional structure allows it to
command and control rigger detachments, financial management
support units, military police companies, human resources compa-
nies, postal operations and an ordnance company while providing
support to a mortuary affairs unit. Piecing together these diverse
units presents challenges in itself, but added to the fact that each
individual unit rotates in and out of theater at different times.
In order to understand the diversity of the organization,
the battalion implemented a rotational training event where the
senior leaders in the battalion go to different companies to see how
their units help support the war effort in Afghanistan.
Capt. Angel Davila, operations officer, Task Force Reliable
explained, “The training helps me to have a better understanding
of what our units do. This will allow me to better resource them
when they say they need help because I will be able to understand
their shortfalls.”
In January 2013, leaders from the battalion began with
the 647th Quartermasters (Riggers) Detachment, based out of Fort
Bragg, NC. The Quartermaster Detachment began by presenting
the leaders with their unit’s capabilities and the processes that go
into conducting air drops. Since arriving in theater in November,
the unit has rigged 1,419 bundles.
The leaders then engaged in a practical exercise which let
them practice the process of preparing for an aerial delivery move.
Leaders formed four man teams and started to create pallets for
movement. The teams started from scratch creating their pallets
and finalized by hooking them up to parachutes. Once complete,
the trainers came by and verified the pallets were built to standard.
“I really enjoyed that we actually got to build a pallet
as the Riggers watched us. It was good to get hands on training
of what our units do on a day to day basis,” said 1st Lt. Elizabeth
Plata, supply officer, TF Reliable.
The following month, leaders visited the 444th Human
Resources Company, based out of Coraopolis, PA. The unit is
responsible for having processed over 8,262,832 pounds of mail
arriving to theater and 7,248,665 pounds departing theater since
they assumed the mission in November. Training began with an
overview of the mail flow into Bagram and a video of a mail room
inspection.
Leaders were then brought to the location where mail is
flown into and sorted in order to continue pushing it to its final
destination. Following this, leaders went to the Post Office. This is
where registered mail is held, the mail handlers course is given to
all unit mail handlers on Bagram and mail is dropped off in order
Task Force Reliable; diverse mission, diverse training
Soldiers of the 111th Quartermaster Detachment, Task Force Reliable instruct the
task forces leaders on the process of preparing Fallen Heroes at Bagram Airfield’s
Mortuary Affairs Collection Point March 30, 2013. The Task Force has been
instrumental in the dignified transfer of 45 Fallen Heroes from U.S. and Coalition
Forces. (Photo by U.S. Army Capt. Jimmy Plata, Task Force Reliable)
to be mailed back to the states.
“I believe that knowing the process mail has to go through
from the states to the customer is great to know. Since our training
with our Postal Company I’m better informed of what happens to
the mail from the time a loved one drops it off at the post office in
the U.S. to the time it gets to us in Afghanistan,” said 1st Lt. Shawn-
tria Harris, assistant operations officer, TF Reliable.

In March 2013, the battalion leadership visited the mor-
tuary affairs collection point where they were instrucgted on the
process of preparing the Fallen Heroes on Bagram.

“The training helps us to cross communicate with the units
and get a better understanding of how we can help them and how
they can help us. I found that extremely beneficial so that I can pro-
vide better support to all of the units in the battalion,” added Sgt.
1st Class Jill Miles, supply noncommissioned officer, TF Reliable.

Capt. Jimmy Plata
Special Troops Battalion Human Resources Officer
The Special Troops Battalion hosted the first Reliable
Challenge April 23-25, 2013 at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. The
grueling 9 event challenge was open to 4 Soldier teams throughout
Task Force Durable.
The events consisting of push-ups, sit-ups, a sand bag
toss, carry and press, eight mile ruck march and a relay run were
designed to emphasize motivation and teamwork. The individuals
of each team competed and depending on how fast they finished
the event or the number of repetitions they completed, the team
was awarded a number of points. At the end of the competition
the team’s points were added and the team that tallied the highest
number of points earned bragging rights.
Twelve teams competed in the Reliable Challenge and at
the end of the third day only 3 points separated the 1st and 2nd
place teams. The reigning team, representing the Headquarters
and Headquarters Company, Special Troops Battalion, Task Force
Durable was comprised of Sgt. Manuel Chavez, Sgt. Alejandro
Figueroa, Spc. Robert Hillman and Pfc. Brittany Bosse.
“The events were hard, but the important thing to re-
member was that we had to work as a team to make them easier.
Once one of us got tired we switched out with the next one and we
constantly motivated each other to keep pushing in order to do our
best,” explained Figueroa.
“Taking first place was amazing! The events were hard but
it was great to see how our team came together and worked as one
in order to take victory,” added Bosse.
The first place winners were presented with an Army
Achievement Medal, a mini T-Wall and battalion coin. A Certifi-
cate of Achievement (COA) along with a plaque and battalion coin
were presented to the second place winners, while the third place
team took home a COA and two plaques. Every participant was
awarded with a COA in recognition of their motivation, persever-
ance and teamwork.
Soldiers strive to live up to the Warrior Ethos and during
the competition one team was tested on their abilities to persevere.
A Soldier from Team 7 hurt his foot causing him to withdraw from
the remaining events. Rather than withdraw from the competition
the remaining team members pushed on and continued to complete
the remaining events.
Their actions greatly embodied the Warrior Ethos; “I will
place the mission first, I will never accept defeat, I will never quit
and I will never leave a fallen comrade.” The Battalion Command-
er recognized the team’s ability to face adversity and continue with
the challenge and awarded them with Coins of Excellence for their
efforts despite having one of their teams members become injured.
‘Reliable’ Soldiers compete in 4 day challenge

1st Lt. Aaron Knott
1245th Transportation Company Platoon Leader
An Italian Dominican priest was once quoted as saying
“I would rather feel compassion than know the meaning of it.”
The Soldiers of Third Platoon, 1245th Transportation Company,
Task Force Hawkeye knew exactly what that meant as they set out
to complete another convoy logistics patrol mission throughout
northern Afghanistan.
While the mission was successfully completed, leaving
the wire this particular time quickly evolved into a humanitarian
event.
Afghanistan traffic is always a sight to see; congestion,
chaos, horns, flashing lights and brake lights to only name a few
of the obstacles that are faced on the road every day. Families and
friends need not fear, as 1245th Trans. Co. has created standard
operating procedures company wide to manage that chaos, keep
safety first and always remain mission focused.
On this particular mission Third Platoon witnessed a
civilian traffic accident that we knew we could not continue march-
ing without rendering aid. Sgt. Heather Davis, truck commander,
and her driver Spc. Leslie Hendricks witnessed the accident first.
Immediately the radio network became electrified as the message
was announced and transmitted through the radio frequencies.
What happened next was a testament to the countless rehearsals,
months of Pre-Mobilization training, unity and cohesion of our
platoon and the “Always Ready and Fearless Nature” of our Sol-
diers.
An order was given for the convoy to halt, and imme-
diately a secure perimeter was set to protect the personnel on
the ground. The Assistant Convoy Commander, Staff Sgt. Cygen
Weatherby and his language interpreter were the first on the scene
and immediately realized it was much worse than any of us had
thought. He instantly called for the medics, Spc. Russell Lanier and
Spc. Jadica Piela and the Aid and Litter team Sgt. 1st Class Erwin
Blue and Sgt. Robert Jones, to move forward.
With Staff Sgt. Weatherby’s supervision and assistance,
the medics quickly assessed the casualties and instinctively began
barking orders and treating the wounded civilians. Sgt. 1st Class
Blue supervised the landing zone operation and called for Spc.
Hendricks and Davis to begin setting up the Landing Zone in
preparation of a possible medical evacuation. Spc. William Stew-
art and Sgt Richard Narvaiz recovered the litters from the truck
and assisted with the loading and movement of the patients.
1245th Transportation Company provides ‘on the scene’ aid
Sgt. Jones and Weatherby assisted the medics who con-
tinued to render aid while Staff Sgt. Williams helped provide
additional security for the Soldiers. The decision was made to
contact the battalion and ask for a medical evacuation or aid from
the Afghan National Army to be coordinated to provide support.
The decision was made to seek Afghan National assistance, and
the team kept the injured patients stabilized, kept them warm and
prevented them from going into shock while waiting on the Afghan
National Police.
Once the ANP arrived on the scene, the Soldiers were
directed to mount up and move out. Within 60 seconds the convoy
element was back in their vehicles and on the move. Unfortu-
nately, of the four local nationals involved in accident, the fate of
two was not as good as hoped for. On a positive note, we had the
leadership, the SOPs, the medical expertise, equipment and quick
reaction time to sustain life and provide help to the Afghanistan
community. Through increased resiliency, the members of Third
Platoon carried on, and successfully completed their mission as
intended.

‘Reliable’ Soldiers maintain readiness, train throughout deployment
As troops in Task Force Reliable reach the end of their
deployment to Afghanistan, Soldier and unit readiness continues to
be a top priority.
Combatives, vehicle rollover training, sexual harassment
and assault prevention classes, and combat lifesaver courses are
just a few of the many exercises Soldiers are conducting during the
nine month deployment.
“It helps improve the capability of the unit as a whole by
increasing available trained personnel as well as helping individu-
al Soldiers earn promotion points,” said Headquarters and Head-
quarters Company 1st Sgt. Robert McElyea.
The training most popular among Soldiers are the Basic
and Tactical Combatives Courses. Previously known as Combatives
Level I and Level II, the training is intended to teach Soldiers how
to close in and defeat the enemy in hand to hand combat.
In past combatives courses Soldiers trained while wear-
ing the Army Combat Uniform, however students now train while
holding a rubber weapon and wearing body armor to simulate
hand to hand combat in a deployed environment.
“The current course now requires Soldiers to wear tactical
gear while fighting in the training environment to better simulate
how they would react to a hostile scenario outside of training,” said
Spc. Luke Pilkington, Reliable Battalion Combatives Instructor
and team chief with the 267th Signal Company.
“Soldiers don’t go outside the wire wearing just their phys-
ical training uniform, so if they find themselves in a bad situation
while wearing all of our protective gear, they need to know how
to move in a certain way, control their range, angle and level and
reposition themselves to control that opponent,” said Pilkington, an
Oklahoma native.
“It’s universally important because you can take these
skills outside of the Army,” added Pilkington, who has served for
two years. “You can take these skills that you learn in combatives,
not to win a fight necessarily but to better control a hostile situa-
tion.”
Pilkington added the combatives training complements
the Sexual Harassment/Assault Prevention and Response Program
classes which Soldiers are required to complete.
“This is the best SHARP training the Army has ever used,”
he said. “If I go to touch you and you break my wrist, I can’t touch
you anymore.”
The task force has trained more than 200 Soldiers since
the unit deployed in September.
In a combat environment where vigilance is critical to
survival, leaders take steps like conducting training in order to
avoid complacency. In addition to the combatives course, the other
training Soldiers complete while deployed help prevent complacen-
cy by interrupting the regular work schedule and duties.
“Some sections have also benefited because the classes
distract Soldiers from the rigors and stresses of deployment,” said
McElyea, who helps schedule training for Soldiers. “By offering
them a break from their traditional job, they get a different view of
what the Army offers.”
Whether it’s promotion points, relief from a rigorous
schedule or maintaining a high level of vigilance, training during
deployment positively affects Soldiers and the unit as well as helps
to ensure mission success.
McElyea added, “Accomplishing additional training also
demonstrates to the Army that a Soldier desires to continue to
learn and grow. It also increases their skill set enabling them to
better accomplish the mission.”
Spc. Luke Pilkington, Reliable Combatives instructor and team chief with the
267th Signal Company, instructs Soldiers on the proper techniques to use during
the Basic Combatives Course at Bagram Airfield. (Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. V.
Michelle Woods, Task Force Durable Public Affairs)

Maj. Margarita Dunlap
Task Force Durable Communications Officer
The 1st Sustainment Brigade’s Task Force Durable has
placed a strong emphasis on deterring Cross Domain Violations
(CDV) and Discharges of Classified Information (DCI). Informa-
tion is a powerful tool in the hands of a capable enemy and in
recent years there has been a major campaign to ensure that the
United States Forces do not give the enemy any information that
may be used to harm our deployed service members.
To bring the fight to the enemy, TF Durable’s signal section
took an offensive posture to decrease the amount of violations
throughout all the task force’s formations.
Warrant Officer 1 Leslie Dixon, Information Assurance
Manager, TF Durable assessed the battlefield prior to the unit’s
deployment based on the information received from the outgoing
unit; consequently, Standard Operating Procedures, Tactics, Tech-
niques and Procedures and policies were formulated while the unit
was at Fort Riley, Kan. with unique circumstances that the operat-
ing environment presented in Afghanistan.
Upon arriving in theater the brigade’s signal team immedi-
ately implemented the policies and procedures to create a low risk
environment for information assurance (IA) incidents. The signal
section ensured TF Durable leaders were aware of the risks and
threats associated with utilization of various technologies. They
dedicated time to reviewing policies and stressed the importance of
adherence of policies to all staff members to ensure information got
to all ‘Durable’ Soldiers.
The signal section developed procedures with strict
timelines, remedial training, containment actions and incident
reporting in the event of a CDV or DCI. Classes were taught by the
helpdesk team to ensure all Soldiers were properly trained in order
to reduce violations.
In late February, the unit received recognition from the
U.S. Central Command’s (USCENTCOM) information assurance
command inspection team for maintaining the lowest number of IA
violations throughout Afghanistan having committed only .07 % of
all violations throughout Afghanistan.
Sgt. Aaron Trowbridge, signal communication noncom-
missioned officer, Special Troops Battalion, TF Durable and Pfc.
Michael St. Hill, signal communication specialist, 359th Inland
Cargo Transfer Company were recognized as having the best
programs at the battalion and company level. Sgt. Aaron K. Ollar
impressed the inspection team with the brigade’s communication
security program.
The personnel from the USCENTCOM’s inspection team
examined TF Durable’s IA program after a review of the collective
data gathered, identifying a successful program in order to gath-
U.S. Central Command gives Task Force Durable accolades
er insight on the policies and procedures emplace which makes
the task force so successful. They were impressed at the level of
knowledge senior leaders and company level Soldiers possessed
related to IA.
“The 1st Sustainment Brigade has a model program and
if all units followed this program we would not be here today,”
said Lt. Col. Johnson and Mr. McDuffie who are going to recom-
mend the implementation of many of the procedures followed by
TF Durable to USCENTCOM leadership as a framework for all of
Afghanistan and the Department of Defense.
Some of the most important procedures to a successful IA
Program is a joint effort headed by the unit’s signal and intel-
ligence sections. IA must be a culture enforced by commanders
throughout the ranks to ensure information is protected in order
to keep service members safe from the enemy. Units must train
and retrain to stay on the offensive to prevent IA violations. In
addition, Soldiers must use their training and make on the spot
corrections to assist in the effort cyber threats pose.
TF Durable looks forward to continuing the fight for
information assurance and security in order to ensure low risk
impacts to the Soldiers inside and outside of the wire by continu-
ously improving policies and procedures to promote an effective
cyber awareness culture.
Always ready; always connected; proud to protect.
Soldiers of Task Force Durable’s signal office were recognized
by Brig. Gen. Scottie Carpenter, commander, 311th Expedi-
tionary Support Command for their efforts with the unit’s
information assurance program which resulted in the unit
being recognized as having the lowest percentage of violations
throughout theater. (Photo by U.S. Army Capt. Kymberly
Koenig, Task Force Durable Public Affairs Office)

Spc. Jeremy Adkins
Our family is so incredibly proud of you,
Sweet Soldier. I am STILL tugging hard on
that string that connects my heart to yours.
Know that I will be here waiting for you...
just like I promised when I married you.
Love Always, Your Caroline
Master Sgt. Belinda Taylor
The entire family is anticipating your safe
return home. We have missed you dearly
during this deployment. It has been very
difficult for us, because a very important
part of our family has been absent for some
time now. This deployment has truly taught
us all your true worth, and upon your
return, we will not take your presence and
the way you make this household function
for granted. We love and miss you from
Isaiah Sr., Isaiah Jr., Jasai and Jayden
Maj. Nate Arnold
We are so proud of you and everything
you’re doing over there. We cannot wait for
you to come back home! You ARE our hero!
Love, Lisa and Buddy
Maj. Randy Newman
You are such an amazing husband, father
& Soldier; I am so proud of you, your ac-
complishments in life and the example you
set for our daughters. I am very blessed
to be married to my best friend; hurry
home, you are missed! Love forever and for
always. DrueAnna
Spc. Kischa McDonald
& Sgt. Chris Albright,
We are so glad you will both be home soon.
Words cannot express how proud we are
and how much we have missed you. Your
future is brighter than the sun and we
cannot wait to watch you two be married!
Love, Mom and Dad
Welcome Home! We missed you; we’re
proud of you; and we love you both! Dad
and Mom Albright
Capt. Justin Goble
Jface the finish line is oh so close!
We love and miss you lots!
Lis, Sage, Randle and Qwynn
Words can not express just how proud
of you we are. Your commitment to this
country and your own personal sacrifices
make you a true hero in our eyes. Welcome
home, Love Aubrey, Aaron and Aryanna
A Message from Home

Cpl. Lance Cornelison
Father, husband, brother, son and hero. We
can’t begin to explain how proud we are of
you and all that you have accomplished.
We love you infinity! Love, your girls
Staff Sgt. John Dettman
We along with many friends and relatives
are anxiously awaiting your safe return.
We salute you and all the courageous
troops serving our country. Love and
prayers from Mom, Dad, Jenn, Jane, Matt
& JoAnna.”
Staff Sgt. Harry Willis
We are so proud of everything you have ac-
complished. Thank you for being a wonder-
ful husband, great father and an awesome
Soldier. We love you with all our hearts.
Spc. Dustin Korte
We are so proud of you for all you do and
the sacrifices you make for us.
So glad our family is whole again.
Welcome Home Husband/Daddy!!!
Love Always, Amanda & Carson
Thank you for your service and keeping us
safe back home. Couldn’t be more proud of
you. Welcome Home!!! Love, Momma Peg
You are all heroes in our eyes and we are
grateful for your devotion to America’s
freedom. SPC Korte- Welcome home bud.
We love you and are so proud of you, Dad,
Teri and Lexi
Spc. Timothy Gardnerr
We love and miss you! Can’t wait until we
are together again!! Love, Lindsay, Emma,
Ethan and Emmett
Staff Sgt. Nicholas Snyder
We are so proud of you and can’t wait for
your return! We love you and miss you so
much! Come on home so we can hit the wa-
ter! Love, Rachel, Gianna, Kamryn, Nico
and doggies

Spc. Shane Meyers
Brave hearts do not back down and for that
we say: “thank you” “great job” “we missed
you.” To our nephew Shane Meyers, your
family is very proud of you, YOU ROCK!!!
HOOAH!!!! Go Army!! Cliff & Tammy
Meyers and Family
Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Whitaker
We love you and hope to see you soon!
Love Always, April, Kendan and Kara
Spc. Kyle Bretz
Love you and miss you!!! Hurry home!! Love,
Tami
Sgt. 1st Class Chris Riley
We love and miss you so very much!! We
are getting closer to the end and we will be
together again soon!! WE LOVE YOU!!!
Staff Sgt. Jared Burley
“Glad we are on the homestretch! We miss
& love you very much! Love, your 3 girls
Elly, Pearl & Nicole”
Spc. Cesar Cortez
We are so proud of you and everything you
have done, can’t wait to see you. We miss
and love you very much..
Sgt. Cedric Wasisang
We can’t wait to hold you.We love and miss
you so much. XOXO, your #1 fans

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