201st CEK finishes first Kentucky National Guard independent project … PAGE 4 leaves legacy… PAGE 6 Sapper Sentinel “SAPPERS IN!” JOINT TASK FORCE SAPPER NEWSLETTER OF THE THEATER ENGINEER BRIGADE IN AFGHANISTAN Facebook.com/TheaterEngineerBrigade Issue 2 — November 2013 Message from the Commander

It is hard to believe that an‐ other month has passed! We have experienced a lot of change in that short period. We At A Glance… said good‐bye to the 878th and 122nd Engineer  JTF SAPPER SERVING AS THEATER Battalions, wel‐ ENGINEER BRIGADE, COMMANDING comed the 365th ABOUT 3,500 MILITARY ENGINEERS Eng. Bn., and re‐ Lt.j.g. Benjamin Stafford receives the annual flu vaccination, Oct. 12.  ENGINEER FORCES SPREAD ACROSS positioned hun‐ AFGHANISTAN IN SUPPORT OF dreds of Soldiers Flu Vaccine Keeps Seabees NATO-LED INTERNATIONAL SECURITY and Seabees to ASSISTANCE FORCE (ISAF) different locations across Afghani‐ stan as our mission continues to Fully Mission Capable  JOINT TEAM LED BY 130TH ENG. BRIGADE HQS FROM SCHOFIELD change. By U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class John Banfield Throughout this transition, BARRACKS, HAWAII… INCLUDES Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 28 Mass Communications Spec. ACTIVE, RESERVE, AND GUARD UNITS our engineers continue to execute FROM ARMY, NAVY AND AIR FORCE their tasks with the highest level KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Af‐ ous complications and approxi‐ of professionalism. Our route ghanistan – Sailors attached to mately 24,000 deaths each year  FOURTH LARGEST UNIT UNDER ISAF clearance Soldiers operate on the Naval Mobile Construction Battal‐ in the United States. Vaccination JOINT COMMAND, BEHIND ONLY roads every day to ensure safe ion (NMCB) 28 received their is the primary method to reduce EAST, SOUTH, AND SOUTHWEST passage for others. Our construc‐ annual flu vaccinations while this risk by enhancing force im‐ REGIONAL COMMANDS tion units are in every region sup‐ down range. The flu is a conta‐ munity. porting base closure efforts or gious respiratory illness caused by “Some other ways to help improving facilities that must the influenza viruses. It can be stop the spreading of the flu is to absorb units and equipment that spread when a person with the wash your hands, cover your Inside is moving around the country. Our flu coughs or cough, and if you do EBAAT team of the 14th CMT and sneezes and the “Other ways to help stop have symptoms (of this issue… a Seabee detachment are prepar‐ aerosol droplets the flu) come to the spreading of the flu is COMMAND SGT. MAJ.’S CORNER. ing training and facilities for the come in contact medical and we will 2 to wash your hands and TF RUGGED TAKES OVER REIGNS newly‐formed Afghan National with mucous mem‐ decide if you need Eng. Brigade. The staff sections of branes of other cover your cough” to be sick in quar‐ ROUTE CLEARANCE PATROLS 3 CONTINUE ROAD CLEARING MISSION our HQs have managed an enor‐ individuals. ters,” said Hospital mous work load due to the high LEARN FACILITY ENGINEER The flu has the potential to Corpsman 1st Class Carolina ANA 5 number of re‐deploying personnel, adversely impact Navy force Bornstein. TRAINING FROM FSC SOLDIERS equipment moves, and frequently‐ readiness and mission execution. For more information about 215TH CEK LEARNS DOZER 7 changing priorities. I could not be There are more than 25 million the flu vaccine please see MAINTENANCE more proud of our team! reported cases of the influenza, NAVADMIN 194/13, 2013‐2014, SURVEY AND DESIGN WORK TO 8 In closing, I hope that every‐ 150,000 hospitalizations for seri‐ IMPROVE BAGRAM ECP one had a wonderful Thanksgiv‐ HEADQUARTERS & HEADQUARTERS 11 ing. There are many things for November—Warrior Care Month COMPANY (HHC) UPDATE which I am thankful this year. November is Warrior Care Month, JTF SAPPER CROSSWORD! 12 Among them is the recent oppor‐ the Army highlights its sacred tunity to pin medals on hundreds obligation to provide the best GALLERY: AROUND THE BRIGADE. of Soldiers, Seabees and Airmen, 13 possible care and transition support CHAPLAIN’S CLOSING and send them home safe and sound. SAPPERS IN!! to wounded, ill or injured Soldiers, — COL Diana Holland their Families and Caregivers

Page 1 Sapper Sentinel Issue 2 — November 2013 Command Sergeant Major’s Corner Command Sgt. Maj. John Etter, “Sapper 7”

Aloha to our Ohana from “We are truly grateful for Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan! the sacrifices you make for As the holiday seasons ap‐ our country and our Army proach, this may be the first time mission.” you and your Soldier have spent time brought great credit and admira‐ apart, or if like tion on the lives of you and of Photo by U.S. Army 1st Lt. Laura Beth Beebe, JTF Sapper Public Affairs my Family, this your Family. The 122nd Eng. Battalion Command Team cases the unit colors in a season ranks in I ask that you light or dis‐ the dozens play a lit candle in your home to ceremony Nov. 28 marking the end of their mission in Afghanistan. after 25 years share in our time apart during of service. this season. Know that you are Task Force Sapper recog‐ in our thoughts and prayers here. Rugged Battalion takes over nizes this and we are truly grate‐ Just in case you misplaced ful for the sacrifices you make for your Soldiers address: two large footprints our country and our Army mis‐ NAME sion. JTF Sapper By U.S. Army 1st Lt. Laura B. Beebe mission of all engineer units in Soldiers and Families put BLDG 23050 the east, north of Kabul. TF Rug‐ their lives on hold many times APO AE 09354 JTF Sapper Public Affairs through the course of their mili‐ ged does not stop there when it tary career for the betterment of Thank you for supporting BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghani‐ comes to their responsibility other countries and the peaceful your Soldier! Happy Thanksgiv‐ stan – The 365th Engineer Battal‐ while they are in theater how‐ survival of all mankind. It is a ing, Merry Christmas, Feliz Navi‐ ion, a reserve unit from Pennsyl‐ ever. They will be assuming au‐ commitment like no other and dad, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy vania, assumed authority of the thority over the next month from only military Families and close Hanukkah, Mele Kalikimaka, headquarters mission from the the 8th Eng. Bn., which currently friends can honestly relate to the Happy Holidays and Mahalo! 122nd Engineer Battalion, Task controls all engineers throughout hardships in which we endure. (“Thank you!”) Force Warhorse, Nov. 28th. the rest of eastern Afghanistan. Years from now you’ll be With the arrival of the 365th “This mission is difficult and able to reflect back on how your Sappers In, Eng. Bn., Task Force Rugged, has not been seen before,” said support for your Soldier, our CSM John Etter Maj. Todd Atkinson, TF Rugged Army, and our country has takes over the headquarters commander. “We are merging two battalions, one active duty and one National Guard into one battalion from the Army Reserve, to operate in RC‐North and RC‐ East, covering approximately 41 percent of Afghanistan.” The unit is ready to tackle the problem set in front of them. This newsletter belongs to the They will be in charge of ensuring members of Joint Task Force Sapper… roads are cleared in both regional commands, construction and The Sapper Sentinel is an authorized deconstruction in those areas, as newsletter for members of the 130th well as assuming responsibility Engineer Brigade and Joint Task Force Send us photos, stories, and ideas for Sapper. Contents are not necessarily for the train, advise, and assist endorsed by the Dept. of the Army, Dept. future coverage, and see your unit’s mission for the Afghan National of Defense, or United States Government. accomplishments highlighted on our Army engineers. Content is reviewed, edited, and approved “Task Force Rugged knows by the Brigade Public Affairs Officer. Facebook page and in future editions that this mission will not be easy For questions, comments, or submissions, and it will be filled with numer‐ please contact the Brigade PAO. of the Sapper Sentinel! ous challenges,” said Atkinson.

Public Affairs Officer: 1LT Laura Beth Beebe “The 365th Eng. Bn. is trained [email protected] and ready to take on and excel Facebook.com/TheaterEngineerBrigade during execution of this monu‐ Email: [email protected] mental mission!”

Page 2 Sapper Sentinel Issue 2 — November 2013 CBS NEWS: As U.S. leaves Afghanistan, engineers safeguard roads By Charlie D’Agata travel. CBS News joined Soldiers provided cover, blasting the Their mission is route clear‐ CBS News Correspondent of the Army's 8th Engineer Bat‐ wooded area where the shots ance, finding and disabling the talion from Fort Hood, Texas, on came from with rapid bursts of improvised explosive devices, or PAKTIYA PROVINCE ‐‐ They a route clearance through a vola‐ fire from the mounted 50‐caliber roadside bombs. It also means were just on their way to a wed‐ tile province in eastern Afghani‐ machine gun. combat engineers from route ding when the bomb ripped stan. Roberts said the soldiers clearance units will be the last through their packed minibus. The last time Sergeant never got a good look at the ones to leave. The explosion killed 18 Afghan Keenan Roberts and his platoon gunmen, who disappeared "We're out here looking to villagers. Fourteen victims were came down this road, they through the thick reeds and flush out the trigger men," Rob‐ women. One was a small child. walked straight into an ambush. overgrowth in a riverbed. erts said in a drawl with more Nobody needed reminding "We had been dismounted If you thought all U.S. than a hint of his hometown of that roadside bombs are the from the vehicles for a couple troops were either packing up LaFollette, Tenn. "You're looking for 'ant trails,' any disturbed earth, discoloration, for a com‐ mand wire. Mostly they use lamp cord wire. We call it angel hair." While this job has to be done on foot ‐‐ every moment keeping an eye out for anybody planning another ambush ‐‐ spe‐ cially designed armored vehicles are combing the dirt roads in search for bombs. U.S. combat engineers will be safeguarding every inch of every road traveled by tens of thousands of U.S. troops and hundreds of tons of equipment. They're called MRAPs, or Mine‐ Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles. Leading the way is an MRAP with mine rollers in front, like rows of steam rollers, de‐ Photo by Randall Joyce, CBS News signed to trigger bombs before the vehicles themselves roll over 22nd Eng. Co. Route Clearance Patrol Convoy on the road. U.S. combat engineers will be safeguarding them. every inch of every road traveled by tens of thousands of U.S. troops and hundreds of tons of equipment. The Buffalo is a bulked‐up version with a 30‐foot mechani‐ number one killer in Afghanistan. hundred meters when we took and heading home or hunkering cal arm and a camera mounted But dealing with that threat head small arms fire," he said. down behind the blast barriers on its claw. That enables it to ‐on is the reason why U.S. Sol‐ As U.S. forces prepare to and razor wire of their bases, peek into culverts, the steel or diers alone make the final sweep hand over security duties to their think again. Soldiers go outside cement structures that allow of any road used by American Afghan partners, the responsibil‐ the wire every day, water to pass under forces. It's one military operation ity of clearing the roads remains and U.S. forces will roads, an easy place Their training kicked that's not done alongside the strictly an American operation. keep conducting for the Taliban to Afghan Army. Flying bullets strafed both sides these dangerous in immediately. hide bombs without As tens of thousands of U.S. of the column of men who were operations until the They got low and having to bury them troops and hundreds of tons of on foot patrol. Roberts said it last American truck returned fire. in the road. equipment move out of Afghani‐ was a miracle no one got hit. leaves. You could Another vehicle stan in the next year, U.S. com‐ Their training kicked in immedi‐ call them America's looks like a big bull‐ bat engineers will be safeguard‐ ately. They got low and returned exit strategy. They're certainly a dozer, but instead of the scoop ing every inch of every road they fire. A soldier in a nearby vehicle big part of it. (Continued on page 10)

Page 3 Sapper Sentinel Issue 2 — November 2013 “Gaining Responsibility” ANA Engineers complete first project without Coalition

By U.S. Army Sgt. Eric Provost threats facing bases in Afghani‐ Task Force Patriot Public Affairs stan. There is no set timetable for LAGHMAN PROVINCE, Af‐ how long a vehicle will be re‐ ghanistan ‐‐ It is the Afghan Na‐ quired to stay in the cool‐down tional Army's duty to help build a yard while the soldiers are con‐ better Afghanistan, but building firming the authenticity of the things up starts at home. For the delivery. 201st ANA Corps, building con‐ "It is a major security meas‐ tinued Nov. 11, 2013, at their ure," said Chief Warrant Officer 2 home on Forward Operating Howard Barcus III, engineering Base Gamberi. advisor, 149th Vertical Construc‐ The 201st ANA tion Company, at‐ Corps Engineer Kan‐ The project also tached to 4th Bri‐ dak's Horizontal marks the first joint gade, 10th Mountain An ANA soldier with the 201st CEK’s Horizontal Company is super‐ Company began effort between the Division, Task Force vised as he maneuvers a scraper, to level the future site of FOB Gam‐ work on their first Patriot Security horizontal and beri's cool‐down yard. This mission is the Corp’s initial attempt at major project, build‐ Force Advise and conducting engineer projects without Coalition Force assistance. ing a cool‐down vertical companies. Assist Team, from yard. Lexington, Ky. "This roadway construction. Vertical Div. advisors. The cool‐down A cool‐down yard is a se‐ is really going to help not just the engineers, on the other hand, yard's actual construction is cured, fenced‐in staging area 201st Corps but the 4th Brigade handle carpentry, plumbing, completely ANA‐led and exe‐ where vehicles bringing supplies Soldiers on Gamberi as well." masonry, and some units also cuted. and materials onto the FOB go The project also marks the perform electrical work. "It's really nice to see them through an inspection process so first joint effort between the It is the horizontal engi‐ take more autonomy and to be the soldiers can ensure the truck Corps Engineer Kandak's horizon‐ neers' job to level the cool‐down able to use their ANA leadership is what it's supposed to be. Vehi‐ tal and vertical companies. yard, cutting and filling the more to control the job site cle‐borne improvised explosive Horizontal operations in‐ needed area, and provide ade‐ while just using us for confirma‐ devices are one of the main clude landscaping, leveling and quate drainage, while the verti‐ tion of what they already be‐ cal engineers are in charge of lieve," said Zaleski. erecting the fence that will sur‐ Many of the project's 201st round the yard. Corps engineers recently com‐ "They have pleted Coalition great young non‐ "It's really nice to see Force‐provided commissioned training on new them take more autonomy officers and bulldozers and young, ambitious and to be able to use their scrapers they're soldiers who want ANA leadership more to using to complete to learn and do control the job site while this project. good work; so I've "We just got done just using us for got really high training on the hopes for what confirmation of what they bulldozer and the they're going to already believe" rest of the equip‐ do on this pro‐ ment and they all ject," said 1st Lt. graduated and Justin Zaleski, an engineer advi‐ got their certificates," said Bar‐ U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Howard Barcus, engineering men‐ sor to 201st Corps with 4th Bde, cus. "This is taking all those skills tor, 149th Vertical Construction Co., attached to 4th Brigade, 10th 10th Mtn. Div., from Havertown, and putting them into one big Mountain Division, speaks with an ANA soldier about shaping the site Pa. project, an actual project, for the of what will be FOB Gamberi's new cool‐down yard while an ANA The CEK created the designs corps. It's something they can be soldier driving a bulldozer works behind them. It's the first joint op‐ for the project with minimal proud of every time they come in eration between the CEK’s horizontal and vertical engineers input from 4th Bde, 10th Mtn and out of the gate."

Page 4 Sapper Sentinel Issue 2 — November 2013 ANA soldiers Complete Facilities Engineer Team Training

By U.S. Army 1st Lt. Steven Keith five weeks of training began Task Force Trojan Horse Public Affairs showing mastery in the FET program. The program consists FORWARD OPERATING of classroom and hands‐on por‐ BASE SHANK, Afghanistan – tions revolving around the up‐ Soldiers from 4th Brigade, 203rd keep and maintenance of ma‐ Corps in the Afghan National chinery at Afghan National Army Army received Facilities Engi‐ bases. That in‐ neer Team certifica‐ cludes, but is not tions from Ameri‐ limited to plumbing, can Soldiers in the “This training enables carpentry, air condi‐ 850th Horizontal Afghan engineers to be tioning/heater re‐ Engineer Company. able to take care of their pair, and generator The 850th HEC is facilities after the repair. part of Task Force coalition departs.” “This training en‐ Trojan Horse, a ables Afghan engi‐ multifunctional neers to be able to engineer task force charged take care of their facilities after Photo courtesy of TF Trojan Horse Public Affairs with providing construction and the coalition departs. If we can Soldiers from FSC, 8th Eng. Bn. teach Afghans in small group sessions assured mobility assets in Re‐ teach these soldiers how to fix gional Command East, South of this equipment, there is no Force Trojan Horse Afghan Na‐ 850th and their Afghan National Kabul. doubt in my mind that it can tional Army Partnership officer, Army comrades will continue as The Soldiers from 850th provide many years of use”, said and tracks all partnered projects they begin to focus on more were very proud of their Afghan 1st Lt. Jonathan Hickey of Bos‐ in training for the task force. construction‐focused engineer‐ counterparts, who after only ton. First Lt. Hickey is the Task The partnership between ing at FOB Shank and beyond. Logistics Staff Assists New EBAAT Unit with Supply

By U.S. Army 1st Lt. James Beebe accountability is accurately and 28, and Soldiers from the bri‐ ters company. Joint Task Force Sapper Deputy J4 appropriately managed at all gade headquarters J6 and J3 However, in addition to the times. shops. SAV conducted by Sgt. Renee CAMP PHOENIX, Afghani‐ A portion of the CSDP that Capt. James Bouchard, the Outlaw and Spc. Aleyda Amaya, stan—The Command Supply is near and dear to most unit EBAAT current operations offi‐ both from the JTF Sapper J4 Discipline Program (CSDP) is a commanders is the unit hand cer and primary hand receipt section, Property Book Unit program utilized by unit Com‐ receipt. holder for both Organizational Supply Enhanced (PBUSE) and mander’s to ensure, regardless Joint Task Force Sapper’s (ORG) and Theater Provided Logistics Support Activity of their mission, that property Engineer Brigade Advise and Equipment (TPE) hand receipts (LOGSA) training was also con‐ Assist Team (EBAAT), recently for the EBAAT, ducted to provide proved that, with a mission set instills the impor‐ the 14th CMT and that is constantly evolving and tance of and need Even with a mission set NMCB 28, a means changing, property accountabil‐ for good command that is constantly evolving to troubleshoot ity still remains a top priority. supply discipline in and changing, property sustainment issues The J4 section conducted a his Soldiers. accountability still internally if possi‐ Staff Assisted Visit (SAV) to help This is critical ble. remains a top priority identify any areas or concern for because the Outlaw, after hav‐ hand receipt holders, and to EBAAT operates ing conducted the ensure those individuals were without a unit supply specialist SAV, commented, “Everyone Photo courtesy of 14th CMT properly resourced. located at Camp Phoenix with was willing and wanting to them. learn. For not being supply spe‐ Staff Sgt. Andrew Burrows and Presently, the EBAAT is Staff Sgt. Michael Murdock work comprised of Soldiers from the Supply transactions and cialists by trade, they learned together in preparation for the 14th Construction Management other sustainment issues are and understood a lot about the SAV conducted by the JTF Sapper Team, Seabees from the Naval mostly coordinated with the Army systems. I would say the J4 section Nov. 20. Mobile Construction Battalion 130th Eng. Brigade headquar‐ SAV was a success”.

Page 5 Sapper Sentinel Issue 2 — November 2013 Kentucky Guardsmen leave behind legacy

Shank, the two officers began knowledged when it comes to the putting together a training cur‐ vertical construction field in Af‐ riculum that walks the Afghan ghanistan. Army through a step by step Doyle led the first big con‐ training process in vertical engi‐ struction project in theater for the neering. company that later became the The training plans Doyle fos‐ operations command post for the tered became a standard that is 149th and the 122nd Engineer well accepted among ANA and Battalion they fall under. U.S. Coalition Force leaders. The They have conducted numer‐ plan was even adopted as the ous vertical construction projects training model to be passed on to since and have earned themselves several other ANA brigades the opportunity to operate from a Photo by U.S. Army Spc. John Rader throughout Afghani‐ satellite location that stan. allows for close prox‐ A member of the ANA installs fiber glass insulation after a block of “They have shown instructions given by Spc. Clyde Porter, 149th Vertical Construction Co. Doyle and 3rd imity with the ANA Porter will also assess the installation on the completion of the task Platoon received time and again that and the facilities to great recognition for there is no task to big meet with the Afghan Story courtesy Grayson Journal‐Times years. these contributions to accomplish.” chain of command to "Vertical construction will be to the mission. accomplish these BAGRAM, Afghanistan — the main emphasis of this train‐ "I can't begin to tasks. When the deployment for the ing mission but horizontal engi‐ explain how pleased I am with Additional members of the Kentucky National Guard's 149th neering will be incorporated as my platoon," said Doyle. "They 149th have been dispatched to Vertical Construction Company is well," said Evans. "Even though have shown time and again that other parts of the country to con‐ over, the unit will leave behind we are a vertical construction there is no task to big to accom‐ duct similar training from satellite more than just the many struc‐ company, we have taken on hori‐ plish. Now that we have the op‐ locations. tures they have built in Afghani‐ zontal training. This allows us to portunity to expand our experi‐ 1st Lt. Michael Hamblin along stan. provide full spectrum construc‐ ence by teaching our Afghan with Warrant Officer Jacob Lewis The unit includes Guard tion engineering operations to allies, I'm confident that the men are among a group overseeing the members from Olive Hill and the ANA. We will teach them and women of 3rd Platoon will Kentucky Guardsmen in Camp Cynthiana. everything we know to ensure leave this country with a better Mike Spann in the Regional Com‐ They're leaving behind the they will be able to build and understanding of the direction mand North Territory. knowledge of their construction maintain structures from the Afghanistan is headed. We will A comparable training curricu‐ expertise with the local Afghani‐ ground up without the support of teach and be taught and there‐ lum was established by the 149th stan National Army the U.S. and coali‐ fore be able to share some amaz‐ officers in the Northern Territory (ANA) to help en‐ “We will teach them tion engineers." ing experiences when we return because each ANA base employs a back to Kentucky." different schedule and adjust‐ sure the independ‐ everything we know to The Afghan Army ence of a nation postponed their The expertise of 3rd Platoon ments must be made as necessary ensure they will be able to when the U.S. and tactical and combat has been highly praised and ac‐ to fit into the program of the Af‐ Coalition forces build and maintain training a few days (Continued on page 9) scale‐back their structures” out of the week to presence in the work with the country. 149th engineers. The training "This is a mission of building began with classroom tutorials lifelong bonds and structures on basic construction technique with our ANA allies," said 149th and then moved slowly to the commander, Capt. Adam Evans. hands‐on portion of using tools The training schedules cover and erecting structures. all aspects of engineering that is The 149th's 3rd Platoon led organic to the 149th. This has the by 1st Lt. Mathew Doyle began Kentucky Guardsmen working spearheading this training in very closely with the ANA, teach‐ August with Chief Warrant Offi‐ ing them the tools of the trade cer Robert Woita. Situated in the and will also include some price‐ Regional Command East Territory Photo by U.S. Army Spc. John Rader less experience learned over the at Forward Operating Base Spc. Clyde Porter along with two ANA soldiers finish up installing floor insulation at a construction site on FOB Lightning, Gardez, Afghanistan

Page 6 Sapper Sentinel Issue 2 — November 2013 Cranking Wrenches: 215th ANA CEK learns engineer vehicle maintenance

By U.S. Army Sgt. Bryan Peterson also identifies select soldiers to RC‐SW Public Affairs become trainers for future courses. CAMP SHORABAK, Afghani‐ The Engineer Kandak’s pri‐ stan – An Afghan National Army mary mission is horizontal engi‐ 215th Corps Engineer Kandak, or neering, which includes building battalion, convoy was making its roads, ditches and airstrips. They way back to Camp Shorabak from utilize everything from bulldozers an operation in Sangin in late July. and scoop loaders to excavators During the trip, the convoy struck to graders. an improvised explosive device, Baeza said the heavy equip‐ causing a bulldozer to roll off the ment operators train daily, if they trailer carrying it. are not on a mission. The soldiers The ANA soldiers were able are capable of building roads, for reload the damaged bulldozer example, but “only if their equip‐ ANA soldiers from the 215th CEK clean their graders during the Heavy and continued the trek back to ment is operable,” as Baeza put it. Equipment Maintenance Course on Camp Shorabak, Nov. 2. More than the regional ANA base. Once the The course is broken into 40 soldiers are learning to become certified mechanics through the six‐ convoy arrived, the soldiers three phases. The first phase cov‐ month course designed to certify soldiers as mechanics unloaded the bulldozer and as‐ ers safety and basic repairs, such sessed its dam‐ as changing oil can to help.” tance of preventative mainte‐ age: two dam‐ “We didn’t think we would and tires. The Afghan National Army 1st Lt. nance. He said the course is a “big aged tires, bro‐ second phase Naqibullah has witnessed the help to his kandak.” need more than two ken panels and teaches soldiers Engineer Kandak make strides in “As of right now, we’ve built fluid leaks. bulldozers for the job...more how to change the year he’s been the kandak’s many checkpoints in Sangin, De‐ Staff Sgt. importantly, we didn’t know parts on their liaison officer. The three‐year ANA laram and also helped build things Marcos Baeza, an how to fix them if they were transportation veteran is proud of his unit’s cur‐ at [Regional Corps Battle School],” engineer advisor assets, such as 7‐ rent capabilities compared to said Naqibullah. “Honestly, we are with the Engineer to break down.” ton trucks and earlier this year. all very happy about these Ma‐ Kandak, said the Humvees. The He recalled a mission when rines, especially the course. Most bulldozer was “dead lined and third phase focuses on, what his kandak went to Forward Oper‐ of the guys were not experienced, completely inoperative.” The Baeza considers as “the most ating Base Delaram II, in February. but now we are getting better.” Afghan soldiers didn’t know what important for the kandak,” fixing Their mission was to demilitarize Although taking time to de‐ to do, so Baeza and his Marines, engineering vehicles, such as bull‐ parts of the base by velop and imple‐ subsequently, taught the soldiers dozers and scoop loaders. clearing berms up ment the course how to fix the tires and oil leaks. Afghan National Army Sgt. to 10‐feet‐high, “This is required training might sound like it “Little things, to us, like fix‐ Jalaal Rasoli, feels the training will totaling more than they’ll need to continue took away from the ing tires and oil leaks, are things bring a sense of pride and part‐ five miles. The sol‐ to operate as a kandak” kandak’s overall they didn’t know how to do,” said nership to the kandak. He said the diers brought only mission of support‐ Baeza, a Fresno, Calif., native. work he and other mechanics will two bulldozers. ing forward units, “We taught them some basics do will help enable the operators After a day of work, both bulldoz‐ Baeza likened this training to and now they’re able to do those to conduct work both on and off ers broke down and the soldiers heavy equipment operators in the things.” of Camp Shorabak. had to reload the equipment and states. This situation and a few “[The operators] can’t oper‐ return to Camp Shorabak. “Back in the states, we do others prompted Baeza and his ate the vehicles if [the vehicles] “One, we didn’t think we the same thing the Afghan sol‐ advisor team to develop the are not working,” said Rasoli, a would need more than two bull‐ diers are doing here, which is Heavy Equipment Maintenance mechanic attending the course dozers for the job,” said Naqibul‐ sustaining our equipment,” said Course, a six‐month course de‐ from 215 Corps’ 2nd Brigade lah. “Two, more importantly, we Baeza. “We’re here to advise signed to certify soldiers as me‐ based in Sangin district. “If we can didn’t know how to fix the bull‐ them on how to do their jobs, and chanics. The course is not just keep these vehicles operating, dozers if they were to break this [maintenance course] is part available to the kandak, but to then the operators can do the job down.” of their job. This is required train‐ soldiers within all four of the they’re supposed to do. This is a Naqibullah and his soldiers ing they’ll need to continue to Corps’ brigades. The curriculum lot of training and I am doing all I have since learned the impor‐ operate as a kandak.”

Page 7 Sapper Sentinel Issue 2 — November 2013 Surveyors work to improve Afghanistan’s busiest E.C.P.

By Staff Sgt. Paul Clever Squad Leader, J7, JTF Sapper

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghani‐ stan – The 130th Engineer Bri‐ gade, currently serving as the Theater Engineer Brigade, Joint Task Force Sapper, is overseeing construction operations and upgrades in and around one of the Bagram Air Force Base’s en‐ try control points. This mission’s importance comes from the amount of traffic the ECP sees. This particular one is recorded as the busiest out of all of base ECPs in Afghanistan. The JTF Sapper Survey and Design team that is assigned to this project consists of four indi‐ viduals, the Noncommissioned Photo by U.S. Army 1st Lt. Laura B. Beebe, JTF Sapper Public Affairs Officer in charge, a team leader, Cpl. Richard Ohman calls out points and elevations to be staked out at one of the Bagram ECPs, Nov. 20. and two technical engineer spe‐ cialists. When asked about this level of professionalism and hard To mitigate the drainage entrance and exit lanes at the project the Survey and Design ‐work exuded by Staff Sgt. Clever issues the area currently has, the ECP will take place during the officer in charge, Chief Warrant and his team to complete the JTF Sapper Survey and Design Cell lifetime of the project. Currently, Officer 3 Willie Gadsden Jr., said, work out at Bagram's ECP, it designed a retention pond that due the large size of most vehi‐ "As a unified system of expert speaks soundly to their prowess will be able to hold in excess of cles operating through the ECP, surveying and technical engineer‐ to accomplish any difficult task," 160,000 gallons of water, more and the existing width of the ing the J7 Survey and Design Gadsden concluded. than enough volume for the rate lanes, damage is consistently soldiers have always demon‐ This particular ECP currently of rain and snowfall the Bagram done to both vehicles and barri‐ strated sound approaches to handles all commercial traffic area receives. ers. Widening the lanes will both getting the job done.” entering and exiting Bagram Air They then needed a design help to prevent any damage in “Taking into account the Force Base. Consisting of more to divert all runoff in the future and help than 450 vehicles per day, mostly the area into the “(They) have always the flow of traffic retention area. This through the busiest semitrailers, which are essential demonstrated sound for everyday maintenance and was accomplished gate in Afghanistan. support to the Soldiers and civil‐ by regarding the approaches to getting Adding a third lane, ians on base, the purpose of this area surrounding the job done” as a dedicated coali‐ mission threefold. They are miti‐ the ECP to guide any tion forces lane will gating drainage issues in the water into the drainage pipes drastically improve the flow of area, widening the existing lanes leading to the retention pond. local commercial and civilian and adding an additional lane for This work also benefits the traffic through the ECP. Every coalition forces to enter and exit local Afghan community in two time a convoy must enter or exit the base. direct ways. First, by re‐ the base, traffic must stop for When they conducted their contouring the land and helping them. With the ECP improve‐ initial topographic survey of the to guide the water toward the ments, commercial and civilian area they began by setting survey retention pond, the surrounding traffic will be able to continue control points using a Trimble R8 fields drain easier, thus making unaffected by these convoys. GPS system, then set up on those them more suitable for planting All the improvements to the points using a Trimble 5601 Total crops. Second, there are local ECP are not only essential to the Photo by U.S. Army 1st Lt. Laura B. Beebe Station. The used this technique access roads on either side of the mission coalition forces perform Staff Sgt. Paul Clever pounds in a because with a traditional GPS ECP which will be graded and but they also will have a direct stake to be used as a marker for survey, it would not have been improved while the earthmoving impact on the local community, the equipment operators who possible in the location they were equipment is there working. helping to improve roads and use the stakes as boundaries working in. Widening of the existing farming in the area.

Page 8 Sapper Sentinel Issue 2 — November 2013

separate Afghan Army training Engineers prepared for return to Kentucky missions, the unit is presently (Continued from page 6) timelines, checks on learning in istering periodic testing. making plans to adopt a few ghan Army. the form of quizzes for the ANA The vertical engineer team more similar missions in other "Our Soldiers receive a real engineers, schedules for their gives written exams that are parts of the Regional Command sense of serving others and giving troops, and training resources translated from English to Dari, East Territory. by passing on their knowledge to that are available. the local dialect in the North. This will put the Kentucky the ANA," said Evans. "At the end This is the first challenge for The heavy equipment team Guardsmen at the top of the list of a long work day, our Guards‐ the Guardsmen and it all comes grades their stu‐ for having the most The Kentucky guardsmen men leave the training site with a together with the help of local dents by watching missions that in‐ great sense of pride and accom‐ interpreters that bridge the lan‐ them operate the are at the top of the list volve direct contact plishment. The ANA are really guage gap . equipment after for having the most with the ANA. The excited and receptive to learning "We start by teaching the giving them a task to missions that involve company will now new skills which make it easy to ANA to request materials for perform with the direct contact with the shift focus from provide training. For our soldiers, training the way we do. There is heavy machinery. ANA construction to it is a very rewarding experience some paperwork involved but it All is part of a construction train‐ that they will carry with them only ensures accountability for bigger picture so that the ANA ing as the end of another deploy‐ long after the deployment is materials such as lumber for will be ready to continue training ment for the 149th is just around over." construction or fuel to fill the and execute their own missions the corner. Many meetings with the ANA heavy equipment they will learn by the time the 149th is ready to "Afghanistan is moving for‐ Commanders are held to discuss to operate," said Hamblin. "In a redeploy back to Kentucky. ward and with the right tools part of the world where most "Were making leaps and they will succeed," said unit 1st things are accomplished with a bounds with the Afghan Army Sgt. Grayden Colegrove. "I'm very handshake and a good faith ges‐ despite the language barrier," pleased that we had a chance to ture, we try to explain the impor‐ said Lewis. "All seem very eager be a big part of the training that tance of following the proper to learn and show up to class will later show when Afghanistan chain of command when request‐ early. It's a great experience to is on its own. Our vertical struc‐ ing supplies so that when we be given the chance, not only to tures may someday be demol‐ leave there is an accountable teach but to get to know them on ished, but the ability to educate system established. This is the a much more personal level. and pass on our experience to most difficult hurdle thus far." Everyday it's a different experi‐ the people of Afghanistan will Once the training is in full ence working with the ANA and last long after our buildings come swing, the 149th troops get to it's also very exciting at the same down. We will return home and Photo by U.S. Army 1st Lt. Laura B. Beebe work passing along the engineer‐ time." back to our civilian jobs knowing Sgt. Click shows an ANA soldier ing knowhow and check the re‐ In addition to the 149th cur‐ we left a legacy here in Afghani‐ how to use a miter saw tention of information by admin‐ rently being engaged in two stan."

Task Force Trojan Horse Noncommissioned Officer Induction Ceremony

Command Sgt. Maj. Sammy Sparger presided over the ceremony on FOB Shank, eastern Afghanistan, where the newly promoted Sergeants were in‐ ducted into the Noncommissioned Officer Corps Nov. 19th. (Photos by U.S. Army 1st Lt. Laura B. Beebe)

Page 9 Sapper Sentinel Issue 2 — November 2013 Engineers continue to secure routes (Continued from page 3) That's especially true in the in front it has a big metal plate, hostile mountainous eastern equipped with ground penetrat‐ provinces along the border with ing radar. Pakistan, where there are a lim‐ Route clearance units are ited number of roads American discovering a lot of bombs. One forces can use to move troops recent patrol discovered 14 hid‐ and supplies. The Taliban is den bombs on aware of this. stretch of road less “Route clearance is "We know we're Photo by Randall Joyce, CBS News than one mile long. under a constant always in the lead” Sgt. Keenan Roberts, a team leader with the 59th MAC (right), Commanding watch," Elliott said. walks with an interpreter through a village in the Zormat area. As officer Captain An‐ "They plant hoax U.S. forces prepare to hand over security duties to their Afghan drew Elliott said he worries "like IEDs, waiting to for us to misstep partners, the responsibility of clearing the roads for U.S. forces a parent" every time he sends his that. If we had done that (our remains an American operation soldiers outside the base. search) incorrectly, there would have been a 200‐pound bomb "No matter the training, unless it's eyes on, it's not priority as this long war winds there the next day." there's still that threat," he said. deemed safe." down and comes to a close, now Elliot said another tactic "No matter how much body "Route clearance is always that almost everyone's so close Taliban fighters use is what the armor you're wearing, that bul‐ in the lead," Elliot said. "But just to going home. military calls "reseeding," or let, that fragmentation (from a last month, there was a unit "You want everybody to planting bombs behind convoys bomb or grenade) can still find behind us that stopped for a walk off that plane in Texas with moments after they pass by, its way to those hotspots that mechanical issue, and within that all their fingers and toes," Rob‐ knowing that route clearance aren't covered. So you just time frame they erts said on patrol. crews might be returning to base worry, period, about your guys actually put an IED "We want to go along those same roads. and gals that are on the front right behind us. For the U.S. military, back as a group. We "Once we don't have eyes line, fighting every day." Within minutes." protecting its own don't want anybody It's a fight that's becoming on that area, the TTPs (tactics, But route clear‐ forces is a priority as getting hurt and techniques and procedures) are more difficult by the day. As U.S. ance engineers can't going back by them‐ for insurgent forces to go right this long war winds troops and their coalition allies clear every road, selves." back in and put an IED right in hand over more of the battlefield and Afghan civilians down Part of that means the ground or in a culvert, be‐ to Afghan security forces, they're make up the over‐ that U.S. route cause they know we've checked becoming more concentrated in whelming majority of deaths clearance crews make the final it thoroughly," he said. "And the areas where they still oper‐ from roadside bombs, like the sweep of any road used by ate. attack on Sunday that killed 18 American forces, regardless if people. Afghan security teams have The Afghan government has checked them first. chosen not to release the figures "Route clearance will always of Afghan security forces who be in Afghanistan for the long have died in Taliban attacks this term," Elliott said. "There will year, but as coalition forces pull always be route clearance and back from combat missions in combat engineers leading the some of the most volatile areas, way." Afghan soldiers and police have suffered heavy and increas‐ ing losses. CBS News was told they're also finding the majority Photo by US Army 1st Lt. Laura B. Beebe, JTF Sapper of the bombs. Soldiers with the 59th Mobile Augmentation Company search for But for the U.S. homemade explosives and trigger men while on patrol in eastern military, protecting Afghanistan during a route clearance mission its own forces is a Photo by US Army 1st Lt. Laura B. Beebe, JTF Sapper

Page 10 Sapper Sentinel Issue 2 — November 2013 Brigade Headquarters & Headquarters Company (HHC)

Aloha & Happy Holidays Families, for thousands of Soldiers, as well one. Please understand that your as countless other tasks. We are deployed husbands and wives are As always, our team is doing focused, and making a difference resilient, trained, and ready to great! The Sapper Family recently in Afghanistan. complete any mission. We are celebrated In addition to our mission and prepared for any scenario, and we Thanksgiving. We teamwork, the Soldiers, NCOs, and appreciate your love and concern came together to Officers of the company continue on the home front. break bread, play to shine as individuals. In the past Thank you and have a safe, Photo by U.S. Army 1st Lt. Laura B. Beebe sports, and warm two weeks alone, 1st Lt. Haw‐ healthy, and happy Holiday Sea‐ up with a bonfire. thorne, 1st Lt. Miller, Sgt. Amaya son! Combat Ready! Soldiers from the company en‐ The day was a and Spc. Blanchard all were pro‐ joy cigars and camaraderie welcome rest from our daily activi‐ moted to the next rank. ‐Capt. Victor Gronenthal around a fire at Bagram Airfield ties and a chance to bond, while Others here have competed Commander, not losing focus of the important in mock boards, began college HHC, 130th Eng. Bde. role we play. classes, earned army The company “Every individual physical fitness badges, continues to serve hon‐ fired expert on their in our company orably as the founda‐ weapon, or completed tion of the 130th Bri‐ has grown as a countless hours of gade, and our team leader” Army Structured Self performs at an amazing Development training. level. On a daily basis your Sol‐ Looking back over the past diers run a 24 hour operations two and a half months, it is clear center, provide intelligence to that every individual in our com‐ keep Soldiers safe, coordinate the pany has grown as a leader. maintenance and logistics for mil‐ Lastly, I do know that there is lions of dollars of equipment, train some apprehension on the home Photo by U.S. Army 1st Lt. Laura B. Beebe, JTF Sapper and enable Afghan Engineers, front regarding changes of mission The J4 section enjoys Thanksgiving Dinner together at the DFAC manage administrative functions or plans for your Soldier or loved Sexual Harassment and Assault Response Program (SHARP)

What is Personal Courage? When you see the warning signs of sexual violence, you either: Facing your fear, danger or adversity Support ‐or‐ Deter (physical or moral). Personal courage has long been associated with our Army. With Encourage ‐or‐ Discourage physical courage, it is a matter of enduring Enable ‐or‐ Condemn physical duress and at times risking per‐ sonal safety. Facing moral fear or adversity Speak Up ‐or‐ Stay Silent may be a long, slow process of continuing Intervene ‐or‐ Ignore forward on the right path, especially if tak‐ ing those actions that is not popular with You are either:

others. You can build your personal courage a Leader ‐or‐ a Follower by daily standing up against sexual harass‐ ment and sexual assault in your formation. Which one are you? Whether you’re a Soldier or a civilian, it takes COURAGE Why is it important for us to stop sexual harassment and sexual assault? Stand Up, Be A Leader who Answer: We all have a responsibility to Intervenes, Acts, and Motivates! take action to change our culture to elimi‐ nate an “enemy that lies within our ranks.” (CSA General Casey, SHARP Summit We are all leaders, and as leaders there is no such thing as a 2010) passive bystander. Each of us is either enabling sexual harassment and sexual assault or standing up to stop it. There is No “innocent bystander”

Page 11 Sapper Sentinel Issue 2 — November 2013

JTF Sapper ACROSS JTF Sapper DOWN 2. 201st CEK __ yard is 1st independent project Crossword 1. A leader intervenes, acts, and __ 3. 59th Mobile __ Company Crossword 4. TF __ Horse taught FET program to ANA 4. Survey equipment used at Bagram ECP Challenge!Challenge! 6. __ Eng. Battalion is from Ft. Hood, Tx. 5. Where 149th is from in U.S. 8. New Task Force for RC‐E & RC‐N 7. 215th CEK’s home base 9. Brigade Command Sergeant Major 10. Program to ensure property is properly managed HINT: EACH ANSWER CAN BE FOUND INSIDE THIS NEWSLETTER

About this Photo: Seabees from NMCB28 work on deconstructing a standing building in Kandahar Nov. 15. (Photo by 1st Lt. Laura B. Beebe)

There’s help when you need it…

Crisis Intervention Hotline Warriors: Need someone to talk to, or have a buddy here who needs help?

The Crisis Intervention Hotline is staffed 24/7. If you need to talk to a counselor, you can reach them from any NIPR phone by dialing 1‐1‐1. You can also reach Crisis Counselors by Afghan Local National Phone by dialing 070‐113‐2000, (wait for tone) then 1‐1‐1. Also reach Crisis Counselors by NIPR email at [email protected].

Remember, you aren't alone! Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Kimberly Hackbarth, 4th SBCT., 2nd Inf. Div. Public Affairs

Page 12 Sapper Sentinel Issue 2 — November 2013

Around the Sapper AO This past month Photo by U.S. Army 1st Lt. Laura B.eth Beebe By U.S. Army 1st Lt. Laura Beth Beebe Western Afghanistan – 1st Platoon, 576th Eastern Afghanistan – 2nd Platoon, 22nd Eng. Company, test fire their weapons Eng. Clearance Company, huddles around prior to their patrol Nov. 25. their trucks for the pre‐mission brief Nov. 13.

Photo by U.S. Army 1st Lt. Laura Beth Beebe Photo courtesy of RC‐South Public Affairs Photo by U.S. Army 1st Lt. Laura Beth Beebe Southern Afghanistan—Sgt. 1st Class Willy Southern Afghanistan—Soldiers from TF Eastern Afghanistan – Petty Officer 3rd Sobczak, 837th Eng. Co., earns the Bronze Bayonet participate in the Army Ten Miler Class Hernandez receives a coin from Col. Star Medal and Purple Heart for service in Shadow Run on Kandahar Airfield Nov. 15. Diana Holland, JTF Sapper Commander for Operation Enduring Freedom. The 837th is his outstanding work at Camp Phoenix. scheduled to head home soon.

Chaplain’s Closing, Maj. John Sedwick home to exercise great discretion continue to lead your subordi‐ and caution as they manage their “Challenge of Change” nates and keep them focused on finances. This may not be the the mission at hand. Several Sundays ago I even some individual engineer time to purchase that motor As Jesus once told his disci‐ preached a sermon from the 21st companies arrived in theater and home or beach front property in ples, “Therefore do not be anx‐ Chapter of Luke, promptly received orders to re‐ Hawaii. ious about tomorrow, for tomor‐ which captured turn to their home station after I would encourage our Sol‐ row will be anxious for itself. Jesus’ description having just completed their first diers to continue to place the Sufficient for the day is its own about the end or second route clearance patrol. mission first; to take care of the trouble.” times. He warned And those of us in the Brigade Soldier working next to you; to his disciples, Headquarters find ourselves anx‐ “Nation will rise against nation, iously awaiting a decision about and kingdom against kingdom. our future in the next few days. Giving Thanks There will be great earthquakes, Change can either bring joy this Season and in various places famines and or sadness—depending upon your pestilences. And there will be perspective—but it will undoubt‐ terrors and great signs from edly create stress for all units and heaven.” solitary Soldiers as we scramble Whether you are a Christian collectively and individually to or not, you might agree that many pack, unpack, re‐pack and stand of these signs appear to be taking by to stand by. place in our present day and age. Our Families in the rear have Certainly everyone belonging perhaps made life‐changing deci‐ to JTF Sapper has experienced sions based upon a projected 9‐ dramatic change in the last few month deployment that may now months, as deployments for indi‐ be dramatically reduced. vidual battalions have been re‐ I would encourage our Sol‐ duced by a month or more, and diers and Family members back By U.S. Army 1st Lt. Laura Beth Beebe

Page 13 Our Mission: Deploy in support of the International Security Assistance Force and, at the invitation of the Government of Afghanistan, provide theater engineer support to include development of the Afghan National Army engineer force, ISAF troop construction, and route clearance, to help build a pathway to peace and prosperity for the people of Afghanistan.

Questions or comments? Email 1st Lt. Laura Beth Beebe Public Affairs Officer [email protected] Facebook.com/TheaterEngineerBrigade