December Gunfighter Newsletter

Gunfighter Newsletter - Dec

Homecomings at DFW

R&Rs are in full swing and some of the families have elected to pick up their soldier at the Dallas-Fort Worth airport. For some of the spouses there has been some confusion on exactly where you pick your soldier up at. Here is some information that will help you.

Your soldier should arrive at 1 of 2 possible gates. When your soldier receives his/her itinerary they will be able to tell you what terminal they will be arriving at.

If your soldier is arriving at Terminal B, gate B33. Here is a map that will show you this location.

This is the "Panoramic Tour" for Terminal B.
On this map if you look for gate B33 there are two dots. The lower dot is for Troop Arrivals. If you click on this dot it will give you a panoramic view of the arrival area.

If your soldier will be arriving at Terminal D you will greet them at the International Arrivals area. When arriving in this terminal it does not matter what their arrival gate is. All Terminal D arrivals are international flights and all passengers must go through the customs area. All Terminal D arrivals will go to the International Arrivals area.

Here are two maps that will help you see where you need to be.

Click here to view Terminal D.
On this map there is a "Terminal Legend".
There is a person waving holding a bag.
This is the icon for International Arrivals.
If you look just to the right of the center of the terminal you will see this icon.

On the right-side column of the Terminal D map there is a link for "Panoramic Terminal D"
Make sure you have "Lower Level" selected.
In the very center, between gates D22 and D23, there is the blue dot for International Arrivals. If you click this dot you will get a panoramic view of the the arrival area.

Picking up your soldier from the DFW airport is an amazing experience. There is always a crowd of USO volunteers, members of the local VFWs, and various other organizations. There may even be a former President there. You never know who is going to show up. Everyone is eager to shakes hands and welcome each and every soldier home. There will be signs. There will be people cheering. There may even be a couple of older ladies with pom poms. There are referred to as the Grandmas, make sure to say hi, they are amazing ladies.

There will be someone there to greet family members as they arrive. Don't be suprised at the welcome you will receive. They also recognize the sacrifice that the family members make and they are happy to tell you so and thank you for your service. You will also be walked to the head of the line so your soldier sees you first.

If you are not given one, make sure to ask any of the USO volunteers for a parking voucher. This will provide you with free parking.

Everyone loves to hear a good homecoming story. If you would like to share yours please let us know. We would love to post it on the blog!

Send Your Soldier a Holiday Message

The Stars and Stripes newspaper is accepting holiday messages for it's Middle Eastern, European, and Pacific editions. You may create a free personlized message that will be printed in the Stars and Stripes December 18th issue. You will have the choice to send a message with a picture or a text only message. The deadline for submissions is November 29th. You may still submit messages after this date, however, they will appear on the Stars and Stripes website only.

To submit a message and for additional information visit the Stars and Stripes Holiday Messages website.

Military Spouse Career and Education Exploration Day

Military Spouse Career and Education Exploration Day
Your one-stop answer to your career and education questions!

November 19, 2010
8:00 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Mayborn Planetarium Bldg. 152

FREE LUNCH and FREE ACCESS to the ACT Discover career and interest inventory!

Including presentations on:

Choosing a career that's right for you.
Central Texas area employment tips & trends.
The "new" MyCAA (Career Advancement Account) Program.
GI Bill benefits and procedures.
Education and college resources.

Information also available on education and training leading to portable careers from Central Texas College, Temple College and Austin Community College.

RSVP for Military Spouse & Education Exploration Day online by November 10th at http://www.ctcd.edu/militaryspouses/index.htm to guarantee your spot and get a FREE login for the ACT Discover Career & Interest Inventory! For more information, please call (254) 526-1223.

If you are not in the local area or can't make the event on Nov 19th, join us for our Military Spouse Live Online Chat November 1st 10 am to 12 pm CST. For more information or to register for the chat visit http://www.ctcd.edu/militaryspouses/index.htm

Holiday Mailing Deadlines

The following is a portion of a news release from the US Postal Service regarding the holiday mailing deadlines for packages being sent to service members overseas. The deadline for our unit is November 12th. To view the full article and additional mailing deadlines you may visit the USPS website. There is a seperate mailing date for Priority Mail packages. Please keep in mind that these packages may not be received sooner that a parcel post package so you will want to follow the November 12the deadline for all packages.

Holiday Mailing Deadlines

Postal Service announces deadlines for mail going to service members overseas

Grand Rapids MI — While the first signs of autumn are just beginning to appear, it’s not too early to start thinking about holiday cards, letters and packages destined for service members and their families stationed in faraway lands. The first deadline for the 2010 holiday season is just around the corner.

Friday, November 12, is the deadline for sending holiday packages to troops stationed overseas using Parcel Post to all Air/Army Post Office (APO) or Fleet Post Office (FPO) ZIP Codes.

“The U.S. Postal Service is encouraging the use of these early deadlines to make sure that packages reach their destinations in time for the holidays,” said Sabrina Todd, a spokesperson for the Greater Michigan District Postal Service in Lansing.

The Postal Service places APO/FPO mail on special charter flights, commercial airlines and military service aircraft to reach armed services members overseas as quickly as possible.

All military mail, regardless of destination, is sent by domestic mail rate. International rates do not apply to military mail delivery.

The large Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box (12” x 12” x 5 ½”) offers a $2 discount to APO/FPO destinations and ships for just $12.50. Customers can access shipping information by adding Delivery Confirmation, which is available for almost all military destinations outside the United States. Delivery Confirmation provides customers with the date, ZIP Code of delivery, and time the package was delivered. This information can be accessed online at www.usps.com.

The Postal Service’s popular Military Care Kits also help military families and friends keep free shipping supplies within reach. Each kit contains six Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes (two large and four medium-sized boxes), six customs forms and envelopes, six Priority address labels and one role of military tape. The kit may be ordered by calling the USPS Expedited Package Supply Center at 1-800-610-8734.

All packages and mail must be addressed to individual service members, as required by U.S. Department of Defense regulations.

“There may be no bigger morale booster than mail for our soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen and Coast Guardsmen during the holidays.” said Todd. “Packages and letters bring them closer to family and to the comforts of home.”

Even creating customized postage and holiday cards can be as easy as baking and shipping the holiday cookies that those service members enjoy.

“With a little creativity, customers can always create their own personal touches and keepsakes,” Todd added. “It’s all available at www.usps.com.”

Outside COP Sayed Abad

Outside Combat Operating Post Sayed Abad, Wardak province, Afghanistan, Sept. 6. (Photos by: Sgt. Sean P. Casey)

An Afghan boy stands outside a shop at the local bazaar.


U.S. Army Soldiers from the 89th Military Police Brigade, 720th MP Battalion, 401st MP Company, 2nd Platoon Punishers and Afghan National Police conduct a traffic control point.


Spc. Jeffrey Berg of the 89th Military Police Brigade, 720th MP Battalion, 401st MP Company, 2nd Platoon Punishers shakes hands with a local boy during a mission to inform the local populace about the upcoming September Afghan elections.


Spc. Chadd Mayle of the 89th Military Police Brigade, 720th MP Battalion, 401st MP Company, 2nd Platoon Punishers, stands guard during a patrol aimed at informing the citizens of Sayed Abad, Wardak province, Afghanistan about the upcoming September Afghan election.


Sgt. Mark Randolph of the 89th Military Police Brigade, 720th MP Battalion, 401st MP Company, 2nd Platoon Punishers informs locals of the upcoming September Afghan elections.


Sgt. Mark Randolph of the 89th Military Police Brigade, 720th MP Battalion, 401st MP Company, 2nd Platoon Punishers informs locals of the upcoming September Afghan elections.


Cpl. Tyler Michalewicz and Spc. Michael Stimpson of the 89th Military Police Brigade, 720th MP Battalion, 401st MP Compnay, 2nd Platoon Punishers gives candy to a local boy during a meet and greet mission to inform citizens of Sayed Abad, Wardak province Afghanistan about the upcoming Afghan elections.


Spc. Jonathan Stillwell helps Cpl. Tyler Michalewicz adjust his equipment during a presence patrol in the bazaar.


U.S. Army Soldier Pfc. Kevin Elrod of the 89th Military Police Brigade, 720th MP Battalion, 401st MP Company, 2nd Platoon Punishers takes a photo while conducting a friendly patrol to shake hands with and inform local citizens of the September Afghan elections.


An Afghan National Policeman stands guard during a presence patrol.


An Afghan National Policeman searches a driver at a traffic control point.

GM Military Discount

Did you know that General Motors offers a military discount? This discount is a lower sales price that is set directly by General Motors. You can walk into a dealership knowing exactly what you can expect to pay for your next vehicle. No haggling with a salesman for a lower price.

In order to obtain this discount you will need to visit the GM Military Discount website and register to receive a "Go Code". You print that code out and take it to a participating dealership along with your military ID card. This offer is only available to active duty service members and their spouses.

If you are a USAA member you are also eligible for an additional $750 incentive. Other current incentives offered by General Motors can also be combined with this discount.

Visit the GM Military Discount website for additional information.

TF King Helps AUP on road to success with new Humvees

WARDAK PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Task Force King has led the way by training and mentoring the Afghan forces to help Afghanistan form a strong and effective police force.

The artillerymen of TF King have bolstered the strength of Afghan police officers within Logar and Wardak provinces for the last nine months. The 4th Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, recently gave the Afghan Uniformed Police three up-armored Humvees to help Afghan forces engage with the local population more often.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. David Sink, 4-319th AFAR commander, and Brig. Gen. Hagyar, Wardak provincial police chief, signed the documents releasing the tactical vehicles to the AUP.

In the past, the Afghan National Army has been the only Afghan National Security Force that was offered the additional protection of the up-armored Humvees. As police trainers and mentors, the 173d ABCT wanted to give the AUP the same protection.

According to Sink, this is just the beginning.

“In the future, as more vehicles are distributed, this will give them a greater level of protection and mobility than their current capability,” said Sink who hails from Raleigh, N.C.

Sink continued by saying, “Brig. Gen. Hagyar was assigned the position as the provincial police chief about five months ago. Since then, he has taken an active role in redefining his AUP.”

Immediately after stepping into the police chief position, Hagyar began conducting battlefield circulation in order to understand the problems, strengths and weaknesses of the district-level police.

“I see myself as Brig. Gen. Hagyar's mentor who assists him in his leadership and management of the 800-plus police officers in the province,” said Sink.

“We have gone beyond training basic tasks. We have developed Afghan Uniformed Police trainers,” said U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Dennis Woods, the 4-319th AFAR command sergeant major and a native of Marietta, Ga. “They can now assist in training other police officers completely apart from coalition assistance. We first used a building block method of instruction that required our NCO's to teach, coach and mentor the AUP officers.”

“The most common comment is how deeply we have penetrated their social circles,” said Woods. “We have essentially doubled down on the [counterinsurgency] fight by having the Afghan Uniformed Police take charge of their development. By abandoning many Western ideals and adopting Afghan ones; we were able to draw them in close with personal relationships.”

Woods said their initial instruction methods were based on a banker’s mentality of education using a technique of deposit and withdrawal.

“Operating techniques were modelled closely to those already in use by the AUP. Building on the body of prior knowledge, AUP officers were coached through increasingly complex tasks,” Woods said.

“We implemented a core-skills agenda that would allow officers to attend courses taught by our NCO's and officers. Those core skills include basic first aid, drivers training and marksmanship training,” said Woods.

Additionally, they wanted to assist the police headquarters staff in their capabilities and functionality. Leadership, logistics and management courses were developed to assist in that.

“At the district levels, we've partnered our 401st [Military Police] and paratroopers from Alpha Battery 4-319th with the district-level police,” said Woods. “These Police Combined Action Teams conduct the day-to-day partnering and combined action with the AUP, assisting in their development.”

To add an extra boost to the training program, they also use mobile training teams in both Logar and Wardak provinces where a team of five Soldiers go into the districts to focus more on the values, ethics, rule of law, management and some advanced first aid.

The teams spend a week in the district centers assisting in the training of the Wardak AUP. They also provide an assessment of the district center and its police.

“The fact that these AUP officers are the first to operate up-armored vehicles has greatly increased their social status,” said Woods. “Their position in the Afghan community has risen as well.”

Woods said that modern COIN requires a finesse and level of precision and sophistication. “Our battalion has stepped up to that challenge and performed as warriors, as well as trainers and professional cadre for the Afghan forces.”

Since Hagyar has become chief, he has re-established discipline within the organization by focusing on simple, basic leadership skills, like wearing of the uniform, being at a place of duty, and taking responsibility for personal actions. Hagyar holds numerous battle rhythm events within his headquarters that keep the organization focused on the priorities and tasks at hand.

“These include weekly administrative, security and intelligence meetings that keep his staff informed, and allow him to give guidance on the ways ahead,” said Sink.

This training could not have occurred unless the AUP leadership bought into the program and allowed their officers to take time away from their normal routine to attend classes. The program is supported by the 4-319th AFAR and 173d ABCT Soldiers, but the AUP picked the courses they wanted taught, and it was on their timeline.

”The fact that we kept our classes full is a testament to the commitment of the Wardak Provincial Police Headquarters in getting their AUP trained to operate as a professional, capable force,” said Sink.

Story by Staff Sgt. Bruce Cobbledick

Task Force Talon paratroopers provide NCO school for ANP, ANA soldiers

Task Force Talon paratroopers provide NCO school for ANP, ANA soldiers
Combined Joint Task Force 101
Story by Staff Sgt. Bruce Cobbledick

WARDAK PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Combat Outpost Sayed Abad is now home to a new non-commissioned officer school designed to deliver a train-the-trainer approach at teaching and hone the skills Afghan National Police and Afghan National Army soldiers need to be successful NCOs.

The school was designed with input from ANA, ANP and U.S. forces to give Afghan students skills and knowledge that will be instrumental in the training of their soldiers.

Members of the 401st Military Police Company teamed up with the sky soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team to offer a three to four week course that covers subjects like basic patrolling techniques, so Afghan national security force officers and non-commissioned officers can return to their units and train others.

“I will teach the things my teachers have taught me,” said ANP Sgt. Hakmut Ullah Rahimi. “At first, we were given more information about Army regulations … before [this course] I knew I was a sergeant, but that was really all I knew. After this training, I am sure, really sure, that I am a soldier, and I now know what to do in my job,”

The course was intended to help Afghan forces increase their professionalism in key areas that would bolster their effectiveness and instill teaching skills in leaders. Assassin Company 1st Sgt. Donald Harding, from Springfield, Va., played a pivotal role in the shaping of the school and maintaining its standards, as well as supervising the coalition’s cadre staff, comprised of infantrymen and military police.

But the Afghans were not the only ones who learned something.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Andrew Beauchamp from Chestertown, Md., learned that the Afghan units had various people who had specialized skills; skills that surprised Beauchamp and fellow instructor Parker. These skills, combined with the new approach to instruction, provided an environment for the Afghan students to learn from one another.

In the past, a great deal of training was focused on the ANA, so this class was intentionally balanced between the ANP and ANA. Although the Afghan soldiers and police haven’t trained side-by-side in the past, they embraced the opportunity to familiarize themselves with each other.

“It’s good that the ANP and ANA come from all over Afghanistan; it helps them bond as a team, despite from being from different tribes or villages,” said U.S. Army Sgt. Antwan Parker, who is from Chicago.

Beauchamp added that the course was successful in helping the Afghan forces realize that they had far more in common than differences between them. All of the students agreed that it was their country, and they wanted to have a better rapport with each other and the villagers they visit on patrol.

“I think the Afghans out there on patrol show a lot of ownership in what they do,” Beauchamp said.

Although the Afghan students bonded well during the course, instructors had to re-evaluate their form of instruction for optimum learning results.

“The secret to training is realizing that here in Afghanistan, nothing is done quickly. They have their own style and their own pace of how to do things, so we had to adjust our teaching style to their ways,” Parker said.

“You can buy them a boat, but it’s better to get them the supplies and let them build the boat themselves,” said Beauchamp. “We try to teach them pride of ownership and the importance of retaining and applying what is taught here.”

The Afghan forces were taught the rules of driving, and because so many Afghans had lost their friends and comrades due to vehicle accidents, they appreciated the instructions about tactical vehicles, as they operate very differently from the typical vehicles they are accustomed to.

“We did not really ever understand the rules of the highways very well, and as a result, we lost many of our dear friends – some very good soldiers who were dear to us,” said ANA Sgt. Mohammad Kahn Mashowni.

Realizing the lack of hands-on teaching in the past, the instructors focused tangible training as much as possible with each student.

“These ANA and ANP fighters received most of their training in classrooms initially. They did not get a lot of hands-on training, so we got them outside, and we tried to make the instruction as dynamic for them as possible,” Beauchamp said.

Parker said there were a lot of practical lessons throughout the course, but especially regarding the safe operation of vehicles.

“The roads here are tricky. They are often on steep inclines, very narrow and can be very dangerous, so handling tactical vehicles under the tough conditions here is very challenging,” Parker said.

The students were grateful for the training and enjoyed the quality time they had with their American counterparts. Harding invested a great deal of time in developing the course and said he remains convinced that the training coalition forces provide today will help Afghan military and police leaders train tomorrow’s forces.

“I am very appreciative of what we have been given and all the help we have received,” said Mashowni. “We got great benefit from this class.”

August Gunfighter Newsletter

August Gunfighter Newsletter

Resources for Military Spouses

Most of us are aware of official DoD websites that provide information, tools, and resources to military families. Websites such at Military OneSource, Army OneSource, and Military HOMEFRONT. Here is a listing of just a few unoffical wesbites that also excellent resources to help our spouses cope with deployments and military life in general.

CinCHouse.com
This is a nonprofit community for military wives, with an enormous range of information; recipes to deployment information, family tips, and wellness. This website also provides chat rooms and links to installations.

Military.com
This website provides informationand links specific to military spouses, including job search information, discussion boards and deployment support.

Military Spouse Help
You will receive information and advice from two military wives about a range of issues interesting to military spouses, including careers, energy, and family.

National Military Family Association (NMFA)
Providing information for military spouses and families, including information about education, employment, family life, and health care, as well as links to installation resources.

ID Card / DEERS Scheduling

Did you know that you can schedule appointments online with the ID Card/DEERS office?
(appointments are not currently available for soldiers)

You can information on the ID Card/DEERS office here including what documents are needed.

You can schedule an appointment here.

MyCAA Program Set to Resume

If you do not already know about the MyCAA program it is a career and education program created by the Department of Defence. The purpose of this program is to help military spouses pursue education, training, licenses, certificates and degrees leading to employment in Portable Career Fields. This is an amazing resourse for military spouses and I encourage you to visit their website for additional information regarding this program.


DoD will resume the MyCAA program. The Department of Defense has completed the program review and will be making the necessary adjustments to resume the MyCAA program beginning in October 2010.

Starting 8 a.m. (EDT) Monday October 25, 2010, Military OneSource career and education counselors will have a much more active role in supporting military spouses. In addition to understanding resources available via DoD's financial aid support, they will provide support and assistance to identify and gain access to other federal, state, and local programs. All military spouses of active duty service members will be eligible for career counseling and support.

New financial assistance guidelines. With a focus on the original intent of the program, the Defense Department's financial assistance program will:

* Be available to spouses of active duty service members in pay grades E1-E5, W1-W2, and O1-O2
* Offer a maximum financial benefit of $4,000 with a fiscal year cap of $2,000. Waivers will be available for spouses pursuing licensure or certification up to the total maximum assistance of $4,000
* Require military spouses to finish their program of study within three years from the start date of the first course
* Be limited to associate degrees, certifications, and licensures


These new guidelines reflect a return to the original purpose of the program - to assist spouses of service members in achieving portable careers. These changes also align the program with responsible fiscal planning by the Defense Department to help sustain the program. Additional program details will be posted on the Military OneSource Web site when they become available. We encourage you to check the site often.

Spouses who currently have an active account will be allowed to request financial assistance until Thursday, October 21, 2010. Beginning September 1, 2010, spouses may request financial assistance for classes that have a start date up to January 15, 2011. To ensure adequate time to plan for courses, no career plans will be accepted after August 31, 2010. All currently approved financial assistance documents will be honored.

Additionally, the review revealed that National Guard and Reserve members must be on active duty for their spouses to receive the MyCAA benefit. Spouses may no longer use the MyCAA benefit when the service member is in an alert or demobilization period. The new eligibility rule takes effect immediately.

The program will be closed from Friday, October 22 to Monday, October 25, 2010, so that we may ensure the infrastructure is in place to implement the new program.

Military spouses are the backbone for military families, displaying strength of character to be admired by this nation. The Department of Defense remains committed to investing in military families, and appreciates the sacrifice of those who also serve.

Information Operations Class

A Human Terrain Specialist gives a brief class on Forward Operating Base Shank to U.S. Army soldiers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team and the 401st Military Police Company on the history of the Afghan culture July 10, Logar province, Afghanistan. The class is given to inform soldiers on all the aspects of information operations.


U.S. Army Lt. Col. David Sink speaks to a group of Soldier in a class on how to use information operations to their advantage at Forward Operating Base Shank, Logar province, Afghanistan, July 10. Sink is assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team.


U.S. Army Maj. Matthew Yandura speaks to Soldiers about how information operations can be useful in the field at Forward Operating Base Shank, Logar province, Afghanistan, July 10. Yandura is assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team.


U.S. Army Capt. Kinsella gives a class on information operations at Forward Operating Base Shank, Logar province, Afghanistan, July 10. Kinsella is assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team.

Udkheyl Dismounted Patrol

A young girl carrying water from a well along with her brother travel through the village of Udkheyl, July 7, 2010, Logar Province, Afghanistan. U.S. Army Soldier's travel's dismounted through the village to conduct security checks. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. De'Yonte Mosley/Released)


An Afghan National Policeman spread's out AK-47 ammunition along with a single mortar that was found after search a near by storage room in the village of Udkheyl, July 7, 2010, Loagr province, Afghanistan. Joint patrols are conducted in the area to conduct security checks. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. De'Yonte Mosley/Released)


An elder of Udkheyl takes part in a key leader engagement with platoon leader of the 401st Military Police Company, June 7, 2010, Logar province, Afghanistan. Key leader engagements are used to get to know the people in the village and to gather useful information. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. De'Yonte Mosley/Released)


U.S. Army Cpl. Robert Graves from Asheboro, N.C., takes a knee to conduct security as the 401st Military Police travel dismounted through the village Udkheyl, July 7, 2010, Logar province, Afghanistan. Graves is assigned to the 401st MP Company, 720th MP Battalion, 89th MP Brigade. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. De'Yonte Mosley/Released)


An Afghan National Policeman talks to elders of Udkheyl about the purpose for the presence of ANP and U.S. Army forces in the village, July 7, 2010, Logar province, Afghanistan. Key leader engagements are used to get important information and to also build a relationship with the people of the village. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. De'Yonte Mosley/Released)


U.S. Army Spc. Mathew Moore from Algonac, Mich., pulls security as platoon leader's conduct a key leader engagement in the village of Udkheyl, July 7, 2010, Logar province, Afghanistan. Moore is assigned to the 401st Military Police Company, 720th MP Battalion, 89th MP Brigade. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. De'Yonte Mosley/Released)

Alowsi Dismounted Patrol

An Afghan National Policeman holding a rocket propelled grenade launcher travels dismounted through the village of Alowsi, July 6, 2010, Logar province, Afghanistan. Joint patrols are done to conduct security checks and key leader engagements. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. De'Yonte Mosley/Released)


An Afghan National Policeman, holding a rocket propelled grenade launcher, travels dismounted through the village of Alowsi, July 6, 2010, Logar province, Afghanistan. Joint patrol's are done to conduct security checks. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. De'Yonte Mosley/Released)

U.S. Army Cpl. Robert Graves from Asheboro, N.C., takes a knee to conduct radio maintenance as the 401st Military police travel dismounted through the village Alowsi, July 6, 2010, Logar province, Afghanistan. Graves is assigned to the 401st MP Company, 720th MP Battalion, 89th MP Brigade. (U.S. Army photo Spc. De'Yonte Mosley/Released)

U.S. Army Pfc. Jacob Graham from Beardstown, Ill., conducts security as the 40st Military Police travel dismounted through the village of Alowsi, July 6, 2010, Logar province, Afghanistan. Graham is assigned to the 401st MP Company, 720th MP Battalion, 89th MP Brigade. (U.S. Army photo Spc. De'Yonte Mosley/Released)

U.S. Army Cpl. Robert Graves from Asheboro, N.C., conducts security in a wheat field in the village of Alowsi as the 401st Military Police travel dismounted through the village. Graves is assigned to the 401st MP Company, 720th MP Battalion, 89th MP Brigade. (U.S. Army photo Spc. De'Yonte Mosley/Released)

An elder of Alowsi takes part in a key leader engagement, June 6, 2010, Logar province, Afghanistan. Key leader engagements are used to get to know the people in the village and to gather useful information. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. De'Yonte Mosley/Released)

Padkuhabe Shenah Dismounted Patrol

A young girl carrying tomatoes from the market, along with her brother, walks through the village of Padkuhabe Shaneh, July 5, 2010, Logar province, Afghanistan. U.S. Army soldiers travel dismounted through the village to conduct security checks and to check on the well being of the people. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. De'Yonte Mosley/Released)


U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Michael Baldwin from Virginia Beach, Va. jumps over a qulat wall in the village of Padkuhabe Shaneh, July 5, 2010, Logar Province, Afghanistan. Staff Sgt. Baldwin is assigned to the 401st MP Company, 720th MP Battalion, 89th MP Brigade.(U.S. Army photo by Spc. De'Yonte Mosley/Released)


U.S. Army soldiers travel dismounted through the village of Padkuhabe Shenah, July 5, 2010, Logar province, Afghanistan. The village is patrolled to conduct key leader engagements and security checks. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. De'Yonte Mosley/Released)


A young boy along with his sister wash a rug in a creek as U.S. Army Soldiers conduct a dismounted patrol through the village of Padkuhabe Shaneh, July 5, 2010, Logar province, Afghanstan. The 401st Military Police visit the village to conduct key leader engagements. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. De'Yonte Mosley/Released)


U.S. Army Cpl. Louie Castillo from Santa Ana, Calif., conducts security as the 401st Military Police prepare to travel dismounted to the village of Padkuhabe Shaneh, July 5, 2010, Logar province, Afghanistan. Castillo is assigned to the 401st MP Company, 720th MP Battalion, 89th MP Brigade. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. De'Yonte Mosley/Released)


Young boy's take part in a photo with friends in the village of Padkuhabe Shaneh, July 5, 2010, Logar province, Afghanistan. Dismounted patrols are frequently led through the village of Padkuhabe Shaneh to conduct security checks. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. De'Yonte Mosley/ Released)


U.S. Army soldiers travel dismounted through the village of Padkuhabe Shenah, July 5, 2010, Logar province, Afghanistan. The village is patrolled to conduct key leader engagements and security checks. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. De'Yonte Mosley/Released)


U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Michael Baldwin from Virginia Beach, Va., talks with an elder in Padkuhabe Shaneh about the conditions of the village and recent activity in the area, July 5, 2010, Logar province, Afghanistan. Baldwin is assigned to the 401st MP Company, 720th MP Battalion, 89th MP Brigade. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. De'Yonte Mosley/Released)

A young boy washes a prayer rug in a creek in the village of Padkuhabe Shaneh, July 5, 2010, Logar province, Afghanistan. Dismounted patrols are frequently lead through the village of Padkuhabe Shaneh to conduct security checks. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. De'Yonte Mosley/ Released)

Pole-Elam District Meeting

Col. Ghulam Charkhy of the Afghan National Police takes part in a meeting with the 401st Military Police at the Prevention Headquarters in Pole-Elam District, July 4, 2010, Logar province, Afghanistan. A meeting held to talk about the progress of the National Afghan National policemen in various area's of training.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Michael Baldwin from Virginia Beach, Va., prepares to take part in a meeting with Col. Ghulam Charkhy of the Afghan National Police at the Prevention Headquarters in Pole-Elam District, July 4, 2010, Logar province, Afghanistan. Baldwin is assigned to the 401st Military police Company, 720th MP battalion, 89th MP Brigade.

Mike Gooding, a contracted police trainer for Dyn Corp, attached to the 401st Military Police Company, takes part in folding an American flag at the Pole-Elam District Center, July 4, 2010, Logar province, Afghanistan. The Pole-Elam District Center is one of the primary locations where training is held by U.S. Army soldiers for Afghan National Policemen. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. De'Yonte Mosley/Released)

4th of July

This picture was sent in from a soldier in Headquarters of a flag being raised on the 4th of July. We do not know exactly who took the picture or we would be sure to give that soldier credit for it. Amazing shot!

Shaghasi Kala Patrol

U.S. Army soldiers assigned to the 401st Military Police Company, 720th MP Battalion, 89th MP Brigade travel dismounted through the village of Shaghasi Kala, June 30, Logar province, Afghanistan. Shaghasi Kala is frequently patrolled to conduct key leader engagement's.

Security Patrol Through Kotub Kheyl

U.S. Army Sgt. Tony Chitwood, from Cleveland, Ohio, conducts security as team leaders conduct a key leader engagement in the village of Kotub Kheyl June 24, Logar province, Afghanistan. Chitwood is assigned to the 401st Military Police Company, 720th MP Battalion, 89th MP Brigade.

U.S. Army soldiers travel dismounted through the village of Kotub Kheyl as a convoy passes by June 24, Logar province, Afghanistan. Key leader engagements are conducted in this village to insure that there are no issue's and what can be done to prevent them.

An elder in the village of Kotub Kheyl gives U.S. Army soldiers information on any activity in the area June 24, Logar province, Afghanistan. Key leader are used to get to know the people in the village and to gather useful information.

Mike Gooding, a contracted police trainer for DynoCorp International, attached to the 401st Military Police Company, conducts security in the village of Kotub Kheyl June 24, Logar province, Afghanistan. Kotub Kheyl is frequently patrolled to conduct key leader engagements.

U.S. Army military policemen conduct security as team leaders conduct a key leader engagement in the village of Kotub Kheyl June 24, Logar province, Afghanistan. Kotub Kheyl is frequently patrolled to conduct key leader engagements.

Mike Gooding, a contracted police trainer for Dyna Corp, attached to the 401st Military Police Company, takes part in a mounted patrol in the village of Kotub Kheyl, June 23, Logar province, Afghanistan. Kotub Kheyl is frequently patrolled to conduct key leader engagements.