Serving the Soldiers, Civilians and Families of 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. Issue 102 May 5, 2012

Command Sgt. Maj. Ralph Delosa, 2nd Brigade Combat TeamCombined Task Force Warhorse

Thank you to all the Families and friends who supported our Soldiers during this deployment. Without your support we could not do what we do. When getting back into the swing of things, I ask both Soldiers and Family members to be mindful that it will take some time for everyone to adjust. Openly communicate with one another and if you find that you need help, please reach out to your chaplain, chain of command, or Fort Carson agencies. As we transition from deployment to garrison let us remember to keep watch over one another. We are all still at risk, but from a different kind

of danger-- danger we inflict upon ourselves. Keep in mind that the number one killer of Soldiers is automobile and motorcycle accidents. We have worked long grueling hours over the past year and some of you would like to unwind with a few drinks, but remember to be responsible and always have a designated driver if you choose to drink away from the comfort of your own home. Take things slow—one day at a time. Enjoy your leave. Take time to reconnect with your Family, relax and most importantly have fun because you deserve it.

sergeant Major’s cornerSergeant Major’s Corner Warhorse Soldiers are on the move…to Fort Carson. Our mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom has been extremely successful; we should all be proud. Our Afghan partners have increased security, improved governance, and provided the people the chance for a brighter future. All this makes our Nation stronger and more secure. Along the way we have lost some brave Soldiers who we will honor with our continued service to our great Nation and we will remember them in our thoughts always.

Warhorse End of Tour Awards3-16 FAR 204th BSB

1-10 CAV 2nd STB

Warhorse PridePage 2 Issue 102 May 5, 2012

The Warhorse Pride is produced in the interest of the Soldiers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. The Warhorse Pide is an Army-funded news-letter authorized under provision of AR 360-1. Contents of the Warhorse Pride are not necessarily the view of, nor endorsed by the U.S. government, Department of Defense, Department of the Army or the 4th Infantry Division. All editorial content of The Warhorse Pride is prepared, edited, provided and approved by the 2nd Brigade Combat Team Public

Affairs Office. The Warhorse Pride welcomes articles, commentary and photos from readers. The Warhorse Pride reserves the right to edit submissions selected for the publication. All issues of The Warhorse Pride can be viewed online from your home computer at www.facebook.com/2bct4id Submissions should be e-mailed to the editor:seth.barham@afghan.swa.army.mil

Col. John S. Kolasheski...................2nd BCT CommanderCommand Sgt. Maj. Ralph Delosa..............2nd BCT CSMMaj. Kevin Toner................................................2nd BCT PAOSgt. Seth Barham..................................................PAO NCOICSgt. Ruth Pagan......................................Layout and DesignSgt. April York.........................................Layout and Design

Warhorse Pride

Sustainment Excellence continues; Afghans in leadStory and photos by Sgt. Ruth Pagan2nd Brigade Combat Team PAO

Mojtaba and Mustafa, both mechanics with Advanced Maintenance Systems, teach an Afghan Uniform Policeman on vehicle maintenance during Sustainment Excellence Training held at Forward Operating Base Walton.

Sustainment Excellence Training began with the Soldiers of 204th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd

Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division being the main instructors to the Afghan Uniformed Police but has progressed to Afghans providing most of the instruction. “At the beginning of the training day we will identify AUP who have been to the training before,” said 1st Lt. Adam Stear, the logistics training advisory team officer in charge with Company B, 204th BSB. “We will have them step up to teach. The American instructor is standing by in case there are any questions or if they forget anything.” Not only are the AUP teaching their peers, but their fellow Afghans who work as interpreters for the Soldiers also assist. “The interpreters have gone through the classes so much that they can actually teach the class,” said Sgt. 1st Class Lyle Hobbs, logistics training advisory team noncommissioned officer in charge with Company B, 204th BSB. “It’s better because it’s easier for the translation instead of us saying it and then them having to translate it; it’s more of a smooth transition and it’s Afghans teaching Afghans.” “The Soldiers have more experience but it’s difficult with the language so it is very good that Afghans are teaching the class from what they have learned from the Soldiers,” said Lt. Abdulwahid, an officer with 1st Belt Kandak, who brought 10 of his newest AUP to the training Apr. 21. The Sustainment Excellence Training was designed to help professionalize the AUP by giving them classes on counter improvised explosive devices, IED familiarization, radio communication, Ford Ranger maintenance, drivers training, generator maintenance, first aid, weapons maintenance and mine detection.

“We base the classes they receive on what their leadership tells us they want for training,” Stear said. The training is held twice each week and rotates between 17 Police Sub Stations throughout Kandahar City, but because of the demand for training and the amount of success the training has produced, the training will now be held three times each week. “A lot the PSSs have stepped up and really taken the initiative to learn and to teach,” Hobbs said. “The repeat students, we have found, are really retaining the information and are able to teach their fellow policemen.”

“One of the reasons the AUP like to come again is because they will receive a certificate

if they help instruct,” Stear said. “So, it has become a sort of competition between them to get that certificate.” Though earning a certificate is one motivation, pride is another. “We are doing work for our country and being able to teach my countrymen is very rewarding,” said Fazalhadi, a civilian weapons specialist with Alpha Omega Services and instructor of weapons maintenance. “These are our guys and being able to prepare them to defend our country makes me so proud.”

Fazalhadi, a weapons specialist with Alpha Omega Servic-es, teaches a class of Afghan Uniformed Police on proper weapons maintenance during the Sustainment Excellence Training held at Forward Operating Base Walton.