Local Afghans from the Tagab valley watch the volleyball competition at the new sports stadium in the valley, Feb. 4. The new stadium was funded by Task Force La Fayette and the Kapisa Provincial Reconstruction team, and employed more than 50 workers throughout the province to complete the project. (Photo by French Army Master Sgt. Sylvain Petremand, Task Force La Fayette – Public Affairs Joint Staff)

Brig. Gen. Marcel Druart, Task Force La Fayette commander, visited the Tagab valley with members of the Kapisa Provincial Reconstruction Team to open the new sports stadium in the valley, Feb. 4.

The project was jointly financed by the PRT and the French brigade and was constructed by more than fifty construction workers from the region.

For the inauguration, a volleyball competition was organized and made up of different teams throughout the province.

“People from Tagab are delighted to have this new sports grounds; young people will be able to practice their sports in better conditions, but this project also enabled to employ local craftsman,” said Mr. Najibullah, the head of the event. “It was really a good opportunity and we wish to take on a similar project.”

After the match and the handing out of awards, Druart gave the closing remarks.

“I am happy to be here today with all of you in order to assist to this sportive competition. It’s a happy and peaceful day. This stadium, it’s yours, it’s you who built it and it’s your athletes who will make it living. Today a big step is passing through because it’s clear that Tagab population wish to take charge of their future. Thanks again for inviting me. This day will stay in my mind.”

Task Force La Fayette ensures the security of the PRT and gives them the necessary Intel to conduct their operations. Task Force La Fayette Civilian-military actions shops ensure good coordination with all development projects in the area.

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Task Force La Fayette PAO

French Task Force La Fayette Soldiers begin arriving at Forward Operating Base Morales Frazier in Paktika province, Afghanistan, where the task force will house their headquarters.

In the middle of October, 80 French service members, mostly from the 27th Mountain Infantry Brigade, arrived in Afghanistan to form the Task Force La Fayette Headquarters. Serving as part of Regional Command-East, TF La Fayette will assume responsibilities Nov. 2. The task force will be made up of two combined arms tactics teams in Kapisa and Paktika provinces and an aviation battalion.

When the French service members arrived in Afghanistan, they started their in-processing, and then attended several briefings at Bagram Air Field, where the headquarters of Combined Joint Task Force-82, responsible for RC-E, is located.

TF La Fayette service members attended an information and reminder program that covered rules of engagement, extraction of isolated personnel and Improvised Explosive Device dangers, which is mandatory for every service member stationed in RC-East.

After completing the training, they were stationed at Forward Operating Base Morales Frazier in Kapisa province, where the headquarters of TF La Fayette is located.

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