A lone outpost nestled within the Selseleh-ye Spin Ghar Mountain Range is the base of operations for Afghan border police in this region west of the Khyber Pass. The Afghanistan/Pakistan border valleys within the mountains provide a natural border for the two countries and concealment for infiltrators. Photo by Sgt. Tracy J. Smith

“If you look there, that is one of the Pakistan border positions,” said the Afghan border police officer, pointing across the valley of the Safid Kho Mountain Ranges where a green flag was visible.

The image of the crescent and star weren’t clear, but the 6th Kandak ABP live near it every day, and know the flag well, because they are responsible for this remote Nazyan District outpost.

They had been attacked days earlier, leaving two of their officers dead. The blood that was shed now embedded in the earth mere feet from a reinforced position where they live and fight is now a tragic stain on the rocks. A reminder that the terrains jagged incline was not enough to deter their assailers.

The night of the attack, the border policemen radioed for reinforcement from the Soldiers of Troop B, 1st Squadron, 108th Cavalry Regiment, 48th Infantry Brigade Combat team, who weren’t able to react quickly enough. In spite of the attackers determination, the commitment of the ABP to hold their position and protect their borders proved stronger.

“We need to make sure we can get them the help they need using all our assets,” said Sgt. 1st Class Flint Weathers, a mentor and partner for the 6th Kandak headquartered in Ghanikheyl, Shinwar District.

The two outposts, Nakhtor Now and Shah Khot, are strategic points that extend the ABP’s overwatches of the many trails and passes connecting the Kyber Pass and Hindu Kush.

Operation Mountain Delivery, a joint Afghan and coalition air assault and resupply mission Jan. 23, was a live-action answer to future quick reaction needs.

“Our ability to conduct quick insertions and reinforcement for our Afghan partners in the fight will, ideally, eliminate loss of life,” said Lt. Col. Randall V. Simmons, commander, 1st Sqdn., 108th Cav. Regiment.

A U.S. Army cavalry scout assigned to 1st Squadron, 108th Cavalry Regiment, Task Force Mountain Warrior recons the Safid Kho Mountain Ranges. The Afghanistan/Pakistan valley is a natural border for the treacherous terrain. The Afghan border police and Georgia Guardsmen conducted two aerial operations to the outposts located in Nazyan reinforcing border security and confidences alongside their Afghan partners. Photo by Sgt. Tracy J. Smith

Neither site had been visited by coalition forces in nearly five years. Simmons and his operational partner, ABP 6th Kandak commander, Col. Niazy did detailed surveys of the outposts and discussed opportunities for improvement.

“The most important thing we can do is be here with them,” Weathers said. The platoon sergeant walked with the commanders and shared the Warrior’s perspective of where the partnership’s next steps should go.

“If we embed with them here and give them that added layer with aerial support, there will never be a question that we are a ready, unified force.”

Additional supplies of water, food and barriers were also delivered with additional provisions delivered during future visits.

“It is a show of force!” Niazy agreed, “a message to our enemies and a reassurance to my men that their coalition partners will be here when they are needed.”

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Story by Sgt. Tracy J. Smith

Spc. Meirong Wang, a human resources specialist for the 4th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, assigned to Task Force Mountain Warrior, hands out mail during her day-to-day duties on her forward operating base in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province.

Spc. Meirong Wang, a native of China’s Fujian province, was about to finish her college degree and start teaching high school physics when she was granted the opportunity to leave China and travel to the United States.

“When you see a different country, it’s not about the country or the area, it’s about the people,” she said about her decision to leave China.

Wang, of Brooklyn, N.Y., was not in America long before she volunteered to serve her new country.

“People are brave to stand up for the things [they] want to fight for,” she said about her fellow Soldiers.

Since then, Wang has strived to serve as an outstanding Soldier and was recently selected as Soldier of the quarter for Task Force Mountain Warrior.

Wang said she is proud to be here, and cited the discipline required in the military as something that makes it different from any other career.

“As long as you maintain discipline, you want to do better,” she said.

Wang, a human resources specialist for the 4th Special Troops Battalion, Task Force Mountain Warrior, uses her discipline to better herself every day.

“Specialist Wang makes my job easy,” said U.S. Army Sgt. 1st class Jason A. Coulter, Wang’s non-commissioned officer in charge. “Her work ethic, attention to detail and the willingness to take on responsibilities [make her] the type of Soldier leaders want and the Army needs.”

Wang’s discipline and desire to do better drives her every day, but she still faces some challenges as she develops as a Soldier.

Coulter, of Fairfield, Calif., said that the language barrier is one thing he sees that bothers his troop.

“Specialist Wang has identified that as a weakness and has improved her English tremendously,” he said. “As leaders, we identify our weaknesses and seek self improvement. Wang has many characteristics of a leader and that is just one of them.”

Wang attributes much of her success to her fellow Soldiers and leaders.

“I really appreciate my unit,” she said.

To earn Soldier of the quarter, Wang had to face many challenges; however, her teammates were strived to help her to prepare. Even though the competition was an individual event, it still took a team effort for her be selected.

“So many people stood behind me and supported me,” Wang said.

Wang said her leaders want her to be a good leader as well.

“They also tell my comrades we need to support each other to be good leaders,” she said.

“Specialist Wang and her co-workers pulled together as a team; they went to the gym together, woke up early and did physical training; and the team drilled her with evaluation board questions daily,” Coulter said.

“Supporting each other is really the most important part of teamwork,” Wang said.

The support paid off and through training and teamwork, Wang was selected as the Soldier of the quarter.

“There’s no way I could win this board without everyone here,” Wang said.

Coulter said it was typical of Wang to give credit to her leadership and fellow Soldiers.

“She is an unselfish Soldier (who) exemplifies selfless service,” he said.

Wang said she felt her unit has helped her outside of the “Soldier of the Quarter” competition as well, working to shape her into a leader.

“I’m so lucky to have good leadership,” she said. “I’ve learned so much from them.”

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Story by Spc. Eugene Cushing

An agreement for a new school to be built and a new bridge over the Kunar River highlight continued improvements in Afghanistan.

An Afghan construction company here agreed with Task Force Mountain Warrior servicemembers July 29 to build a primary school in the province’s Qhargayee district.

The new school, the fourth to be built in the province, will serve as the first primary educational center for the children of Miakhan Kac village and surrounding areas. Funding will come from the U.S.-sponsored Commanders’ Emergency Relief Program. All four schools are scheduled to open by spring.

In Kunar province, July 27, the provincial reconstruction team assessed the Shigal district’s recently completed Bar Sholton Bridge. The bridge’s construction, coordinated and funded by the team using CERP funds, supports 50 to 60 vehicles per day and was built entirely by Afghans. It officially opened July 10.

“Now we have an area where we can set up our own bazaar,” said Noor Mohammad, a local villager. “Also, we can now see relatives regularly. Now we have access to the district center [and] clinic, and our children can go to high school, when before they could not.”

Previously, villagers had to use a rope ferry to cross the river.

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