We are well on the way into the fourth month of our deployment. During this

past month we’ve accomplished some pretty remarkable tasks. HHC/ Mayor’s Cell continue to provide first class logistical support to FOB Shank. During the month of February amongst other things, the Vanguard team managed to complete the expansion of the East Shank D-FAC and a small arms weapons range. Both facilities are huge morale boosters for all. A Co, 1st Platoon (Assassins), conducted their first of many to come, “combined action” live fire ranges with our ANA partners from 4th KDK. This was the very first time that most of our ANA partners have fired their individual weapons since basic training. It was great to see ANA NCOs engaged in the process of training, coaching and mentoring their Soldiers. While at the same time they were learning how to conduct a professional tactical small arms weapons range. This event was very exciting for all involved. No doubt we will all continue to enhance our Soldier Skills and relationships as events such as this continue to occur. B Co (Bandit Wrench), has started work on making adjustments to all ASVs in LOGAR Province. Last but certainly not least C Co (Lifeline), completed their first MASCAL rehearsal since arriving into theater. The lessons learned from this rehearsal will be incorporated into their SOPs in order to ensure total success in the event something like this does occur. As you can see we are doing a lot and getting better by the day in everything we do.

March 2010 Vol.1 Issue 3

REPEL 7

Repel Times

^PFC Lapanne fires an AK47 along side an ANA Soldier who is firing an M4

This month we also held our first NCO and Trooper of the month board. The winners from this competition were SGT Chavis and SPC Lamanna. Task Force REPEL certainly has a lot to be proud of. Be proud of yourselves, your teammates and everything we have accomplished up to this point in time. However, now is not the time to get complacent. Throughout the Task Force there are too many Soldiers getting hurt because they didn’t follow standards or they weren’t safe. Be attentive when running PT around the FOB, too many needless ankle breaks and injuries have occurred from this. Uniform standards, safety standards, speed limits, the battle-buddy system, everything we have a SOP or policy letter for is designed for your safety. Follow standards inside and outside the wire. Protect yourselves and get home safely. Don’t become a statistic on a serious incident report. I’ve seen too many people speeding on base. Observe the posted speed limits, and look out for Troopers walking or conducting PT. We should not have any non-combat casualties. First Sergeants have to work hard to develop training, ranges and boards for your NCOs and Troopers. It is your job as an NCO to engage and mentor them. An NCO has two basic responsibilities, not only the accomplishment of his or her mission, but the welfare of the Troopers. Troopers aren’t here to give you bullet points on an NCOER, you are here to mentor them and build the most competent, professional Army in the World.

Pictured above, the winning team C –MED and ANA Troopers from left to right, comprised of Sadurudin, ZiaulHaq, SPC Hall, SPC Lamanna, and PV2 Perez, accept the Commanders Cup from Repel 6 and Mawiand 6 on 13 Feb

^SGT Bass coaches an ANA Soldier during the combined actions live fire range on 03 Feb

SGT Chavis SPC Lamanna