GWOT Update
4ID HQ and DSTB made it safely home in October from Iraq and Operation New Dawn, closing out a long and successful chapter in 4ID history. From February 2003 through October 2011, the 4ID focused on Iraq and played a key role in the successful completion of that war. Starting in May 2009, we started our first deployment to Afghanistan and that effort continues. Currently, 2BCT is within weeks of wrapping up their deployment in and 
around Kandahar Province and will return to Fort Carson by late spring. Concurrently, 4BCT will be returning to Afghanistan for their second deployment in that country, working in the same general area where they fought in 2009-2010.
Back at Fort Carson, 1BCT and 3BCT are preparing for their next operations, locations and dates not yet announced but you can rest assured they will continue to have key roles in the Global War on Terror.
On other fronts, you will see the 4ID patch being proudly worn by two four-star generals. In January, GEN Ray Odierno, current Chief of Staff of the Army, visited GEN J.D. Thurman, overall commander of all UN and US Forces in Korea. We can be proud of these two former 4ID Commanding Generals who have moved up to key leadership positions in the Army and continue to wear the 4ID combat patch on their right sleeves.
Volume Six, Number 14 - 2-4-12
Mission - Soldier - Family - Team
For the latest news, pictures, and information from 4ID, regularly check:
http://www.carson.army.mil/units/4id/
For the 2BCT, 4ID Facebook page, regularly check:
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It's been a long time...
Contrary to what some of you may have thought, I haven't fallen off the end of the world, nor have you been removed from my distribution list. My last update was sent out on Christmas day - can't believe it is now past Groundhog Day and no updates have been sent out in about six weeks.
I have an excuse. On December 29 I had double hernia surgery, recovered quickly from that, and 2012 has started off as busy or busier than 2011 was.
Among many other things that grabbed my time in January, was a three day trip to Fort Carson where, in my role as president of the National 4th Infantry Division Association (4IDA), I was joined by three other 4IDA leaders for a series of meetings with the leadership of all the battalions, brigades, and 4ID HQ. I must say - MG Joe Anderson and his team treated us royally. We accomplished a lot in building a closer relationship between today's active 4ID and we veterans who proudly served before today's Soldiers.
I've also been very busy in my book publishing business. Three books that will be available in mid to late February that you might be interested in are: 1) Siren's Song: The Allure of War - written by 4ID vet Antonio Salinas about his experiences as a platoon leader in Afghanistan with 4BCT of 4ID in 2009-2010; 2) Y'all Twins? - a funny, true story about identical twin sisters, Katherine and Margaret King, growing up in 1950's Oxford, MS; and 3) Barns of Old Milton County - a full color coffee table book that anyone who loves barns and Americana will love. We sold out of our first printing in just over a month and the reprint will be arriving soon. All three of these books can be pre-ordered at www.deedspublishing.com - and then clicking on the Book Store button.
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I'll catch up on some of the news from the past six weeks that you will be interested in. I'll get back into the routine of putting out an update every ten days to two weeks as we move forward in 2012. I'll resume my WWII history lessons in the next update.
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Oasis: a Soldier’s retreat
Story by Sgt. Ruth Pagan
2nd Brigade Combat Team PAO
January 28, 2012
Not all deployments are made equal. For some Soldiers the worst part about deployment is being away from friends and Family, while other Soldiers have it a lot harder, basic amenities like daily showers, laundry services and hot meals are rare.
The Oasis, located on Forward Operating Base Walton, was built by the Soldiers of 204th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and was designed for Soldiers who are roughing it.
“The Oasis was built to provide Warhorse Soldiers a respite,” said Lt. Col. Todd Bertulis, commander for 204th BSB. “We want to give Soldiers the ability to come off the line and take a break, get some sleep, and possibly forget where they’re at and where they’re stationed for just a few days.”
The Oasis is a compound unto itself where Soldiers don’t have to worry about the accountability of their weapon or maintaining uniform standards and are able to relax for a few days. “Overall it’s been a very positive thing,” said Maj. Matthew Giertz, the 204th BSB operations officer. “It provides a place for Soldiers to come and relax— to decompress; for them to kind of step away from the day-to-day op tempo and missions.”
“It was nice to have a three day get away, and we had a whole lot of fun here,” said Sgt. Brad Edgar, a scout with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. “The best part was the chance to just get away from the whole environment outside the gate and have some fun.”
“It’s pretty awesome,” said Pfc. Anthony Wendle, a Soldier with Co. A, 2nd Bn., 8th Inf. Regt. “We got to sleep and relax. The best part was being able to have my own little personal space; we really don’t get a lot of that.”
“We offer them (Morale, Welfare and Recreation tents) for internet, video games, gym, dining facility, private rooms with comfortable beds, and no uniform standards so they can chill out and relax while they’re here,” said Sgt. Dylan Gray, noncommissioned officer in charge of the Oasis, who is with Company A, 204th BSB.
Not only does the Oasis offer relaxation, but it also provides Soldiers an opportunity to have their vehicles and weapons maintenance done by BSB personnel. “We offer services when they come in,” Gray said. “They can choose to have light maintenance done on their vehicles; anything that we can do within the three days they’re here.”
“We can do services on their weapons, vehicles and even (radios),” Giertz said. “It’s kind of a two-for-one; come relax and recharge yourself, so you can get back into the fight and continue your mission.”
“Personally, as the logistics guy for the brigade, I look to try and see if I can assist the task force with maintenance services for vehicles and or weapons,” Bertulis said. “Plus, having the BSB here provides other opportunities for folks such as behavioral health if that Soldier requires it.”
“We help them network around the (camp) to get them whatever assistance they may need be it medical, finance, behavioral health or if they want to see the chaplain,” Gray said.
The only thing that Soldiers are required to do while at the Oasis is attend a two hour class on resiliency training.
The Oasis is a unique facility manned by Soldiers who really care about their fellow Soldiers. “I think I’m really providing a good service for those Soldiers who have been out there in bad living conditions for the past seven months and haven’t seen a decent bed, laundry facility, a decent gym or haven’t been able to talk to their Families very much,” Gray said. “I personally feel like we are providing a wonderful service for these guys; I pride myself in this place.”
“It’s really just Soldiers helping Soldiers, which is really what a brigade support battalion is all about,” Bertulis said. “We want to keep taking care of Warhorse and doing the best we can here."
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Transition to Afghan Control a Prudent Step, Officials Say
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Feb. 2, 2012 - A transition to Afghan security lead in the country in 2013 is a prudent step, but one that doesn't change the December 2014 deadline for NATO to end combat operations in the country, Pentagon officials said today.
Pentagon spokesman Navy Capt. John Kirby amplified on remarks Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta made yesterday on his way to NATO meetings in Brussels.
In an interview with reporters traveling with him, Panetta said the U.S. goal "is to complete all of that transition in 2013 and then, hopefully, by mid- to the latter-part of 2013, we'll be able to make ... a transition from a combat role to a training, advise and assist role."
The secretary was speaking in broad terms about the process of transition in Afghanistan, Kirby said. Transitioning security responsibility to the Afghans began last year, when NATO transferred security responsibility to Afghan security forces for seven areas. Later in the year, Afghan President Hamid Karzai chose 11 other areas to begin transition to Afghan lead. Afghan army and police forces now have lead responsibility for more than half the population of the country.
But the transition is a multi-step process, Kirby said, and Panetta will be discussing that process with NATO allies in Brussels today. The final plan about transition and the particulars of the process will be decided in May by heads of state at the NATO summit in Chicago, he added.
"The secretary was pretty clear that he hopes to transition at least the lead for combat-type missions to Afghan national security forces earlier than 2014," Kirby said. "We really do believe that ... the gains we have made on the ground have allowed us to begin these type of conversations."
Kirby stressed that no deployment schedules have changed.
The captain said officials watch conditions all the time, and the allies will continue to hedge bets to preserve as much flexibility as possible. "The enemy always gets a vote," Kirby said.
The ultimate goal is to complete transition by the end of 2014, but many steps remain before that date, he said, emphasizing that transition takes time and is an evolution, not a sharp decision point.
"It is a well-reasoned process," Kirby said. "It's going to be informed by conditions on the ground and opinions and judgments of operational commanders and informed by general assessment of the performance and capabilities ... of the Afghan forces."
It's not too soon for the allies to be discussing the final phases of the transition, Kirby said.
"Given the success we've made and the progress that the Afghan national security forces have made, this is something we need to consider," he said. "2014 is not that far away. It would be imprudent -- in fact, I think it would be irresponsible -- if we and our allies and partners were not starting to have these discussions now."
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DOD Begins Prorating Imminent Danger Pay
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Feb. 2, 2012 - Service members now will receive imminent danger pay only for days they actually spend in hazardous areas, Pentagon officials said here today.
The change, which took effect yesterday, was included in the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act, which President Barack Obama signed into law Dec. 31.
"Members will see the prorated amount in their Feb. 15 pay records," Pentagon spokesman Navy Capt. John Kirby said.
The act called for DOD to pay service members imminent danger pay only for the time they spend in areas that qualify for the pay. In the past, service members received $225 per month if they spent any time that month in an area where the pay was authorized. "This is a more targeted way of handling that pay," Kirby said.
Now, service members will receive $7.50 a day for days spent in these areas. Personnel who travel to the designated areas for periods less than 30 days should keep track of the number of days they are in the area to verify that they are paid for the correct number of days, officials said.
The military services are working to waive or remit debts for members who may have been overpaid for January, officials said. The services can waive this "when there is no indication of fraud, fault, misrepresentation, or when members were unaware they were overpaid," Pentagon spokeswoman Eileen Lainez said.
Proration is based on a 30-day month, which translates into a rate of $7.50 per day. It does not matter if the month is 28 or 31 days long, officials explained; if service members serve in affected areas for the complete month, they will receive the full rate of $225 per month.
The Defense Department defines imminent danger pay areas as places where members are subject to the threat of physical harm or imminent danger because of civil insurrection, civil war, terrorism or wartime conditions.
Service members who come under fire, regardless of location, will receive the full monthly hostile-fire pay amount of $225.
Service members will receive notification of the change via emails, on the MyPay system, on social media sites and via the chain of command.
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Odierno: Army Will Become More Capable Through Draw down
By Lisa Daniel
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Jan. 27, 2012 - The Army will become more capable through its planned drawdown of 80,000 Soldiers and at least eight brigade combat teams, its chief of staff said today.
Gen. Raymond T. Odierno told reporters during a Pentagon news briefing that he is comfortable with the cut in end strength because it reflects changing national security needs, and will be spread over six years.
"An Army of 490,000 in 2017 will be fundamentally different and more capable than the Army of 482,000 that we had in 2001," he said, noting that today's troops are combat-seasoned from 10 years of war.
The drop from the current 570,000 Soldiers is planned as part of the Defense Department's long-term budget process, and in coordination with President Barack Obama's 10-year military strategy released earlier this month. After five years of growing the Army to meet combat needs in Iraq and Afghanistan, Odierno said "the time is strategically right" to reduce end strength, especially since the strategy does not call for planning for large-scale ground wars.
"This will be done in a responsible and controlled manner," he told reporters. "[Army] Secretary [John] McHugh and I are committed to walking down this hill at the ready, rather than running our nation's Army off a cliff."
Odierno called the process leading up to the strategy and budget proposal "unprecedented" in its collaboration with the services. The Army's No. 1 priority of fighting and winning wars is "non-negotiable," he said, "but that's not the only role of the Army," which provides a range of capabilities to joint forces.
Under the proposed budget, the Army would increase its investment in special operations, cyber and aviation, while maintaining its reliance on a fully operational reserve, Odierno said. It will maintain readiness across its entire force to avoid "tiered readiness," he said.
The Army will prioritize its presence in the Asia-Pacific region, which is home to seven of the world's 10 largest armies, the general said, and continue to focus on the Middle East, while maintaining only a "small footprint" in Latin America and Africa.
At the same time, the Army will pull two heavy brigade combat teams out of Europe -- one in 2013, and the other in 2014 -- as part of a draw down of at least eight brigade combat teams, Odierno said. The two European-based teams will be replaced with rotating training units, which likely will be battalions and companies, he said.
The change "will benefit all of us," allowing for a better diversification of forces for NATO training, he said. "I really see this as a model for how we'll do things in the future."
A focus of the new military strategy is to maintain and build international partnerships for military collaboration, but, Odierno noted, "I still think we're going to have plenty of capacity to lead with boots on the ground."
The Army will save money by eliminating redundancies and trimming its headquarters budget, the general said. Also, Pentagon leaders will discuss with Congress the possibility of two more rounds of the Base Realignment and Closure process, he said, although the Army likely would be less affected because it has undergone heavy BRAC closures already.
The Army must curtail the rate of growth in personnel costs, Odierno said, but is not planning for pay cuts. And, most troop reductions will be done through attrition, he said.
Odierno, who previously headed U.S. Joint Forces Command, rejected suggestions that the Army is being looked at disproportionately for budget savings. "This is not about winners and losers," he said, "it's about coming up with the right joint force."
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Dempsey: Military Balance Requires Closures, Realignments
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Feb. 2, 2012 - The Defense Department needs another round of base realignments and closures if the military is to retain its balance, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here yesterday.
Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey told the Reserve Officers Association that as the military cuts $487 billion over the next 10 years, infrastructure must change accordingly.
"When we talk about balancing the force and our investment in balance, there's manpower costs, there's modernization and equipment costs, there's training and maintenance costs, and then there's this thing called infrastructure -- just those things involved with turning the lights on and off," he said.
The options for cutting are limited, the chairman said. "If we don't affect those 'bins' equally -- or at least somewhat equally," he added, "we will then have to harvest most of the reductions we are looking for disproportionally out of one of those other bins."
Though some say infrastructure -- bases -- cannot be touched, Dempsey said, the money has to come from somewhere. He acknowledged that the necessary choices ahead won't be easy, but noted that defense leaders have to make them.
"By the way, I didn't pass the Budget Control Act," he said. "I didn't say, 'Hey how about hitting me with a bill for $500 billion?'"
So, Dempsey told the group, Pentagon officials face finding cuts across the Defense Department as proportionally as possible. "We're going to need to get our infrastructure under control," he said.
At some level, Dempsey said, the department has to run like a business. "That's why manpower costs have to be on the table, just like infrastructure," he added.
Members of Congress may tell the Defense Department another round of base realignments and closures won't happen, the chairman said.
"But we've got to make it clear [to Congress]," he added, "if you withhold my ability to balance this thing, you could create some problems you don't want to face downstream."
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Happy Birthday USO - and Rob...
Today marks the 71st birthday of the USO (United Services Organization), and the 38th birthday of my oldest son, Rob. Happy birthday to both.
The USO was formed by President Roosevelt on February 4, 1941. As you know, I have been a volunteer at the Atlanta airport USO since the GWOT started and continue to proudly work their to support our troops. Beginning soon, all R&R troops will pass only through the Atlanta airport USO, with the Dallas R&R operation being shut down after sharing the duties with Atlanta for the past five years or so. The two groups I volunteer with, Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church veterans ministry and Atlanta Vietnam Veterans Business Association, have both signed up for another year of supporting our troops - and we'll continue to do that as long as we are needed.
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Following are some older news articles, but still of interest to those following our troops in Afghanistan...
Warhorse Pride - A New Year’s message from Col. John S. Kolasheski, 2BCT CO
The past 12 months have certainly been exciting for the Warhorse Team and we’ve come a long way. In February we challenged ourselves and the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, Louisiana during our Mission Rehearsal Exercise. Upon returning, we immediately began packing and shipping our gear.
Simultaneously, Soldiers continued training on individual and collective warrior skills. Receiving orders to deploy one month earlier than expected showed the brigade’s agility by preparing while giving Soldiers much deserved leave.
The past seven months in Afghanistan, while difficult, have been successful. Thanks to the efforts of Raider Brigade in summer/fall 2010 and the work of CTF Warhorse, the summer 2011 “fighting season” was less violent than we anticipated. This has allowed us to reposition forces to new areas in an effort to maintain pressure on the insurgents while expanding the reach of the Afghan government into areas that were untenable seven short months ago.
Sadly we bid farewell to 3-71 CAV and will soon bid farewell to 5-1 CAV as they continue the mission under their parent brigade headquarters. We appreciate their contributions and wish them well as they continue to take the fight to the enemies of the Afghan people.
For the coming year, I resolve to take advantage of the enemy “winter lull” to solidify our gains, deliberately transition our mission here in theater to 2/2 IN, prepare and redeploy the brigade safely to Fort Carson,
find a little more time to contact my Family, and give as many Soldiers as possible a chance for a breather at the Warhorse Oasis.
In 2012, I would ask each of you to seize every opportunity to take care of each other and deliberately finish our work here in theater. I wish you all a safe and happy 2012 and ask that you continue to pray for the Families of our fallen and wounded warriors. They are not forgotten.
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This came in just as I was pushing the button to send the Christmas update.
December newsletter - 204 BSB Rough Riders (in Afghanistan)
Dear Rough Rider Family,
As we approach the holiday season we want to take the time to thank all of you and your Families for your service and sacrifices over the past year. This past year has been one which has seen amazing achievements and exciting progress for our Rough Rider Battalion and we look forward to what the New Year will bring.
The call to leave Family and friends in order to maintain peace and to support justice throughout the world is unrelenting in its demans. You have faithfully expended yourselves providing Steadfast and Loyal support to our nation and our Army. All of you - Little Groups of Rough Riders - have been magnificent, and we are very proud to serve with you.
Each of you played an invaluable role in providing excellent support throughout RC-South here in Afghanistan under extreme conditions. You have made a difference in this war. We admire you and applaud you for your diligent efforts, especially for the work which may go unseen and unrecognized, but which is invaluable in the lives of those we support.
As we approach the arrival of a new year we are thankful for the many blessings that have been given to us all and look forward to a very productive and happy 2012. It will be filled with the usual challenges of Army life: Family separations, wrapping up this deployment, and demanding work hours. However, our trust in each of you and in our ability to thrive through these challenges is explicit. Relying upon our collective experience and perseverance, we will move forward and embrace off of the challenges of the year to come.
We want to close this letter as it began: commending and thanking each of you for your service and sacrifices this year; may these holidays truly be a season of refreshment for you and for your loved ones. Our hope is that this holiday season will revive your souls and grand you, and your loved ones, a joyful time. We look forward to another year of serving alongside each of you in our Rough Rider Family.
Rough Riders! Make it Happen!
Season's Greetings,
Troy Tuten, CSM
Todd Bertulis, LTC, Commanding
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Black Knights produce mission critical systems
Story by Spc. Natasha Gaskins
204th Brigade Support Battalion
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (December 26, 2011) –The Search and Recovery section of Company B, 204th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division mass produces Culvert Intrusion Denial Systems, a defense against Improvised Explosive Devices, at Forward Operating Base Walton.
The system prevents the placement of IEDs inside of culverts, which are drains or waterways crossing under roads or bridges. CIDS help protect the civilian and military vehicles that are constantly traveling on those roadways. The systems have proven to be mission critical.
Pfc. Gregory Coxtonplays a vital role in ensuring that the systems are produced in accordance with Combined Task Force Warhorse distribution priorities. Coxton produces four 38 inch CIDS monthly as opposed to the 25 inch by 4 inch systems produced by other civilian contractors. The main item used to produce the system is reinforcing bar (rebar). Every 38 inch CIDS needs 180 feet of rebar. In the production of the CIDS, it takes Coxton roughly a day and a half to have a system ready for installation into a culvert.
The CIDS produced by the Search and Recovery section is circular rather than the original design of the Dehart Culvert Denial System, which was square. This design was created by engineers who were previously deployed in Afghanistan.
“The bigger the Culvert Denial System, the more detail that goes into it,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Gene Balderman. “Creating larger CIDSs ensures more proficiency and accuracy in protecting roadways from IEDs.”
The system produced by Bravo Company is 80 pounds so it takes roughly four people to place the metal contraption inside the culvert.
The CIDS helps saves lives every day and that is what Coxton takes a lot of pride in. “The work that I have done with the CIDS will save lives of civilians and Soldiers, now and in the future,” he said.
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MPs assist AUP with security reinforcement
Story by Capt. Bonnie Hutchinson
2nd Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team
4th Infantry Division
FARAH, Afghanistan (December 23, 2011) – Soldiers with “Jester” platoon, the military police element of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, assisted Afghan Uniformed Police in reinforcing the security at Substation 2, Dec. 14.
“As all Afghan Security Forces continue to transition into increasingly independent fighting forces, it is now our responsibility to provide them with the tools and knowledge to succeed on their own,” said Staff Sgt. Joseph Parks, a squad leader in the MP platoon. “A major part of that is ensuring they understand how to properly utilize the tools at their disposal.”
Tools at their disposal include security barriers, commonly referred to as HESCO barriers. HESCO barriers are square welded-mesh frame works with an inner liner. Once set into place, they are filled with dirt to create security walls.
While assisting the AUP, the MPs taught them the proper techniques and procedures for improving their base defenses. “Every time we conduct a joint mission and assist the AUP our partnership continues to get stronger,” Parks said.
In the upcoming weeks, the platoon plans to conduct several follow-up visits to help finish filling the HESCO barriers with dirt, ensure that the reinforcements remain to standard and make certain that the AUP are properly utilizing their improved force protection measures.
“Although the initial force protection improvements are almost complete, conducting additional assessments is vital,” said 2nd Lt. Joshua Motes, the platoon leader. “We want to reinforce our partnership as brothers in arms by working and training side-by-side. As we continue to do this, I believe the trust and respect we have for each other will be unbreakable.”
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Our Readers Reply
1) From a 4ID Vietnam vet: I enjoyed reading your account of how you missed the Bob Hope show. I was at base camp and got to see it (my 2nd opportunity because I caught his show in Seoul, Korea in 1961). C'in loi!
2) From a 4ID GWOT vet: I spent Christmas 2005 in fairly heavy contact with the enemy along MSRs Tampa, Detroit, and Victory. 14 IEDs in one night, 4 of them with manned ambushes. What a night that was.
It was one of a number of Christmas Eves I spent away from the family in Iraq, Korea, Somalia, El Salvador, and Cambodia. My wife always seemed to worry that I was alone on Christmas but I assured her nothing could be further from the truth. I was spending Christmas with hundreds or thousands of my extended Family. I always had fun with the Soldiers at Christmas. And it always amazed me that no matter how far out you were, the US Army figured out how to get a great meal to you for Christmas.
Thanks for keeping us all up to date with the current war effort and our history. Again, Merry Christmas to you and your Family, Bob.
3) And a Merry Christmas to you and Jan and all your Family. Best wishes also for a Happy (and Prosperous) New Year. And a great big Thank You for all you do for this great Division, its Soldiers, Families, and supporters. Bob, you’re the best.
4) From a 2-12 vet from Vietnam: Bob Hope did not play Dau Tieng in 1966 (where 3rd Brigade of 4ID was stationed, attached to 25ID). We had just established the base on the day after Thanksgiving after Operation Attleboro ended. Hope was in Cu Chi and six men out of our infantry company of 185 were sent there to see him. The rest of us, were lucky enough to spend Christmas, and the day before, in base camp. All I can remember of it were basketball games and horseshoes tossing, but like you wrote, it was better than spending the time in the jungle.
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That wraps up this much delayed update. I'll do better going forward - my target is an update every ten days to two weeks, more frequently if news dictates it. Keep in mind - no news is good news because bad news travels fast. With 2BCT moving toward the end of their current Afghanistan deployment, and the rest of 4ID not currently deployed, the news is sparse.
I'm sure many of you will be watching the Super Bowl tomorrow - as will I. I haven't picked my team yet, no ties to the Patriots or the Giants. And those of you in the Fort Carson area appear to be getting the snow that has generally missed you so far this year. I just saw a TV news clip showing 2-4 feet of snow in Denver, glad I'm sitting here in balmy Atlanta, with temps in the low 60's with some rain expected today.
Continue to pray for our Soldiers and their Families.