Change of Pace for TF Warrior SECFOR

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (December 18, 2008) – After an increase in robberies and other insurgent activities in parts of Bamyan province, a team from 1st  Maneuver Enhancement Brigade’s Security Force took on a new mission and joined forces with the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team and Afghan National Police to conduct combat patrols and searches in several areas of the province.

The security force, called SECFOR, normally provides transportation for key and essential personnel throughout the area of operations, but for the last couple of weeks they conducted offensive operations in conjunction with other elements of the brigade as well as the PRT and ANP, said Task Force Warrior and 1st MEB Deputy Commander Lt. Col. Stephen Jeselink.

“There had been a couple recent robberies along the Shibar Pass which runs along the boundary of Bamyan and Parwan provinces,” said 1st Lt. Brian Capra, SECFOR officer in charge, who implemented numerous vehicle check-points and static observation posts throughout Shibar Valley.

SECFOR also conducted patrols along the Gandak Highway, which runs along the territory where Hungarians conduct operations in Baghlan province. 

“The operation targeted insurgents known to traffic weapons and explosives used to conduct attacks against innocent civilians, GIRoA and Coalition forces,” said Jeselink, who reported the operation as successful and without incident.

Coalition forces established more of a presence to dissuade criminal activity and deny the enemy freedom of movement.  In addition, relationships were established with local villagers.

“Afghan people were very generous,” said Capra, explaining how village elders allowed troops to stay overnight in village schoolhouses as they travelled throughout the territory.

SECFOR also distributed radios and handed out other humanitarian aid as they conducted patrols.