Show of force: 1-221 Troops stay flexible securing Laghman province

Story by Spc. Derek L. Kuhn

40th Public Affairs Detachment

LAGHMAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan -- It’s 1:30 P.M. and the sun is high in the sky. Its rays beat down on the Soldiers of the Scout Platoon, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 221st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, as they march toward their objective.

Laghman province, Afghanistan seems to have forgotten autumn. The heat makes the day seem more like early August, not mid-October. But, the Soldiers known collectively as the Hustlers, press on.

The day began with a simple objective—meet with local village elders to see how they are doing and if they need help with anything from security issues to possible provincial reconstruction team projects. But, things change and events force the Hustlers to abandon any notion of a peaceful presence patrol. Such is the life of a Soldier.

Another unit operating out of Combat Outpost Nagil has been ambushed and needs assistance. The Hustlers, after receiving guidance from their leadership, head back to COP Nagil. However, they weren’t abandoning their comrades.

“The area is too rugged for our vehicles to get out there (to the conflict),” said U.S. Army Sgt. John Lopez, a forward observer for the Hustlers. “We knew they needed help, so we went on foot.”

The terrain was rough and uneven and only got worse as they continued onward. The small hills eventually turned into sizeable challenges for the Soldiers as they moved quickly toward their eventual position.

“It was rough,” Lopez, a native of Riverside, Calif., said. “I would call them mini-mountains.”

U.S. Army Sgt. John Stone, a squad leader for the Hustlers, also said the trek was tough.

“It was a smoker,” said the Lincoln, Neb., native. “I’m pretty sure everyone was hurting, but we had a job to do and they (the engaged unit) needed us.”

According to Stone, the Hustler’s new mission was to provide a safety net and prevent any militants from escaping, while aerial reinforcements engaged enemy forces.

Because of their position, Hustler was afforded a great show of coordination and force.

First came the mortars from COP Nagil, which slammed into the mountainside. A few minutes later, an Air Force A-10 Warthog dropped a few bombs that echoed off of the mountain side. Finally, Kiowa helicopters arrived and launched a few missiles forcing the enemies to retreat.

“It was great,” said Lopez. “They (the aerial reinforcements) made sure our guys were safe.”

“They (the aerial rainforests in the area) are always willing to help out,” said Stone, “and they do a great job. The coordination between all of us helped to ensure the bad guys were neutralized.”

After the Kiowas cleared the area, the Hustlers moved toward the formerly engaged unit.

“We wanted to make sure they were ok,” said Stone. “We wanted them to know that we were there for them.”

Stone said no Coalition Forces were hurt, which made for a good day at COP Nagil.

“Life can be hard here,” said Stone, “but this is what we do. If we can neutralize the enemy and no one gets hurt, then it’s a good day.”

But, Lopez put it more simply.

“Chalk one up for the good guys,” he said.