Both the Special Forces and Civil Affairs medics worked diligently to improve the quality of health care in Deh Rawod. Providing vitamins and oral vaccines to the children was a key part of this effort.

PSYOP HISTORY

A Collective Effort

Army Special Operations Forces in Deh Rawod, Afghanistan

By Kenneth Finlayson

From Veritas, Vol. 5, No. 4, 2009

SIDEBAR

Regional Command South 2009 Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs)

NOTE

USSOCOM PAO guidance on current operations dictates the use of pseudonyms for all ARSOF personnel, Major and below. In this article, local nationals in the employment of the U.S. are given pseudonyms.

From December 2008 to August 2009, Army Special Operations Forces (ARSOF) units in the vicinity of Deh Rawod, Afghanistan successfully reduced the Taliban influence and thereby significantly improved the local security and living conditions in the area. This article describes how Special Forces Operational Detachment 3125 (ODA 3125), Civil Affairs Team 122 (CAT 122), and Tactical Psychological Operations Teams (TPTs), worked together to improve life in a former Taliban stronghold. It shows that the multiple capabilities of ARSOF elements can be integrated to collectively solve the challenges of a Foreign Internal Defense (FID) mission.1 Among their significant accomplishments were an amphibious operation against the Taliban, enhancing local security and improving the infrastructure in the area, and starting a school for local children.2

Fire Base Tycz is located in the town of Deh Rawod, sixty kilometers from the provincial capital in Tarin Kowt.
Fire Base Tycz is located in the town of Deh Rawod, sixty kilometers from the provincial capital in Tarin Kowt.

Fire Base Tycz (rhymes with “dice”), located a few hundred meters outside the town of Deh Rawod in Oruzgan Province in south-central Afghanistan is named for Sergeant First Class (SFC) Peter P. Tycz II, 3rd Special Forces Group (3rd SFG), killed in action on 12 June 2002. Strategically located astride a major Taliban movement corridor from Helmand Province, FB Tycz is an integral part of the U.S. and Coalition security effort in Oruzgan Province.

ODA 3125, B Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group on the move in the countryside near Deh Rawod. The team was on its second consecutive rotation to this former Taliban stronghold.
ODA 3125, B Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group on the move in the countryside near Deh Rawod. The team was on its second consecutive rotation to this former Taliban stronghold.
Children display their stickers of the Afghan National colors. Two Tactical PSYOP Teams from the 1st Battalion, 4th Psychological Operations Group supported the ARSOF mission in Deh Rawod by developing a variety of similar products promoting the Afghan government.
Children display their stickers of the Afghan National colors. Two Tactical PSYOP Teams from the 1st Battalion, 4th Psychological Operations Group supported the ARSOF mission in Deh Rawod by developing a variety of similar products promoting the Afghan government.
CAT 122, B Company, 91st Civil Affairs Battalion, had a wideranging mission in Deh Rawod. Working out of Firebase Tycz, they provided medical and veterinary care and distributed humanitarian supplies throughout Oruzgan Province.
CAT 122, B Company, 91st Civil Affairs Battalion, had a wideranging mission in Deh Rawod. Working out of Firebase Tycz, they provided medical and veterinary care and distributed humanitarian supplies throughout Oruzgan Province.

Three U.S. ARSOF units manned FB Tycz. ODA 3125, B Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group was the largest. The 12-man ODA had one additional 18 C Engineer Sergeant. A veteran team, ODA 3125 had been on FB Tycz during a previous 6-month rotation in 2008 and returned in January 2009. The four-man Civil Affairs Team 122 (CAT 122) B Company, 91st Civil Affairs Battalion had arrived a month earlier in December 2008. Two 3-man Tactical PSYOP Teams from 1st Battalion, 4th Psychological Operations Group rotated through FB Tycz during 2009. A 230-man Afghan Security Guard (ASG) unit, contracted and trained by the SF ODA, provided base security. The ARSOF teams had to work closely with the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) units in the area.

An experienced command team, Captain (CPT) Steven Hanson* the detachment commander and Master Sergeant (MSG) Jason Poster,* the team sergeant, along with five other members of ODA 3125, had served on FB Tycz previously. They were intimately familiar with what it would take to succeed at Deh Rawod. Their mission was a complex one.

In an unusual display of the esteem the locals had for ODA 3125, the team was invited to a wedding in Deh Rawod.
In an unusual display of the esteem the locals had for ODA 3125, the team was invited to a wedding in Deh Rawod. Native attire and modern weapons are de rigueur at weddings, an event where foreigners are rarely seen.

“Our broad mission was to conduct FID [Foreign Internal Defense] operations,” said Hanson. “We worked to increase the legitimacy of the government and cut down on corruption.”3 There were two distinct components to this mission. The first was to work with the local population to gather information that would enable the team to target the insurgents for combat operations. The second was to actively engage the government officials and village elders to determine their requirements for improving the local infrastructure. This approach followed the guidance given to the team by their higher headquarters and dovetailed precisely with the ISAF regional commander’s vision for operations in Oruzgan Province.

ODA 3125 was part of B Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group. B Company, in its role as Advanced Operating Base (AOB) 3110, was headquartered in Tarin Kowt, 60 miles northeast of Deh Rawod. The AOB Commander, Major (MAJ) Martin Calhoun* explained the mission of the team at FB Tycz. “The team in Deh Rawod was there to help build the capacity of the local government to provide basic services to the people.”4 While not directly assigned to work with either the Afghan Army or Police forces, the team was to look for opportunities to “enhance the ANA and ANP capabilities.”5 In the case of the ANA, the team helped train the Afghan Army units to run effective combat operations, particularly for such skills as mine detection and clearing.6 Calhoun’s focus was to integrate his teams into the Dutch operational strategy in RC South while balancing the requirements coming from the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force (CJSOTF) run by 3rd Special Forces Group in Bagram.

With money and materials from U.S. Command Emergency Response Funds, the construction of the Chutu Bridge in 2008 was a major economic boost to Deh Rawod. CAT 122 was present at the opening of the bridge in December 2008.
With money and materials from U.S. Command Emergency Response Funds, the construction of the Chutu Bridge in 2008 was a major economic boost to Deh Rawod. CAT 122 was present at the opening of the bridge in December 2008.
Dutch Brigadier General Tom A. Middendorp with U.S. General David D. McKiernan, the ISAF Commander. As the RC South Commander, Brig Gen Middendorp employed a population-centric strategy for operations in Oruzgan Province.
Dutch Brigadier General Tom A. Middendorp with U.S. General David D. McKiernan, the ISAF Commander. As the RC South Commander, Brig Gen Middendorp employed a population-centric strategy for operations in Oruzgan Province.

“The guidance from higher [the CJSOTF] tended to be enemy focused,” said Calhoun. “The Dutch had a good handle on Oruzgan, but they were population oriented.”7 To better coordinate his teams into the Dutch plan, MAJ Calhoun and CPT Hanson went to the Netherlands before deploying. They met with Dutch Brigadier General (Brig Gen) Tom A. Middendorp, who was to be the RC South Commander during their rotation. The meeting got both sides “on the same sheet of music” and paved the way for a productive working relationship. This was critical for Deh Rawod, a strategic crossroads in Oruzgan.

“The town is like a traffic circle,” said the chief interpreter and cultural advisor for the American ARSOF teams at FB Tycz. “Roads come in from all four directions. Deh Rawod is the center of economic activity for the region.”8 There are more than 600 small shops and businesses for a population of roughly three thousand. “Deh Rawod has an importance out of proportion to its small size,” said Madiha.9 Once a Taliban stronghold, the troops of the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group drove the insurgents out and returned the town to government control in 2007. But, the area still harbored an active insurgency because it was a central node for Taliban activity in the province. In this environment, gaining the trust and support of the village residents was a priority for the Special Forces Team.

Deh Rawod was the center of economic activity for the region. Numerous shops and small businesses depended on people coming to the town. One of the ODA missions was to push back the Taliban to allow people to travel safely to Deh Rawod.
Deh Rawod was the center of economic activity for the region. Numerous shops and small businesses depended on people coming to the town. One of the ODA missions was to push back the Taliban to allow people to travel safely to Deh Rawod.
ODA 3125 engaged the Taliban throughout Oruzgan Province. By pressuring the enemy in their strongholds, the team improved the security for the people in and around Deh Rawod.
ODA 3125 engaged the Taliban throughout Oruzgan Province. By pressuring the enemy in their strongholds, the team improved the security for the people in and around Deh Rawod.

Sergeant First Class (SFC) Quentin Marshall* was the team’s Operations and Intelligence Sergeant (18F). He was responsible for collection and analysis of the various sources of intelligence available to the team. Working with primarily local information sources, Marshall developed the intelligence picture of the team’s area of operations. “I would take what our guys collected and look at past events to get a picture,” said Marshall. “If we had time prior to an operation, I would ‘ping’ the CJSOTF for anything they had collected.”10 As the “18 Fox,” Marshall worked closely with the Assistant Detachment Commander, Warrant Officer One (WO1) Gordon Hampton* in developing the intelligence preparation of the battlefield (IPB). “I was collocated with the 18 Fox in the OPCEN [Operations Center] where we ran the intelligence fusion cell for the team,” said Hampton.11 Two team members, SFC Craig Kramer* and SFC Roger Scarlatti,* were specifically focused on the collection of information.

“Working with our interpreters, I would interview the local people who are our primary source of information,” said Kramer, an 18E Communications Sergeant. “Then you had to work to verify the accuracy of what we got. Once it was collected, we could start to work with it. I found spending time talking to people coming in from outside of town was particularly fruitful.”12 “Your emphasis is based a lot on the situation in the area, specifically how much the government is in control,” noted SFC Roger Scarlatti, an 18D Medical Sergeant. “The restored government presence made it easier to gain the trust of the people. It helped that we had been there before.”13 The team members worked with the other ARSOF units on Tycz to develop this rapport with the locals.

Distributing candy and school supplies among the local children was an effective way of developing rapport with the people.
Distributing candy and school supplies among the local children was an effective way of developing rapport with the people.
One of the major projects accomplished by the ARSOF teams in Deh Rawod was the construction of a community center. The new building was used as a school and meeting area for the local government.
One of the major projects accomplished by the ARSOF teams in Deh Rawod was the construction of a community center. The new building was used as a school and meeting area for the local government.

“We worked closely with the CA team. They would often go with us and hand out rice and beans or other supplies,” said Kramer. “Deh Rawod is a population hub in Oruzgan Province so lots of people come through there.”14 “Having the same team back in this area was a big plus,” said Roger Scarlatti. “The locals knew us.”15 The team also shared information with the Dutch forces.

“We coordinated with the Dutch on a daily basis. In one instance, we were able to roll-up a cell that was making IEDs [Improvised Explosive Devices],” recalled SFC Kramer.16 Another viable source of information was the local workforce that maintained the camp. The supervision of the laborers was the responsibility of Staff Sergeant (SSG) Keith Freeman,* an 18C Engineer Sergeant.

“I handled the day-to-day maintenance requirements in the camp,” said Freeman. “We had to keep generators running, the plumbing and electrical systems needed attention, and we were doing some new construction on the firebase. We had a local force of day laborers and a foreman to run the crew. The number varied by what we were doing, usually twenty to thirty each day.”17 The firebase had billets for the teams, a dining facility with local cooks under the supervision of a food service specialist from the AOB, an operations center, and facilities for vehicle maintenance and ammunition storage. The firebase also had a small radio station capable of broadcasting to the local area. Some of the existing construction was not exactly “up to code.”

“In some of the buildings, the lights were hung off bare wires, even in the showers,” said SFC John Watson.* “We got that fixed and had the generators going so we had electricity 24/7. Craig Kramer even got us wired up to the Internet.”18 During the rotation, the local contractors improved the plumbing and drainage on the firebase and the team initiated the construction of a combination community center and school for use by the local people. While supervising daily operations on the base and building their collection capability were important parts of the routine, the primary focus of the team was enhancing the security of the local population. To do this, the team conducted a variety of operations throughout the region designed to push the Taliban out of Oruzgan and disrupt their operations in RC South.

Filling the pre-fabricated HESCO barriers during the construction of the new checkpoint. The earth-filled barriers formed the protective walls.
Filling the pre-fabricated HESCO barriers during the construction of the new checkpoint. The earth-filled barriers formed the protective walls.
Placed on a small rise, the checkpoint had commanding views up and down the valley. The “Instant Checkpoint” of HESCO barriers went up in 24-hours, denying the Taliban easy movement in the area.
Placed on a small rise, the checkpoint had commanding views up and down the valley. The “Instant Checkpoint” of HESCO barriers went up in 24-hours, denying the Taliban easy movement in the area.

“We were not officially partnered with either the ANA or the ANP in Deh Rawod,” said CPT Steve Hanson. “We tried to do our operations with one or the other force, to keep the Afghan forces involved. This required a lot of coordination with the Dutch and French who were advising them.”19 MSG Jason Poster noted, “In 2007 this place had belonged to the Taliban. They worked right up to the gates of the firebase. We wanted to push the presence of the Afghan forces, to move them out further.”20 One example of this was the establishment of new security checkpoints in the area.

SSG David Pruitt,* an 18C Engineer Sergeant, organized and coordinated the construction of a security checkpoint on the road leading to Forward Operating Base (FOB) Cobra, manned by ODA 3124, 60 kilometers north of Deh Rawod. “Cobra was up a real ‘IED alley’ and we knew a checkpoint there would cut down on Taliban movement,” said MSG Jason Poster. “If we controlled that road, it would protect the people coming in to Deh Rawod and help the local economy.”21 The site selected was on a small hill with commanding views up and down the valley.

“I coordinated to get the equipment and labor organized to put the checkpoint in,” said SSG Pruitt. “We had a bucket loader, some trucks, and about 20 workers. We moved the whole circus twenty miles into the mountains and in one day had a manned checkpoint in place.”22 The checkpoint, roughly 100 feet by 50 feet, was built of HESCO (Hercules Engineering Solutions Consortium) pre-fabricated barriers with an eight-foot high observation tower. The entire checkpoint was ringed with triple strand concertina wire. “That was a good effort,” said SSG Pruitt. “We built it from scratch. One day there was nothing out there, the next a fully operational checkpoint. The CA guys came in later and put in a well to make it more self-sufficient.”23 While a significant accomplishment, the “instant checkpoint” was not the most unusual mission for the team. In the arid desert of south-central Afghanistan, ODA 3125 also conducted an amphibious operation.

Loading the ANA and ANP troops before departing on the assault up the Helmand River. The Dutch provided the large inflatable bridge boats used on the operation. The Dutch engineers (in soft caps) supervised the loading.
Loading the ANA and ANP troops before departing on the assault up the Helmand River. The Dutch provided the large inflatable bridge boats used on the operation. The Dutch engineers (in soft caps) supervised the loading.

Trained in military underwater operations, ODA 3125 was the designated Combat Dive Team for B Company. Normally the team would have little chance to use their unique aquatic skills in the deserts of Afghanistan. “Our intel gave us a good target about 10 kilometers up the Helmand River,” said SFC Quentin Marshall. “We coordinated with the Dutch for a couple of their big, motorized engineer boats to assualt the village from the water.”24

Running up-river with the ATV onboard. The ability to move men and equipment on the river allowed the ODA to invade a Taliban stronghold that was inaccessible by land. The boat operator is a Dutch engineer.
Running up-river with the ATV onboard. The ability to move men and equipment on the river allowed the ODA to invade a Taliban stronghold that was inaccessible by land. The boat operator is a Dutch engineer.

Normally, the area of operations could be reached only after a two-day drive north out of Deh Rawod to use an existing bridge across the Helmand. Coming up the river violated the enemy sanctuary and placed the team in their rear. “The Dutch boats were big, about twenty-five feet long with 55 horsepower motors,” recalled SFC Roger Scarlatti. “We could put one of our ATVs on them with all our gear and we came right in the back door.”25 The team made two runs, first with the 30 ANA troops and 25 ANP who were part of the mission, then a second with the ATVs.26 The team surprised the insurgents and routed them from the village. While these operations were key to pushing the Taliban out of the region, a more common mission was presence patrols conducted jointly with the Afghan forces. It was during these forays away from FB Tycz that the other ARSOF elements, both Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations, were incorporated into the plan.

MAJ Mark Zimmerman* led CAT 122, the only CA team in Oruzgan Province. The four-man team included SFC Brent Montrose,* SFC Michael Gallant,* and SSG Jamie Gruyere,* Under the Operational Control (OPCON) of the CJSOTF, the CAT 122 mission was to increase the development of infrastructure and orchestrate humanitarian assistance programs in the province. “We are enablers,” said MAJ Zimmerman. “We have a habitual relationship with the SF team, but the ODA commander is in charge on the firebase. We looked for the team to increase the security of the area, the ‘white space’ under our control, so we can focus on developing the capability of the local government.”27 The CAT arrived at Firebase Tycz in December 2008, where they quickly discovered that there was plenty of work to do.

Distributing blankets and humanitarian supplies. Whenever possible, the CAT placed the distribution in the hands of the Afghans. The ODA provided security from the ridgeline.
Distributing blankets and humanitarian supplies. Whenever possible, the CAT placed the distribution in the hands of the Afghans. The ODA provided security from the ridgeline.
Two key ARSOF missions were communications and humanitarian assistance. The hand-cranked radios were popular and enabled the PSYOP teams broadcasting from the FB Tycz radio station to provide the population with information. The goats were being de-wormed and inoculated as part of a Veterinary Civic Action Program (VETCAP).
Two key ARSOF missions were communications and humanitarian assistance. The hand-cranked radios were popular and enabled the PSYOP teams broadcasting from the FB Tycz radio station to provide the population with information. The goats were being de-wormed and inoculated as part of a Veterinary Civic Action Program (VETCAP).

SFC Michael Gallant was in charge of the ordering, storage and distribution of the Humanitarian Assistance (HA) materials. “HA materials cover a variety of items: food, clothing, educational supplies, and medical items,” said Gallant. “I had a standard order for rice, beans, oil, flour, clothing, shoes, and things like that. We sent up the orders through the AOB and we would go pick up the stuff in Tarin Kowt.”28 The supplies were stored in a room in the CA team quarters for distribution to the locals. “Some items we got were real popular, like the hand-cranked radios. I let the PSYOP team hand those out. One thing I quit ordering was soccer balls. When they arrive, you have to blow them up. I kept breaking those little inflation needles. And the kids here don’t play soccer anyway,” said Gallant.29 The distribution of HA materials was one of the team’s primary missions. Another was the implementation of infrastructure development projects.

SFC Brent Montrose managed the contracts and the distribution of projects among the local community. “We had four or five major projects, like the renovation of the power grid for the town and the construction of a new courthouse,” said Montrose. “The locals would nominate their desired projects to the district chief and if they were accepted, we would put together the contracts for the locals to bid on. Here, everyone is a contractor and I made sure never to give one contractor two jobs.”30 This insured that there was an equitable distribution of the contracts and the supporting funds. Among the team’s many projects were the construction of footbridges and culverts, drilling wells, building a local community center, and establishing cell phone service in the district.

Afghan contractors assemble the cellular telephone tower. Bringing cell phone service to Deh Rawod was a major CA success.
Afghan contractors assemble the cellular telephone tower. Bringing cell phone service to Deh Rawod was a major CA success.
The Roshan cellular telephone tower. Roshan means “light” in Pashtu. The project symbolized the best efforts of the Dutch, U.S. and Afghans to improve communications in the region.
The Roshan cellular telephone tower. Roshan means “light” in Pashtu. The project symbolized the best efforts of the Dutch, U.S. and Afghans to improve communications in the region.

“One of our biggest projects was bringing the Roshan cellular telephone network to the district,” said MAJ Zimmerman. “This was viewed as a very positive symbol of government effectiveness. The Dutch subsidized the construction of the relay towers. Roshan means “light” in Pashtu, and is the name of the publicly owned telephone company. We worked on that one the whole year.”31 “That was a complicated project,” said the chief interpreter. “I don’t think a day went by that MAJ Zimmerman didn’t have me call Kandahar to find out when the towers were going in.”32 Eventually, the towers were emplaced, providing cell phone service in Deh Rawod. Besides assisting the local community to gain access to high-tech communications, the team had a more prosaic mission, improving the basic health care available to the people.

“Outside the gates of the firebase was a small building we used as a clinic,” said SSG Jamie Gruyere*, the CA team medic. “We opened it five days a week for the locals. It was closed on Friday and Sunday. We usually started at eight in the morning. The ODA medics would help when they could, especially SSG Roman Lapenta,* and we had the medic from the Illinois National Guard PMT working there a lot. We were usually busy; lots of kids would come and hang around. I think one day we saw 140 people.”33 Initially, no women came to the clinic, but later the ODA coordinated through the CJSOTF for a female Air Force medic and some Dutch nurses to assist with a women’s clinic on Saturdays. While the clinic and some of the building projects supported the population of Deh Rawod, the CA team made a particular effort to get out to all parts of the district.

“The Goat Whisperer” administered inoculations and deworming medicine to the local herds during a VETCAP. Not all the patients went away happy.
“The Goat Whisperer” administered inoculations and deworming medicine to the local herds during a VETCAP. Not all the patients went away happy.
VETCAPs extended to treating the camels that were part of the local livestock. This camel has one leg tied to curtail his movement during treatment.
VETCAPs extended to treating the camels that were part of the local livestock. This camel has one leg tied to curtail his movement during treatment.

“We would often go with the ODA when they traveled off the firebase,” said SFC Michael Gallant. “We would get out and the team leader would talk with the local elders, see what their needs were. We would distribute HA materials and school supplies. We always tried to get the Afghans involved in the distribution.”34 “We would run MEDCAPs and VETCAPs [Medical/Veterinary Civic Action Programs] when we went out,” said SSG Gruyere. “We could get different packages of medical supplies, some with baby formula, and veterinary supplies for deworming the animals. We learned to set up the MEDCAP separately from the HA distribution. Otherwise people who weren’t sick would get in line for medical treatment.”35 Both the ODA and the CA team utilized the third ARSOF element, the Psychological Operations Team, as much as possible to enhance their operations.

Firebase Tycz supported a radio station. The PSYOP teams and a contracted disc jockey developed the content to shape public opinion of the Afghan government.
Firebase Tycz supported a radio station. The PSYOP teams and a contracted disc jockey developed the content to shape public opinion of the Afghan government.
The ARSOF teams passed out hand-cranked radios. The teams worked hard to counter Taliban propaganda by highlighting government programs that benefited the population.
The ARSOF teams passed out hand-cranked radios. The teams worked hard to counter Taliban propaganda by highlighting government programs that benefited the population.

Two Tactical PSYOP Teams supported Firebase Tycz in 2009. The first arrived with the ODA in January 2009. In March the team sustained two casualties in an IED explosion that necessitated the evacuation of the wounded soldiers and the redeployment of the remaining member back to the United States.36 The second TPT arrived in June. One of their most important missions was operating the radio station on Tycz.37 The station, broadcasting in Pashtu, was an integral part of the ODA and CAT operations.

“Our PSYOP Teams were great,” said CPT Steve Hansen. “We used the radio station to counter the Taliban propaganda. As soon as we got back from a mission, we would broadcast the facts and what we had done to help the people. We integrated radio messages into everything we did.”38 “In the absence of the TPT, we ran the radio station. We employed an Afghan announcer,” said MAJ Mark Zimmerman. “The station had originally been built by USAID [United States Agency for International Development] and we renovated the studio. By distributing radios when we went out, we increased the effectiveness of the station. When the TPT returned, they produced posters and billboards for us to put up announcing projects in the area. The team was a real asset that educated the people about what we were doing.”39

Improving the quality of education in Deh Rawod was one of the key missions for the ARSOF teams. CAT-122 arranged the renovation of the Ministry of Education offices in town. The prestige of having a new office enhanced the image of the Afghan government.
Improving the quality of education in Deh Rawod was one of the key missions for the ARSOF teams. CAT-122 arranged the renovation of the Ministry of Education offices in town. The prestige of having a new office enhanced the image of the Afghan government.

The state of education in the local area was a subject of concern for everyone. “The teachers in Oruzgan Province had not been paid in five months,” said CPT Hansen. “Only 15 per cent of the schools were open. The people didn’t feel secure about sending their children to school. MAJ Zimmerman has a Masters degree in Education and we made improving this situation a priority.”40 “We got a project started for an education center in town,” said MAJ Zimmerman. “It included six computers with Internet access. The Dutch were pushing for an agricultural education program like a community college. We got that started and handed it off to the next CAT when we left. We also renovated the office of the local Minister of Education, who was a great guy and anxious to improve things.”41 “We took the District Chief, the Police Chief, the ANA commander, and the Minister of Education on tours of the schools we had fixed up, to reinforce the importance of good education,” remarked CPT Hansen.42 The ARSOF team’s emphasis on education led to one of the most unique achievements of the rotation, starting a school for local children.

A renovated public building on FB Tycz was used by the ODA as a school. Local carpenters made the shelves and benches. The school supplies were provided by CAT-122. Family members in the U.S. donated maps, encyclopedias, and books.
A renovated public building on FB Tycz was used by the ODA as a school. Local carpenters made the shelves and benches. The school supplies were provided by CAT-122. Family members in the U.S. donated maps, encyclopedias, and books.
The school supplies provided by the CA team included bookbags decorated with a message stressing the importance of education to the future of Afghanistan.
The school supplies provided by the CA team included bookbags decorated with a message stressing the importance of education to the future of Afghanistan.
“We are the smartest kids in Deh Rawod.” The teacher was the radio station disc jockey. Many of the ODA team members taught the students when time allowed.
“We are the smartest kids in Deh Rawod.” The teacher (far right) was the radio station disc jockey. Many of the ODA team members taught the students when time allowed.
One of the most popular topics in the FB Tycz School was geography. The school represented of the efforts of the ARSOF teams to improve the lives of the people in Deh Rawod.
One of the most popular topics in the FB Tycz School was geography. The school represented of the efforts of the ARSOF teams to improve the lives of the people in Deh Rawod.

“What planet are you on?” The Special Forces sergeant’s question elicited a mixed reaction from the dozen Afghan boys seated on benches in the small, newly painted classroom. Some stared blankly at the soldier. Others talked excitedly among themselves. “Deh Rawod,” one boy said, identifying his hometown. “Not quite,” said the sergeant, “but we’ll figure it out.” School was in session at Fire Base Tycz.

“The CA guys had been paying the radio station disc jockey to teach the kids that hung around the firebase,” said SSG Peter McKenzie. “One cold rainy day we came in and here are the kids huddled around a whiteboard in the carport. I figured we could do better than that.”43 McKenzie initiated a project to establish a school on the firebase. “We got the local carpenters to clean out a public building used for storage, paint it, put down some carpet, and build some desks and benches. We started out with about a dozen boys, aged six to sixteen,” he said. “The CA guys had a warehouse full of school supplies and they helped us out.”44 Support also arrived from a number of outside sources.

Village elders and government officials distribute new shoes. The ARSOF teams in Deh Rawod worked to improve living conditions in the area and to enhance the legitimacy of the local government.
Village elders and government officials distribute new shoes. The ARSOF teams in Deh Rawod worked to improve living conditions in the area and to enhance the legitimacy of the local government.

“I come from a big family and I sent them an email about our school,” said SSG David Pruitt. “They started sending shoes and books for the kids.”45 “I gave them backpacks and school supplies like we were handing out all over,” said SFC Michael Gallant, CAT 122. “When I told my folks back home, my mother-in-law contacted the local Lutheran Church. They sent us an encyclopedia and dictionary set.”46 Several of the team members got involved in teaching the children.

“We started with Geography and Astronomy, then English and Math, since my first question to them, ‘What planet are you on?’ didn’t get a correct answer,” said Peter McKenzie. “I got some software to do the Geography.”47 “I taught some math and basic geometry when I could,” said SSG David Pruitt. “We would give them homework. You could tell we were succeeding when the kids asked for more homework to keep from having to do chores at home. If they don’t have an education, what chance do they have,” observed Pruitt.48 SFC Craig Kramer helped out with math. “The kids were real sharp with numbers. It was good to watch them progress.”49

When the team was on the base, classes were held every day except Friday. “I got copies of the movies Star Wars and Shrek,” said SFC John Watson. “We showed them on Fridays. Shrek was a huge favorite.”50 The school came to represent the type of effort the teams were putting into every facet of their mission.

“Our operational tempo was very high,” said MSG Jason Poster. “We encouraged the guys to do their best to make an impact wherever and whenever they could. The school was a spontaneous effort to develop the kids.”51 The benefits of the impromptu school were evident before the team redeployed. “One of the kids, he was maybe seventeen, is now one of the loan officers in town,” noted SFC Roger Scarlatti. “He learned to add and subtract, and because he can, he now has a job.”52

In 2009 in Deh Rawod, the three elements of ARSOF combined very effectively to significantly reduce the influence of the Taliban in a strategically vital area. With each element complementing the others, the ARSOF teams made major improvements in a district only recently under the sway of the enemy. As MAJ Martin Calhoun, the AOB Commander observed, ”Deh Rawod was a success story. But, it was having the right people in the right place.”53

ENDNOTES

  1. Foreign Internal Defense is the participation by civilian and military agencies of a government in any of the action programs taken by another government or other designated organization, to free and protect its society from subversion, lawlessness, and insurgency. In the multi-national environment of Afghanistan, there is no more complex and difficult mission. Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Joint Publication 3-07.1, Joint Tactics, Techniques and Procedures for Foreign Internal Defense (FID), (Washington DC, Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff), 30 April 2004, I-1. [return]
  2. Rebecca L. Lykins, “Special Operations Soldiers Bring Gift of Education to Afghan Children,” 3rd Special Forces Group News Release, July 2009, Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, copy in the USASOC History Office Classified Files, Fort Bragg, NC. [return]
  3. Steven Hanson, ODA 3125, 3rd Special Forces Group, interview by Dr. Kenneth Finlayson, 25 August 2009, Fort Bragg, NC, digital recording, USASOC History Office Classified Files, Fort Bragg, NC. [return]
  4. Martin Calhoun, AOB 3110, 3rd Special Forces Group, interview by Dr. Kenneth Finlayson, 2 September 2009, Fort Bragg, NC, digital recording, USASOC History Office Classified Files, Fort Bragg, NC. [return]
  5. Calhoun interview. [return]
  6. Keith Freeman, ODA 3125, 3rd Special Forces Group, interview by Dr. Kenneth Finlayson, 1 September 2009, Fort Bragg, NC, digital recording, USASOC History Office Classified Files, Fort Bragg, NC. [return]
  7. Hanson interview. [return]
  8. Daoud Madiha, interview by Dr. Kenneth Finlayson, 11 September 2009, Fort Bragg, digital recording, USASOC History Office Classified Files, Fort Bragg, NC. [return]
  9. Madiha interview. [return]
  10. Quentin Marshall, ODA 3125, 3rd Special Forces Group, interview by Dr. Kenneth Finlayson, 1 September 2009, Fort Bragg, NC, digital recording, USASOC History Office Classified Files, Fort Bragg, NC. [return]
  11. Gordon Hampton, ODA 3125, 3rd Special Forces Group, interview by Dr. Kenneth Finlayson, 15 September 2009, Fort Bragg, NC, digital recording, USASOC History Office Classified Files, Fort Bragg, NC. [return]
  12. Craig Kramer, ODA 3125, 3rd Special Forces Group, interview by Dr. Kenneth Finlayson, 1 September 2009, Fort Bragg, NC, digital recording, USASOC History Office Classified Files, Fort Bragg, NC. [return]
  13. Roger Scarlatti, ODA 3125, 3rd Special Forces Group, interview by Dr. Kenneth Finlayson, 3 September 2009, Fort Bragg, NC, digital recording, USASOC History Office Classified Files, Fort Bragg, NC. [return]
  14. Kramer interview. [return]
  15. Scarlatti interview. [return]
  16. Kramer interview. [return]
  17. Freeman interview. [return]
  18. John Watson, ODA 3125, 3rd Special Forces Group, interview by Dr. Kenneth Finlayson, 1 September 2009, Fort Bragg, NC, digital recording, USASOC History Office Classified Files, Fort Bragg, NC. [return]
  19. Hansen interview. [return]
  20. Jason Poster, ODA 3125, 3rd Special Forces Group, interview by Dr. Kenneth Finlayson, 28 August 2009, Fort Bragg, NC, digital recording, USASOC History Office Classified Files, Fort Bragg, NC. [return]
  21. Poster interview. [return]
  22. David Pruitt, ODA 3125, 3rd Special Forces Group, interview by Dr. Kenneth Finlayson, 28 August 2009, Fort Bragg, NC, digital recording, USASOC History Office Classified Files, Fort Bragg, NC. [return]
  23. Pruitt interview. [return]
  24. Marshall interview. [return]
  25. Scarlatti interview. [return]
  26. Roman A. LaPenta, ODA 3125, 3rd Special Forces Group, interview by Dr. Kenneth Finlayson, 4 November 2009, Fort Bragg, NC, telephone interview, USASOC History Office Classified Files, Fort Bragg, NC. [return]
  27. Mark Zimmerman, CAT 122, 91st Civil Affairs Battalion, interview by Dr. Kenneth Finlayson, 26 August 2009, Fort Bragg, NC, digital recording, USASOC History Office Classified Files, Fort Bragg, NC. [return]
  28. Michael Gallant, CAT 122, 91st Civil Affairs Battalion, interview by Dr. Kenneth Finlayson, 2 September 2009, Fort Bragg, NC, digital recording, USASOC History Office Classified Files, Fort Bragg, NC. [return]
  29. Gallant interview. [return]
  30. Brent Montrose, CAT 122, 91st Civil Affairs Battalion, interview by Dr. Kenneth Finlayson, 9 September 2009, Fort Bragg, NC, digital recording, USASOC History Office Classified Files, Fort Bragg, NC. [return]
  31. Zimmerman interview. [return]
  32. Madiha interview. [return]
  33. Jamie Gruyere, CAT 122, 91st Civil Affairs Battalion, interview by Dr. Kenneth Finlayson, 9 September 2009, Fort Bragg, NC, digital recording, USASOC History Office Classified Files, Fort Bragg, NC. [return]
  34. Gallant interview. [return]
  35. Gruyere interview. [return]
  36. SFC Craig Kramer was also wounded in the IED encounter. After two weeks of hospitalization, he returned to duty with the ODA. [return]
  37. The TPT was still deployed at the time this article was prepared. [return]
  38. Hansen interview. [return]
  39. Zimmerman interview. [return]
  40. Hansen interview. [return]
  41. Zimmerman interview. [return]
  42. Hansen interview. [return]
  43. Peter McKenzie, ODA 3125, 3rd Special Forces Group, interview by Dr. Kenneth Finlayson, 25 August 2009, Fort Bragg, NC, digital recording, USASOC History Office Classified Files, Fort Bragg, NC. [return]
  44. McKenzie interview. [return]
  45. Pruitt interview. [return]
  46. Gallant interview. [return]
  47. McKenzie interview. [return]
  48. Pruitt interview. [return]
  49. Kramer interview. [return]
  50. Watson interview. [return]
  51. Poster interview. [return]
  52. Scarlatti interview. [return]
  53. Calhoun interview. [return]
  54. International Security and Assistance Force Homepage, Troop Numbers (Placemat), http://www.nato.int/isaf/docu/epub/pdf/placemat.html. [return]
  55. International Security and Assistance Force Homepage, http://www.nato.int/ISAF/structure/regional_command/index.html. [return]
  56. United States Agency for International Development, “Provincial Reconstruction Teams in Afghanistan: An Interagency Assessment,” June 2006, pg 10, http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PNADG252.pdf. [return]
  57. Department of Military Affairs, Illinois Army and Air National Guard, News Release #091709-164, “Illinois National Guard Soldiers Returning From Afghanistan,” September 17, 2009, copy in USASOC History Office Classified Files, Fort Bragg, NC. [return]