B*N*S*N3

Troops bring security to remote Afghan checkpoint

Feb 16, 2011

By Sgt. 1st Class John Wollaston - Combined Team Uruzgan PAO


















Photo credit U.S. Army


First Lt. Andrew Murphree, Platoon Leader for 2nd Platoon, Outlaw Troop 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, and his interpreter talk with a village elder near the town of Sha Wali Kot. Meeting with the locals in key leader engagements keeps the locals, as well as coalition forces, informed about activities in the area.


FORWARD OPERATING BASE FRONTENAC, Afghanistan, Feb. 16, 2011 -- In a remote and rural province like Uruzgan, even the smallest presence can have a huge impact on the local population. Checkpoint 18 is one such location where coalition presence has had a positive impact on the local population.

2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment sends a platoon to the checkpoint spending up to four days at a time, providing security for a paved bridge crossing over the Arghandab river as well as a section of Route Bear, the important north-south route connecting Kandahar and Uruzgan provinces.

"In my opinion, if this checkpoint wasn't here, the insurgents would blow up the bridge." said 1st Lt. Andrew Murphree, the 2nd platoon leader.

"Here at Checkpoint 18 our mission is to provide security and a freedom of movement patrol on Route Bear as well as working in partnership with the Afghan National Police. The locals enjoy the security the checkpoint provides," Murphree added. "Not only do we secure the bridge, but we secure the market as well, which is their only means of commerce. So, they appreciate us being here."

At Checkpoint 18, the mountains to their left and the river behind them aren't the only things surrounding the Soldiers from 2nd Platoon of Outlaw Troop. The insurgents are out there too. ...

There's more, here.