Task Force Phoenix

It is every soldier’s duty to lay down his life for his country. This holds true to the USA soldiers. He is a fighting man, a keeper of the peace, the point of the sword. He would gladly give up his life in service of his country. It’s his duty, USA Soldiers Protectors of freedom, justice, liberty and the democratic way.

The U. S. Armed Forces is one of the largest armies in the world. It is also the most advanced in terms of weaponry and equipment. Each soldier has been trained to be the best in what he does. Soldiers not only in fight in the battlefield, but also help out in times of need. There are five service branches in the U. S. Military. These branches are: The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. The President of the United States of America is the head of the military.

The U. S. Army is the largest and oldest of the service branches. It is responsible for all land associated functions of the military. They provide the manpower and support to defend the nation’s security and safety. Each soldier lives by a code that they call the seven army core values. The seven army core values are Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage.

The Air Force is responsible for Air and Space war functions of the military. It is considered as the youngest of all service branches. At one time, the Air Force was a part of the Army. It was only in 1947 when they became independent. Together with the Coast Guard, they help out in search and rescue operations.

The Navy takes care of the sea functions of the military. By itself, it is the largest naval branch in the whole world. They also have the most number of aircraft carrier fleets. Today, their mission is to keep the oceans safe for the United States and allies. They also help keep the country safe against any form of aggression.

The Marine Corps provides a ready force of soldiers and equipment at any given time. Marines are equipped and ready to fight at a moment’s notice. This force is used to answer any threat to the security of the nation. They work closely with the Navy to train, transport and equip their soldiers.

The Coast Guard provides home security and enforces the law at sea. They maintain the law in other bodies of water in the United States of America. Part of their job is to help out in search and rescue operations. This is the only branch of the armed forces that is constantly at work. While the other branches get ready for war, they are hard at work. Always ready to save lives and keep the peace.

Task Force Phoenix V is the fifth rotation to serve in Afghanistan for the purpose of training the Afghan National Army (ANA). Tremendous strides have occurred in the five and a half years the Task Force Phoenix concept has been in operation.

Immediately following the collapse of the Taliban regime, Soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division began the initial development of the ANA as Task Force Phoenix I.

Every subsequent rotation has been comprised primarily of National Guard Soldiers. Phoenix II built up the first Afghan Corps in Kabul, Afghanistan. Phoenix III took on the daunting task of splitting that Corps into 5 separate Corps and locating them throughout the country at five strategic centers. Phoenix IV worked to build up those Corps to full strength.

The mission continues to expand with TF Phoenix V taking on additional responsibilities associated with training and supporting the Afghan National Police, as well as continuing to train and mentor the growing Afghan National Army. TF Phoenix V are comprised primarily of soldiers from the National Guard, with members representing 49 of the 50 states. In addition, they have attached elements from the Active Duty Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps.

The key principles for building Afghanistan’s Security Forces include developing loyalty to the Government of Afghanistan and developing a disciplined and professional Army culture that is ethnically diverse. Without question, the ANA is the most successful government institution in the country, due in large part to the balanced mix of ethnicities in all of the units.

The warriors of Task Force Phoenix VI place a high degree of emphasis on serving the citizens of Afghanistan through rebuilding projects and humanitarian assistance. Through the Commanders Emergency Relief Program (CERP), funds are made available to build schools for the next generation of Afghan children to earn a modern education. CERP funds are used to rebuild roads, bridges and other important infrastructure around Afghanistan. Wells are dug to provide fresh, clean water in a country suffering from nearly eight years of drought. Medicines and hygiene items are purchased and distributed during medical assistance missions. There are almost 50 CERP projects ongoing all across Afghanistan right now. From Herat to Kandahar to Kabul ranging from building schools to building wells, providing school supplies to repairing roads and setting up hospitals.

The people of Afghanistan are so unimaginably poor, that it is common for Soldiers on patrol to see children dressed in rags trudging through the snow with no shoes, gloves, hats or socks. Food and water are difficult to come by and most Afghans live in dilapidated mud huts, tents, or bombed out building shells. Disease and malnutrition thrive in this environment and it is difficult for the people to believe that there is hope for a better future. Many Task Force Phoenix V servicemembers purchase or donate blankets, food and clothing items from their own salaries to help the people of Afghanistan survive the harsh environment.

Humanitarian assistance and rebuilding projects have a profound impact on the citizens of Afghanistan and contribute heavily to the success of Task Force Phoenix VI. By helping Afghan citizens, U.S. Forces are showing them that they can have a better life than what was available under the Taliban regime. The more the Afghans trust U.S. Forces, the more they help the war-fight by volunteering intelligence about insurgent activities. According to a recent poll in the Washington Post, 88% of the Afghan population supports the American presence in Afghanistan contributing directly to the safety of Americans deployed here. Humanitarian assistance and rebuilding projects are often the favorite missions of our servicemembers. Through their participation, our servicemembers have the opportunity to directly improve the lives of Afghan citizens and see the results of our nation-building efforts, as well as contribute to the overall operational safety of our forces.

Operation Not Forgotten is an organization started by U.S. Sailors and Seabees at Camp Phoenix. This organization reaches out to the local community supplying wells, food, clothing, schools, and other health and welfare items. They work with other coalition forces as well as the Afghan National Army.