Regional Command (South) CSM conducts a battlefield circulation in Zabul province

April 10, 2012

By Sgt. Amanda M. Hils

In support of the mission in Regional Command (South), Command Sgt. Maj. Bryant C. Lambert, 82nd Airborne Division and RC(S) command sergeant major, conducted a battlefield circulation with leadership from RC(S) headquarters and Combined Task Force Arrowhead throughout Zabul province April 8.

Accompanied by Command Sgt. Maj. Samuel Murphy, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division and CTF Arrowhead command sergeant major; Sgt. Maj. Juan Carlos Villarreal, 82nd Airborne Division and RC(S) CJ-3 operations sergeant major; and Master Sgt. John R. Coomer, 82nd Airborne Division and RC(S) CJ-3 plans sergeant major, Lambert toured an observation post, Combat Outpost Sweeney, and two other COPs in the Shamalzai district, as well as meeting with Afghan National Army Command Sgt. Maj. Masood-u-Rahman.

"Battlefield circulations are a critical tool for the RC(S) command group to be able to move through the area of responsibility, meeting with ISAF and ANSF senior leadership," said Lambert. "This trip with Command Sgt. Maj. Murphy went very well and gave me a chance to interact with Command Sgt. Maj. Masood-u-Rahman- not only to see how his Kandak is doing operationally, but to show him that ISAF leadership does care about the quality of life of his Soldiers and about their training."

U.S., Romanian and Afghan National Army Soldiers briefed the party on successes and hardships facing them at these remote bases.

With the assistance of Operational Mentor and Liaison Teams (OMLT), the combined-team efforts at the FOB and COPs in this province have yielded results in infrastructure development. Soldiers stationed at COP Shamalzai 1 have been working at creating a second, more developed COP with improved facilities and living spaces.

"The OMLT program is a vital piece in the transition of Afghanistan and the

withdrawal of ISAF troops with ANSF in the lead," said Lambert.

COP Sweeny Soldiers have been working with their ANA counterparts, organizing nine literacy classes to promote the education of the Afghan servicemembers so that they can ultimately begin computer training courses as well. These courses are highly encouraged and lauded by the Afghan senior leadership.

"Command Sgt. Maj. Masood-u-Rahman is a very capable sergeant major who is making a difference in his area of operation. His Soldiers continued service at the end of their contracts is a testimony to his leadership and the care of his men," said Lambert.

This is all part of the transition process of turning over control of missions

and counterinsurgency to the Afghan forces.

"It's our job to take care of our Soldiers," said Masood-u-Rahman.

Lambert has been proactive in pushing forward with the partnership and drawdown plans being promoted by Maj. Gen. Jim Huggins, RC(S) commanding general, and Gen. John Allen, International Security Assistance Forces commanding general, in preparation for the drawdown and preparation for NATO's 2014 departure from Afghanistan.