.New York’s Army National Guard Brigade Takes Command in Afghanistan
LATHAM, NY (04/27/2008; 1025)(readMedia)-- CAMP PHOENIX, KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The command of Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix (CJTF-P) was transferred today from the South Carolina National Guard’s 218th Heavy Separate Brigade (HSB) to the New York National Guard’s 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT).
Colonel Brian K. Balfe, the incoming commander of CJTF-P VII and the 27th IBCT officially succeeded Brigadier General Robert E. Livingston during a Transfer of Authority Ceremony in Patriot Square, Camp Phoenix in Kabul, Afghanistan.
“Members of the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team are proud Soldiers, with a storied history,” said incoming commander, Colonel Brian K. Balfe. “We are honored to be here as guests of the government and people of Afghanistan. We believe in our mission. It is a privilege to have been called to perform it,” he said.
The ceremony signaled both the transfer of command responsibility from the 218th to the 27th and, more importantly, that the CJTF-P mission to train and mentor Afghanistan’s National Security Forces (ANSF) will continue. It also points to the continued commitment by the United States to the Phoenix mission, and to the government and people of Afghanistan.
Nearly 1700 members of the New York National Guard’s 27th IBCT, based in communities from across New York State, have been deployed for this mission, the largest single deployment from New York in recent memory. Thousands of New York troops have performed both state and federal active duty since the 9-11, 2001 terrorist attacks. It is the only part of America’s military force that served at “Ground Zero.” Roughly a third of the team in Afghanistan has already served in previous deployments for Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The 218th HSB assumed command of CJTF-P VI in May 2007. During its command tenure, the 218th implemented the training and mentoring program for the Afghan National Police (ANP), while also sustaining the highly successful training program for the Afghan National Army.
The Focused District Development Program, designed to bolster the ANP was also launched during this time, and many outreach projects were accomplished through the 218th’s Commander’s Emergency Response Program, performed in conjunction with the ANSF. The program saw the delivery of tons of critically needed supplies, including food, medicine and clothing to the Afghan people.
“Early in our tour, the Police were being destroyed by the Taliban and the Army needed to take the lead in fighting,” said BG Livingston. “After we deployed our police mentors, the Police started holding ground and gained the upper hand. Their losses decreased seven-fold. At the same time we accelerated the march forward with the ANA, where most kandaks (ANA battalions) now take the lead and some have become operationally independent.”
“It is clear to all of us from New York that the team from South Carolina has moved the ball well down field, gained great yardage on its watch here, and placed the follow-on team in the Red Zone,” said COL Brian K. Balfe, the incoming commander. “I am delighted that more than 125 Soldiers of the 218th have volunteered to stay on with us in support of the mission.”
“Our South Carolina Soldiers are now returning home, having changed Afghanistan for the better,” said BG Livingston. “The 27th IBCT from the New York National Guard is poised to take over and continue this vital mission. I am confident I am leaving the CJTF-P mission in capable hands.”
“It has been an honor and privilege to serve as Commander of CJTF-P VI.”
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Colonel Brian K. Balfe, the incoming commander of CJTF-P VII and the 27th IBCT officially succeeded Brigadier General Robert E. Livingston during a Transfer of Authority Ceremony in Patriot Square, Camp Phoenix in Kabul, Afghanistan.
“Members of the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team are proud Soldiers, with a storied history,” said incoming commander, Colonel Brian K. Balfe. “We are honored to be here as guests of the government and people of Afghanistan. We believe in our mission. It is a privilege to have been called to perform it,” he said.
The ceremony signaled both the transfer of command responsibility from the 218th to the 27th and, more importantly, that the CJTF-P mission to train and mentor Afghanistan’s National Security Forces (ANSF) will continue. It also points to the continued commitment by the United States to the Phoenix mission, and to the government and people of Afghanistan.
Nearly 1700 members of the New York National Guard’s 27th IBCT, based in communities from across New York State, have been deployed for this mission, the largest single deployment from New York in recent memory. Thousands of New York troops have performed both state and federal active duty since the 9-11, 2001 terrorist attacks. It is the only part of America’s military force that served at “Ground Zero.” Roughly a third of the team in Afghanistan has already served in previous deployments for Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The 218th HSB assumed command of CJTF-P VI in May 2007. During its command tenure, the 218th implemented the training and mentoring program for the Afghan National Police (ANP), while also sustaining the highly successful training program for the Afghan National Army.
The Focused District Development Program, designed to bolster the ANP was also launched during this time, and many outreach projects were accomplished through the 218th’s Commander’s Emergency Response Program, performed in conjunction with the ANSF. The program saw the delivery of tons of critically needed supplies, including food, medicine and clothing to the Afghan people.
“Early in our tour, the Police were being destroyed by the Taliban and the Army needed to take the lead in fighting,” said BG Livingston. “After we deployed our police mentors, the Police started holding ground and gained the upper hand. Their losses decreased seven-fold. At the same time we accelerated the march forward with the ANA, where most kandaks (ANA battalions) now take the lead and some have become operationally independent.”
“It is clear to all of us from New York that the team from South Carolina has moved the ball well down field, gained great yardage on its watch here, and placed the follow-on team in the Red Zone,” said COL Brian K. Balfe, the incoming commander. “I am delighted that more than 125 Soldiers of the 218th have volunteered to stay on with us in support of the mission.”
“Our South Carolina Soldiers are now returning home, having changed Afghanistan for the better,” said BG Livingston. “The 27th IBCT from the New York National Guard is poised to take over and continue this vital mission. I am confident I am leaving the CJTF-P mission in capable hands.”
“It has been an honor and privilege to serve as Commander of CJTF-P VI.”
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posted by madtom at 1:02 PM
1 Comments:
I am looking to connect w/a Army Nat'l Guardman in Afghanistan for a recent deploytment of 4 months. I belive he's assigned from the Latham, NY --ANG post. SOldier's name is Mark J. Mann. Should anyone come across his path or able to coorespond w/him please pass along my email address(ezykoff@co.dutchess.ny.us) Just wanted to wish him well.
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