2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment 10.26.2010 KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – Back home the air is crisp and the leaves are beginning to change. As people break out their sweatshirts and fall sets in, so does America’s favorite time of year. Fall brings football and anyone who follows the game closely understands that the unsung heroes of any successful football team are the offensive linemen. They take the field every week and spend their time in the trenches. They leave the field muddied and tired and seldom receive accolades. Their stats and names seldom make the sports section or ESPN’s highlight reel. However without their contribution, the running backs and quarterbacks couldn’t stand in the limelight. It is all a team effort.
Similarly, the members of the Regimental Support Squadron, Muleskinners, are the linemen of the Regiment and the Convoy Security Teams are the defensive tackles protecting the supplies the Regiment needs to fight and win. As in football, any combat oriented organization has to do three things well;
The RSS operates as part of Task Force Dragoon in southern Afghanistan. Their mission is to transport the beans, bullets, fuel and repair parts needed to sustain all the Regiment’s soldiers and equipment. The RSS operates three CSTs to facilitate the safe delivery of these required items. They are mission tailored to protect any size package required to travel across the rough and sometimes mountainous terrain. When required for larger convoys the three teams fluidly consolidate and work together to operate as a single security package.
“Adaptability, vigilance, and perseverance are the key assets that we look for in every team member,” says Sgt. Darrin Schreck, CST team-2 non-commissioned officer in charge.
Just like any team, these missions require incorporating all elements of the Squadron. The intelligence section collects updated information on routes and enemy activity. The operations section communicates with the supported units and plans the quantities and types of supplies and equipment required. The supply and transportation troop builds the support packages. The operations shop command and control the convoys and coordinate the routes with all units.
Just like any team, practice is necessary to ensure that all personnel are prepared for any unexpected situation. Teamwork starts with communication. The CST constantly practices to prepare for any event that can occur on a mission. Maintenance inspects the equipment before each convoy departs to ensure all vehicles can traverse the harsh Afghan terrain. Maintenance personnel work around the clock to guarantee mission readiness.
Moving supplies and traveling the roads of Afghanistan is a unique experience. There is no rhyme or reason to the way Afghans drive and no formal driver’s training for locals. This requires attentive, defensive driving skills. Gunners remain alert for any potential threats. Vehicle Commanders are like quarterbacks that navigate, track the battle, and help to control the movement.
There is no better feeling than completion of a successful mission. Knowing that the Soldiers of the Regiment have the supplies they need to fight and win because of your efforts is a very rewarding feeling. After a successful mission, all soldiers get together and discuss what was done well and how we can improve our playbook.
Next Sunday when you turn on the TV to watch your favorite team, take a moment to consider the contributions of the hard working linemen. Watch how they fight and battle hard to ensure the quarterback is protected or the running back has a clear running lane and think of the members of the RSS CST. These unsung heroes must be always ready for the next mission, but they wouldn’t have it any other way.
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