Technology is great, but no matter how much technology is available to troops the end result of every successful military operation requires boots on the ground. Nothing can beat the social and personal connection of seeing, talking to, and interacting with troops on patrol. The downside is that foot patrols make us more vulnerable, but a more focused training approach both pre-deployment and while in theater has made our troops more aware of their surroundings.
The local populace is trusting us more and more each day. As such, we are more likely to learn about dangers and impending ambushes before they happen than ever before. You can’t get this kind of information tucked safely away inside a well-armored MRAP or MATV. To the average citizen, troops traveling in vehicles are just large hunks of metal. But, when you get a troop on the ground, it breaks down so many barriers.
Our troops are well-trained and professional. They’re sympathetic to the plight of the host nation Afghan citizens. As you’ll see in tomorrow’s photo, there are some moments that are priceless but can only be purchased on foot. Yet, we put ourselves in potential danger because we want to instill a sense of confidence, security, and friendship among them. We are no longer the enemy of Afghanistan and the guys in this photo by Senior Airman Grovert Fuentes-Contreras are on the front lines of the battle to break down those barriers.
U.S. Army Pfc. Johnny Nguyen, rifleman, and other members of Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul patrol Qalat City, Afghanistan, Sept. 2. Nguyen is a member of Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul’s security force and is deployed from the Massachusetts National Guard.
