Even as U.S. troops scale back joint operations with Afghan forces, soldiers soon to deploy from Fort Campbell continue training for their partnering role. Their mission calls for embedding with Afghan units, despite a rash of insider attacks.
A Blackhawk helicopter streaks across a mock battlefield with a Humvee suspended from it. Fort Campbell continues to buzz with mass exercises.
Maj. Eldridge Browne is trying to prepare soldiers for a new role that’s key to getting out of Afghanistan. Small teams will advise – though not lead – much larger Afghan units. Browne says the threat from within the partner force is real, but it’s not new.
“Things that have happened out there, yes the guys think about it. But when they get out here, they’ve all been very focused.”
More than 50 U.S. service members have been killed by someone in Afghan uniform this year, leading to this week’s temporary slowdown in joint operations.
Still, Sgt. Chris Mossburg says he’s ready to deploy, even if the mission is modified.
“Gotta remain flexible. You come in, they’re going to tell you to do one thing. You’ve got to adjust fire and do something else, so nothing changes.”
Mossburg is part of the 101st Airborne’s 1st Brigade, which begins leaving in a matter of weeks.
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