Inside this issue:

We Are Ready-We Are Attacking Unit News Rear-D Strong Bonds Events Deployment Address Listing Kids Zone

2 4-14 13 14 15

1 S T B AT TA L I O N 1 2 T H I N FA N T RY R E G I M E N T ( L I G H T )

Volume 2, Issue 1

The Red Warrior Path

March 2014

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THE RED WARRIOR PATH

We Are Ready-We Are Attacking by LTC Dave Voorhies

Red Warriors and Families: This will be our last home station edition of the Red Warrior Path. We are about to start our deployment sequence as one of the last conventional Army Battalions to support Operation Enduring Freedom. As many already know, we have already deployed our HHC Commander, CPT Ben Hooker, our Mortar Platoon and 2/A/1-12 IN forward to assume duties as the Aerial Reaction Force for all of Regional Command-South. Soon, most of 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry will be situated at Kandahar Airfield and responsible for the outer ring of security that houses our Joint-Coalition Headquarters, our Afghan Partners and well over 28,000 souls located there as our forces transition with the Afghan National Security Forces, reduce in size and eventually come home. We are trained and ready. I am immensely proud of the Red Warriors performance at the National Training Center this past November for our Mission Readiness Exercise and am satisfied that our company commanders have fine-tuned their companies since. Through our recent Squad Leader Training Academy, we have focused on those tasks that will increase our NCO leader proficiency, while focusing on what I consider to be my Center of Gravity for leadership within the battalion The Rifle Squad Leader. Also, through our Platoon Leader Certification, I got a chance to confirm our lieutenants ability to prosecute Troop Leading Procedures, while providing them insight into how I make decisions and whats in store for us in Kandahar Province. Our leaders are the best I have been around in nearly 19 years of service. I trust both my officer and NCO corps implicitly to lead our Soldiers smartly and courageously for our ninemonth tour. The Red Warriors will be victorious in Afghanistan. I define winning as seen through the performance of our Afghan National Security Force Partners, our Joint Partners and our Coalition Partners. On top of Afghan Police Forces, the Red Warriors will be working with U.S. Air Force personnel, U.S. Marines, Romanian Army Forces, Slovak Army Forces and Georgian Army Forces. This is why relationships are key to winning and absolutely critical for our success: the better our relationships, the better access we have to intelligence, force protection, security and the stronger our overall effect will be on defeating the enemy. Victory for the Red Warriors will be defined through ANSF and coalition successes: Red Warriors will come home, playing a significant role in the endgame of OEF, honoring those
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I am immensely proud of the Red Warriors performance at the National Training Center this past November ...

From Right to Left: 1LT Mike Culak, SPC Anthony Powell, CPT Ben Hooker, SFC Michael Argent. Members of the ARF victorious at trivia night at the MWR in KAF.

THE RED WARRIOR PATH is published by 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment (Light) for the families and friends of Red Warrior Soldiers. 1-12 Infantry (L) is part of Task Force Mountain Warrior (4 IBCT, 4 ID). The task force is currently preparing to deploy to Afghanistan, Regional Command South, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Contents of THE RED WARRIOR PATH are not necessarily the official view of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government or the Department of Defense. Please send all questions or comments about THE RED WARRIOR PATH to CH (CPT) Jeremie Vore at jeremie.a.vore.mil@mail.mil.

ON THE FRONT AND BACK COVERS: Alpha Company Soldiers conduct a .50-caliber machine gun range at Fort Carson.

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We Are Ready-We Are Attacking (continued)

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Have faith and confidence in us as the very best 4/4 IBCT has to offer.

LTC Voorhies presides over the Red Warrior Tribal Mess at the 1-12 IN Dining-In event in January. A Dining-In brings together senior leaders for an

that have sacrificed before us. We leave behind a professional and trained RearDetachment Team. This team is led by CPT Adam Menzel and 1SG James Burciaga. CPT Menzel and 1SG Burciaga will manage the daily tasks back here at Fort Carson, while taking care of Families in the process. They will hold routine monthly Steering Committee Meetings, as well as hosting a monthly videoteleconference with me and the Forward Team. Our Command

Family Readiness Liaison, SGT Randee Chase, and our Command Finance Specialist, SSG Jeremy Logan, will also be with the Rear-Detachment and will continue to assist Soldiers and families. Our civilian partners with FOB Colorado will continue to support the Red Warrior Family with monthly information, outdoors opportunities, and fun activities for Red Warrior Families and Soldiers to partake in while we are gone. I want to close by thanking all of you for supporting me, CSM Tim Marble and the command during these last few months. We have been terribly busy, and time has been at a premium. Your patience and focus on mission is greatly appreciated. I hope everyone has enjoyed the long winter break over the Holidays, and has enjoyed most every Friday off since then to spend time with family and friends before deployment. Have faith and confidence in us as the very best 4/4 IBCT has to offer. We are ready. We are Red Warriors. We are Attacking! Led by love of Country, LTC Dave Voorhies

The Six ConnectionLTC Voorhies poses with all current and most-recent Company Commanders.

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THE RED WARRIOR PATH

Alpha CompanyThe End Of A Challenging Summer by CPT Erik Anderson

In addition to time in the field, our days have been spent packing and preparing the Company and each of our Soldiers for deployment.

Families and Friends of Arrowhead Company, as you know the last few months have been an extremely busy time for your Soldiers. With an Afghanistan deployment just around the corner things are in full swing to ensure we are completely prepared and ready to go. Despite the freezing temperatures and snowy weather, we spent the last few weeks in the field honing our marksmanship. Your Soldiers participated in individual weapons qualification with their assigned weapons and mounted familiarization utilizing Mine-Resistant, Armor Protected (MRAP) vehicles and various crew-served weapon platforms. In addition to time in the field, our days have been spent packing and preparing the Company and each of our Soldiers for deployment. Long lines at the SRP site, classroom instruction on assigned equipment, and various briefings ensure your Soldier is mentally and physically prepared. The Arrowhead Company Squad Leaders and Platoon Leaders have been especially busy completing their Squad Leader Academy and Platoon Leader Certification requirements. The Platoon Leader Certification, taught by LTC Voorhies, focuses on mentally preparing Lieutenants for the upcoming deployment. They are focusing on various levels of mission analysis and honing their skills with a variety of planning techniques. The Squad Leader Academy is taught by subject matter experts across our formation and is focused on sharing expertise and lessons learned with communications platforms, weapons

systems, and other specialized equipment. As you know, the Soldiers from 2nd PLT have already departed Fort Carson and they arrived in Afghanistan just a few short weeks ago. They are well on their way to completing their Relief-In-Place (RIP) and assuming their assigned mission. 2LT Sullivan (2nd Platoon, PL) and SFC Honaker (2nd Platoon, PSG) send well wishes to everyone in Arrowhead Company and are eagerly awaiting our arrival in Afghanistan. I want to close by reminding everyone about the various agencies that exist to help Sol-

diers and, more importantly, Families of deploying/deployed Soldiers. If you were not able to attend the Battalion Town Hall meeting on January 15th or the Deployment Fair on February 12th, or if you just want to get more information about these agencies please don't hesitate to email the Arrowhead Company FRG leader, Ms. Monique Stockard (alphacompany112in@gmail.com). Thank you all very much for your continued support of your Soldiers and their Arrowhead Company. Until next time, Arrowhead 6 out.

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(above) PFC Baker coaches an Arrowhead Company Soldier during M249 qualification.

(below) 1SG ONeil supervises Arrowhead Company M249 qualification.

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THE RED WARRIOR PATH

Bravo CompanyBlackfoot is Ready by CPT Luke Rella

All assigned Blackfeet are now obviously ready for the task at hand.
To the Blackfoot Company Families, Transitions and Training. These are the two words that sum up our final days as well as the majority of US Infantry units before deployment. As the Blackfoot Companys newest Commander I have already begun to swell with pride at the organization that I am in. I was briefed when first arriving to the Company about the level of readiness for deployment, but now that I have witnessed it, I am both impressed and humbled. Blackfoot Company is a trained force to be reckoned with and destined to be successful in combat. Final preparations this month have included live fire mounted maneuvering, counter improvised explosive device training, muzzle awareness refresher and many weapon familiarization fires. The men spent all day and most of the night on the 28th of January maneuvering vehicles through snow and ice to destroy emplaced targets. During this time the mortar section sent indirect fire along the adjacent range in coordination with the main body movement. This was excellent for the men to polish their skills. All assigned Blackfeet are now obviously ready for the task at hand. Additionally, the men have become accustomed to the many metal detection devices offered in Afghanistan. This gives us another mechanism to maintain safety and maybe find some gold while we are at it. In the weeks to come we will conduct a few more exercises to hone our skills before deploying to Afghanistan, and ensure that a maximum amount of time is given to Blackfoot Soldiers to spend with families. In order for the men of Blackfoot company to fulfill our destiny of success, we not only need to be physically and mentally prepared, but also emotionally prepared through time spent with families before crossing the pond. Until next time, Blackfoot Six out.

Soldiers from 2nd Platoon teach a muzzle awareness class complete with a cardboard MRAP All Terrain Vehicle (MATV).

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Blackfoot Soldiers receive training in countering Improvised Explosive Devices.

Blackfoot Company Soldiers spot enemy targets in the snow during the Field Training Exercise.

Blackfoot Soldiers conduct a convoy brief prior to movement.

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THE RED WARRIOR PATH

Charlie CompanyReady and Grateful Comanche by CPT Jason Kruck

Take pride in your Soldiers accomplishments and take comfort that they have truly prepared themselves for war and will always be looking out for each others well being. Comanche Company Family and Friends, Thank you for your continued support during our intensive training cycle for this upcoming deployment to Afghanistan. Through your constant encouragement when your Soldiers spent many days in the field and at the National Training Center, I can confidently say your Soldiers are ready for combat operations in Afghanistan. Through the past several months, the Soldiers of Comanche Company have qualified on every weapon system in our arsenal, conducted team through company level Combined Arms Live Fires, and even threw in some demolitions training. This tough, realistic training, combined with unit cohesion events such as our Pikes Peak ascent, Family Christmas Party and company ski trip, have fostered a true team atmosphere. Take pride in your Soldiers accomplishments and take comfort that they have truly prepared themselves for war and will always be looking out for each others well being. Continue to use, or begin using, the Family Readiness Group (FRG) for your support while we are deployed. They are an amazing resource and here to help answer your questions, or point you in the right direction to ensure your Family is taken care of while your loved one is away. I also encourage you to maintain contact with them to stay up to date on events the FRG will be hosting during the deployment. The Charlie Company FRG email is: charliecompany112frg@gmail.com. Please feel free to contact the FRG, myself, or 1SG Thomas if you have any questions or concerns leading up to this deployment. Sincerely, CPT Jason Kruck Commander, Charlie Company 1-12IN

Comanche Company Families enjoy each others fellowship at the Family Christmas Party.

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Comanche Company ascent of Pikes Peak.

Reenlistment Ceremony at Fort Irwin, CA.

Demolitions Training at Fort Carson.

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THE RED WARRIOR PATH

Delta CompanyDogs on the Move by CPT Gabe Manus

...It has been my honor to watch the Soldiers of Dog Company train to the highest standards... Families and Soldiers of Dog Company, First and foremost, I want to welcome the new Soldiers and Families that have become members of Dog Company in the last several months. We look forward to seeing you grow and develop with us. I would also like to congratulate 1SG James Edling for his long-awaited and well-deserved promotion to First Sergeant. During the last couple of months of preparation for our upcoming deployment to Afghanistan, it has been my honor to watch the Soldiers of Dog Company train to the highest standards and put forth the effort to prepare for the upcoming challenges. December was a transition period as we went from a successful completion of NTC to preparing for block leave. Nonetheless, we were able to send a handful of key leaders to the Dismounted Counter-IED Master Trainer Course, which will be of great value for our Soldiers downrange. Of course, we had our share of fun too, as we took a Company Ski Trip to Loveland Ski Area to enjoy some time away from work. Coming back from winter block leave, well rested from three weeks of eating to our hearts content and enjoying time with family, we hit the ground running and began to tackle training and administrative requirements for the deployment. In between the numerous snow days and late calls, Dog Company squeezed in some quality training. We sent Soldiers to an Emergency Medical Technician certification course offered by Pikes Peak Community College. Our Soldiers successfully attended a variety of different ranges to become proficient on a number of weapon systems, to include the Mk-19 and M320 Grenade Launchers, and the M2 and M240B Machine Guns. On one 25 degree day in February, in a display of true grit and determination, Dog Soldiers fought off frostbite and busted through doors, hallways, and rooms to conduct Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) training. I would like to thank all the Soldiers for their hard work and dedication. Most importantly, I want to thank all the Families
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SFC Choay supervises MOUT training.

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Dogs on the Move (continued)

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I would like to thank all the Soldiers for their hard work and dedication.

for their unwavering support and strength as we prepare physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually for this deployment. Thank you all and I will see you on February 26th for a fun night of bowling! -Captain Gabriel Manis

Dog 6 (CPT Manus) leads in style.

Upcoming Dog Company FRG Events FRG Bowling Event Date: 26 February Location: Thunder Alley Bowling Center 6391 Chiles Ave Time: 6PM

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THE RED WARRIOR PATH

Echo CompanyEagles Ready to Take Flight by CPT Matt Howard

During the rotation to the National Training Center, Eagle Company was extremely busy supporting not only the battalion, but the brigade as well.

During the past few months, the Soldiers of Eagle Company have been training hard rigorously preparing for the upcoming deployment to Afghanistan. The company has surpassed the brigades standards and continuously sets the standard for sustainment operations, which everyone should be very proud of. The Soldiers of Eagle Company are trained, prepared, and ready to deploy in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in the next few weeks. During the rotation to the National Training Center, Eagle Company was extremely busy supporting not only the battalion, but the brigade as well. As soon as the distribution (Distro) platoon hit ground in the box, they were immediately put on mission.

Distro platoon completed multiple daily Logistics Patrols (LOGPACs) to deliver ammo, water, food and fuel throughout the battle-space. Not only was distro platoon integral to the distribution of all classes of supply to sustain the battalion, but they were responsible for completing their own training simultaneously. Distro platoon completed a convoy live fire exercise and integrated real air assets with the assistance of an attached aviation unit. Headquarters (HQ) platoon maintained 24/7 command post operations. Of particular importance, the radios were constantly manned and maintained 24 hours a day. HQ platoon was responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting all radios, GPS and other forms of communication in all of the companys ve-

hicles. The command post was able to battle track the distro platoon as they moved through the vast expanse of the box supporting the battalion. The maintenance platoon conducted multiple real-life recovery missions in addition to simulation recoveries they were asked to perform. The mechanics were responsible for supervising Soldiers as they conducted Preventative Maintenance Checks and Services (PMCS) on over 80 uparmored vehicles known as Mine -Resistant, Ambush Protected vehicles (MRAPs). The mechanics were also responsible for identifying, maintaining, and ultimately fixing the fleet of vehicles as Soldiers from the battalion drove the vehicles to their
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Eagle Company Soldiers stand tall during change of command.

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Eagles Ready to Take Flight (continued)

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All of these skills and trades will be important and enhance the battalion to achieve its assigned mission.

limits during combat training. Within the past 2 months, Eagle Company has also participated in numerous ranges in order to qualify on every weapon system to maintain proficiency in every skill. The company has also supported the battalion in every facet from maintenance operations, ammunition distribution, fuel operations, and field feeding operations during the past few weeks. All of these skills and trades will be important and enhance the battalion to achieve its assigned mission. During the next couple weeks, the Soldiers of Eagle Company will finalize packing equipment into containers, maintain physical fitness, mentally prepare, and spend time with family.

Wash rack operations towards the end of our National Training Center rotation.

Distro platoon vehicles staged in preparation for a Combat Logistics Patrol.

4IBCT REAR-D STRONG BONDS RETREATS

Retreat 1 (Married Couples): 21-23 March Retreat 2 (Single Soldiers): 21-23 March Where: Cheyenne Mountain Resort Contact: PFC Branwyn Duff, 4STB Chaplain Assistant 719-503-4454
Dog Company Soldiers face off during a dodge ball tournament.

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THE RED WARRIOR PATH

HHCHatchet Comings and Goings by 1LT Tyler Cline

As we prepare to leave, the Soldiers of Hatchet Company are so thankful for the support of families and friends. Family and friends of Hatchet Company, we are continuing to prepare for our upcoming deployment to Kandahar, Afghanistan. This season of preparation includes ensuring our Soldiers are physically and mentally prepared through numerous trips to SRP, dental clinics, and health providers. We are fortunate to have a new addition to the Hatchet Company as our PSD (Personal Security Detachment) Platoon was stood up recently. The 19 man platoon will be responsible for the security of both CSM Marble and LTC Voorhies on our deployment. The platoon is led by its platoon leader, 1LT Jonathan Roldan, and platoon sergeant, SSG Jay Schuchardt. We welcome them and their families to the Hatchet family. Hatchet Companys recent preparation also included a week long range density week where every weapon system the battalion owns was fired. Despite the extreme cold weather, the Soldiers of Hatchet Company, in particular our Scout Platoon and PSD Platoon proved yet again that they are trained and proficient on any and every weapon system the Army has equipped them with. Our staff section has done a tremendous job of planning for our upcoming deployment by

staying in continual contact with the unit that we will be replacing overseas. The video teleconferences with our forward counterparts are proving extremely helpful as our staff begins to look at our future operations. Sadly, Hatchet Company is not at full strength anymore at Fort Carson. Our company commander, CPT Ben Hooker, along with our Mortar Platoon was chosen for a specific mission, Aerial Reaction Force (ARF); this mission required them to leave for Afghanistan at the end of January. They have safely made it to Afghanistan and are currently conducting training for their mission before they officially take over as the ARF on Kandahar Airfield.

As we prepare to leave, the Soldiers of Hatchet Company are so thankful for the support of families and friends.

1LT Mike Poist takes part in LTC Voorhies daunting Gauntlet PT.

UNIT ADDRESS LISTING

WHEN SENDING MAIL TO AFGHANISTSAN, FILL IN THE BOLD SECTIONS WITH INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR SOLDIER. NEVER INCLUDE RANK FOR SECURITY REASONS

MAIL SERVICE STARTS APROX 20 MARCH

SOLDIERS IN KANDAHAR NAME (NO RANK) TF RED WARRIOR PLT/COMPANY/1-12IN KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, AFG APO, AE 09355 SOLDIERS IN ZABUL NAME (NO RANK) ARF, TF RED WARRIOR 2/A/1-12IN FOB APACHE, ZABUL, AFG APO, AE 09383

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