task force centurion newsletter
DESCRIPTION
Volume 1, Issue 1TRANSCRIPT
1
KABUL, Afghanistan – The
“Fourth Alabama” 1st of the
167th
Infantry formally took
control of a vital security force
mission during a ceremony at
Camp Eggers in the
Afghanistan capital August 29,
2012.
Known as the “transfer of
authority” (or “TOA”), the
Alabama Army National Guard
battalion will operate as Task
Force Centurion with its nearly
600 soldiers spread out in units
located in key locations
throughout Afghanistan. It
replaces Task Force Roc, the
Ohio Army National Guard’s
1st of the 134
th Field Artillery,
which had a similar mission
throughout Afghanistan for the
past nine months.
Lt. Col. J.R. Bass, battalion
commander of the 167th
, Task
Force Centurion, said the
soldiers of the Fourth Alabama
have been preparing nearly two
years for this deployment and
are ready to take this mission
from Task Force Roc.
“Our soldiers were well
prepared for this day due to the
sacrifice of our families which
allowed intensive training. We
also received tremendous
support from our leadership at
all levels back home to ensure
our success,” Bass said.
“Motivation is high across our
formation as we begin the
operational phase of our
mission. Our battalion will
perform a wide range of vital
security duties which will allow
for training of the Afghan
Forces that will protect this
country in the future.”
The preparation included a
rotation through the National
Training Center at Fort Irwin,
Cal., in 2011, training from the
Alabama National Guard's Pre-
mobilization Training
Assistance Element (PTAE) at
the Fort McClellan Army
National Guard Training
Center and Pelham Range
earlier this summer, and
mobilization training at the
Camp Shelby Joint Force
Training Center near
Hattiesburg, Miss., just prior to
SEE TOA PAGE TWO
TF Centurion takes charge
Lt. Col. J.R. Bass and Command Sgt. Maj.
John Black uncase the colors for Task Force
Centurion at the TOA ceremony.
2
the deployment in early August.
Task Force Centurion works directly with NATO
Training Mission-Afghanistan as part of the
International Security Assistance Force.
This deployment in support of Operation Enduring
Freedom is the latest war-time campaign in the
unit’s proud and decorated history.
The 167th
Infantry traces its roots to the Civil War
when it was part of the Fourth Alabama Infantry
Regiment. It has played a role in nearly every
major war and campaign since, including a
legendary stint in France during World War I. This
is the first time the entire battalion has deployed in
the Global War on Terror.
Col. Morgan Lamb, deputy chief of staff at NTM-
A, noted that history and said Task Force
Centurion will need to call on it as it fills the big
shoes left by Task Force Roc.
“This ceremony marks the formal passing or
responsibility from a truly remarkable collection of
women and men in Task Force Roc who have
surpassed all expectations and we pass that
responsibility to another extremely talented group
in Task Force Centurion,” Lamb said at the
ceremony. “It also exemplifies our nation’s
continued commitment to our mission here in
Afghanistan and is tribute to the service, sacrifice
and commitment of the family members of both
task forces.”
Lamb said he believes Lt. Col. Bass and the rest of
the Task Force Centurion leadership and soldiers
are up to the task.
“I am confident you and Task Force Centurion will
continue to build on the great foundation that Roc
has established here,” Lamb said at the ceremony.
“J.R., you and your team have already impressed
us with your vigor and enthusiasm and we look
forward to working with the Fourth Alabama.
Welcome to the NTM-A family. We look forward
to working with you, shoulder to shoulder.”
Lt. Col. Craig Baker, Task Force Roc commander,
SEE TOA PAGE THREE
TOA
CONTINUED FROM PAGE ONE
Lt. Col. Bass, Col. Lamb and Lt. Col. Baker
Command Sgt. Maj. Watson and Command Sgt.
Maj. Black
3
TOA
CONTINUED FROM PAGE TWO
said his battalion is proud of all they accomplished in support of
Operation Enduring Freedom and wished the same success to their
replacements.
“I would like to say, ‘Good luck!’ to the 1st of the 167
th, the famous
Fourth Alabama, as they continue this very important mission,” he
said. “Good luck and God speed to all. Army strong, Roc hard and
thank you.”
Lt. Col. Bass said the Alabama soldiers are up to the task.
“Let me assure you, the soldiers of the Fourth Alabama are ready to
support you,” Bass told the NTM-A leadership. “After two years of
preparation and an excellent relief-in-place and training by Task
Force Roc, we are ready to secure your mission.”
Bass noted the big shoes to fill from the Ohio Army National Guard
unit.
“Task Force Roc, as has been pointed out, has set and maintained an
extremely high standard,” Bass said at the ceremony. “Task Force
Centurion, based on the history that Col. Lamb mentioned, is
dedicated to continuing that standard and following that lead.”
Prior to the TOA, the soldiers in the seven companies that make up
Task Force Centurion conducted a “right seat ride” for several days
with their Task Force Roc counterparts to learn about the areas they
are operating in and the lessons learned in conducting the missions.
Although the Task Force Centurion soldiers are spread out
throughout Afghanistan and working directly with other
commanders, the 167th
’s Command Sgt. Maj. John Black said the
Fourth Alabama leadership intends to maintain a watchful eye on all
of its soldiers.
“These soldiers have been building a long time for this moment and
I am proud of them,” Black said. “I equal their heart and spirit to the
soldiers of World War II.”
Both Bass and Black gave high praise to Task Force Roc for making
the transition an easy one. Black praised the professionalism of the
Ohio National Guard soldiers and Bass said the departing unit has
“set Task Force Centurion up for success.”
The mission now fully belongs to Task Force Centurion until it is
replaced by another unit sometime in the late spring or early
summer of 2013.
“It’s an honor for us to serve here as part of the NATO Training
Mission-Afghanistan and we are ready to get to work,” Bass said.
4
Soldiers, families and friends of Task Force Centurion,
We have just completed what should be the most challenging month of this
deployment. After two years of preparation and training we have successfully transitioned
into theater, reached our respective destinations, and assumed our role here.
While our Soldiers are performing many different tasks, as a part of the NATO
Training Mission – Afghanistan (NTM-A) we have but one mission: To support the
International Security and Assistance Force (ISAF) which is training an accountable Afghan-
led security force for the future.
As I write this message, Command Sergeant Major Black, Chaplain Jackson and I
have just started our circulation around the country to visit all of the companies and platoons
to confirm their well being and see their environment first hand. This is my favorite part of
this job and I look forward to visiting each Soldier multiple times during the coming months.
With the initial transition phase behind us, most of our Soldiers are settling in to what
we affectionately call “Ground Hog Day.” For all of you back home, please forgive us when
we forget what day of the week it is or maybe even the time of day on occasion. For us, every
day is the same with some routine of eating, working, contacting home, exercise, sleep, and
repeat. One positive note about our routine is that the days usually seem to click by quickly
for us. At home, I realize that is probably not the case and I pray that you all have established
a solid support team including our Family Readiness Groups. We have strong, pro-active
FRGs and I sincerely thank each of you who are actively involved in supporting our “Fourth
Alabama” families.
For me personally, it is a great privilege to serve our nation as a member of this
battalion. We are following in the footsteps of Alabama Soldiers from as far back as 1836
and I ask that no one take that responsibility lightly. Our mission is not easy, nor is it
enjoyable, but it is ours to accomplish and we will not fail. As CSM Black has often said, we
should perform our duty each day in a way that we will be proud to tell our grandchildren!
As I close this message, I want you to know that I recognize the tremendous sacrifices
made by every Soldier and family in the service of our Nation. Also know that as I shoulder
the responsibility of leading these great Soldiers, I am depending on your prayers. May God
continue to bless and protect the 4th
Alabama!
Drive Forward,
J. R. Bass
Lt. Col. J.R. Bass
Commander
Task Force
Centurion
5
Csm John black
Command
sergeant major
Task Force
Centurion
Most everyone enjoys contributing to conversation. I have noticed many chats among
Soldiers about sports, religion, current events, or family. There is likely one spokesperson or subject
matter expert in each quorum however; each person will chime in their own opinion or experience. All of
us like to feel as though we have something important to say, our “Two Cents Worth.” I believe that we
do. Each and every one of us has our own thoughts, ideas and beliefs of what is important to us. There are
times when we think our verbal contributions fall on deaf ears. Perhaps they do at times but it seldom
keeps one from expressing them anyway and it shouldn’t.
The point I am building up to is our upcoming Presidential election. We, as Soldiers have a great
interest in who our leaders are. We are concerned about what kind of supervisor we fall under.
Apprehension is a natural emotion. This holds true from the Private to, I can honestly attest, the
Command Sergeant Major. We should be just as concerned about our Commander in Chief. We, as
subordinates cannot choose our first line supervisors in the military or in civilian occupations typically.
Each of us has the freedom to cast a vote for our overall commander. It is just as amazing that our
families and friends have that same freedom. This freedom was bought by our forefathers over two
hundred years ago and is still being defended by people like us.
Why is your vote important? Check out any of the national news channels and you will see. The
news channels are always quoting polls analyzing where certain votes come from and which state is
likely to vote a certain way. Here is where you come in. There is a poll to indicate how members of the
military are likely to vote. This is an important area because it tells our story. It displays indicators of
what is meaningful to the service member. It is not so important to me who you vote for as it is that you
vote and encourage your loved ones to do the same. Take a good honest look at your own values and
what America means to you. Think about your children and their future. Each of us has a vote in that
direction. The important thing is to cast it so please for the sake of the country’s future, put in your two
cents worth!
CSM John Black For more info or to get a ballot, visit: www.fvap.gov
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Cpt Robert jackson
chaplain
Task Force
Centurion
Blessings to all who serve, both at home and far away! I hope all of you are adjusting well to the deployment.
One of my favorite Psalms is found in chapter 118, verses 5-6. "Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the
Lord answered me and set me free. The Lord is at my side as my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
What a wonderful reminder during deployment! There are many fears we face, both here and at home. But
isn't it good to know that we can cry out to a loving God who hears our pleas and He gives us the courage to face
anything that comes our way!
This year will be a challenging time for many, but it will also serve as a time of immense growth, both
emotionally and spiritually. Don't waste the opportunity to let God challenge you in ways that you may have never
thought, and with His help come out stronger. May God keep you and bless you, may He cause His face to shine upon
you!
Serving Those Who Serve,
Your Chaplain
CH CPT Robert Jackson
Task Force Centurion is now on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/TaskForceCenturion
To make a submission, email the PAO at: