The terrain here at Combat Outpost Mizan is rough. Rough enough that MRAPs are not able to be used because there is a good probability that they would end up rolling down a ridge and being totalled. So these guys walk pretty much everywhere they go with the exception of a couple humvees that occasionally go out (they keep from using vehicles as much as possible because the IED threat in the area is extraordinary).
COMBAT OUTPOST MIZAN, Afghanistan -- Soldiers assigned to 3rd Platoon, Fox Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, take a quick break during a dismounted patrol near Combat Outpost Mizan, Mizan District, Zabul Province, Aug. 16, 2010. The patrol focused on speaking with the local population to assess their needs and surveying the security of the area. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)
No vehicles means we do a lot of walking. A LOT. Up a hill, down a hill, up another hill. Rocky terrain makes sprained ankles a reality. I've missed my foot placement numerous times already. Luckily, I'm pretty good at recovering (knock on wood).
No vehicles means we do a lot of walking. A LOT. Up a hill, down a hill, up another hill. Rocky terrain makes sprained ankles a reality. I've missed my foot placement numerous times already. Luckily, I'm pretty good at recovering (knock on wood).
COMBAT OUTPOST MIZAN, Afghanistan -- U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Xavier Baker, a communications specialist assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul and a native of Waycross, Ga., scans the horizon for insurgent activity during a dismounted patrol near Combat Outpost Mizan, Mizan District, Zabul Province, Aug. 16, 2010. The patrol focused on speaking with the local population to assess their needs and surveying the security of the area. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)
COMBAT OUTPOST MIZAN, Afghanistan -- U.S. Army 1st Lt. Troy Peterson, right, platoon commander for 3rd Platoon, Fox Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, assists his radio operator, U.S. Army Pfc. Justin Cobbs, across a ravine during a dismounted patrol near Combat Outpost Mizan, Mizan District, Zabul Province, Aug. 16, 2010. The patrol focused on speaking with the local population to assess their needs and surveying the security of the area. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)
We try to get out as early as possible to keep from hiking this area in the heat of the day. By 9a.m., it is already getting pretty hot. Not to mention all the gear you have to carry. Our radio guys, Pfc. Cobbs, carries an extra 110 pounds of gear every mission. I'm sure you can imagine how hiking this area can be.
We try to get out as early as possible to keep from hiking this area in the heat of the day. By 9a.m., it is already getting pretty hot. Not to mention all the gear you have to carry. Our radio guys, Pfc. Cobbs, carries an extra 110 pounds of gear every mission. I'm sure you can imagine how hiking this area can be.
COMBAT OUTPOST MIZAN, Afghanistan -- A U.S. Soldier assigned to 3rd Platoon, Fox Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, tries to catch his breath during a dismounted patrol near Combat Outpost Mizan, Mizan District, Zabul Province, Aug. 19, 2010. Members of Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul and 3rd Platoon spoke with the local population to assess their needs and inform them of the upcoming Afghanistan elections. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)
The one thing I love about this part of the province is the landscapes. The ridges and the roads and paths snaking across the sand; it makes for a great view.
The one thing I love about this part of the province is the landscapes. The ridges and the roads and paths snaking across the sand; it makes for a great view.
COMBAT OUTPOST MIZAN, Afghanistan – U.S. and Afghan forces conduct a dismounted patrol near Combat Outpost Mizan, Mizan District, Zabul Province, Aug. 19, 2010. During the patrol, members of Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul and 3rd Platoon, Fox Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, spoke with the local population to assess their needs and inform them of the upcoming provincial parliamentary elections. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)
COMBAT OUTPOST MIZAN, Afghanistan -- U.S. Army Pfc. Sheldon Meats, 3rd Platoon, Fox Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment and Midland, Texas native, provides security while his team rests during a dismounted patrol near Combat Outpost Mizan, Mizan District, Zabul Province, Aug. 16, 2010. The patrol focused on speaking with the local population to assess their needs and surveying the security of the area. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)
One thing I find interesting, and not a good interesting,that we are here building up the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, and the Taliban has its own working government, complete with district chief, not even five kilometers away. This blows my mind. Needless to say, there is a lot of activity in the area.
One thing I find interesting, and not a good interesting,that we are here building up the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, and the Taliban has its own working government, complete with district chief, not even five kilometers away. This blows my mind. Needless to say, there is a lot of activity in the area.
COMBAT OUTPOST MIZAN, Afghanistan -- U.S. Soldiers assigned to 3rd Platoon, Fox Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, provide security during a meeting with local elders in a village near Combat Outpost Mizan, Mizan District, Zabul Province, Aug. 19, 2010. Members of Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul and 3rd Platoon spoke with the local population to assess their needs and inform them of the upcoming provincial parliamentary elections. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)
These photos are from my last two patrols with the guys, and girl, from COP Mizan. There are more on my flickr.
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