Here's how you know
 **Official websites use .mil** .mil
 **Secure .mil websites use HTTPS** lock () https://


Skip to main content (Press Enter).
 Toggle navigation
            
            
            
            
            National Guard
                        Always Ready Always There
                    National Guard
            
            Search National Guard:
                        Search
                    Search
                        Search National Guard:
                            Search
    Home

    News
    
        Guard News

    Overseas Operations

    State Partnership Program

    News Features

    RSS Feeds

    Press Releases

    Transcripts

    Features
    
        Features by Year

    Posture Statement

    State Partnership Program

    Special Features

    About the Guard
    
        How We Began

    Air National Guard

    Army National Guard    
    
        DEERS Soldier Journey

    Leader Development Program

    History and Heritage

    I am the Guard

    NGB Official March

    Leadership
    
        CNGB

    VCNGB

    SEA

    DANG

    DARNG

    Joint Staff    
    
        J-1

    J-2

    J-3

    J-4

    J-5

    J-6

    J-7

    J-8

    Personal Staff    
    
        Inspector General

    General Counsel

    Public Affairs

    Executive Support Services

    Legislative Liaison

    Special Staff    
    
        National Guard Office of Special Victims' Counsel

    Office of the Provost Marshal

    Office of the Joint Surgeon

    Director of Acquisitions

    Small Business Programs

    Chaplain

    Senior Leader Management Office

    Diversity Equity Inclusion

    Comptroller

    Resources    
        National Defense Strategy Implementation Guidance

    Community Engagement

    FOIA

    Fact Sheets

    Helpful Links

    Image Gallery
    
        News Images

    Graphics

    Historical Paintings

    Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

    Legislative Liaison

    Small Business Programs

    Social Media

    State Websites

    Videos    
    
        Featured Videos

    On Every Front

    2019 Videos

    2020 Videos

    2021 Videos

    Suicide Prevention

    Family Programs

    Environmental

    Trial Defense Service

    Holistic Wellness Challenge

    Contact Us  Home
  News
  Overseas Operations
 
 Download
 Details
 Share
 NEWS
 National Guard unit serves vital role on Afghanistan Provincial Reconstruction Team By Air Force 1st Lt. Mark Graff
                PRT Farah
 FARAH, Afghanistan - Massachusetts Army National Guard members from Charlie Company of the 1-182nd Infantry Division, have been charged with the unique mission of providing security for Provincial Reconstruction Team Farah. Divided into three squads, the Soldiers, known as SECFOR or security force, are responsible for providing escort and security to PRT members on outside-the-wire missions. “Our goal on every mission is to get the job done and right. That means getting to our objective safely, establishing a security perimeter when necessary and interacting with the Afghans,” said Army 2nd Lt. Joel Beaulieu, PRT Farah SECFOR platoon leader. The PRT is responsible for extending the counterinsurgency principles adopted by the U.S. military and the SECFOR is highly involved in this aspect. One of the tenets of counterinsurgency is positive and frequent interaction with Afghans, something that the soldiers have become adept at. “We understood early on that to do our job effectively, we were going to have to interact with the locals; not turn a blind eye,” said Army Sgt. 1st Class Jacob Marshall, PRT Farah SECFOR platoon sergeant. “It’s not complicated. We just want to talk with them, be respectful when we’re around and do what we can to help and that’s what we try to convey.” Just as interacting with Afghans is important during missions, so too is ensuring that a security perimeter is implemented and maintained throughout the mission. Missions range from quality assurance visits at engineering project sites to holding key leader engagements with government officials. Without a secure area in which to work, PRT members would be hard-pressed to effectively conduct their interactions and work with the Afghans. “The SECFOR guys are essential. Without them, we would have a much more difficult time getting the job done,” said Navy Lt. George Roland, a PRT Farah engineer. “Having them watch my back gives me the confidence to focus on what I need to do.” Outside-the-wire missions require the SECFOR members to conduct extensive preparation of weapons, vehicles and gear and planning and review of each mission. From start to finish, all of those elements can easily, and frequently, fill up the work-day.
 SHARE
 PRINT
 NY National Guard Strengthens Bonds with Allies in Morocco Overseas Operations • 6 days ago
 Alaska Guard Soldiers Honored Before Middle East Deployment Overseas Operations • 13 days ago
 29th Infantry Division HQ Heads Exercise Immediate Response Overseas Operations • 18 days ago
 134th Medical Company Joins Combined Resolve Exercise Overseas Operations • 19 days ago
 Guard Soldiers, Czech Partners Celebrate Victory in Europe Day Overseas Operations • 21 days ago
 2024 (24)  2023 (57)  2022 (71)  2021 (58)  2020 (41)  2019 (56)  2018 (55)  2017 (46)  2016 (31)  2015 (36)  2014 (48)  2013 (64)  2012 (134)  2011 (163)  2010 (179)
 Home
 Site Map
 Privacy & Security Policy
 Link Disclaimer
 Web Policy
 DOD Information Quality
 DOD Open GovernmentFOIA
 No FEAR Act
 Accessibility/Section 508
 Contact Us
 Army Guard Careers
 Air Guard Careers
 USA.gov
                    
Staying Connected
    XYouTubeFlickrFacebookInstagram
                 
                
                

Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil