Fury Company: Feeding the fight

KUNAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Every few days the Soldiers of Company F, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, Task Force Lethal, leave their base and put themselves in harm’s way to deliver supplies to the rest of Task Force Lethal.

Although their mission may seem small, the company’s contribution to the fight ensures the battalion’s success throughout the Pech River Valley in eastern Afghanistan’s Kunar province. U.S. Army Capt. Edward M. Gutierrez, of Yucaipa, Calif., the commander of  Co. F, said that as a forward support company his unit provides distribution, maintenance and field feeding support to the entire battalion.

U.S. Army Pfc. Arturo Salgado Jr., of Ontario, Calif., a truck driver and gunner assigned to Co. F, also spoke about the unit’s mission.

“It lets them concentrate the fire on the enemy, not getting supplies,” he said. “That’s what we’re here for.”

Despite being a support unit, Co. F sees a fair amount of combat.

Salgado explained that the unit faces everything from improvised explosive devices and small arms fire, to rocket propelled grenades and recoilless rifle attacks.

“We provide cover not just for us to be safe, but for the equipment we’re delivering,” he said.

U.S. Army Spc. Timothy Lee Hecke, of Glenvil, Neb., also a truck driver and gunner for Co. F, explained that one way the unit achieves this is by avoiding complacency, using techniques such as moving Soldiers around and cross-training.
Gutierrez also spoke about the cross-training, explaining that all of his Soldiers were given the same training.

“What we focussed on in the rear [was training] everyone equally,” he said.

The approach has paid off preparing each Soldier for any situation.

“I can draw off anybody to fill a role at any moment,” said Gutierrez.

Gutierrez said the unit spent a lot of time shooting crew served weapons, conducting drills and conducting convoy live fires during training on Fort Carson.

“We tried to create a training environment that would replicate some of the stuff they go through on the roads,” he said.

“What we do, it’s not sexy, it doesn’t make the newspaper too many times,” Gutierrez said. “We support our infantry brothers, bringing bullets, bringing food, so they can continue to fight the enemy.”