The Red Warrior Path / 2014 Issue 1

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We Are Ready-We Are Attacking 2

Unit News 4-14

Rear-D Strong Bonds Events 13

Deployment Address Listing 14

Kid’s Zone 15

Inside this issue:

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Red Warriors and Families:

This will be our last home station edition of the Red War-rior 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 Com-mander, 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 Kan-dahar Airfield and responsible for the outer ring of security that houses our Joint-Coalition Headquarters, our Afghan Part-ners and well over 28,000 souls located there as our forces tran-sition 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 satis-fied that our company com-manders 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 what’s 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 nine-month 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, play-ing a significant role in the end-game of OEF, honoring those

(Continued on page 3)

We Are Ready-We Are Attacking by LTC Dave Voorhies

I am immensely

proud of the Red

Warriors’

performance at the

National Training

Center this past

November ...

THE RED WARRIOR PATH

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 [email protected].

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

From Right to Left: 1LT Mike Culak, SPC Anthony Powell, CPT Ben Hooker, SFC Mi-

chael Argent. Members of the ARF victorious at trivia night at the MWR in KAF.

VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1

We Are Ready-We Are Attacking (continued)

Have faith and

confidence in us as

the very best 4/4

IBCT has to offer.

that have sacrificed before us.

We leave behind a profes-sional and trained Rear-Detachment 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 Steer-ing Committee Meetings, as well as hosting a monthly video-teleconference with me and the Forward Team. Our Command

(Continued from page 2)

The “Six” Connection—LTC Voorhies poses with all current and most-recent Company Commanders.

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

Family Readiness Liaison, SGT Randee Chase, and our Com-mand 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 Fam-ily with monthly information, outdoors opportunities, and fun activities for Red Warrior Fami-lies 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 com-mand during these last few months. We have been terribly busy, and time has been at a pre-mium. Your patience and focus on mission is greatly appreciated. I hope everyone has enjoyed the long winter break over the Holi-days, and has enjoyed most every Friday off since then to spend time with family and friends be-fore 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

Alpha Company—The 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 Afghani-stan deployment just around the corner things are in full swing to ensure we are completely pre-pared and ready to go.

Despite the freezing tem-peratures and snowy weather, we spent the last few weeks in the field honing our marksman-ship. Your Soldiers participated in individual weapons qualifica-tion 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 Com-pany and each of our Soldiers for deployment. Long lines at the SRP site, classroom instruc-tion 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 require-ments.

The Platoon Leader Certifi-cation, 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 tech-niques.

The Squad Leader Academy is taught by subject matter ex-perts across our formation and is focused on sharing expertise and lessons learned with com-munications platforms, weapons

systems, and other specialized equipment.

As you know, the Soldiers from 2nd PLT have already de-parted 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 as-suming their assigned mission. 2LT Sullivan (2nd Platoon, PL) and SFC Honaker (2nd Platoon, PSG) send well wishes to every-one in Arrowhead Company and are eagerly awaiting our arrival in Afghanistan.

I want to close by remind-ing 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 ([email protected]).

Thank you all very much for your continued support of your Soldiers and their Arrow-head Company. Until next time, Arrowhead 6 out.

VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1

(above) PFC Baker coaches an Arrowhead Company Soldier during M249 qualification. (below) 1SG O’Neil supervises Arrowhead Company M249 qualification.

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 Com-pany’s 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 deploy-ment, but now that I have wit-nessed it, I am both impressed and humbled.

Blackfoot Company is a trained force to be reckoned with and destined to be success-ful in combat. Final preparations this month have included live

fire mounted maneuvering, counter improvised explosive device training, muzzle aware-ness 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 obvi-ously 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 exer-cises 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 men-tally prepared, but also emo-tionally prepared through time spent with families before cross-ing the pond.

Until next time, Blackfoot Six out.

Bravo Company—Blackfoot is Ready by CPT Luke Rella


All assigned

Blackfeet are

now obviously

ready for the

task at hand.

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

VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1

Blackfoot Soldiers receive training in countering Improvised Explosive Devices.

Blackfoot Soldiers conduct a convoy brief prior to movement.

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


Charlie Company—Ready 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

other’s well being.

Comanche Company Fam-ily and Friends,

Thank you for your contin-ued support during our intensive training cycle for this upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.

Through your constant encouragement when your Sol-diers spent many days in the field and at the National Train-ing Center, I can confidently say your Soldiers are ready for com-bat operations in Afghanistan.

Through the past several months, the Soldiers of Coman-che 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 train-ing, combined with unit cohe-sion events such as our Pike’s Peak ascent, Family Christmas Party and company ski trip, have fostered a true team atmosphere.

Take pride in your Soldiers’ accomplishments and take com-fort that they have truly pre-pared themselves for war and will always be looking out for each other’s 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 Com-pany FRG email is: [email protected].

Please feel free to contact the FRG, myself, or 1SG Tho-mas if you have any questions or concerns leading up to this de-ployment.

Sincerely,

CPT Jason Kruck

Commander, Charlie Company 1-12IN

Comanche Company Families enjoy each other’s fellowship at the Family Christmas Party.

VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1

Comanche Company ascent of Pike’s Peak.

Reenlistment Ceremony at Fort Irwin, CA. Demolitions Training at Fort Carson.


We sent Soldiers to an Emergency Medical Technician certification course offered by Pikes Peak Community College. Our Soldiers successfully at-tended 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 Op-erations 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


Delta Company—Dogs 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 Af-ghanistan, it has been my honor to watch the Soldiers of Dog Company train to the highest standards and put forth the ef-fort to prepare for the upcoming challenges.

December was a transition period as we went from a suc-

cessful completion of NTC to preparing for block leave. None-theless, we were able to send a handful of key leaders to the Dismounted Counter-IED Mas-ter 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 Com-pany 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 administra-tive requirements for the deploy-ment. In between the numerous snow days and late calls, Dog Company squeezed in some quality training.

SFC Choay supervises MOUT training.

VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1

Dogs on the Move (continued)

for their unwavering support and strength as we prepare physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually for this deploy-ment. 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.

I would like to

thank all the

Soldiers for their

hard work and

dedication.

Upcoming Dog Com-

pany FRG Events

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


Echo Company—Eagles 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.

Eagle Company Soldiers stand tall during change of command.

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 re-covery missions in addition to simulation recoveries they were asked to perform.

The mechanics were re-sponsible for supervising Sol-diers as they conducted Preven-tative Maintenance Checks and Services (PMCS) on over 80 up-armored vehicles known as Mine-Resistant, Ambush Protected vehicles (MRAPs). The me-chanics were also responsible for identifying, maintaining, and ultimately fixing the fleet of ve-hicles as Soldiers from the bat-talion drove the vehicles to their


During the past few months, the Soldiers of Eagle Company have been training hard rigorously preparing for the upcoming deployment to Af-ghanistan.

The company has surpassed the brigade’s standards and con-tinuously sets the standard for sustainment operations, which everyone should be very proud of. The Soldiers of Eagle Com-pany 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 battal-ion, 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 respon-sible 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 impor-tance, 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 communica-tion in all of the company’s ve-

VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1

Eagles Ready to Take Flight (continued)

limits during combat training.

Within the past 2 months, Eagle Company has also partici-pated in numerous ranges in order to qualify on every weapon system to maintain pro-ficiency in every skill. The com-pany has also supported the battalion in every facet from maintenance operations, ammu-nition distribution, fuel opera-tions, and field feeding opera-tions 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, men-tally prepare, and spend time with family.


Dog Company Soldiers face off during a dodge ball tournament.

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

All of these skills

and trades will be

important and

enhance the

battalion to achieve

its assigned mission.

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

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

SOLDIERS IN KANDAHAR

NAME (NO RANK)

TF RED WARRIOR

PLT/COMPANY/1-12IN

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, AFG

APO, AE 09355

UNIT ADDRESS LISTING


SOLDIERS IN ZABUL

NAME (NO RANK)

ARF, TF RED WARRIOR

2/A/1-12IN

FOB APACHE, ZABUL, AFG

APO, AE 09383

MAIL SERVICE STARTS APROX 20 MARCH

WHEN SENDING MAIL TO AFGHANISTSAN, FILL IN THE BOLD SECTIONS WITH INFORMATION SPECIFIC

TO YOUR SOLDIER.

NEVER INCLUDE RANK FOR

SECURITY REASONS

Family and friends of Hatchet Company, we are con-tinuing to prepare for our up-coming deployment to Kanda-har, Afghanistan. This season of preparation includes ensuring our Soldiers are physically and mentally prepared through nu-merous trips to SRP, dental clin-ics, 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 Company’s recent preparation also included a week long range density week where every weapon system the battal-ion owns was fired. Despite the extreme cold weather, the Sol-diers of Hatchet Company, in particular our Scout Platoon and PSD Platoon proved yet again that they are trained and profi-cient 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

HHC—Hatchet 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.

staying in continual contact with the unit that we will be replacing overseas. The video teleconfer-ences with our forward counter-parts 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 mis-sion, 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.

VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1

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The Red Warrior Path / 2014 Issue 1

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