PLATOON LEADERS NOTES
It is a privilege to be serving in one of the Army's newest organizations, the Brigade Cavalry Troop. I have had the opportunity to serve in many organizations and this assignment by far is the most rewarding. The scouts and support personnel that fill the ranks of F Troop, 4th Cavalry (Phantom Troop) are some of the Army's finest soldiers. The discipline, moral, and combat readiness of these soldiers is second to none. On a daily basis, the officers, noncommissioned officers, and soldiers display the type of professionalism, loyalty to country and family which are unique in today's society.
I was assigned to F Troop, 4th Cavalry on 15 August, 1999 and since that time, the platoon and myself have been gainfully employed preparing for a six-month deployment to Kosovo. In September the Prowler platoon conducted a ten-day gunnery rotation at the Grafenwoehr Training Area (GTA) where the crews qualified on their personal and crew served weapons. In that same month the platoon conducted three days of peace support training which introduced the platoon to possible scenarios which it could face in Kosovo. In October the platoon deployed for three weeks to the Combined Maneuver Training Center (CMTC) in Hohenfels, Germany. While at CMTC the platoon continued training in peace support operations at the same time maintaining it's war fighting capability. From 6 November to 16 Nov the platoon made final preparations for the deployment. This included final vehicle prep, rail loading the M114 uparmored HMMWV, 7 days of block leave and issue of mission essential gear. On 16 November the platoon deployed to Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo where it is performing a multitude of task. The platoon is currently the Task Force Falcon Quick Reaction Force (QRF) which in a minutes notice has the capability to deploy either by air or ground anywhere in the Multi National Brigade East (MNB-E) Area of Responsibility (AOR). While in Kosovo the platoon had already conducted missions ranging from escorting of key personnel to routine presence patrols throughout MNB-E AOR.
For the soldiers life in Kosovo is not bad but has it's challenges. Camp Bondsteel has everything a soldier can ask for. We have access to a PX, barber shop, movie theater, internet, phones and even a Burger king. Life outside of Bondsteel is a little different. When you exit the main gate you see why we were sent here. The countryside is littered with reminders of war. You can see it on the roadside in the form of abandon vehicles, burned out buildings, and in the eyes of its people. Seeing the devastation throughout he province leaves no doubt why we are here.
The Troop is currently sponsoring a grade level school in the town of Dobracane. The school has about 700 students and has been operating without government aide since 1991. As you can imagine the school is in need of some assistance. Visiting the school on a number of occasions I have noticed that many of the children do not have the basic materials needed to receive a proper education. The Troop continues to run basic supplies such as paper, rulers, cloths, pens, and pencils. For those of you who have made generous contributions, thank you. Your contribution has greatly improved the lives of many children.
To the families of the soldiers of Prowler Platoon I give you a special thanks. Being recently married myself and not having spent the last three Christmases with my family I understand the sacrifices you have made. Thank you for supporting your loved ones commitment he has made to his country.
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