d troop, 6-1 cav, 1/1 ad

dark knight deployment newsletter

1 February 2013 OEF 12-13 / Vol. 1 heard, mail is a big morale booster. Please continue to send care packages to your loved ones as it truly brightens their day.

headquarters platoon

CPT Agosto & 1SG Kirkland in front of D Troop's CP

On 1 January 2013, D Troop officially relieved the 572nd Military Intelligence Company from Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The Troopers got off to a running start with inventories and settling in to their respective work and living spaces. D Troop is unique in that all of the Troopers are not in the same area. They are actually in three different locations with HQ and the bulk of UAS together, and MSG and a small contingency of UAS personnel at differing sites. It was sad to leave our loved ones behind, but once everyone arrived in Afghanistan, there was a lot of excitement to have everyone together. The Troopers of D Troop are like an extended family and will support each other through the upcoming months. Having said that, communication with our loved ones back in the states is extremely important and as many have probably already

HQ began their deployment doing what they do best, setting up a Command Post (CP) and supporting the Troop. Many tireless ours were spent moving equipment around and setting up communications. The HQ Troopers showed what real teamwork was by working together to raise multiple antennas, even though some of them were in hard to get places.

SSG Holder (right), prepares tie downs while SPC Herrera (left) works on securing a radio antenna.

The HQ platoon has worked closely with 2-3 Field Artillery and have put in many long hours on details

ranging from sorting ammunition for turn-in to escorting personnel around the Forward Operating Base (FOB). HQ has also put a lot of effort into

msg platoon

personalizing their work area. Led by 1SG Kirkland, the HQ Troopers have spent countless hours painting, cutting, and drilling, all which shows their pride for the Troop and Squadron.

tuas platoon
The UAS platoon is split into two locations with the bulk of the Troopers co-located with the Troop CP and the rest located at a forward site not too far away. They stay very busy as they support every battalion in the brigade and take great pride in the fact that their efforts help facilitate the success of the mission as well as the safety of those Soldiers on the ground. Between the two sites they fly hundreds of hours a month, often having several overlapping missions, which shows the amount of work that they are putting into their jobs. Although very busy, the also find time for recreation and physical fitness.

The Troopers of MSG platoon conducted several training events over the month of January, to include an M4 range. Everyone participated in the qualification range led by the platoon NCOs with the majority of the Troopers obtaining scores that make them eligible for the Expert Marksmanship Badge. MSG has also been busy with new equipment training vital to the combat mission here in Afghanistan. When off-duty or during periods of low activity, many like to head into the gym and participate in Cross Fit.

Enjoying a break at the range are, from left, SPC Aponte, SPC Serrano and SPC Villanueva.

*D Troop would like to thank all of the families and friends for their support while their Troopers are deployed in support of OEF 12-13.

Three TUAS Troopers hard at work. From top, SPC Huddleson, SPC Brenly and SPC Cogburn.

more pics

D-7
The countdown is at Dark Knights minus seven; well let you figure out what the #7 means.