Fort Campbell Soldiers Prepare to Deploy for Support Role in Afghanistan

Fort Campbell Army leaders are learning how to take a backseat role when they return to Afghanistan this fall to serve as military advisers. About 1,900 troops from the 1st Brigade Combat Team in the 101st Airborne Division, will serve as a Security Force Assistance Brigade with a mission to prepare the Afghan security forces for the coming withdrawal of NATO troops.

Maj. Eldridge Browne says taking a hands-off approach is sometimes difficult for the senior troops headed back to Afghanistan, but he says it’s necessary.

“We all understand that at the end of the day, this is the only way we can leave, is to ensure that the Afghan security forces are fully capable and mission-ready," Browne said.

The U. S. plans to hand over security control to Afghan forces in 2013. Browne says the Fort Campbell team will teach Afghan soldiers one way to handle security, but Afghan military leaders will make the final calls on how best to operate their troops.