Members of the Afghan National Army, Afghan National Police, and Paratroopers from Alpha Company 2-508 Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division endured the extreme cold weather to conduct a joint foot patrols in the village of Sarfaraz Kala, Andar, Ghazni Province. The temperatures in Ghazni are among the coldest in Afghanistan as a result of the average elevation exceeding 6,500 feet in the lower valleys.  At the time the patrol began temperatures were -18 F. Operating in these types of conditions is very difficult and dangerous. Soldiers not only have to deal with the extreme cold and potential for cold weather injury; they also have to deal with limited visibility and mobility, which play a significant role with regards to security.

   The patrol allowed forces to assess both the humanitarian and security situation in the village. Many villages in this region of Afghanistan are cut off from cities and other villages due to the harsh winter conditions hindering trade and commerce. The Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIRoA) is going to great lengths to ensure that these villages are not left out in the cold without necessary supplies and equipment to survive the harsh living conditions. Taliban and insurgent groups often claim to support these villages, yet they demand strict allegiance in return. They undoubtedly fail at providing the support, yet still demand the allegiance. The GIRoA is there when the other guys aren't. Many villages have vowed to not support the insurgents because of their empty promises and demands, and instead are supporting their more reliable and growing government.