BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (August 30, 2008) — Eight company commanders recently met with the Multi-National Force – Iraq commanding general on Bagram Air Field and discussed operations in the Regional Command-East area of operations.

Capt. Chris McLaud, Williamsport, Pa., native and Maneuver Company commander for Task Force Pacesetter, was one of the eight company commanders in RC-E who briefed Gen. David Petraeus, MNF-I commanding general, Aug. 13. McLaud briefed the general on counterinsurgency (COIN) operations.

Specifically, McLaud discussed the COIN strategy and the effect it has had on the local populace.  Each mission the maneuver company conducts aims to disrupt insurgent activity, develop the capability of Afghan National Security Forces and support the governance and development objectives of the government of Afghanistan. 

One effective and consistent method used by the company is patrolling regularly with Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police forces to various villages to allow for face-to-face contact with local leaders and villagers. To date, the company has conducted key leader engagements in more than 100 villages throughout the province.

“Routine and regular contact allows trust to be built up in both the government of Afghanistan and its security forces,” said McLaud, D Company, 3rd Battalion, 103rd Armored Regiment (TF Pacesetter). “People are encouraged to report immediate security concerns to the provincial government, and to work through the governmental process to address development and economic needs.”

The company, with its ANSF partners, has successfully encouraged the reporting of suspected IEDs and weapon turn-ins through various programs available to the people of the province.

McLaud concluded his remarks by stating that although erratic enemy activity does continue throughout the battle space, much progress has been made.

Continued road widening and future paving will enable ease of travel for people and goods from distant villages to the provincial center.

“Several quality of life improvement projects have been completed or are under way to include wells for several remote villages, the construction of foot bridges, the construction of schools, and numerous agricultural projects,” McLaud said. “Working hand-in-hand with the company and the 3rd Battalion is the Provincial Reconstruction Team Laghman that has taken the lead on many of the projects mentioned.”

After McLaud completed his briefing, Petraeus made comments recognizing the great contributions that the 28th Infantry Division has made to the Global War on Terror. He presented his commanding general’s coin to McLaud for his personal contribution as a Maneuver Company commander. Petraeus also presented another coin to McLaud to bring back to the unit in recognition of its contribution as a whole.