New Romanian army team takes over FOB Wolverine ANA mentorship

News: New Romanian army team takes over FOB Wolverine ANA mentorship

117th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment (Hawaii)

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Sgt. Ashley Curtis

Afghan army Maj. Mohammed Ashaq of the 4th Kandak, 2nd Brigade, 205th Hero Corps, chats with one of his Romanian army counterparts after a transfer of authority ceremony at Forward Operating Base Wolverine, Afghanistan, Oct. 20, 2012. The command support military advisory team accepted command responsibility for assisting the 4th Kandak during the ceremony.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WOLVERINE, Afghanistan - International Security Assistance Force members put large amounts of time and effort into mentoring their Afghan partners, and the Romanian army soldiers serving in the mountainous area where Forward Operating Base Wolverine is located are no exception.

A new command support military advisory team from the army reaffirmed Romania’s tradition of commitment to the area during a transfer of authority ceremony held at FOB Wolverine, Oct. 20, 2012.

The incoming CS-MAT team, comprised of soldiers from the army’s 8th Artillery Brigade, replaced the outgoing team from the 61st Mountain Troops Brigade, and assumed responsibility for advising leadership of the 4th Kandak, 2nd Brigade, 205th Hero Corps of the Afghan National Army.

The role of adviser includes training the Afghan Army trainers and assisting with the 4th Kandak’s everyday operations.

The incoming team has spent more than six months training to prepare for this mission and said they’re looking forward to the challenge.

“We are prepared for the mission,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Viorel Prutneanu. “For all that comes up, I feel comfortable.”

“I am certain we will deliver and do a good job for the Afghan Army,” said Lt. Col. Alexandru Puiu, commander of the team.

Many of the team’s members are already Afghanistan veterans, including Maj. Sorin Dumitrache, who has an affinity for the country’s people and its beauty.

“This is my third mission,” said Dumitrache. “I love this country. It's a beautiful country with beautiful landscapes. And the people, if you get to know them, their hospitality is great.”

Puiu says the Romanian teams have been operating in Regional Command (South) for the better part of the last decade and he and his team are very proud of Romania’s contribution.