NANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition commanders and sergeants major throughout the Afghan provinces of Nangarhar, Kunar and Nuristan gathered at Forward Operating Base Fenty June 8 to participate in the Spring Combined Commander’s Conference, hosted by 3rd Brigade Combat Team, Task Force Bronco, 25th Infantry Division.

The objective of the conference was to ensure all instrumental leaders from within TF Bronco’s area of operations were given the opportunity to synchronize in accordance with the brigade’s battle plan for the next year. The conference gave all leaders, Afghan and coalition, the opportunity to engage brigade leadership and each other face to face with ideas and concerns as all units move into the more volatile summer months.

"The Combined Commander's Conference was extremely value added. Anytime you bring leaders together from across coalition forces and Afghan National Security Forces, you will have positive results. Talking together, conveying ideas and thoughts, assessing past and current operations... and doing so in person, face to face, truly brings us together in our focus for a continued strong partnership,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Colin Tuley, commander for 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, Task Force Cacti, 3rd BCT, TF Bronco, and native of Ewa Beach, Hawaii.

Afghan leaders who were present provided valuable insight into the brigade’s tactical offensive for the summer months. All Afghan leaders provided acute guidance on the challenges TF Bronco and its supporting elements may face as they navigate not only Afghanistan’s physical terrain, but their human terrain as well.

“Understanding the environment is one of the most essential elements a commander must have before conducting an operation,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Douglas Jones, Edinburgh, Ohio native and commander for the Brigade Special Troops Battalion, TF Bayonet, 3rd BCT, TF Bronco. “The Combined Commanders Conference is an opportunity to bring all of the security leaders together to share their understanding of the environment and develop a common plan to defeat the threats to security. The conference shows that the partnership between the commanders of Task Force Bronco and the commanders of the Afghan National Army, National Police, and Border Police is strong.”

Most valuable to all coalition leaders present, was the input and insight provided by the senior Afghan leaders who attended the conference.

“Of particular interest to me was the opportunity to hear from the senior leadership of the Afghan Army, Afghan Police and Afghan Border Police on their role in the Bronco’s campaign plan and to hear their insights into the threat and enemy dynamics in this (area of operations) and steps we should take together to improve stability and security in this region,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Will B. Johnson, who hails from Bristol, Tenn. and is the commander of 1st Squadron, 6th Cavalry, TF Panther, 4th Brigade Combat Team, TF Currahee, 101st Airborne Division.

“It was a valuable discussion allowing all voices to be heard and all concerns and recommendations to be addressed by [the main] decision makers,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. William B. Goss, commander, Kunar Provincial Reconstruction Team attached to the 3rd BCT, TF Bronco, from Annapolis, Md., “This partnership is what will change this country and allow Afghan National Security Forces to function on their own in governance, development and security.”

Afghan leaders were also pleased to participate in the conference.

“Conferences like these are very important because we can improve coordination and we can make plans for any operation, ensuring we are successful in our joint missions,” said Afghan Gen. Mohammed Afzal, 201st Corp., 2nd Brigade, Afghan National Army.

TF Bronco will continue to host all key leaders from the provinces of Nangarhar, Kunar and Nuristan in subsequent conferences throughout the year.

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