They used to be known as B. Company, 1-162 Infantry. Most of them have served in Iraq. After a recent restructuring by Brigade command to align the Guard units more closely with the regular Army, 1-162 became B. SECFOR. Today they are called upon again, this time to serve in Afghanistan.

The unit is composed of over a 140 soldiers. They are proud, focussed, sometimes a bit nervous, but committed to this mobilization that will take them away for the next 16 months. They are lead by Capt. Caughran. He is an experienced commander having spent three previous tours overseas. When asked what his greatest hope is for this mission, Capt. Caughran replied simply, "To bring everyone home safe."

The day began with briefings. Four hours of presentations introducing the realities of mobilization. For many, these things weren't new. Nonetheless, the realization that in less than 48 hours they would be leaving their families seemed to quietly settle in. I was no different. As I watched through the camera, observing the events, in the back of head raced a list of all that I had yet to do. Unlike these men, however, I was free to organize my time, to come and go as I pleased; to move about by my own design, and order my day in accordance to my own desires and needs. Here in was established one of the first differences between myself as a photojournalist/ embed and a soldier of this Brigade... freedom to choose.

Briefings are the long tedious task that an infantry soldier accepts as part of his duties to the Army. He is confined to a chair, a table and an agenda that has been directed as something he necessarily needs. Accustomed to working on his feet and resolving matters by action and earned respect, administrative "orientations" to the realities of war are a restrained teaser for what he knows is yet to come. Yet, in spite of the seeming distance, a respect and understanding for the job takes hold, allowing the soldier to find his attention within the speakers words.

By mid-day, all that remained was packing. Equipment is checked and rechecked, packed and unpacked, and finally packed again. Each soldier is allowed 65 pounds of carry-on, with the balance of his gear loaded onto a Connex for transportation by truck to Camp Shelby. He must have enough equipment and personal supplies within the carry-on' to last him 10 days. It's all part of the job; it's all part of being in the infantry.

Copyright, Scott Kesterson- 2006