SECFOR are "security forces." There are two companies from Oregon filling that role on this deployment. "A" Company, 1/186 infantry, now known as A SECFOR, from southern Oregon, is one of them. Originating from Medford, Oregon, A SECFOR has pulled additional soldiers from other areas of southern Oregon, to include Klamath Falls, Grants Pass, and Roseburg. They are tasked with providing security for Brigade operations; duties that include manning guard towers and check points, performing permitter patrols of the bases, and providing convoy security, while being available and ready to function as a fighting force. Their job is not glamorous, but it is essential, if not vital. It is a task that for many could become monotonous... but these men are infantry. Their glory rests not in the assignments, but in the actions that they will eventually be called to perform. As A SECFOR's commander, stated, "when everything else fails, even when Special Forces gets their ass handed to them, it's the infantry that is called in to clean it up. We're the backbone of the Army."

Ask any soldier, and they will tell you that they have the toughest job in the Army. Walk in the boots of the infantry for a week and one thing becomes clear, no one else works harder, gets dirtier, or is expected to perform to a higher standard. Yet their dedication to their task is without rival; and A SECFOR is no exception. Their hours are long and physical; the loads that they carry are heavy and at times awkward; and, their most common form of transportation are their feet, otherwise known as "leather personnel carriers," or "LPC's." As one of A SECFOR's team leaders described, "When I was in Iraq, the tankers talked of how tough their job was. They would sit a few thousand meters away and engage the enemy, and then call us in, the infantry, to do the real fighting." Yet to be in the infantry is to be part of one of the largest fraternities on the planet. It is something that is in your blood, that calls you and never leaves. As A SECFOR's 1st Sergeant, 1st SGT Santoyo, said to me one evening, knowing that I had been an infantry soldier, "Once a grunt, always a grunt. It never leaves you."

A SECFOR is commanded by Capt. Repp. Having served previously in the Marines elite Force Recon, with two previous deployments to the Middle East, one of which was to Afghanistan, Captain Repp understands the demands that will be placed on his unit. "Our units daily dress code is our full battle-rattle... body armor, LBE [load bearing equipment], weapon, Kevlar, and pro-mask." This focus demonstrates his commitment to a simple yet effective philosophy that is known to everyone in the Army... "train like you're going to fight." The difference is that for A SECFOR, like the other SECFOR forces, its more than words, it becomes a way of life.

The members of A SECFOR are motivated and focussed. They are stand-offish at first, taking a wait and see attitude, while making sure that their buddy is safe and their backs are covered. In true infantry fashion, they let a persons actions prove their commitment. Once trust is established, however, these are men that will place their lives in harms way to protect a fellow "brother." It's part of the code that comes from tasting the grit on your teeth or walking miles at night with pounds of gear and no lights. For an infantry soldier, "tough" is in every step; anything else and you're in the wrong branch. It's all part of the pride that makes every one of them elite.

A SECFOR carries with it the pride of their unit, their command and of southern Oregon. From the outside they can seem quiet, even reserved. Look in their eyes, however, and you see focus, intensity, and satisfaction. As one of the soldiers summed it up, "I know there is a lot going on over there. I'll worry about that once something happens. For now, I need to stay focussed on my job. That's what makes the greatest difference." A soldier's words that are demonstrated by the actions of his command. If you're looking for the 1st Sgt., or Capt. Repp, you look among the troops. Whatever training is going on, you'll find one of them right along side. It's what makes the difference in a units effectiveness and loyalty. It's also a demonstration of Capt. Repps commitment to his singular goal. "I just want to bring everyone home safe."

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Copyright, Scott Kesterson- 2006

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