Freedom Watch Update

This edition features a story about how giving the country of Afghanistan back into the hands of the Afghan National Army requires that troops make sure that things are as safe as they can be. Marine Sgt. Todd Crowell traveled with a platoon from Task Force Blackhawk to scan the outlying are to make sure that it was as safe as it could be. Produced by Sgt. Todd Crowell

This edition features a story about how service members morale is a huge concern to leaders in Afghanistan. That's why the 1st Cavalry Division assembled a special group of people. Petty Officer Erick Holmes tells us about a morale-lifting unit of soldiers. The 1st Cavalry Morale Band performs at various locations throughout Afghanistan, simply to raise the spirits of forward deployed troops and has multiple trips scheduled already. Soundbites include SGT. Ericka Escalante - Vocalist with 1st Cavalry Morale Band. Produced by MC2. Erick Holmes and hosted by A1C Marshall Hunsaker.

This edition features stories on more than a thousand troops deployed to Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan and other undisclosed bases taking part in the air force marathon and newly promoted Navy chief petty officers in Afghanistan. Hosted by Senior Airman Marshall Hunsaker. Includes soundbites from Cpt. Ross Dotzlaf - marathon participant, Staff Sgt. Kenneth Cole - marathon participant from Cincinnati, Ohio, and Chief Petty Officer Andy Sylverain, New chief petty officer with Task Force Paladin.

Provincial Reconstruction Teams, Civil Affairs, and other groups spend their time in Afghanistan building relationships with locals, usually in their villages and provinces. However, one Soldier on Bagram Airfield is creating those same bonds without leaving base. Petty Officer Erick Holmes tells us more. Spc. Amy Stewart, Military Police, Oklahoma Naional Guard, Ardmore, Okla., Originally served with the Oklahoma National Guard in Desert Storm then left the service. She said she felt a gap in her life and re-enlisted after almost a decade.

It takes a continuous flow of supplies to keep a base operational. Air Force Staff Sergeant Chad Usher met with Soldiers keeping the flow of supplies safe and moving. Sound bites from Mulah Mahmet, Father and Lt. Col. Linda Holloway, RC East Female Engagement Program Coordinator.

This edition features a story about how creating community projects in Afghanistan requires that troops visit those area regularly. Troops with Civil Affairs Company recently visited one of the largest towns in the Kushmond District to check on a project. Marine Sgt. Todd Crowell reports. Soundbite includes 1SG. Troy Cochran - Civil Affairs CO. 1SG. Produced by Sgt. Todd Crowell. Hosted by SrA. Marshall Hunsaker. Also available in High Definition.

Training is paramount for troops who leave outside the wire. Maintaining mission readiness is a constant element exercised daily. For one team of instructors, sharpening troops' abilities for quick thinking and situational awareness is the goal. Petty Officer Tristan Miller takes us to an installation where they strive to better troops. Sound bites from Mike Akins, Tactical Trainer.

This edition features a stories about how Virginia Army National Guard 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team presided over a change of command ceremony and how the Commandant and Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps visited Marines in Kandahar, Afghanistan over the weekend. Soundbites include Gen. James F. Amos - Commandant of the Marine Corps. Produced by Sgt. Andrew Milner and produced by Sgt. Jenn Casanova.

This edition features stories about how even though these soldiers are downrange the need for training doesn't stop. The combat life saver training course is designed to keep troops ability to save lives at its peak. The training team has a variety of real combat like scenarios. The training provides each service member with the tools to be a combat medic. Practice builds confidence and with that confidence everyone can make a difference. Also when soldiers patrol outside the wire in Afghanistan, they sometimes run into trouble. Marine Sgt. Todd Crowell was with a group of artillery men who help those ground units with fire from above. Soundbite includes 1LT. James Treharne - Platoon Leader, 2nd Plt. Alpha Battery and Dontray David - Training & Development Specialist. Produced by Sgt. Todd Crowell, PO3 Tristan Miller and hosted by Sgt. Jenn Casanova.

This edition features stories about how U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker talks about a naturalization ceremony that took place at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. Sep. 28, 2011 and how applying medical treatment to troops on the battlefield needs to happen fast. The time it takes to translate to an Afghan Soldier on proper techniques can mean the difference between an injury and a casualty. Marine Sgt. Todd Crowell was with some Army Medics who help Afghans help each other. Soundbite includes Sgt. Anthony Merino - NCOIC FOB Kushmond Aid Station, Afghanistan. Produced by Sgt. Todd Crowell. Hosted by Sgt. Jenn Casanova. Also available in High Definition.