End Of Mission | News

Part Three of a Three-Part Series

BAGHDAD -- The Task Force Dragon Rhino Platoon will end one mission to just turn around within one hour or more to conduct another one in the opposite direction. They conduct the safety briefings, manifest, cargo and passenger loading and transport them safely from the international zone to Victory Base Complex. The beginning of the day is similar to the end—it’s dark.

“By the end of each mission we see success,” said Staff Sgt. Ryan Rogers, convoy and truck commander. “I always pray to God we are able to take all of our guys home.”

The day ends by cleaning the vehicles and weapons, Sgt. 1st Class Henry Carr, the platoon sergeant explains. “We are squaring away our trucks. With 21 trucks and 30 people manning them, it is a company-size operation given to a platoon.”

The constant mission takes a real toll on the soldiers of Rhino Platoon. Over 288 missions in the few short months, they transported more than 10,000 service members, Department of State and Defense civilians and contractors; and escorted approximately 2,600 fuel, flat bed and essential-supply trucks over 300 missions.

“The first month we arrived, we were working non-stop,” he said. “We ran three times a day and one time at night for 20 hours a day. My guys would run from 5 a.m. until 11 p.m. That is what we were doing and it was killing us.”

The platoon was running so hard the platoon leader, 2nd Lt. Gordon Zimmer and the platoon sergeant were going on every mission.

“Myself and Sgt. Carr had to go on every mission; the burn out factor was very high,” the lieutenant said from Lewiston, Idaho. “We couldn’t sustain that mission rate indefinitely with the Soldiers we had.”

The intent was to help my people, he continued to explain. Eventually, commanders above the lieutenant had to pull him so he could properly focus on other administrative requirements for running a platoon with their broad responsibilities.

During the first couple of months, the soldiers serving in all positions were just living and working. Finding time to adequately sleep, do laundry or eat chow became a chore.

“During my spare time, if it has been a long week, I try to get some sleep to keep myself fresh for mission time,” Spc. Kekauoha said. I mainly exercise, sleep and call my wife and kids. I fight the groundhog’s day syndrome with rhythm.

The out-going commander briefed Rhino Platoon and informed them they would be the busiest guys out there. Other elements of the company are busy but not at the same pace.

“My guys met every challenge,” said Carr. “They made huge sacrifices and ended up mission complete every time. However it came at a price.”

The constant stream of mission did take a toll, but the platoon medic is always on the lookout.

“My primary purpose is trauma and treating at the point of injury, but my overall duty for Rhino Platoon has focused on preventative health,” said Sgt. Gregory Wilson from Boise, Idaho and the medic. “If the guys are not eating or sleeping right—I will get involved.”

Wilson spends 99 percent of his time with preventative health and sick call and 1 percent on trauma.

“Early it was trying to figure out what we are doing, and you’re not sure where you are supposed to go,” he said. “The IZ can be a labyrinth at times. Now, that is not the case, we know where we are supposed to be—complacency is the challenge. Bottom line, complacency is dangerous and can kill.”

Running continuously with only three to four hours of sleep from the night before is the biggest concern, he said. Frustration builds leading to a loss in focus, especially when you conducted the same mission a 1,000 times before. We need to keep up our guard.

The platoon leadership relies on NCOs to continuously monitor the morale and well-being of those underneath them.

“I make sure my NCOs and truck drivers are in the right state of mind,” Carr said. “They are the ones that effect how their truck is working. I talked with the truck commander to ensure they are good to go. Their attitude sets the tone for their truck.”

The threat level is always changing and the Rhino Platoon is always finding ways to streamline actions to save dollars, time and lives.
“They are always trying to find better ways to make it cheaper, quicker and safer,” the lieutenant said. “By the end of mission, I will say, ‘All of you did a hell of a job and truly made a difference’”

Rhino Platoon answered the challenge from higher headquarters to meet the demand of increased meetings scheduled to rapidly prepare Iraq to make strategic decisions. They are running more missions in less time than their predecessors.

"Their efforts speak as a testament about these unsung heroes who, day in and day out, performing mission-essential tasks,” said Capt. Michael Etzler, B Company Brigade Support Battalion commander. “The end result is the growth of the Iraqi government, reduction of U.S forces and the transition of responsibilities to Iraqi Security Forces.”

Story by Maj. Joseph Coslett / US Air Forces Central Baghdad Media Outreach Team