The Center for Army Lessons Learned (CALL) at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas has just released CALL publication 10-10, Agribusiness Development Teams (ADT) in Afghanistan Handbook. This handbook is a product of the National Guard Agribusiness Development Team Coordination Office with input from current and previously deployed Agriculture Development Teams (ADTs). Agriculture accounts for 45 percent of Afghanistan's gross domestic product and is the main source of income for the Afghan economy. Over 80 percent of the Afghan population is involved in farming, herding, or both.

An Afghan-international security force detained two Taliban commanders and another suspected militant in Wardak province today. These commanders are involved with IED activity and responsible for several attacks in the area. The joint force searched compounds near the village of Bhardokheyl where intelligence sources reported militant activity. The militants were detained without incident. In another operation, security forces detained a Taliban commander and a few other militants in western Kandahar province today.

An Afghan-international security force detained a Taliban commander and other militants in Zabul province today. The Taliban commander is linked to IED facilitation and is responsible for several attacks in the area. The joint security force searched a compound in the provincial capital of Qalat where intelligence sources reported the commander to be located. The joint force searched the compound without incident and detained a few militants, one of whom identified himself as the targeted individual in the operation.

An Afghan-international security force detained a Haqqani weapons facilitator and a small group of other militants in Khowst province today. The facilitator is responsible for the supply and distribution of weapons to several militant elements in the area. The joint force searched a compound near the village of Paru Kheyl in the Sabari District where intelligence sources reported the facilitator to be located.

"Sticks and stones may break my bones" is an old adage that has new meaning for Sgt. Kathryn Burke, 402nd Brigade Support Battalion, 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division. Burke was manning the gunner's hatch of a Mine Resistant Armor Protected vehicle in a resupply convoy bound for Forward Operating Base Frontenac when she gained her new insight. After a few convoy briefs and a few cigarettes, Burke climbed into the MRAP and took up her place in the hatch as gunner for the first time.

An Afghan-international security force detained a couple of militants in Khowst province today, one of whom was a sought after Haqqani facilitator. The facilitator is responsible for the shipment and distribution of weapons to other militant elements in the area. The joint security force searched a compound near the village of Badal Kalay in the Nader Shakhot district where intelligence sources indicated the facilitator was located. The facilitator identified himself and surrendered without incident.

The reconstruction of a bridge destroyed in August is nearing completion due to the combined efforts of local government agencies, contractors and ISAF service members. Efforts to rebuild the Saracha Bridge along Highway 7 in Nangahar province began immediately after flash floods destroyed it and cut off all traffic from Torkham Gate to Jalalabad, Aug. 31. Rebuilding the bridge has been a good opportunity for local government and ISAF to come together to solve a problem, said Army Maj. Gerald S.

Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Dec. 9 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here. Air operations in Afghanistan: Asmar Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft provided armed overwatch for friendly forces. A show of force was requested to deter enemy action when personnel were observed acting suspiciously along a road.

Surviving just one tour in Southern Afghanistan is no mean feat. Many of the world's best and brightest soldiers have fought and died here, and still more return home irrevocably shaken. There are among us, however, soldiers whose mettle has been cast in the furnaces of war, and who feel it is their duty to return, having emerged battle-tested and knowledgeable. Army Cpl. Corey Sagstuen, a combat medic currently serving in a Canadian Operational Mentor and Liaison Team, is one such soldier.