101st Airborne Division, Afghanistan 2012—2013
From December 5, 2012 to August 2, 2013, the First Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) deployed to Kunar, Nangarhar and Nuristan Provinces in eastern Afghanistan. This marked the Bastogne Brigade’s fifth combat deployment since September 11th, 2001 and their second deployment to this area. As one of the first Security Force Assistance Brigades in the US Army, their mission focused on the development and mentorship of Afghan National Security Forces. Through their advisory role, Bastogne Soldiers enabled their Afghan allies to confront their adversaries with confidence and skill in one of the most complex and dangerous regions of Afghanistan. The Bastogne Brigade’s success led to one of the most dramatic changes in Eastern Afghanistan since the beginning of Operation Enduring Freedom, as upon its departure, Afghan Security Forces assumed the lead in security and shared sacrifice for their nation’s continued freedom.
The Story
Based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, the 1st Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division, “the Bastogne Brigade,” stands to deploy within thirty-six hours worldwide to close with the enemy by means of fire and maneuver to destroy or capture him, or to repel his assault by fire, close combat or counterattack.
Tracing its lineage back to the 327th Infantry Regiment, founded in 1917, the unit was received the honor of three Presidential Unit Citations, two Valorous Unit Awards, and two Meritorious Unit Commendations.
This print depicts the Combined Team Bastogne, as a Security Forces Advise and Assist Brigade, in action with their Afghan counterparts during the unit’s return to Nangarhar and Kunar Provinces in 2013. During the Brigade’s tenure, Afghan National Security Forces assumed control of this volatile region, as Coalition Forces transferred responsibilities and bases to the ANSF. Combined Team Bastogne departed in late 2013, entrusting the safety of the area and their legacy to their Afghan security force partners.
Behind the Art
ANA provide suppressive fire
Shortly after US-led forces removed the Taliban from power in late 2001, a unified Afghan National Army was slowly reestablished. From 2002, the Afghan armed forces were reestablished by the United States and its allies leading to the current transition of responsibilities. The 1st BCT’s 2012 deployment focused on improving the overall proficiency of the ANA, through training and advice, so they can independently secure their country in the near future.
A-10 Warthog Close Air Support
Troops of the 101st Airborne and their ANA counterparts effectively engage the enemy by calling in close air support from an over-watch position. During their deployment troops of the 1st BCT were supported by AH-64 Apache helicopters, A-10 Warthogs, B-1 Bombers and unmanned aerial vehicles, all providing overwatch and security during ground operations.
Coalition team work
For this deployment the brigade was restructured so it could effectively operate in the security force assistance role, which allowed it to train the Afghan National Security Forces. One of the brigade’s primary missions was to work with the ANSF, to include the army, the police and the border patrol in anticipation of them assuming the security responsibilities for Regional Command East.
Project Details
Faithfully reproduced from the original artwork, Winning with Afghans by Matt Hall, depicts the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division during their 2012 – 2013 deployment to Regional Command East, Afghanistan.
In addition to the description, the bottom margin of the print includes the insignia of the BCT’s units:
- 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion
- 1st Battalion, 32nd Cavalry Regiment
- 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment
- 101st Airborne Division
- 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division
- 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment
- 2nd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery
- 426th Brigade Support Battalion
Editions
- 327 Bastogne Brigade Edition
- 100 Publisher’s Proofs
- 50 Artist Proofs
- Each print is hand-signed by the artist
- Each print includes a Certificate of Authenticity
Lithograph
- This limited edition lithograph is printed on acid-free, archival quality, 100 lb. stock
- Print size: 31 x 19
- Images size (without legend) 28 x 14
- All prints are sold unframed
- Print color may vary from screen color