Click for larger image Photo(s) by Spc. Gul A. Alisan, Spc. Len Cutler A Soldier from 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment peers through the scope on his M14 rifle to identify potential enemy targets while pulling security during a mission in Orgun-e, Afghanistan, April 5. Click for larger image A Soldier from Co. B, 2nd Bn., 27th Inf. Rgt. takes a security position during a convoy operation into the village of Sharona, Afghanistan.

Wolfhounds patrol Afghan mountains By Spc. Len Cutler, 25th ID (L) Public Affairs     FORWARD OPERATING BASE ORGUN-E, Afghanistan -- Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, conducted a convoy April 11 to an unidentified Forward Operating Base to provide manpower and equipment to the outpost.     The mission of the Soldiers in the fortified encampment is to assist local Afghan law enforcement, said Command Sgt. Maj. David Yates, 2-27 command sergeant major.     "We're not here to protect the area, we're here to provide the tools and enable the local police to establish their own zone of authority," he said.     To that end, the Wolfhounds have garrisoned an unspecified number of troops in the area, working in two-week rotations.     The Soldiers stationed at the forward encampment have experienced several attacks since their arrival. Wolfhound Soldiers have aided local police in repelling an assault by rebel insurgents, and successfully negotiated encounters with mines, a mortar attack, gunfire, and one incident during which a would-be assailant attempted to sabotage a personnel carrier while the Soldiers were dispersing a riot incited by suspected al Qaeda forces.     Fortunately, a security sweep was performed. The device was found, and disarmed before it could detonate.     Yates said the forward operating base gives the wolfhounds a tactical advantage.     "This location allows us to project into the surrounding area," he said. "So we can assist the Afghan people in their quest for self-governance, without outside interference."