Matua Platoon preps for PI

Guam - 2nd LT Olin Yaoapoqa said, "We are making a difference and basically doing our part as all of the National Guards and we are contributing to the global war on terrorism by contributing to Operation Enduring Freedom." And Staff Sgt Carl Santos added, "We are focusing on our counter parts in the PI to try to get them up and ready. It's basically the same mission all over the world so we can pull our troops back and have the host nation defend their own countries."

The American component of the greater Afghan war is Operation Enduring Freedom.

The Guam Army National Guard's Matua Platoon spent the last few weeks sharpening their skills and running drills. Platoon leader 2nd Lieutenant Olin Yaoapoga 2nd has been to the region before, and said, "The education level varies. It's more rural and rustic, very provincial, different religion, dominant Islamic compared to some places where its mostly Roman Catholic. You have to try to meet the people on their own level."

Tactically and operationally training is essential for mental preparedness and to ensure the troops are prepared for the threatening environment they will face.

Learning how to eliminate a threat is a standard military to military operation. In this particular scenario, the threat is right behind me behind a piece of drift wood.

Specialist Renz Urlanda is 24 years old and a medic in the platoon, and said, "My primary concern is surprise attacks and IEDs pretty much and also for me as a medic I will be watching out for creatures such as snakes."

The Matua Platoon heads to Schofield Barracks in Hawaii for post mobilization training before they join forces with the American military fighting against insurgent groups in the Philippines. They are expected to return to Guam in six months.

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