'Aggie' Troops off to Afghanistan

[unhappycamper]

'Aggie' Troops off to Afghanistan
November 17, 2009
The State, Columbia, S.C.

About 60 South Carolina National Guard troops have left for Afghanistan to help local farmers grow bigger crops and raise healthier livestock. In a sense, the Soldiers will serve as agriculture extension agents -- except they'll be in uniform, wear helmets and body armor, and carry rifles.

In fact, part of the troops' training involved working alongside Clemson University extension agents and taking classes on soil science, crop production, livestock management, and food microbiology and preservation.

They also trained at the school's Sandhill Research and Education Center in Northeast Richland, learning agriculture-related chores.

The S.C. Guard unit's Afghanistan assignment is "just another extension mission," said Mac Horton, Sandhill director. "When someone says they need Clemson's help with an agriculture issue, it's our obligation to help."

South Carolina is among a dozen states taking part in an agriculture development program the Pentagon launched in 2008 and assigned to the Army National Guard.


Rest of article at: http://www.military.com/news/article/aggie-troops-off-to-afghanistan.html?col=1186032310810