Type Fire Support Base Year built 2006 | In use 2006 - present | |
 | ||
Controlled by United States
United States Army Built by Special Troops Battalion,
3rd BCT, 10th MTN DIV Battles/wars Operation Enduring Freedom Garrisons 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 36th Infantry Division Occupants Afghan National Army, Embedded Training Teams | ||
Firebase Wilderness, also known as Forward Operating Base Tellier, is a joint U.S.-Afghan outpost in Afghanistan, in the Gerda Serai District of Paktia Province.
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Overview
The strategic position of FB Wilderness enables U.S. and Afghan forces to provide security along the Khost-Gardez Pass, a critical route through the Sulaiman Mountains, which connects downtown Khost to Gardez City. FB Wilderness was first occupied in late 2006 after being built from scratch by elements of 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division. Since that time, Wilderness has served as a base of operations for U.S. military elements, Afghan National Army soldiers from 1st Brigade, 203rd ANA Corps, and Afghan regional policemen. During the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in the 1980s, the area of the K-G Pass that Wilderness occupies was the site of frequent mujahedeen attacks on convoys including the Battle for Hill 3234. The historically hostile region continues to be a hotbed of activity, especially during the summer months when insurgent forces often target Wilderness with mortars and rockets.
In 2007, 82nd Airborne Division paratroopers from 4th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment and based at FB Wilderness, renamed the firebase to FOB Tellier in honor of their fallen brother, Sergeant Zachary D. Tellier. During a gun battle with insurgent forces in the vicinity of FB Wilderness, SGT Tellier was fatally wounded on Sept. 29, 2007.
In October 2008, the CBS news program 60 Minutes aired a report by Lara Logan from FB Wilderness titled Afghanistan: Fighting In A "Hornet's Nest".
U.S. Military Occupants
Since its establishment in December 2006, U.S. Army units have assumed control of Wilderness, including:
C Troop 1-61 Cavalry* B Troop, and D Troop, 6th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division