decorahnews.com in Afghanistan: Soldiers have matured fast while on deployment

Members of the 322nd Engineering Unit listen to Captain Troy King at FOB Walton in Afghanistan

Captain Troy King has heard all the talk--how kids nowadays don't work as hard as kids used to, how kids are pampered and indulged.

But King has also led a group of nearly 200 soldiers in Afghanistan.

He says the young men in the 322nd Engineering Unit have grown up fast.  He says the deployment to Afghanistan for many of them is their first time being away from their parents.  They have learned a number of skills and have matured over just a few months.

"My goal is to have the most disciplined company," he tells decorahnews.com.  "You've got to grow up," King tells his soldiers--and he says his soldiers have responded.