the column was led by "carmin 2" section. ten kilometres away from their base, at an altitude of 1750 metres on their mountain pass, and around 13:30, the leading platoon reached the end of the roadway. the paratroopers were forced to dismount and advance on foot along a small path. under adjutant gaëtan evrard, they advanced with part of "carmin 2"; corporal rodolphe penon, a medic of the 2nd foreign parachute regiment; and a translator (24 men overall) to inspect a pass situated east of uzbin valley, leading to the heights of sper kunday. the four vabs and their crew (8 men) remained at the bottom of the pass in support position. "rouge 4" stayed further behind. the afghan national army section was delayed by a mechanical failure and later reached the village. the afghan national guard section was guarding a checkpoint on the road in the valley.