So the Persian New Year has come & gone - and things were nice & quiet. I've lost most of that uneasy anticipation I had been feeling - but have to keep things in check so I don't become complacent. There's a fine line in my situation between being "comfortable & not worrying" and being complacent.
This post will be quick - I've just got 2 things to say:
1. All the stereotypes about Swedish girls being beautiful, blude eyed, blondes appears to be true. I'm currently researching what it would take to enlist in the Swedish Army. I mean - how in God's name can you look smoking hot in a set of BDU's? All I know is, Swedish women can.
2. I feel like I'm stuck, indefinitely, at a little league baseball park. I played played when I was younger, and before I played, I would go to my older brothers baseball games. The park had 4 - 5 baseball diamonds, dirt & gravel roads around the whole complex - and a couple little buildings for things like the concession stand, dugouts and restrooms. It was often dirty, dusty and everything was "a little beat up" from so much traffic having passed through it all. Well - where I'm at in Afghnistan isn't much different. If it's not dusty - then it's muddy. The structures on my base are a hodge podge of whatever could be stood up to support workspaces, latrines, living quarters, storage sheds, etc. The houses are no different. Trust me - nothing is like it is "in the movies". It's a mess - a mess I now use for work, play & living. And I kinda like it. Of course, I know I'm not stuck here "permanently" - and once I leave, I plan on never returning. I'm just making the best of it, knowing I'll never have an experience like this again.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Uneasy Anticipation
So midnight tonight begins the Persian New Year - or Nowruz. It also coincides with the first day of Spring. This is significant to me currently because, back in the days of Taliban rule, they considered it an "...ancient pagan holiday centered on fire worship..." and celebration of it was banned. Since the overthrow of the Taliban in 2001, folks have returned to celebrations. However, historically, the Taliban likes to make it known that they're not cool with that. They like to make their usual "hello's" to the world during the week of Nowruz - by blowing theselves up among a group of people - often innocent civilians. This year is no different - except that this year, President Karzai also plans to annouce the gradual plan of handing over Afghan security responsibilites from NATO forces to Afghan forces. The Taliban don't like either group. So the media is reporting they may try to make an even bigger splash this year than in past years.
This is what is contributing to my uneasy anticipation. I've been here for 3 weeks now (it feels like 3 months - but not in a bad way - I've just soaked up so much data & sensory information in such a short time!). Since I've been here - things have been nice & quiet. While the hope is that things stay nice & quiet for my duration, the reality of the circumstances means that is practically an impossibility.
So, as I take a break during my night shift - smoking a cigarette under a perfectly clear, amazingly bright moonlit sky - I wonder: Will I hear it first or feel it? "It" being the first nearby explosion that is sure to come any minute, hour, day, week or month.
I'm not paranoid - I'm curious. Fearfully curious of course. I've read stories online from those who've been in life threatening situations over here. I've also heard first hand accounts from people along the way - during my time at CRC, and while processing through Kuwait - from people who casually talk about some horriffic things they've seen and been a part of. I know - I'm "just an I.T. contractor" (a Pogue or Fobbit to you Amry types) - and compared to a lot of folks, I've got it made in relative safety. But, the bad guys - they're opportunists and gamblers. They fails & miss often - but - they've gotten lucky plenty of times too. And that's all it is: pure luck for them. Dumb luck for those who suffer because of them. Bottom line is that the odds are in my favor.
For now - I'm just trying to stay focused on what is important: Work. Paying bills. Eating, sleeping, watching TV shows & movies. And just plain old goofing off whenever I can get a chance. I have to say - at least up till now - I'm right where I'm supposed to be and doing exactly what I should be doing by being over here. I'm very content "in the moment".
This is what is contributing to my uneasy anticipation. I've been here for 3 weeks now (it feels like 3 months - but not in a bad way - I've just soaked up so much data & sensory information in such a short time!). Since I've been here - things have been nice & quiet. While the hope is that things stay nice & quiet for my duration, the reality of the circumstances means that is practically an impossibility.
So, as I take a break during my night shift - smoking a cigarette under a perfectly clear, amazingly bright moonlit sky - I wonder: Will I hear it first or feel it? "It" being the first nearby explosion that is sure to come any minute, hour, day, week or month.
- Will I be awake or asleep in bed and "miss" the whole thing.
- Will it be close by or far away?
- Will it be near where I "commute" - or even along the path?
- Will it get me: completely so I don't feel or know a thing? a little bit so I just suffer some scratches & cuts? a lot to where I lose a limb or bodily function? or not at all - and just "happens around me" to where others are ruined, but I emerge without a scratch?
- How will I react?
- How will I think afterwards?
- What will I feel - emotionally?
- Will my committment to being?
- Or will I want to hop on the next plane out of here?
I'm not paranoid - I'm curious. Fearfully curious of course. I've read stories online from those who've been in life threatening situations over here. I've also heard first hand accounts from people along the way - during my time at CRC, and while processing through Kuwait - from people who casually talk about some horriffic things they've seen and been a part of. I know - I'm "just an I.T. contractor" (a Pogue or Fobbit to you Amry types) - and compared to a lot of folks, I've got it made in relative safety. But, the bad guys - they're opportunists and gamblers. They fails & miss often - but - they've gotten lucky plenty of times too. And that's all it is: pure luck for them. Dumb luck for those who suffer because of them. Bottom line is that the odds are in my favor.
For now - I'm just trying to stay focused on what is important: Work. Paying bills. Eating, sleeping, watching TV shows & movies. And just plain old goofing off whenever I can get a chance. I have to say - at least up till now - I'm right where I'm supposed to be and doing exactly what I should be doing by being over here. I'm very content "in the moment".
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Gear - Part I
This post is the beginning of my "gear" section. I'll discuss initial considerations in the beginning, and towards the end - will touch on some of the items I've found invaluable & used the most thus far.
One of the most stressful items of my deployment to Afghanistan as a civilian contractor working in I.T. was trying to figure out what I should bring with me. There are 3 major factors that came into play for me:
1. Time was short. I left home exactly 32 days after I accepted the offer with my company. Roughly half of those 32 days are spent in the "screening process" - getting your medical eval, security clearance investigation, etc - and it's a time when you don't yet know with any certainty if you've got the job yet. I was reluctant to make "gear" purchases until I knew for sure I'd be shipping out.
2. There is not a whole lot of information out there for someone that works in my field to gather information from as to what one should be packing. Not only that, but you can be assigned to any of a number of bases, all of varying sizes with very few - or many amenities - with varying degrees of weather considerations. You'll want to prepare for as much as you can.
3. This biggest issue for me: you're only permitted to bring ONE 62 linear inch duffel bag with you to CRC, and 1 carry on bag. Basically - and there's not a lot of wiggle room for this because they DO weigh & check the size of your bags at one point - you'll have a STANDARD size military duffel bag (or sea bag for us former Navy types) and a standard size backpack that holds a laptop.
I'm pretty anal when it comes to making lists - so I made a detailed spreadsheet with separate worksheet for different categories of items: medical, toiletries, clothing, electronics, bags & storage, and misc. I'm not going to list all the items I brought just yet. I hope to revisit that spreadsheet 6 months down the road to see what was wise to bring & what was wasted space. Its too early to tell. But I researched online & wrote down everything I thought that "I" could use - or might want to have in the event I was assigned to a remote, small camp in the desert or in the mountains - or, if I was assigned to a nice bhut or chu that had electricity wired & the need for hanging items, etc.
Your company will NOT provide you anymore detail about what to bring, other than "10 days of clothes & any necessary medicines". And honestly - that's just about all they will say. So, do your research online finding out not just what I.T. contractors suggest to pack - but civilian security folks, active duty troops - anyone and everyone who mentions the words "deployed" and "Afghanistan" in the same sentence. Choose items YOU think YOU might need. We all have varying degrees of what we need, and what makes us comfortable or what tools/items we "have to have" with us at all times.
I ordered a nice black standard duffel bag from Amazon, borrowed a luggage scale from someone - and, upon the official word of my employment (the day I was given my date to attend CRC) - went on a purchasing spree for gear. I spent probably in the range of $1500. This included a laptop that I picked up at an amazing price of $375 for an HP DM4 i5 with 4gb RAM & a 500gb hard drive. I picked up a High Sierra backpack that has lots of pockets to organize & store things for about $55 on Amazon as well.
You're given a weight limit on the duffel bag of 50lbs. I came in at 49 1/2lbs. My backpack fully loaded was about 35lbs. I could've shoved more in it - but then it would've been too big around - and not qualified as a carry on bag. So - with these two bags - I headed to CRC. I knew at some point, I'd be able to have items sent to me - but I had no idea when that would be. Thankfully, I packed & unpacked about 4 times - and even though I couldn't take everything from my list, I was able to take just about everything I'd need over the next 3 weeks. Amazingly - after about 3 unpacks & repacks during the time in CRC up until I got to my site - I didn't break a single thing or experience any sort of spillage of liquids or gels. Proud of myself on that - because your duffel bags will get tossed around & be stacked upon by several other bags during travel.
So - the items I couldn't have lived without? Zip lock bags & rubber bands for starters. Putting all meds, and other small items in individual zip lock backs keeps things organized & dry. Be sure to compress the air out when closing items up. Besides what you put items into - bring 6 - 10 small & large zip locks for future use too.
Rubber bands are great for rolling clothes and keeping them rolled. Rolling clothes was a HUGE life saver and the only way I was able to pack as much as I did. Roll. Roll tight - and keep'em rolled with rubber bands. Don't worry about wrinkles - I barely had any on some clothes that were rolled up in excess of 2 weeks! Besides, if it's wrinkles you're worrying about here - then you're worrying about the wrong thing.
Laptop, portable hard drives, a flash drive or two, a multi-type power converter plug that does more than just one kind of plug and especially a power strip! With a single converter that can plug into different plug types, you can simply plug your power strip into that - and everything else into the strip. Outlets are tough thing to find. I have ONE for my use - not one with two outlets - but ONE outlet period in my room. That was the case for most of my travels. I often gave open ports on my strip to other folks. So pack one for sure. The laptop - I recommend a display just big enough to make you happy. Don't get anything huge. That extra weight is just silly. And don't settle for a mini either. You'll be squinting & feel jealous of everyone around you. My HP DM4 is perfect for me. Light - and just big enough. I brought 2 portable hard drives - 1 for entertainment (music, movies, etc) - and one for backing up my laptop. Both are 500gb and are serving me just fine. I have room to spare on everything - and I have a lot of stuff on them! Your laptop will be a very important part of your life from day 1 of CRC. Also - bring headphones you like to wear a lot - and also a headset with a microphone. Skype has been pretty good - even on unreliable internet.
Locks. A cable type bicycle lock is great. You may not think you'll need it - but the moments will strike you and you'll say "Wow - glad I had that with me!". Also - TSA locks for your luggage. Bring 2. Also, bring a couple of padlocks that do not require a key and use a combo instead (and not the kind you had on your locker in high school). Something you can do easily - even in low light - and fast.
Carabiner hooks. I brought 3 small and 2 large. I've used them all for all sorts of things. The best use? When wearing your body armor - to hang your helmet from it instead of wearing it or carrying it. In my situation, we rarely bring, or wear, or body armor - but you must have them together & readily accessible at all times.
A good small flashlight that you can carry with you at all times. Besides power failures, you'll have lots of instances where that little light will come in handy.
A decent size pocket knife. Be sure to put it in your checked baggage - and leave it there until you get to your site. Once at your site - it should be the first thing to be unpacked & put into your pocket. Besides it being a handy tool to have, you'll feel better knowing you have at least SOMETHING to protect yourself should you need to.
Last for today - sheets & a pillow. I doubt you'll be able to pack a decent pillow in with everything else - but if you can - rock on. I had to settle for the garbage pillow that CRC provides you with - as well as their bedding & wool blanket. Wish I was more comfortable. When you get to Kuwait - you'll need to provide your own sheets, pillow, & blanket anyway. I bought some sheets before I left CRC thanks to the advice of a buddy. Sure, you can use the sleeping bag you'll be issued (if you're issued one - I was) - but I haven't used mine yet. Actually, I should put it as a liner under my sheets on my mattress, now that I think of it. Its nice to be able to sleep in decent sheets & with a decent pillow (I bought two at the PX at my base - I'm lucky that way).
Speaking of bedding - time for me to hit it. Till next time . . .
One of the most stressful items of my deployment to Afghanistan as a civilian contractor working in I.T. was trying to figure out what I should bring with me. There are 3 major factors that came into play for me:
1. Time was short. I left home exactly 32 days after I accepted the offer with my company. Roughly half of those 32 days are spent in the "screening process" - getting your medical eval, security clearance investigation, etc - and it's a time when you don't yet know with any certainty if you've got the job yet. I was reluctant to make "gear" purchases until I knew for sure I'd be shipping out.
2. There is not a whole lot of information out there for someone that works in my field to gather information from as to what one should be packing. Not only that, but you can be assigned to any of a number of bases, all of varying sizes with very few - or many amenities - with varying degrees of weather considerations. You'll want to prepare for as much as you can.
3. This biggest issue for me: you're only permitted to bring ONE 62 linear inch duffel bag with you to CRC, and 1 carry on bag. Basically - and there's not a lot of wiggle room for this because they DO weigh & check the size of your bags at one point - you'll have a STANDARD size military duffel bag (or sea bag for us former Navy types) and a standard size backpack that holds a laptop.
I'm pretty anal when it comes to making lists - so I made a detailed spreadsheet with separate worksheet for different categories of items: medical, toiletries, clothing, electronics, bags & storage, and misc. I'm not going to list all the items I brought just yet. I hope to revisit that spreadsheet 6 months down the road to see what was wise to bring & what was wasted space. Its too early to tell. But I researched online & wrote down everything I thought that "I" could use - or might want to have in the event I was assigned to a remote, small camp in the desert or in the mountains - or, if I was assigned to a nice bhut or chu that had electricity wired & the need for hanging items, etc.
Your company will NOT provide you anymore detail about what to bring, other than "10 days of clothes & any necessary medicines". And honestly - that's just about all they will say. So, do your research online finding out not just what I.T. contractors suggest to pack - but civilian security folks, active duty troops - anyone and everyone who mentions the words "deployed" and "Afghanistan" in the same sentence. Choose items YOU think YOU might need. We all have varying degrees of what we need, and what makes us comfortable or what tools/items we "have to have" with us at all times.
I ordered a nice black standard duffel bag from Amazon, borrowed a luggage scale from someone - and, upon the official word of my employment (the day I was given my date to attend CRC) - went on a purchasing spree for gear. I spent probably in the range of $1500. This included a laptop that I picked up at an amazing price of $375 for an HP DM4 i5 with 4gb RAM & a 500gb hard drive. I picked up a High Sierra backpack that has lots of pockets to organize & store things for about $55 on Amazon as well.
You're given a weight limit on the duffel bag of 50lbs. I came in at 49 1/2lbs. My backpack fully loaded was about 35lbs. I could've shoved more in it - but then it would've been too big around - and not qualified as a carry on bag. So - with these two bags - I headed to CRC. I knew at some point, I'd be able to have items sent to me - but I had no idea when that would be. Thankfully, I packed & unpacked about 4 times - and even though I couldn't take everything from my list, I was able to take just about everything I'd need over the next 3 weeks. Amazingly - after about 3 unpacks & repacks during the time in CRC up until I got to my site - I didn't break a single thing or experience any sort of spillage of liquids or gels. Proud of myself on that - because your duffel bags will get tossed around & be stacked upon by several other bags during travel.
So - the items I couldn't have lived without? Zip lock bags & rubber bands for starters. Putting all meds, and other small items in individual zip lock backs keeps things organized & dry. Be sure to compress the air out when closing items up. Besides what you put items into - bring 6 - 10 small & large zip locks for future use too.
Rubber bands are great for rolling clothes and keeping them rolled. Rolling clothes was a HUGE life saver and the only way I was able to pack as much as I did. Roll. Roll tight - and keep'em rolled with rubber bands. Don't worry about wrinkles - I barely had any on some clothes that were rolled up in excess of 2 weeks! Besides, if it's wrinkles you're worrying about here - then you're worrying about the wrong thing.
Laptop, portable hard drives, a flash drive or two, a multi-type power converter plug that does more than just one kind of plug and especially a power strip! With a single converter that can plug into different plug types, you can simply plug your power strip into that - and everything else into the strip. Outlets are tough thing to find. I have ONE for my use - not one with two outlets - but ONE outlet period in my room. That was the case for most of my travels. I often gave open ports on my strip to other folks. So pack one for sure. The laptop - I recommend a display just big enough to make you happy. Don't get anything huge. That extra weight is just silly. And don't settle for a mini either. You'll be squinting & feel jealous of everyone around you. My HP DM4 is perfect for me. Light - and just big enough. I brought 2 portable hard drives - 1 for entertainment (music, movies, etc) - and one for backing up my laptop. Both are 500gb and are serving me just fine. I have room to spare on everything - and I have a lot of stuff on them! Your laptop will be a very important part of your life from day 1 of CRC. Also - bring headphones you like to wear a lot - and also a headset with a microphone. Skype has been pretty good - even on unreliable internet.
Locks. A cable type bicycle lock is great. You may not think you'll need it - but the moments will strike you and you'll say "Wow - glad I had that with me!". Also - TSA locks for your luggage. Bring 2. Also, bring a couple of padlocks that do not require a key and use a combo instead (and not the kind you had on your locker in high school). Something you can do easily - even in low light - and fast.
Carabiner hooks. I brought 3 small and 2 large. I've used them all for all sorts of things. The best use? When wearing your body armor - to hang your helmet from it instead of wearing it or carrying it. In my situation, we rarely bring, or wear, or body armor - but you must have them together & readily accessible at all times.
A good small flashlight that you can carry with you at all times. Besides power failures, you'll have lots of instances where that little light will come in handy.
A decent size pocket knife. Be sure to put it in your checked baggage - and leave it there until you get to your site. Once at your site - it should be the first thing to be unpacked & put into your pocket. Besides it being a handy tool to have, you'll feel better knowing you have at least SOMETHING to protect yourself should you need to.
Last for today - sheets & a pillow. I doubt you'll be able to pack a decent pillow in with everything else - but if you can - rock on. I had to settle for the garbage pillow that CRC provides you with - as well as their bedding & wool blanket. Wish I was more comfortable. When you get to Kuwait - you'll need to provide your own sheets, pillow, & blanket anyway. I bought some sheets before I left CRC thanks to the advice of a buddy. Sure, you can use the sleeping bag you'll be issued (if you're issued one - I was) - but I haven't used mine yet. Actually, I should put it as a liner under my sheets on my mattress, now that I think of it. Its nice to be able to sleep in decent sheets & with a decent pillow (I bought two at the PX at my base - I'm lucky that way).
Speaking of bedding - time for me to hit it. Till next time . . .
Friday, March 11, 2011
Touristy Day
About to call it a night - but first thought I'd plop down some notes of the day. It was my day off. I am working six 10 hour days with 1 day off for now. I kinda like it; there's been talk of going to 12 hour days with 2 days off each week. Do I really need that much time off, here? I think not.
So I woke up early - and continued sorting & organizing my movies & tv shows. I refuse to watch any unless absolutely bored - or I have them all organized first. The collection has grown immensely the past few weeks! I then received a Facebook message from a buddy of mine from the CRC process who had some time at a nearby base. I went & met him (another System Administrator), another guy from our CRC group (Help Desk) and his Lead. We visited "the bazaar" - and boy, was it bizarre! On my base & the other nearby bases, they hold "bazaar" days, where the locals come & sell their wares.
After you've passed about 100 feet of "shops" - you've seen it all - and then the shops just repeat themselves - but with different "salesman" trying to pull you in. But there's probably 2,000 feet of shops! Tons of knock off sunglasses, electronics equipment (including some very funny looking & operating iPhone 4's), DVD's, rugs out the a$$ (some machine made, some hand made - including 100% silk), scarves, fur clothing, jewelry, stones & gems, old guns (at least they appear old - but I think they're knock off's too - 1800's Enfield's for $100? I don't think so), and plenty of other interesting things. I picked up a "spring assisted" (read: switch blade) pocket knife & a bottle of cologne (from the PX) today. You can never have too many knives as an unarmed civilian, and, well - I don't work/socialize with just a bunch of smelly guys - so why not smell nice? Grand total - $60 USD. Not bad at all. My summary of "the bazaar"? Neat - maybe worth a look if folks at home have something in mind or want a souvenir from here - but for the most part, I doubt I'll visit one again until right before I leave - to get myself a few items to remember this place. After all, I'm here to save money - not spend it on crap.
The rest of my day was more "sight seeing" at the base I visited, a walk through the US Embassy grounds (which these bases are more or less situated around), and a stop at my own base to check & see how things were going today. One thing that struck me was on the way to my friends base, I had to drive by the Afghan President's grounds. I wish I could've taken a picture (you will hear me say that phrase over & over unfortunately) because it is surrounded by an absolutely depressing poverty stricken area. Not much different than the White House in D.C. you say? Oh - its much worse. And there's all this security - which provides me safe passage mind you - within all of that poverty. It's really sad the state of affairs this country is in. They're in such a state of flux - between the 3rd world tribal culture - and modern day politics & adaptations of western civilizations. There's so many people "caught in the middle". I hope the youth & young adults make the right decisions & work to make this a better place. In my opinion, its really up to "them". We, the U.S. are pointing them in the right direction, & providing "guidance" (for lack of a better word) with our money, culture, and various offerings; unfortunately, the resistance of groups such as the Taliban - and those who wish to maintain their 3rd world tribal culture way of life are just so resistant. There really is & can be a sweet spot in the middle. I hope they can find it sooner than later.
PS: I was going to insert a picture of the president's complex by taking or linking one from the official website, however, the website is "down for maintenance". I'm not surprised. I wonder how long that message has been up (http://www.president.gov.af/)
So I woke up early - and continued sorting & organizing my movies & tv shows. I refuse to watch any unless absolutely bored - or I have them all organized first. The collection has grown immensely the past few weeks! I then received a Facebook message from a buddy of mine from the CRC process who had some time at a nearby base. I went & met him (another System Administrator), another guy from our CRC group (Help Desk) and his Lead. We visited "the bazaar" - and boy, was it bizarre! On my base & the other nearby bases, they hold "bazaar" days, where the locals come & sell their wares.
After you've passed about 100 feet of "shops" - you've seen it all - and then the shops just repeat themselves - but with different "salesman" trying to pull you in. But there's probably 2,000 feet of shops! Tons of knock off sunglasses, electronics equipment (including some very funny looking & operating iPhone 4's), DVD's, rugs out the a$$ (some machine made, some hand made - including 100% silk), scarves, fur clothing, jewelry, stones & gems, old guns (at least they appear old - but I think they're knock off's too - 1800's Enfield's for $100? I don't think so), and plenty of other interesting things. I picked up a "spring assisted" (read: switch blade) pocket knife & a bottle of cologne (from the PX) today. You can never have too many knives as an unarmed civilian, and, well - I don't work/socialize with just a bunch of smelly guys - so why not smell nice? Grand total - $60 USD. Not bad at all. My summary of "the bazaar"? Neat - maybe worth a look if folks at home have something in mind or want a souvenir from here - but for the most part, I doubt I'll visit one again until right before I leave - to get myself a few items to remember this place. After all, I'm here to save money - not spend it on crap.
The rest of my day was more "sight seeing" at the base I visited, a walk through the US Embassy grounds (which these bases are more or less situated around), and a stop at my own base to check & see how things were going today. One thing that struck me was on the way to my friends base, I had to drive by the Afghan President's grounds. I wish I could've taken a picture (you will hear me say that phrase over & over unfortunately) because it is surrounded by an absolutely depressing poverty stricken area. Not much different than the White House in D.C. you say? Oh - its much worse. And there's all this security - which provides me safe passage mind you - within all of that poverty. It's really sad the state of affairs this country is in. They're in such a state of flux - between the 3rd world tribal culture - and modern day politics & adaptations of western civilizations. There's so many people "caught in the middle". I hope the youth & young adults make the right decisions & work to make this a better place. In my opinion, its really up to "them". We, the U.S. are pointing them in the right direction, & providing "guidance" (for lack of a better word) with our money, culture, and various offerings; unfortunately, the resistance of groups such as the Taliban - and those who wish to maintain their 3rd world tribal culture way of life are just so resistant. There really is & can be a sweet spot in the middle. I hope they can find it sooner than later.
PS: I was going to insert a picture of the president's complex by taking or linking one from the official website, however, the website is "down for maintenance". I'm not surprised. I wonder how long that message has been up (http://www.president.gov.af/)
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
The Hobbling Dog
Saw my first "casualty of war" last night on my drive back to the house: a medium size scraggly dog that I assume had gotten caught up in some concertina wire. He was doing the 3 legged hobble down the street as my driver sped past. Tough to see that & not be able to get out and do anything. Hopefully, that's the worst thing I see while I'm over here.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Some of the edge has worn off
While it already feels like I've been here for a month - the truth is, it'll be a week tomorrow morning. I have to say - the first 24 - 48 hours were a bit of a shock. Those who know me know I love to research things on the 'net. Prior to taking this job, I did a lot of digging to see if this was something I should consider & could hack. I can honestly say almost nothing is like what I expected.
With that said - I'm with a great group of people. They didn't knock me or do any hazing like you might expect when a newbie arrives on the scene. Instead, they pretty much just said they understood - 'cuz they felt the same way when they made it into town. They've answered my questions & concerns as best they can - and I have to say - a lot of the edge I felt those first two days has worn off.
There's still plenty of concern & I have to keep mindful of my surroundings most of the time, but, I did something I thought I'd never do here: I went "out" to eat. Yep, joined a group of guys & went where the expats go. It was surreal to take a short walk from where we're living, enter a building - get frisked & walk through a metal detector - and then see this 5-star restaurant right before my eyes! There were only people in civilian clothes (some of whom wore their clothes quite well I might add <wink><wink>)eating & drinking - like they were in some trendy little place in NYC!
It was an oasis in the middle of a dessert. We took a nice sized table where we could relax (and even smoke at!), and enjoyed a nice peaceful dinner. The food was excellent - and the bill came to around $20 USD a piece (tip not included). At home, we surely would have paid twice that for a similar experience. I'm reluctant to give the name & location out - but if you're ever in Kabul - give me a shout & I'll be glad to share it with you.
Work is moving along pretty well. I'm pretty familiar with many of the systems that I'm working with, which is nice. The real challenge for me is adapting to the processes that are in place & knowing/remembering all the different acronyms. I fully understand that acronyms are the lifes blood of the military - I get that. Its just that where I'm at - there seems to be an extraordinary amount of acronyms in use - mainly due to the types of folks we're servicing. In time, it'll all become second nature to me I'm sure.
I could continue to type about all my sense's are soaking in - but I'm pretty beat, as usual & should wrap it up.I'll end on two notes:
1. The weather here is ridiculous. Back at home in Cleveland, we would occasionally have "4 season days" - where you experience a bit of all 4 seasons in one day. Here, that seems to be just a normal day. The switching between snow, sleet, and rain is annoying! I've seen two days where there were clear skies for a little while, which was nice; the mountains surrounding us are beautiful - from a distance of course ;)
2. I was hoping to be popping a pic of Bret Baier from Fox News & myself on here tonight - but, alas, he was no where to be found at the scheduled meet-n-greet/photo-op time/location. Things likely were out of his hands, but it would been kinda neat to meet a pseudo-celebrity from my favorite TV station. Especially after staying on the base after my shift, in the nasty raind/snow & getting soaked. Maybe next time, right?
PS: I kid when I complain on here. Believe me - I know damn well plenty of our men & women are in far shittier conditions than I am & at greater risk as well. Comparatively speaking - I've got it made in the shade where I'm at. I mean, look at that pic below! Can't deny that things are relative to ones present situation & circumstances though!
With that said - I'm with a great group of people. They didn't knock me or do any hazing like you might expect when a newbie arrives on the scene. Instead, they pretty much just said they understood - 'cuz they felt the same way when they made it into town. They've answered my questions & concerns as best they can - and I have to say - a lot of the edge I felt those first two days has worn off.
There's still plenty of concern & I have to keep mindful of my surroundings most of the time, but, I did something I thought I'd never do here: I went "out" to eat. Yep, joined a group of guys & went where the expats go. It was surreal to take a short walk from where we're living, enter a building - get frisked & walk through a metal detector - and then see this 5-star restaurant right before my eyes! There were only people in civilian clothes (some of whom wore their clothes quite well I might add <wink><wink>)eating & drinking - like they were in some trendy little place in NYC!
It was an oasis in the middle of a dessert. We took a nice sized table where we could relax (and even smoke at!), and enjoyed a nice peaceful dinner. The food was excellent - and the bill came to around $20 USD a piece (tip not included). At home, we surely would have paid twice that for a similar experience. I'm reluctant to give the name & location out - but if you're ever in Kabul - give me a shout & I'll be glad to share it with you.
Work is moving along pretty well. I'm pretty familiar with many of the systems that I'm working with, which is nice. The real challenge for me is adapting to the processes that are in place & knowing/remembering all the different acronyms. I fully understand that acronyms are the lifes blood of the military - I get that. Its just that where I'm at - there seems to be an extraordinary amount of acronyms in use - mainly due to the types of folks we're servicing. In time, it'll all become second nature to me I'm sure.
I could continue to type about all my sense's are soaking in - but I'm pretty beat, as usual & should wrap it up.I'll end on two notes:
1. The weather here is ridiculous. Back at home in Cleveland, we would occasionally have "4 season days" - where you experience a bit of all 4 seasons in one day. Here, that seems to be just a normal day. The switching between snow, sleet, and rain is annoying! I've seen two days where there were clear skies for a little while, which was nice; the mountains surrounding us are beautiful - from a distance of course ;)
2. I was hoping to be popping a pic of Bret Baier from Fox News & myself on here tonight - but, alas, he was no where to be found at the scheduled meet-n-greet/photo-op time/location. Things likely were out of his hands, but it would been kinda neat to meet a pseudo-celebrity from my favorite TV station. Especially after staying on the base after my shift, in the nasty raind/snow & getting soaked. Maybe next time, right?
PS: I kid when I complain on here. Believe me - I know damn well plenty of our men & women are in far shittier conditions than I am & at greater risk as well. Comparatively speaking - I've got it made in the shade where I'm at. I mean, look at that pic below! Can't deny that things are relative to ones present situation & circumstances though!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
I Have Arrived
Well - I'm here - in Afghanistan. Smack dab in the middle of Kabul - and its cold as you can see in the 1st pic. I'm writing with mixed feelings at the moment. See, I'm no longer assigned to the "cushy base" I was tenatively slated to go to. Instead, I've been assigned to Camp Eggers. Those who are here say its THE place to be, but I will need to be convinced. It's not the actual base that bothers me - its where I'm staying - OFF base. Sure, I have my own room (will get a roomate eventually) in a safe house - and it has a balcony to boot. I'm just not crazy about having to "commute" to & from work, or just to eat or utilize the services on the base.
The 2nd pic does no justice to the wild ride it will take for me to get from point A to point B - at least twice a day (the pic was taken prior to getting to my site/living quarters location). Security concerns won't allow me to post pics or get into too much detail as to how the commute really is. All I'll say is - its filled with police, checkpoints, absolutley insane driving conditions & lots of "unknowns" that have left my stomach in knots. I'm told that will pass - and I'll get used to it - and embrace my location & conditions - but I'm skeptical while writing this. Don't get me wrong, I knew the risks getting into this - I was just "hoping for the best" - and have to let things set in a bit.
One bit of good news is that I will definitely be busy & hard at work "on the job". I had heard rumors of folks in my position getting to their job sites & not having much to do. The last thing I want is to twiddle my thumbs all day for the next year. Had I gone to the other camp, that may have happened, but not here. I'm sure to be challenged & will be in a high profile position supporting the likes of folks who's names are mentioned routinely on the news.
I'll post more when I learn & discover more. And again, I apologize for vagueness at times - but I have to be ever mindful of operational security. Mine & others' lives literally depend on it.
The 2nd pic does no justice to the wild ride it will take for me to get from point A to point B - at least twice a day (the pic was taken prior to getting to my site/living quarters location). Security concerns won't allow me to post pics or get into too much detail as to how the commute really is. All I'll say is - its filled with police, checkpoints, absolutley insane driving conditions & lots of "unknowns" that have left my stomach in knots. I'm told that will pass - and I'll get used to it - and embrace my location & conditions - but I'm skeptical while writing this. Don't get me wrong, I knew the risks getting into this - I was just "hoping for the best" - and have to let things set in a bit.
One bit of good news is that I will definitely be busy & hard at work "on the job". I had heard rumors of folks in my position getting to their job sites & not having much to do. The last thing I want is to twiddle my thumbs all day for the next year. Had I gone to the other camp, that may have happened, but not here. I'm sure to be challenged & will be in a high profile position supporting the likes of folks who's names are mentioned routinely on the news.
I'll post more when I learn & discover more. And again, I apologize for vagueness at times - but I have to be ever mindful of operational security. Mine & others' lives literally depend on it.
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