My apologies for not keeping you in the loop for the last week. We've been extremely busy with patrols and after every day I could not find the energy to post. Last night I fell asleep with my arm crooked and my hand on my cheek. The guys came in from shift and thought I was looking at a blank screen. The workload is gonna get a little less strenuous with the return of Bergeron and Riley. They got back on the ground today and I haven't really got the chance to talk to them about their vacations. Tomorrow is a relaxed day around here and I'll get the chance to catch up with not much going on. A few small scale tasks that should be done pretty quick.
We've got a few trees to chop down along the route that parallels our PH. They've been a visual impedence since our occupation and we can finally get rid of them. The locals will get the wood, but we'll have an open field of fire down the road. This particular stretch has been polluted with IEDs since we've arrived. It seems almost everyday there is a new one planted. This part of the road is crucial to our movement in and around the area and its about time we get good eyes on.
The patrols have been long range and a lot of work for the engineers. We're bringing the shotgun on patrol now for locked doors, and ole JTDollah has been busy blasting locks and kicking in doors. We pay the locals for new locks if we don't find anything. The shotgun is a handy tool and Dorner has decked his out with a custom sling that his Mom built. He told her to sew elastics about the size of her thumb all along the length of the sling and then paste an Iron Maiden sticker on it. Its pretty checked. Not much in the IED finds lately, however I talked with Yan today and he's plucked 3 out of the ground in as many days. These things are a menace. All around we're finding RPGs and munitions moving into the area. Another call sign stopped a vehicle the other day and found 25 RPGs in the trunk. It looks like its gonna be a haywire spring. I don't know if I've mentioned it but our PH is the furthest front on enemy lines. We patrol and have sets of eyes watching our movement from rooftops and from behind mud walls. It seems as though their very interseted in our movements and our SOPs. Go figure.
My Pashto vocabulary is expanding daily. I seem to get along with the locals in our area pretty well, however its hard to know who to trust and who your friends are. Who wants your help and who doesn't. The kids all holler "moustache" at me even without one, or "beard". They get a kick out of me trying to speak their language. Even the old guys get a chuckle out of it. I think Dorner has a pic of me wearing a locals hat, and the local wearing my helmet. It took me some convincing but I finally broke. Again, maybe he was just busting my balls, but he sure did get a kick out of it. He had his cigarette hanging out of his mouth like a soldier and was looking all hard. It was kinda funny.
So, ole Hawk is back home by now I reckon and should be back in mid to late Feb. We are 5 now and like I said this takes a lot of strain off hte patrolling. I never thought I could feel this stressed but its right there in the back of my head at all times. There is a tonne of things you need to be thinking about when you're outside of the confines of the PH. LIke where and where not to step, what to clear and what is just normal ground, rooftops and eyes watching, enemy movement, and where you're gonna fire from if contact occurs. At times in the middle of fields, there is nowhere to adopt a firing position. You find yourself thinking that you'll adopt the prone and fire from behind a small mound of dirt no more than 6 inches high. The mental aspect is worse than the physical. Our packs are heavy and at times a guy can get distracted at the weight on his back and forget about the threat environment. Sometimes I start daydreaming about Chandra at home and what you might be doing. I gotta snap out of it from time to time and remember what I'm doing. They're great distractions but very dangerous.
Well, time to unwind and enjoy a slower day tomorrow. Til the next..... out
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
IED crap shoot
The last few days have been a little hard on everyone. However, despite the loss of one of our guys, Bravo is now back and the platoon is right back into the fire. I can't really get into details but I can say there is a new approach around these parts that I think will have a productive outcome. We continue to patrol long into the day looking for insurgents, caches, and IEDs. Yesterday Alpha section was gone from 0800 until 1800 patrolling in, around and generally everywhere. Red and Disco were on this one. On their way back the ANA decided it was time for a break. This was around 1600. Well, I'll be damned if one of the ANA soldiers didn't scuff his foot across the ground when he went for a seat and uncovered a wire. Turns out, they were sitting right on top of a 155mm artillery shell all hooked up and ready to go. Red and Maddin pushed forward to investigate and they ended up uncovering a receiver, a battery pack, and a wire that extended for 100 meters. I'm not sure why it didn't go off, but I reckon it was incredibly lucky. They ended up dealing with it by blowing it in place. It sent a plume of smoke into the air which I could see from the rooftop of our PH. It is truly an IED crap shoot out here. Everyone here is motivated to get to the bottom of this persistent problem and we made significant progress today.
Our patrol left early this morning and was cut short. Dorner and I were attached to Bravo with MCpl Johnson leading his guys. Winthers was on point and talking to him later tonight, he mentioned that his ass was puckering around every corner. He was second in the order of march when Sgt. Faught got hit. Solid job on getting right back into it. This is what we do and this is whats expected. So we made it into the village and Capt Oneil began questioning a few locals standing around. We pushed on further and the last few guys in the patrol mentioned someone was shadowing our move through town. We stopped, turned around and questioned him. He wasn't making much sense so we GSRd his hands. Well, turns out, our Afghan shadow had HME all over his hands. Needless to say, off he went to a place where he gets 3 warm meals a day and a barrage of questioning. The kids all went crazy as we moved with him through town. His nieces were balling there eyes out. Meanwhile, about 500m away, the guys in the tower spotted a guy on his cell phone as we left for patrol. They thought nothing of it, until he gave the phone away as we approached. We passed right by him not knowing he was talking on a phone. Well, they went out and GSRd him as well. Turns out he had HME all over his hands too. So they GSRd the teen he gave his phone to. Guess what? Yep, they had traces of a certain acid used to make homemade detonators all over their hands. Busted. Off they went too. We then proceded to test everyone in the vicinity of the shop that sits in front of our PH. No more detainees, but it definitely sent a message.
Myself and Dorner have been working together for the past week or so, Red and Maddin made up the other fire team. Gonna switch it up in the next couple of days. Dorner will be working with Red (acting 2 IC) and I with Maddin. Looking ahead, all of us will be busy and patrolling non stop. We're looking to get a different type of explosive to try on the mud walls. Dorner and I were experimenting with det cord the other day, trying to see what amount is required to blow through a wall. Well, it took a lot of det cord and c-4 isn't always the best alternative. We requested an explosive with a lower velocity of detonation to see if it will heave the wall away, instead of violently blasting holes. Should be a good test and will let you know how it went.
I have a month to go until vacation. I am in need of one right about now. Riley should be back in the next little while, and Bergeron shortly after. The next to go is Maddin and he'll be off to Japan for saki and sushi and who knows what else. Sgt Fyffe ( Hawk) is still in Bela**** and nursing his ankle back to health. I've talked to him a few times and he's anxious to get back out here. Who could blame him? IEDs, insurgents, not to mention a plether of wells to go into.......He's on vacation in the week or so. Anyway, thats about it for now.......its starting to really warm up now in these parts and I think the winter is slowly making its way out......gonna be a hot spring in more ways than one........ until the next, out
Our patrol left early this morning and was cut short. Dorner and I were attached to Bravo with MCpl Johnson leading his guys. Winthers was on point and talking to him later tonight, he mentioned that his ass was puckering around every corner. He was second in the order of march when Sgt. Faught got hit. Solid job on getting right back into it. This is what we do and this is whats expected. So we made it into the village and Capt Oneil began questioning a few locals standing around. We pushed on further and the last few guys in the patrol mentioned someone was shadowing our move through town. We stopped, turned around and questioned him. He wasn't making much sense so we GSRd his hands. Well, turns out, our Afghan shadow had HME all over his hands. Needless to say, off he went to a place where he gets 3 warm meals a day and a barrage of questioning. The kids all went crazy as we moved with him through town. His nieces were balling there eyes out. Meanwhile, about 500m away, the guys in the tower spotted a guy on his cell phone as we left for patrol. They thought nothing of it, until he gave the phone away as we approached. We passed right by him not knowing he was talking on a phone. Well, they went out and GSRd him as well. Turns out he had HME all over his hands too. So they GSRd the teen he gave his phone to. Guess what? Yep, they had traces of a certain acid used to make homemade detonators all over their hands. Busted. Off they went too. We then proceded to test everyone in the vicinity of the shop that sits in front of our PH. No more detainees, but it definitely sent a message.
Myself and Dorner have been working together for the past week or so, Red and Maddin made up the other fire team. Gonna switch it up in the next couple of days. Dorner will be working with Red (acting 2 IC) and I with Maddin. Looking ahead, all of us will be busy and patrolling non stop. We're looking to get a different type of explosive to try on the mud walls. Dorner and I were experimenting with det cord the other day, trying to see what amount is required to blow through a wall. Well, it took a lot of det cord and c-4 isn't always the best alternative. We requested an explosive with a lower velocity of detonation to see if it will heave the wall away, instead of violently blasting holes. Should be a good test and will let you know how it went.
I have a month to go until vacation. I am in need of one right about now. Riley should be back in the next little while, and Bergeron shortly after. The next to go is Maddin and he'll be off to Japan for saki and sushi and who knows what else. Sgt Fyffe ( Hawk) is still in Bela**** and nursing his ankle back to health. I've talked to him a few times and he's anxious to get back out here. Who could blame him? IEDs, insurgents, not to mention a plether of wells to go into.......He's on vacation in the week or so. Anyway, thats about it for now.......its starting to really warm up now in these parts and I think the winter is slowly making its way out......gonna be a hot spring in more ways than one........ until the next, out
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Toast
It is with sadness, anger, frustration, and trepidation that I write this next blip. Sgt. Faught a.k.a "Toast" was a war horse and respected by all within this platoon and every other platoon in this battle group. It was by choice that he took point in every patrol, leading his section from the front. I would often find myself wondering, after patrolling well into and over 10km, how he dealt with his kit hanging languardly off his back and sides. I mean, everyone is uncomfortable on patrol after a long day, but it never seemed to bother him and he never complained. He just marched on, kit rubbing off his mid-thigh, often calling the chimos forward to check out a suspicious area. He was careful and deliberate and unfortunately this country took him and his dreams for the future away. He mentioned after tour, and once retiring, that he was to open a pub somewhere in Ontario. Once in awhile, he'd have Winthers stop by and be a guest chef in his pubs kitchen. Winthers was always behind Toast in patrol and I feel for all of the section and htis platoon. Needless to say, we are angry at everything and want some form of retribution. Sadly, this is not how it works here and we will maintain our professionalism.
They were on their way back from a 5 hour patrol, about 700m away from the platoon house when the IED hit. Rediger and Maddin were on this one and they seem to be doing okay. They did their jobs ensuing the blast and got the good Sergeants body away in good time. They were on a well travelled footpath and I am certain the population knew what was waiting in the dirt for us. This is the sad reality. The people know, but are afraid of Taliban backlash if they cooperate.
Needless to say it was a sombre day yesterday and our heads were hung for most of it. There is no choice but to press forward and try to make this thing work. That is exactly what we're going to do. Faughts section is now in KAF for the ramp ceremony and should be back in a day or two. Not sure who will take the reigns, however his 2IC, MCpl Johnson is more than capable.
I often wondered why he took point on all of his patrols. He didn't for the first while, but began after a month in theater. Something in me says he did it just in case this sort of thing happened. I don't know forsure, but I can see it in him to do something like that. The man spent his whole career on tour in foreign war zones, I think he had 9 in total. He was ready for retirement and was prepared to come back in 2011.....respect. He did not suffer and died a soldiers death. On his two feet, in a foreign country, serving the flag that he fights for. I'll throw a box on the fire for you tonight Toast.........out
They were on their way back from a 5 hour patrol, about 700m away from the platoon house when the IED hit. Rediger and Maddin were on this one and they seem to be doing okay. They did their jobs ensuing the blast and got the good Sergeants body away in good time. They were on a well travelled footpath and I am certain the population knew what was waiting in the dirt for us. This is the sad reality. The people know, but are afraid of Taliban backlash if they cooperate.
Needless to say it was a sombre day yesterday and our heads were hung for most of it. There is no choice but to press forward and try to make this thing work. That is exactly what we're going to do. Faughts section is now in KAF for the ramp ceremony and should be back in a day or two. Not sure who will take the reigns, however his 2IC, MCpl Johnson is more than capable.
I often wondered why he took point on all of his patrols. He didn't for the first while, but began after a month in theater. Something in me says he did it just in case this sort of thing happened. I don't know forsure, but I can see it in him to do something like that. The man spent his whole career on tour in foreign war zones, I think he had 9 in total. He was ready for retirement and was prepared to come back in 2011.....respect. He did not suffer and died a soldiers death. On his two feet, in a foreign country, serving the flag that he fights for. I'll throw a box on the fire for you tonight Toast.........out
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Don Moustache
The sun is just starting to set in this part of the world, which means one more day through, and one day closer to you. Another day full of explosions and IED finds. It wasn't long after we stepped off when the first of six blasts rocked our area. Half the time we have no idea what it was or where its coming from. I guess you could say, if it wasn't threatening us, then we just carry on with our mission. We pushed south this morning, varying our routes as always, and found ourselves on the edge of the Red Desert. This stretch of sand spans from Pakistan to Iran, and its commonly known that insurgents use it as a transit for explosives and weapons. I have yet to step foot into it, and don't know if I ever will. I may one day soon enough fly through its stratosphere, but until then I reckon we can leave it to the Bedouin and insurgents.
Capt Oneil (Pl Cmd) is back from leave and put his boots back on the ground today. We did about 15km crescenting our area and pushing back north. In one compound we came across yet another UXO and took care of it, this time in fine Red Dragon fashion. JT Dollah had his camera in hand as we nailed the flag to the wall, shout out to Ellis, and popped smoke. Then transition to me, with my back to the bomb, flinching as I wait for the blast, expecting a chunk of frag to take me in the back. You'd think this place is dangerous enough without standing 30m from a bomb going off, yet there I was, for the sake of the camera. Maybe I won't do that again. Word came over the net a few minutes later, that the platton Yan is attatched to found 2 IEDs in our town, in the culverts. IRF (immediate response force) spooled up and found another 2 more on their way to the site. I am more than impressed at our ability to find these things before they hurt anyone. As of late, more and more locals are stepping on them, or driving over top. I reckon the Taliban have stopped letting everyone know where they are due to this increase.
The kids in the area have started calling me Breitawalla, the terp, as well as the ANA. They holler it at me as I walk by and I can't help but smile. This thing is outta control. I'm waiting fo rthe jacking that I'm gonna get one of these days, but until then I will be known as the "moustache." We've managed to dodge the haircut bullet out here, citing poor hygeine as a reason for our defiance of dress and deportment. Unitl we get proper Barbisil and haircutting tools, we stand united. It looks as though its worked, as the wings that extend from under my hat remain unscathed.
Rediger and Maddin were out yesterday patrolling out in the area. They are both doing fine, and working hard. I reckon Maddin is learning more and more each day he spends with Red. Before, I was very concerned that he may not return with all of his appendages, however he looks like he's getting the hang of the power tools. Red is a good teacher and has accomplished a lot of projects since his return. Stairs are the next big job, as well as a bridge for the locals. Initially, SIMIC was suppose to build the damn thing, but they've long since left and noone knows when they'll return. Ole Hawk is still in, well, further east, and is expected back in mid Feb. He goes on leave shortly, and if you're reading this Hawk, you are not E**C on the radio. I am E**C. You are not E**A, Capt Hachey is E**A. You are E13Fyffe, this is your new callsign. Use it accordingly....hahahha........see ya in a couple........
I hope everyone is starting off the new year great in Canada and everyone is healthy. I think about home all of the time and the good times ahead. Love you guys........out
Capt Oneil (Pl Cmd) is back from leave and put his boots back on the ground today. We did about 15km crescenting our area and pushing back north. In one compound we came across yet another UXO and took care of it, this time in fine Red Dragon fashion. JT Dollah had his camera in hand as we nailed the flag to the wall, shout out to Ellis, and popped smoke. Then transition to me, with my back to the bomb, flinching as I wait for the blast, expecting a chunk of frag to take me in the back. You'd think this place is dangerous enough without standing 30m from a bomb going off, yet there I was, for the sake of the camera. Maybe I won't do that again. Word came over the net a few minutes later, that the platton Yan is attatched to found 2 IEDs in our town, in the culverts. IRF (immediate response force) spooled up and found another 2 more on their way to the site. I am more than impressed at our ability to find these things before they hurt anyone. As of late, more and more locals are stepping on them, or driving over top. I reckon the Taliban have stopped letting everyone know where they are due to this increase.
The kids in the area have started calling me Breitawalla, the terp, as well as the ANA. They holler it at me as I walk by and I can't help but smile. This thing is outta control. I'm waiting fo rthe jacking that I'm gonna get one of these days, but until then I will be known as the "moustache." We've managed to dodge the haircut bullet out here, citing poor hygeine as a reason for our defiance of dress and deportment. Unitl we get proper Barbisil and haircutting tools, we stand united. It looks as though its worked, as the wings that extend from under my hat remain unscathed.
Rediger and Maddin were out yesterday patrolling out in the area. They are both doing fine, and working hard. I reckon Maddin is learning more and more each day he spends with Red. Before, I was very concerned that he may not return with all of his appendages, however he looks like he's getting the hang of the power tools. Red is a good teacher and has accomplished a lot of projects since his return. Stairs are the next big job, as well as a bridge for the locals. Initially, SIMIC was suppose to build the damn thing, but they've long since left and noone knows when they'll return. Ole Hawk is still in, well, further east, and is expected back in mid Feb. He goes on leave shortly, and if you're reading this Hawk, you are not E**C on the radio. I am E**C. You are not E**A, Capt Hachey is E**A. You are E13Fyffe, this is your new callsign. Use it accordingly....hahahha........see ya in a couple........
I hope everyone is starting off the new year great in Canada and everyone is healthy. I think about home all of the time and the good times ahead. Love you guys........out
Friday, January 8, 2010
my ankle is Fyffed
Another gate OP, another hour of pure paranoia. That was last night, but the hour went by quickly. Through my night vision I could see the halo of a car approaching from the south. It parked, I heard a door shut and minutes later a fire burning just over the wall where the biggest threat is assumed to present itself. I thought forsure I was getting shot at in the minutes that ensued. I had it all planned out, however it would have not been pretty. You see, earlier in the day I Fyffed it and rolled my ankle on a stone jutting out of the road we were building a fence on. I immediately started sweating and got light headed for a few minutes. It wasn't until later last night when it stiffened up, I realized how bad it was. At any rate, I'll get it wrapped and carry on. So my plan was, once the bullets started flying, to fall to the ground, and roll over to a chunk of wall offering protection. There would be no running in this scenario. But, thankfully the bullets never flew and my shift ended without incident.
We've accomplished a lot over the last few days. If the engineers aren't on patrol we've been hammering away at various projects around the platoon house. The gravel has finally arrived and now we are waiting on heavy equipment to spread it for us. The fence we built offers a bit of stand off in the event of a suicide bomber driving into our walls. This is a serious threat right now. While we were building it, the local kids were perched on the side of the road saying "Breitawalla." So I started saying it back in an exagerated tone and it went back and forth like that for the rest of the build, tongues rolling and everything. I asked the interpreter what it meant to which he replied "moustache." Hahaha.... They were saying other more slanderous remarks to the other guys providing security for us but I won't get into that.
It's the four of us right now. Dorner, Rediger, Maddin is what we've diminished to because of HLTA and ole Hawks demised ankle. I talked to him yesterday and he's eager to get back out with us. It looks like that will happen in mid Feb as he's going home in late Jan. His ankle should be back together by then. Riley is off to Thailand, Blencowe (Stink) is going back home, as well as Bergeron. We should all be back by mid March.
The patrolling continues and the kilometers are adding up. We spend all day roaming the streets and checking things out. The other day we came across an Afghani scared shitless. Not of anything other than our presence. We questioned him and his buddies were making excuses for him. This, after we had credible int. that there were Taliban in the area and were equipped with an RCIED ( remote control). I never have seen an Afghan sweat like this guy was. He was biting and fidgeting with his fingers and I thought forsure we had one of them. Well, it turns out, the powers that were on this particular patrol decided not to GSR him and let him carry on his daily routine. I hope I get a chance to see this guy again. I snapped a pic of him and we moved on. Rediger and Maddin are out on patrol as I type this. We started calling Maddin "Disco" because he always has his earphones in and I guess we've envisioned him bobbin his head and groovin when he's sweeping for mines/IEDs. Maddins a tall, lanky fella who enjoys the heavy bass beat of dance music and such, so I reckon its a fitting name for him. Rediger has proved himself invaluable to the section. His construction background is a huge boost when framing structure and in planning future builds. We call him Red, aptly.
Dorner and I venture out sometime later and lets just say we'll be packing our warm kit. Gonna be one of those again. *&^%. Oh yeah, I guess I should mention Dorners nickname. JTDollah. I dunno.
I should throw out a big thank you to the ANA. The guys were all sandbaggin yesterday and probably really tired of it by completion of a wall. Then the ANA, out of nowhere came screaming into our wall in their Ford Ranger. There goes the wall, there goes the piss point, here comes more sandbagging. Apparently, they were teaching one of their new guys to drive, and evidently the training circuit ran threw one of our walls. Again, thank you idiot. Relations with the crew next door are spotty at best thus far. They have refused to patrol with us until we provide them with power. Needless to say, we've been patrolling without them. It's up to their chain of command to provide them with basic necessities. For the most part they are good to go, or I should say whenever Mohammed wills them to go. At times they become somewhat of a liability, for example, starting a huge bonfire in known Taliban territory at 0300 in the a.m. in the middle of an open field. Uhhhhhh.... not cool? At any rate, they're learning but stubborn.
Today is pretty quiet for me. Nice to sit on my arse for a change and rest this daft ankle. Later, I reckon I'll be asking the guy up top for a little strength to push me forward and guide my feet. Til the next....peace
We've accomplished a lot over the last few days. If the engineers aren't on patrol we've been hammering away at various projects around the platoon house. The gravel has finally arrived and now we are waiting on heavy equipment to spread it for us. The fence we built offers a bit of stand off in the event of a suicide bomber driving into our walls. This is a serious threat right now. While we were building it, the local kids were perched on the side of the road saying "Breitawalla." So I started saying it back in an exagerated tone and it went back and forth like that for the rest of the build, tongues rolling and everything. I asked the interpreter what it meant to which he replied "moustache." Hahaha.... They were saying other more slanderous remarks to the other guys providing security for us but I won't get into that.
It's the four of us right now. Dorner, Rediger, Maddin is what we've diminished to because of HLTA and ole Hawks demised ankle. I talked to him yesterday and he's eager to get back out with us. It looks like that will happen in mid Feb as he's going home in late Jan. His ankle should be back together by then. Riley is off to Thailand, Blencowe (Stink) is going back home, as well as Bergeron. We should all be back by mid March.
The patrolling continues and the kilometers are adding up. We spend all day roaming the streets and checking things out. The other day we came across an Afghani scared shitless. Not of anything other than our presence. We questioned him and his buddies were making excuses for him. This, after we had credible int. that there were Taliban in the area and were equipped with an RCIED ( remote control). I never have seen an Afghan sweat like this guy was. He was biting and fidgeting with his fingers and I thought forsure we had one of them. Well, it turns out, the powers that were on this particular patrol decided not to GSR him and let him carry on his daily routine. I hope I get a chance to see this guy again. I snapped a pic of him and we moved on. Rediger and Maddin are out on patrol as I type this. We started calling Maddin "Disco" because he always has his earphones in and I guess we've envisioned him bobbin his head and groovin when he's sweeping for mines/IEDs. Maddins a tall, lanky fella who enjoys the heavy bass beat of dance music and such, so I reckon its a fitting name for him. Rediger has proved himself invaluable to the section. His construction background is a huge boost when framing structure and in planning future builds. We call him Red, aptly.
Dorner and I venture out sometime later and lets just say we'll be packing our warm kit. Gonna be one of those again. *&^%. Oh yeah, I guess I should mention Dorners nickname. JTDollah. I dunno.
I should throw out a big thank you to the ANA. The guys were all sandbaggin yesterday and probably really tired of it by completion of a wall. Then the ANA, out of nowhere came screaming into our wall in their Ford Ranger. There goes the wall, there goes the piss point, here comes more sandbagging. Apparently, they were teaching one of their new guys to drive, and evidently the training circuit ran threw one of our walls. Again, thank you idiot. Relations with the crew next door are spotty at best thus far. They have refused to patrol with us until we provide them with power. Needless to say, we've been patrolling without them. It's up to their chain of command to provide them with basic necessities. For the most part they are good to go, or I should say whenever Mohammed wills them to go. At times they become somewhat of a liability, for example, starting a huge bonfire in known Taliban territory at 0300 in the a.m. in the middle of an open field. Uhhhhhh.... not cool? At any rate, they're learning but stubborn.
Today is pretty quiet for me. Nice to sit on my arse for a change and rest this daft ankle. Later, I reckon I'll be asking the guy up top for a little strength to push me forward and guide my feet. Til the next....peace
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Afghan driving range
The last couple of days has been relatively quiet. We're still patrolling everyday, but we are now 4 so the load is a bit less to carry. We've had a chance to catch up on some construction projects around here and wood is no longer in demand. Capt. Hachey has stockpiled us for the next little while with 6 x 6, 8 x 8, plywood, and plenty of 2 x 4s. Our ANA counterparts are leading the way more and more, and our relationship with the crew is growing. Language is still the primary barrier, yet I am slowly learning bits and pieces just by the tone of their voices, and by their body language. If I'm not sure I simply say "whoa" which is Pashto for yes. Sometimes I get a confused look, but most of the time I'm bang on. Today we patrolled around the town plotting new routes, and having a look around. Our objective was to find a sheep for a cookout to be had with our ANA buddies. At one point, ole Hawk wanted to go halvers with me on a camel. 500.00 will get you a camel around these parts, however that was probably the market price for that day. Now, I'm sure it would be 600. At any rate, we found a couple of locals that would sell us one, however getting it back here may be a problem, being on patrol and all.
Looks like we'll be back down to 3 engineers here for awhile. Maddin is required to augment another platoon house for 2 weeks and Stink is going home for a vacation. Ole Hawk is on light duty until his leave, but will be back in Feb. It will be really great when all of us are back in one place. This will be in mid March when I return from vacation.
Theres been a lot of artillery going on here in the last few days. The yanks are keeping pretyty busy by the sounds of it just north of us. We watched a mountain get lit up the other day with an a-10 warthog doing straffing runs onto it. Then came the super bomb. The whole mountain went up in a plume of smoke. Last night and today more of the same. All we heard on patrol was artillery shells pounding the ground to the north. Then we heard the distinct sound of IED blast. C Coy had struck one to the west and we all expected the worse. Immediate comms lockdown so we figure its bad. Have no details about it, but the comms lockdown was only in effect for 2 hours. We're all hoping and praying everyone is alright.
We're learning a lot from the locals around here. They're all scared shitless and about half of the population like our presence. The other half.....not so much. The kids are all pretty friendly, but again, the language barrier. I made somewhat of an arrangement with the little buggers but firts a little background. My sister sent me golf clubs, tees, and balls around Christmas just to whack around a bit. So, this afternoon, after patrol, I hobbled up to the roof and teed a few up. Well, I sure as hell don't want to retrieve them after I hit em, so I get the kids to do it. I'll trade them a handful of candy for every ball they return. Well, this poses a problem after the first one is hit. They all go scrambling on to the "driving range" so to speak. I try to do it when no kids are around, but once the club face hits that ball, its like they spring outta nowhere and go after the little white suckers. We got the interpreter to tell them to clear away while I hit, and it worked somewhat. Then an ANA Sargeant wanted a go. Well, Ill be damned if he didn't shank one right towards the gaggle of kids. The ball screamed right through the group of them and then off they went runnin after it. I gotta say, for the first time hitting a club the Afghan smoked it, albeit a little to the left. Anyway, no, I don't crush golf balls at the locals. I make sure its safe before I hit, however I do try to nail the sheep that flock out in our front yard. Its a hoot, and some of the guys are working their swings, tuning up for the spring/summer for when we get back. We manage to get a 60% return of balls, which is better than I expected. Some of the kids hourde them in exchange for the entire bag of candy. They get nothing. It's the little guys and girls that give the balls up.
Well, tomorrow more of the same. D Coy can hold their heads high after this tour. We've been run ragged out here and the work we're doing is second to none. Our numbers show it. The most IED's, the most caches, and by far the most patrolling. Chimo Delta and a solid RED DRAGONS...........
Looks like we'll be back down to 3 engineers here for awhile. Maddin is required to augment another platoon house for 2 weeks and Stink is going home for a vacation. Ole Hawk is on light duty until his leave, but will be back in Feb. It will be really great when all of us are back in one place. This will be in mid March when I return from vacation.
Theres been a lot of artillery going on here in the last few days. The yanks are keeping pretyty busy by the sounds of it just north of us. We watched a mountain get lit up the other day with an a-10 warthog doing straffing runs onto it. Then came the super bomb. The whole mountain went up in a plume of smoke. Last night and today more of the same. All we heard on patrol was artillery shells pounding the ground to the north. Then we heard the distinct sound of IED blast. C Coy had struck one to the west and we all expected the worse. Immediate comms lockdown so we figure its bad. Have no details about it, but the comms lockdown was only in effect for 2 hours. We're all hoping and praying everyone is alright.
We're learning a lot from the locals around here. They're all scared shitless and about half of the population like our presence. The other half.....not so much. The kids are all pretty friendly, but again, the language barrier. I made somewhat of an arrangement with the little buggers but firts a little background. My sister sent me golf clubs, tees, and balls around Christmas just to whack around a bit. So, this afternoon, after patrol, I hobbled up to the roof and teed a few up. Well, I sure as hell don't want to retrieve them after I hit em, so I get the kids to do it. I'll trade them a handful of candy for every ball they return. Well, this poses a problem after the first one is hit. They all go scrambling on to the "driving range" so to speak. I try to do it when no kids are around, but once the club face hits that ball, its like they spring outta nowhere and go after the little white suckers. We got the interpreter to tell them to clear away while I hit, and it worked somewhat. Then an ANA Sargeant wanted a go. Well, Ill be damned if he didn't shank one right towards the gaggle of kids. The ball screamed right through the group of them and then off they went runnin after it. I gotta say, for the first time hitting a club the Afghan smoked it, albeit a little to the left. Anyway, no, I don't crush golf balls at the locals. I make sure its safe before I hit, however I do try to nail the sheep that flock out in our front yard. Its a hoot, and some of the guys are working their swings, tuning up for the spring/summer for when we get back. We manage to get a 60% return of balls, which is better than I expected. Some of the kids hourde them in exchange for the entire bag of candy. They get nothing. It's the little guys and girls that give the balls up.
Well, tomorrow more of the same. D Coy can hold their heads high after this tour. We've been run ragged out here and the work we're doing is second to none. Our numbers show it. The most IED's, the most caches, and by far the most patrolling. Chimo Delta and a solid RED DRAGONS...........
Sunday, January 3, 2010
cold blooded
My condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones as of late, and the soldiers who have passed. It was truly a terrible holiday season for the CF. I am not sure as to what happened in the latest and I will not speculate. Information about it is minimal.
The last week has been one to remember. We've been patrolling for kilometer after kilometer and I think at last count via GPS, we've logged well over 100 km on foot. My feet have turned into rocks that I can literally take a knife and stick into, peeling off chunks of skin and callous. I reckon its time to change the boots as the ones I am wearing are offering less and less grip by the day. We have patrolled and operated deep into the town where insurgents are operating without incident. On the 30th Dec. we moved into a position east of our objective with the ANA. About 50 of us moving in at 0200 and setting up at a crossroads in the middle of nowhere. We froze our asses off. It was 0430 when we were set, and by 0445 the wind and cold was settling in to our sweat drenched backs. We peeled off our wet kit and put on dry, however the damage was done and the elements were relentless. Myself and Browny (Sgt. Brownell) were sitting side by side against a wall, as the rest of the section positioned in all round defence. I can't imagine why, but at 0500 the ANA attached to us started giggling and began talking in a escalating uproar in Pashto. I said to Browny " They must be high," to which he replied, "There is no way they're not." Next thing we know, a local comes from his dwelling and brings out a tumbleweed. 30 seconds later the ANA are all huddled around a fire 10 ' high and warming up. We both moved over to the warmth for a few minutes and then relieved the guys on sentry. It was short lived as we were moving to another objective shortly thereafter. At 0630 we kitted up and began moving further west. We secured another intersection and began GSR testing ( gun shot residue) every swinging dick that came our way. All day long, pictures, names, and GSR to no avail. C Coy was pushing our direction and had come across 3 IED's in their advance. The deal was if C COy finsihed their search of the village come nightfall, we'd move back to our PH under darkness. Well, they finished just before nightfall and we could hear the choppers coming in to get them at 2100hrs. They up and left and I though forsure we were heading back. This was not to be. We kitted up and pushed even further west into enemy ground. We ended up taking up a position in the middle of an Afghani field. Then the cold came once again. We unrolled our sleeping gear and dug in for the night. I think I dreamt of fire the hwole time. Dorner woke up in his bivy bag and couldn't breath. ( bivy bag is waterproof) It took him a minute to realize that his air supply had been cut off because of him sleeping on the end of his bag. I woke up at 0600 and was soaked. The condensation in my bivy bag had dripped all over me to the point where my pants and shirt were soaked. I had fell aslepp with my arm outta the bag and I thought my fingers were going to fall off. We were wet, tired, and dirty. Yet we still stood around in a cirlce and laughed about it. Graham ( inf. Cpl) came up to us and stated this isn't really happening. He goes " I'm just floating around and nothing is bothering me because I'm not even here." It felt like an eternity before we stepped off to return back. It is an understatement to say we were relieved to start walking. Our feet were bricks of ice and we wondered how the hell they did it in WWI and WWII. It took half the march back to thaw my fingers, and at times I thought I would lose one or two digits. They were burning with cold. Well, we got back New Years eve morning and needless to say we all racked out for the better part of the day.
New Years day comes and we're all relaxing and enjoying a well earned day off. Turns out that was short lived. At 1600 we stepped off for a night OP in the middle of the darkness. We walked through the town and ended up at a high feature. We set up a roadblock for any traffic if it should come by, but it rarely does, and we end up freezing in the dark until 2330 when we were told to come back in. At least it didn't rain.
Well, its a few days later and Rediger is now back from vacation. Talked to him briefly and he's currently unpacking and settling back in. Dorner and Maddin were out on patrol today finding a couple of artillery shells. They had to carry them back from patrol because of a TIC ( troops in combat) north of their position. They waited for 3 hours for a ROZ but it never was granted, due to air traffic in the area. We now have hot showers and I spent the day building a patio for the entrance. I gotta say, it really is ghetto, but all the comforts of home. Thats it for now, gonna catch up with Red....... out
The last week has been one to remember. We've been patrolling for kilometer after kilometer and I think at last count via GPS, we've logged well over 100 km on foot. My feet have turned into rocks that I can literally take a knife and stick into, peeling off chunks of skin and callous. I reckon its time to change the boots as the ones I am wearing are offering less and less grip by the day. We have patrolled and operated deep into the town where insurgents are operating without incident. On the 30th Dec. we moved into a position east of our objective with the ANA. About 50 of us moving in at 0200 and setting up at a crossroads in the middle of nowhere. We froze our asses off. It was 0430 when we were set, and by 0445 the wind and cold was settling in to our sweat drenched backs. We peeled off our wet kit and put on dry, however the damage was done and the elements were relentless. Myself and Browny (Sgt. Brownell) were sitting side by side against a wall, as the rest of the section positioned in all round defence. I can't imagine why, but at 0500 the ANA attached to us started giggling and began talking in a escalating uproar in Pashto. I said to Browny " They must be high," to which he replied, "There is no way they're not." Next thing we know, a local comes from his dwelling and brings out a tumbleweed. 30 seconds later the ANA are all huddled around a fire 10 ' high and warming up. We both moved over to the warmth for a few minutes and then relieved the guys on sentry. It was short lived as we were moving to another objective shortly thereafter. At 0630 we kitted up and began moving further west. We secured another intersection and began GSR testing ( gun shot residue) every swinging dick that came our way. All day long, pictures, names, and GSR to no avail. C Coy was pushing our direction and had come across 3 IED's in their advance. The deal was if C COy finsihed their search of the village come nightfall, we'd move back to our PH under darkness. Well, they finished just before nightfall and we could hear the choppers coming in to get them at 2100hrs. They up and left and I though forsure we were heading back. This was not to be. We kitted up and pushed even further west into enemy ground. We ended up taking up a position in the middle of an Afghani field. Then the cold came once again. We unrolled our sleeping gear and dug in for the night. I think I dreamt of fire the hwole time. Dorner woke up in his bivy bag and couldn't breath. ( bivy bag is waterproof) It took him a minute to realize that his air supply had been cut off because of him sleeping on the end of his bag. I woke up at 0600 and was soaked. The condensation in my bivy bag had dripped all over me to the point where my pants and shirt were soaked. I had fell aslepp with my arm outta the bag and I thought my fingers were going to fall off. We were wet, tired, and dirty. Yet we still stood around in a cirlce and laughed about it. Graham ( inf. Cpl) came up to us and stated this isn't really happening. He goes " I'm just floating around and nothing is bothering me because I'm not even here." It felt like an eternity before we stepped off to return back. It is an understatement to say we were relieved to start walking. Our feet were bricks of ice and we wondered how the hell they did it in WWI and WWII. It took half the march back to thaw my fingers, and at times I thought I would lose one or two digits. They were burning with cold. Well, we got back New Years eve morning and needless to say we all racked out for the better part of the day.
New Years day comes and we're all relaxing and enjoying a well earned day off. Turns out that was short lived. At 1600 we stepped off for a night OP in the middle of the darkness. We walked through the town and ended up at a high feature. We set up a roadblock for any traffic if it should come by, but it rarely does, and we end up freezing in the dark until 2330 when we were told to come back in. At least it didn't rain.
Well, its a few days later and Rediger is now back from vacation. Talked to him briefly and he's currently unpacking and settling back in. Dorner and Maddin were out on patrol today finding a couple of artillery shells. They had to carry them back from patrol because of a TIC ( troops in combat) north of their position. They waited for 3 hours for a ROZ but it never was granted, due to air traffic in the area. We now have hot showers and I spent the day building a patio for the entrance. I gotta say, it really is ghetto, but all the comforts of home. Thats it for now, gonna catch up with Red....... out
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