The Heart of the Taliban

Since my last post we have been quite busy here in ARSIC South. In war, time is constant, you never really take a break. You are constantly planning, trying to stay one-step ahead of the enemy and how you can better support this command. During this week, several of the staff and command from ARSIC South visited an out-post recently setup near the FOB, (Forward Operating Base), Spear Wan Gar. Early in the trip we passed by several herds of camels just grazing in the open fields. It really seemed so surreal, almost enjoyable, but you quickly realize that you need remember this is a war zone and to stay perky (alert). Spear was about an hour and a half drive from KAF. While driving there I got the feeling like we were driving straight through Taliban areas. This became more apparent the closer we got, as kids pelted our vehicles with rocks, busting out the light of one of the vehicles traveling behind us. My first thought was, if the kids are doing this, what are the parents teaching these little jokers..

(sorry for the connotation), but that was my first thought....

As we neared the facility, it became quite apparent why we placed an outpost there. We were definitely in the heart of the Taliban. In the picture below, ARSIC (S) Commander COL Thomas McGrath is discussing security with an Afghan Army Officer, while COL Kornish, RPAC, (Regional Police Advisory Command), Commander listens intently ensuring everyone understands how crucial this outpost is to the region. Standing behind them is LTC Blake Storey whom travelled with us to assist with improving the security of the outpost.

I am one that believes that a picture is worth a thousand words. The below picture should speak for itself... If not, I will elaborate.. I am standing in front of a grove of marijuana plants about 6 feet tall. Behind me is a donkey that is used to carry these plants during harvesting time. I wonder who they are for????

Shortly after we arrived we were informed that a large group of Taliban was advancing near our position. The below picture is of the mortar team we brought with us, setting up to defend our position. With these guys, I knew that if they did advance, they would definitely regret it... Needless to say that they quickly realized that they better try something else, as we were prepared for them. Afghanistan is filled with danger, depending upon what region you are in, the threat is either less or greater. We are continually getting rocketed at night by the Taliban, but Thank God, none of them hit anything or anyone... That is God!!!!!

Many of us feel that Afghanistan is the forgotten war. The media is focused on Iraq, we don't have the troop presence as we would like or need, nor the priority of getting supplies/equipment. No wonder we feel that we are forgotten. But we see danger every day, we just get it done, and trust in God above, that is what soldiering is about. Our SecFor, (security forces) from South Carolina continues perform in an exemplary manner. You can be so proud of all your guardsmen, they are doing what is expected of them.

For those of you that was not sure what plant I was standing in front of, this is a close-up, you tell me? Unfortunately, growing drugs is how many Afghan farmers care for their families. In many cases the Taliban fund their operation by the drug trade, whether marijuana or opium and pay the poor farmer to cultivate it for them. I know one thing, that it is plentiful here. In order for the Afghan government to change this, they need to find some agricultural products to replace this practice with. However, it too will take time, as this problem has been around for quite some time, so change will also take time...

I leave you with a picture below of an Afghan soldier trying to cool off and clean up a bit. One problem I saw, was the enclosed fencing that he is sitting next too is used to shield them during bathing, also there were so many up and down the creek bed washing, standing in, as well as cleaning the dishes they use for eating. No drinking out of the creek for me! The reality of this is the Afghans have a long way to go with proper hygiene, but this is their country and the infrastructure is simply not there for so many of its people. No water other than a creek or a well, no sewage, no toilet paper, no land fill/sanitation, they simple open something and drop it on the ground, little to no electricity, so they clean dishes using cold water and their hands as the dish rag. Now you know why we have to take those little malaria pills....