Elections

COMBAT OUTPOST MIZAN, Afghanistan -- An Afghan National Police officer peaks in a window to listen to a shura in progress at the Mizan District Center, Mizan District, Zabul Province, Aug. 28, 2010. Mizan district officials invited local elders to the shura to discuss the upcoming provincial parliamentary elections and encourage residents to vote. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

Saturday we went to a shura at the Mizan District Center to hear about the upcoming provincial parliamentary elections. About 95% or these shuras are centered around the PRT, whether we want it to or not. This really annoys me, especially if we were going there just to listen and observe. Let me just say that I was pleasantly surprised. Although they asked the PRT to say a few words, the district officials actually took the initiative and led the entire shura by themselves! Now that's what I'm talking about!

A lot of elders came out for the shura, coming come even two valleys over. I am not sure if they were interested in the actual election or just wanted to figure out what the hell an election is. Talking to many of the locals on patrols makes me think the latter is probably more plausible. Many of the people I've talked to are either indifferent about the elections or didn't even know an election was coming up. Sometimes I wonder if they know there is a government in the province.

The shura went pretty smooth. Noor Mohammed, the district chief for Mizan, spoke about the elections and why it is important that they vote. The ANP chief also spoke to the crowd about security.

Some expressed their concern that the Taliban might try to harm them if they voted.

The ANA commander assured them that the Afghan National Security Forces, along with coalition forces, would do their best to keep the Taliban from harming their families.

COMBAT OUTPOST MIZAN, Afghanistan -- Mizan District Chief Noor Mohammed speaks to local elders during a shura at the Mizan District Center, Mizan District, Zabul Province, Aug. 28, 2010. Mizan district officials invited local elders to the shura to discuss the upcoming provincial parliamentary elections and encourage residents to vote. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

COMBAT OUTPOST MIZAN, Afghanistan -- A local Afghan elder listens as Mizan District Chief Noor Mohammed speaks during a shura at the Mizan District Center, Mizan District, Zabul Province, Aug. 28, 2010. Mizan district officials invited local elders to the shura to discuss the upcoming provincial parliamentary elections and encourage residents to vote. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

The government in Mizan is making many steps to legitimize itself in the eyes of the locals here, and the attendance mirrors it. Although there are still many Taliban strongholds in the area, the influence has to start somewhere, and that is exactly what they are doing.

Hunters

The weather this past week has been pretty bad as far as dust goes. A dust storm rolled in and just stuck around. Visibility was limited to the COP, with the occasional break in the wall of dirt to show the outline of the ridges nearby. The visibility (or lack thereof) provided a decent amount of concealment for the Taliban to do their dirty work planting improvised explosive devices in the area.

So, doing what our boys do best, along with the ANA and ANP, we set out to ensure the area is secure and safe for the residents living in the area. Indirect warfare is such a difficult idea for me to get my head around. It is such a cowardly way to fight.

This mission we became IED hunters.

I'm sure you guys are getting sick of these landscape shots, but I just love them!

COMBAT OUTPOST MIZAN, Afghanistan -- Soldiers assigned to 3rd Platoon, Fox Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment and Afghan National Security Forces walk beside a village during a dismounted patrol near Combat Outpost Mizan, Mizan District, Zabul Province, Aug. 26, 2010. Members of 3rd Platoon, Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul and Afghan National Security Forces patrolled the area to meet with local elders and ensure security in the area. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

COMBAT OUTPOST MIZAN, Afghanistan -- A member of the Afghan National Police takes a break while his team meets with local villagers during a dismounted patrol near Combat Outpost Mizan, Mizan District, Zabul Province, Aug. 26, 2010. Members of 3rd Platoon, Fox Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul and Afghan National Security Forces patrolled the area to meet with local elders and ensure security in the area. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

COMBAT OUTPOST MIZAN, Afghanistan -- Afghan children play in the streets as a combined dismounted patrol passes their village near y while his team meets with local villagers during a dismounted patrol near Combat Outpost Mizan, Mizan District, Zabul Province, Aug. 26, 2010. Members of 3rd Platoon, Fox Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul and Afghan National Security Forces patrolled the area to meet with local elders and ensure security in the area. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

COMBAT OUTPOST MIZAN, Afghanistan -- Soldiers assigned to 3rd Platoon, Fox Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment and Afghan National Police take a quick break during a dismounted patrol near Combat Outpost Mizan, Mizan District, Zabul Province, Aug. 26, 2010. Members of 3rd Platoon, Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul and Afghan National Security Forces patrolled the area to meet with local elders and ensure security in the area. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

COMBAT OUTPOST MIZAN, Afghanistan -- U.S. Army Pfc. Robert Brattin, a medic assigned to 3rd Platoon, Fox Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment and native of Jacksonville, Fla., climbs a ravine during a dismounted patrol near Combat Outpost Mizan, Mizan District, Zabul Province, Aug. 26, 2010. Members of 3rd Platoon, Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul and Afghan National Security Forces patrolled the area to meet with local elders and ensure security in the area. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

COMBAT OUTPOST MIZAN, Afghanistan -- Soldiers and a member of the Afghan National Police share a laugh after a dismounted patrol near Combat Outpost Mizan, Mizan District, Zabul Province, Aug. 26, 2010. Members of 3rd Platoon, Fox Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul and Afghan National Security Forces patrolled the area to meet with local elders and ensure security in the area. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

I like this last photo a lot. We work with the ANA and ANP every mission. To see our guys and theirs sharing that kind of camaraderie is very encouraging in my eyes.

Hiking

The terrain here at Combat Outpost Mizan is rough. Rough enough that MRAPs are not able to be used because there is a good probability that they would end up rolling down a ridge and being totalled. So these guys walk pretty much everywhere they go with the exception of a couple humvees that occasionally go out (they keep from using vehicles as much as possible because the IED threat in the area is extraordinary).

COMBAT OUTPOST MIZAN, Afghanistan -- Soldiers assigned to 3rd Platoon, Fox Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, take a quick break during a dismounted patrol near Combat Outpost Mizan, Mizan District, Zabul Province, Aug. 16, 2010. The patrol focused on speaking with the local population to assess their needs and surveying the security of the area. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)


No vehicles means we do a lot of walking. A LOT. Up a hill, down a hill, up another hill. Rocky terrain makes sprained ankles a reality. I've missed my foot placement numerous times already. Luckily, I'm pretty good at recovering (knock on wood).

COMBAT OUTPOST MIZAN, Afghanistan -- U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Xavier Baker, a communications specialist assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul and a native of Waycross, Ga., scans the horizon for insurgent activity during a dismounted patrol near Combat Outpost Mizan, Mizan District, Zabul Province, Aug. 16, 2010. The patrol focused on speaking with the local population to assess their needs and surveying the security of the area. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

COMBAT OUTPOST MIZAN, Afghanistan -- U.S. Army 1st Lt. Troy Peterson, right, platoon commander for 3rd Platoon, Fox Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, assists his radio operator, U.S. Army Pfc. Justin Cobbs, across a ravine during a dismounted patrol near Combat Outpost Mizan, Mizan District, Zabul Province, Aug. 16, 2010. The patrol focused on speaking with the local population to assess their needs and surveying the security of the area. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)


We try to get out as early as possible to keep from hiking this area in the heat of the day. By 9a.m., it is already getting pretty hot. Not to mention all the gear you have to carry. Our radio guys, Pfc. Cobbs, carries an extra 110 pounds of gear every mission. I'm sure you can imagine how hiking this area can be.

COMBAT OUTPOST MIZAN, Afghanistan -- A U.S. Soldier assigned to 3rd Platoon, Fox Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, tries to catch his breath during a dismounted patrol near Combat Outpost Mizan, Mizan District, Zabul Province, Aug. 19, 2010. Members of Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul and 3rd Platoon spoke with the local population to assess their needs and inform them of the upcoming Afghanistan elections. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)


The one thing I love about this part of the province is the landscapes. The ridges and the roads and paths snaking across the sand; it makes for a great view.

COMBAT OUTPOST MIZAN, Afghanistan – U.S. and Afghan forces conduct a dismounted patrol near Combat Outpost Mizan, Mizan District, Zabul Province, Aug. 19, 2010. During the patrol, members of Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul and 3rd Platoon, Fox Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, spoke with the local population to assess their needs and inform them of the upcoming provincial parliamentary elections. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

COMBAT OUTPOST MIZAN, Afghanistan -- U.S. Army Pfc. Sheldon Meats, 3rd Platoon, Fox Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment and Midland, Texas native, provides security while his team rests during a dismounted patrol near Combat Outpost Mizan, Mizan District, Zabul Province, Aug. 16, 2010. The patrol focused on speaking with the local population to assess their needs and surveying the security of the area. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)


One thing I find interesting, and not a good interesting,that we are here building up the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, and the Taliban has its own working government, complete with district chief, not even five kilometers away. This blows my mind. Needless to say, there is a lot of activity in the area.

COMBAT OUTPOST MIZAN, Afghanistan -- U.S. Soldiers assigned to 3rd Platoon, Fox Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, provide security during a meeting with local elders in a village near Combat Outpost Mizan, Mizan District, Zabul Province, Aug. 19, 2010. Members of Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul and 3rd Platoon spoke with the local population to assess their needs and inform them of the upcoming provincial parliamentary elections. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

These photos are from my last two patrols with the guys, and girl, from COP Mizan. There are more on my flickr.

Combat Outpost Mizan

Here are some photos from Combat Outpost Mizan that I have taken since I've been here. Things have been very slow since Ramadan started. Our interpreters cannot be out long on missions, since they fast from dawn till dusk. I wouldn't want to do anything if I was fasting either!

COMBAT OUTPOST MIZAN, Afghanistan -- U.S. Army Capt. Cory Petro, Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul district support unit leader, fires his rifle using night vision optics at Combat Outpost Mizan, Zabul Province, Aug. 11, 2010. Airmen and Soldiers from the PRT regularly check their sights for accuracy. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

COMBAT OUTPOST MIZAN, Afghanistan -- U.S. Army Pfc. Joshua Murphy, rifleman for Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul and New Brighton, Pa. native, measures a rooftop of a school near Combat Outpost Mizan, Zabul Province, Aug. 14, 2010. PRT Zabul is working to renovate the school as part of an ongoing effort to improve Mizan District. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

COMBAT OUTPOST MIZAN, Afghanistan -- U.S. Army Sgt. Keith Millstine, Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul rifleman and Pittsburgh, Pa. native, provides security while his team measures the dimensions of a school for renovation work near Combat Outpost Mizan, Zabul Province, Aug. 14, 2010. PRT Zabul is working to renovate the school as part of an ongoing effort to improve Mizan District. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

Arghandab

Here are some of the photos I took while I was at Forward Operating Base Lane in Arghandab District.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE LANE, Afghanistan -- Arghandab District Police Chief Qadir Khan prepares to light a cigarette during a meeting with U.S. forces near Forward Operating Base Lane, Zabul Province, Aug. 4, 2010. Members of Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul and Charlie Company, 478th Civil Affairs Battalion met with the police chief to discuss security issues in Arghandab District. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon)

FORWARD OPERATING BASE LANE, Afghanistan -- U.S. Army Capt. Cory Petro, Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul district support unit leader, takes notes while listening to Arghandab District Police Chief Qadir Khan during a meeting near Forward Operating Base Lane, Zabul Province, Aug. 4, 2010. Members of Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul and Charlie Company, 478th Civil Affairs Battalion met with the police chief to discuss security issues in Arghandab District. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon)

FORWARD OPERATING BASE LANE, Afghanistan -- U.S. Army Cpl. Alberto Bhoge, Charlie Company, 478th Civil Affairs Battalion, laughs after crossing a river during a dismounted patrol near Forward Operating Base Lane, Zabul Province, Aug. 6, 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

FORWARD OPERATING BASE LANE, Afghanistan -- Afghan children watch U.S. Soldiers and Airmen as they pass through their village during a dismounted patrol near Forward Operating Base Lane, Zabul Province, Aug. 6, 2010. U.S. forces assisted the local Afghan National Police in a humanitarian assistance visit to give shoes to children in Arghandab District. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

FORWARD OPERATING BASE LANE, Afghanistan -- U.S. Soldiers and Airmen wait for a road to be swept by a mine detector before continuing during a dismounted patrol near Forward Operating Base Lane, Zabul Province, Aug. 6, 2010. Members of 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Charlie Company, 478th Civil Affairs Battalion, and Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul patrolled the local area to ensure the security of residents in Arghandab District. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

FORWARD OPERATING BASE LANE, Afghanistan -- Members of the Afghan National Police pass out shoes to local children as part humanitarian assistance operations near Forward Operating Base Lane, Zabul Province, Aug. 6, 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

There are more photos on my flickr. Just click on a photo to go to my page!

4th of July

August 7, 2010

I missed the 4th of July this year. I mean, the day occurred, people celebrated, barbecues were held and fireworks were set off, but I had none of that. I was in Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan, and although they did have a barbecue, it was nothing like how the 4th should be.

Tonight made up for all of that.

Today was an off-day for us, so we made sure the vehicles had the proper fluid levels and our weapons were working correctly. Maintenance day pretty much. I went for a run around 4 p.m. and the clouds were looking quite ominous, but not quite to the point where buckets of rain came pouring down. I did my usual things: dinner, TV, etc. Capt. Petro and I were standing outside talking and watching the clouds when he pointed out that there was a photographer on the roof of one of the buildings in the SEAL compound. We talked about the landscape and what a nice view FOB Lane had. Right around that time the clouds decided to open up.

The rain was so cold.

Big drops began to hit all over the place. Before I ran inside, I decided to run around the side of the building to see what the photographer was taking pictures of. "Ahh that is why!!" I thought to myself. I ran back to the other side to tell Capt. Petro.

"Sir, I know why the photographer was taking pictures," I told him. "The sun is setting and the entire sky is orange!"

I went back to my room to grab my camera and then met him back in the front of the building. We sat out there and watched the rain and the sun set over the mountains.

I'm going to slow it down really quick to talk about the landscape here. Arghendab District really has breathtaking views. Every time I step out of my door I realize the beauty of this place time and time again. Hiking these ridges/hills/mountains (whatever you want to call them) has been the highlight of my trip so far. The landscape is truly beautiful. Okay, back to the story.

We were sitting there talking to some of the Rangers here when we hear a very loud "BOOM!"

"What was that?"

"Sounded like a mortar," someone replied.

All of a sudden one of the observation posts down the road starts lighting up the sky with tracer rounds from a machine gun, shooting at the top of a ridge about half a mile from us.

Then chimed in a second machine gun, this time coming from the FOB.

By this time, everyone is moving for their rooms to grab their gear. The warning siren begins to screech.

"Is this really happening?" I began to ask myself. Sure enough I suppose.

Capt. Petro got all of the guys together and told us to go to the SEAL compound for accountability. As we get to the entrance of the compound, a .50 caliber machine gun about 30 feet above us bursts off four or five rounds. It scared the crap out of me, and I think everyone I was with had the same reaction.

"That is the first time I have ever heard that thing go off," Capt. Petro said.

The next half hour entails us standing underneath a hardened shelter watching what must have been a dozen machine guns lighting up the side of the ridge with tracer rounds. The red streaks against the almost black sky made me want to kick myself in the head for not bringing my camera to record it. It was really an awesome sight. Tracers were going everywhere! And the .50 Cal only 20 yards from us was no joke. The guy up there must have gone through 1,000 rounds easily!

And then came the flares.

The Army shot up one at a time. It was a beautiful sight. A bright red streak would rocket into the air, break up into three or four burning streaks and slowly float back to the ground. And then came a green flare. Then another red. Then a purple (I think. Maybe blue? I forget). It reminded me of really lame fireworks. You know, the do-it-yourself kind, not the professional firework shows.

A couple of jets flew overhead. Ahh, the sound of freedom! I couldn't tell what they were, but they sounded like a one-engine jet. Maybe F-16s? They didn't drop bombs or anything, but I'm sure just the sound of the engines in the black of night is enough to deter any other attempts to attack the base.

After a while, the sounds of machine gun fire finally settled down. The only sound left was the distinct tone of rain hitting the tin roofs on the buildings around us and the occasional mortar being directed at our enemy.

We were released from our position and finally made our way back to our rooms.

And that was my belated, Afghan-version of the 4th of July.

The Funeral

August 5, 2010

Note: These next two stories have no photos, but were from my time at Forward Operating Base Lane in Arghandab District, about 40 kilometers north of Qalat City.

Today we were invited to a memorial service for a fallen brother, an guard working for ASG here, who was killed by the Taliban a few days ago.

We got there just before the service started. An old man was praying aloud and I will never forget the faces of the comrades in arms - soldiers, civilians, special forces - all had come to pay their respects. U.S., Afghan, coalition, they all were there. The ASG guards who had worked closely with the man looked intently into space. I tried to imagine what they could be thinking. Maybe a memorable story they shared with the deceased? Maybe resent towards the Americans? I only knew that there was a deep sadness that pierced the heart of everyone who knew the man.

After the prayers were done, we had chai together. After two or three glasses of tea, we were invited to have a meal with them. They asked the Americans to come to be served first. They took us to a room where there were plates with rice, eggplant and goat meat presented before us. Also, there was a bottle of water, a Mirinda orange soda, and plastic cutlery. I saved my fork and spoon after the meal, since FOB Lane has a severe shortage of supplies. We are forced to reuse our plastic bowls and there is no silverware, so I jumped at the thought of not having to eat with my hands or tear a styrofoam cup to use as a spoon.

It is such an awkward and humbling experience to be served by the people who must be grieving the most.

My heart goes out to the family of this brave man who laid down his life trying to create a better life for his people.