Afghan Adventure

My name is Jason and I am a 9 year veteran of the Toronto Police Service. I have been selected to represent my service for the upcoming International Policing Operations Branch of the RCMP in the next CIVPOL mission in Afghanistan.

I have set up this Blog for my family, friends and colleagues. It is my hope to provide a better understanding as to what is going on over in Afghanistan through my experience.

People often ask me why I have decided to take on this mission in such a politically volatile and dangerous environment. There are a lot of reasons but, Martin Luther King Jr. said it best.

"INJUSTICE ANYWHERE IS A THREAT TO JUSTICE EVERYWHERE!"


Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Gear Junkie's Heaven and Training


Last Friday we were outfitted with our uniforms, tactical gear and all sorts of army stuff. The sheer amount of kit must weigh in at close to 400 lbs. This mission is a gear junkie's wet dream. Head to toe we were measured and kitted up with everything you would need for full on battle. Helmet, ballistic vest which, by the way, has 2 super heavy trauma plates as well as a vest that goes over top for all of the other stuff you are required to carry...ie ammunition etc. There is so much stuff that we are issued 2 giant duffel bags and a huge foot locker box for shipping. All of the gear barely fits inside. And it's effin heavy (sorry kids).

The uniforms are tan in colour and some of the safety kit (helmets, vests etc.) are only used here for training and we are to receive our proper battle gear once in theatre. The BDUs (battle dress uniforms) we are currently wearing on base are getting a lot of looks from the army types as we are new here. Well that, and everyone else is in green camo. Overall, the uniforms are starting to take shape. The first day was rough with loose threads and wrinkly uniforms but already on the second day wearing them, they're starting to pull together. We actually look pretty unified!

We have arrived at CFB Petawawa and have started our training. Gas mask training was no problem except we had to actually decontaminate ourselves with some really slimy liquid which we rubbed all over...a bit of a mess but fun!


Today we had simulated weapons training...what a hoot! Basically, we fired a course of fire with laser guns which actually feel and perform like the real thing using CO2. It's like a glorified video game. We actually went full auto for some kicks and I got to fire while laying on my back and upside down. (I actually shot better that way...how does THAT happen?)


We are pressing on, learning more and more about one another and the bonds of friendship have already started to grow. It's funny how you get to know friends by spending every waking moment with strangers.
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4 comments:

  1. ShannonAugust 12, 2010 at 10:35 PM

    Sounds like already it's been the experience of a lifetime and you haven't even left the country yet! We miss you and hope you are keeping well.

    ReplyDelete
  2. ShannonAugust 12, 2010 at 10:36 PM

    P.S, let us know what you want in your care package and where we can send it when you get overseas

    ReplyDelete
  3. DaigleAugust 14, 2010 at 11:58 PM

    JT,

    Godspeed my friend.

    MD.

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousAugust 16, 2010 at 10:51 PM

    anita : i"m worried about u already! maternal instincts i guess keep keeping us all posted. god bless

    ReplyDelete

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