The weather in Dubai got up to 54 degrees Celsius on our second last day and that isn’t hot apparently.
Three and a half hours later and a really numb bum we touched down at KAF met by the CIVPOL entourage who preceded us a few months prior. From there we were whisked to our rooms, unpacked, issued security passes and had our passports stamped! All while hitting Tim Horton’s, which, like back home is constantly lined up.
All of this didn’t happen quite as quickly as it sounds. Things here get done ENSHALLA (if God wills it).
KAF is a very busy base which shocked me initially. There are literally thousands of Americans there as they have taken over operations. The U.S. military machine is truly impressive.
Kandahar Air Field is the Middle East dust capitol of the world. Everyone on our team was afflicted with runny noses, allergic reactions and the coveted KAF cough. The beige talcum powder gets everywhere…I mean EVERYWHERE !
After a few days at KAF things started to really get cool. We had to move to Camp Nathan Smith by BLACKHAWK helicopters !!! The tactical flight path was an awesome experience as we rocked back and forth and followed the contours of the terrain!
Moving Day. I found out on one of my last days at CNS I was going to have a job change. My job at the Regional Training Centre had gone to someone else and I was to be posted at Forward Operating Base Walton. My new job is mentoring senior officers of the Afghan National Police in the Criminal Investigations Division.
On the 20th of September we mounted up in full PPE (personal protective equipment) also known as battle gear, headed over to the Canadian Forces convoy briefing before we hitched a ride to Forward Operating Base Walton.
Our first drive into Kandahar City was a little ominous but our faith in the force protection of the Canadian military gave us confidence that we would arrive safely. A 15 minute drive took about 50 minutes as intelligence came in that we should change up our planned route due to possible IEDs on the original map.
We arrived at FOB Walton without incident, were offloaded in a hurry and the convoy pressed on to KAF with the remainder of the passengers.
After stripping off the heavy armour we had a quick briefing and settled into our temporary quarters. I found myself in a tent with 8 Canadian military men, those who’ll be responsible for my safety when outside the wire (A good group of guys to get to know).
FOB Walton is very austere. Take M*A*S*H* and make it just a little dirtier, a little messier and a lot more populated.
But more on that later.
Keep the posts I want to hear about your adventure it makes the trouble in Afghan very real to us civilians...just stay safe and get to know those that will protect you...love you, be safe...Aunt Glo
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear from you JT. Keep safe so wen can indulge in a few adult beverages on your return.
ReplyDeleteWayne
Miss you in our TPS family Jay... be safe and know that we are thinking of you!!
ReplyDeleteYuji
The dust in Afghanistan is something to experience, that is for sure. I remember lots of coughs the first couple nights we were there. We were told that 30% of the dust in Kabul was human feces! No joke. It's a crazy place. Be safe.
ReplyDeleteDrew
Spinny,
ReplyDeleteWe're missing you, and toasting Corona. Proud of you, but please continue to be safe. No baby news...yet.
keep the posts coming!!!!
JP N VISS