A Day in the Life

How does the saying go? There's no life like it. As I have recently discovered that statement is absolutely true. I have been in theater for one month and have pretty much adjusted to army life at Forward Operating Base Walton which is located very near Kandahar City. It also has the reputation of being among the most austere places that CIVPOL officers have the pleasure of residing. Lucky me!

Things are motoring right along, my living arrangements changed from living with the Canadian Forces guys in a large tent to my suite in a 4 bedroom condo building.
Are you sensing the sarcasm? At first glance things look rough to the untrained eye but if you were here you'd appreciate the quality of the living quarters compared to that of the Afghan people in and around Kandahar City. Besides, it just takes a little time to get used to.

My role here at FOB Walton is to mentor 3 high ranking officials of the Regional Headquarters named 404 Maiwand. It's realm of responsibility covers the southern provinces of Afghanistan. I am currently mentoring the Chiefs of Counter Narcotics, Counter Terrorism and DIAG (Disarm Insurgents and Armed Groups)...okay! Maybe I am working a little above my pay grade but I'm just following orders!

Most days I don't go outside the wire because RHQ is attached to FOB Walton. It's a leisurely walk up a slight hill to an air conditioned office where we sip on Chai tea and work on improving the Afghan National Police in a variety ways including communications, logistics and manpower.

Even though mentoring is a key factor in empowering the A.N.P. to become self sufficient it is not what I envisioned for myself over here. That being said, I have really enjoyed getting to know some of the Afghan people on a personal level. I am amazed at their tenacity, patience and generosity. They welcome us into their offices, which are basically their homes for a lot of them, offer us MORE Chai tea and allow us to critique and advise them on everything from investigations to report writing. Believe me, it's humbling when a 30 year veteran of the Afghan National Police asks a 10 year guy from Canada the best way to deal with a situation.

Some of the local kids manage to get in to the base and hang out in the commons area where they get a healthy diet of sugar before heading home to their village just outside the wall. I'm sure their parents are thrilled to get them back all jacked up on Coke and cookies! This young man is a local boy who is deaf. He sits on my lap and plays on the computer a bit and basically, follows me around the camp all day. He is a very smart kid but I am afraid, given his circumstances, he won't fair very well in the future. Let's just hope he continues to see us as "the good guys".


FOB Walton is an American run base with a D-FAC (dining facility) that feeds the troops here in typical U.S. Army fashion. Although it's improving as the base grows, the food selection is largely high calorie in order to keep the young U.S. troops high in energy...not so good for a 41 year old metabolism! At lunch I generally eat at the RHQ Afghan D-FAC which serves naan bread,rice, a small portion of chicken or beef, a few veggies and an apple on a stainless steel tray. Ev-er-y day. The food is really quite good. The presentation...not so much. For those of you who know me and my (previous) eating habits, you would NEVER expect me to be downing this stuff. Quality food is a luxury for the Afghan people, so I try to eat as much as I can when in their company. When you push a cooked fly and a worm out of your rice and continue to eat, nobody can ever call you "Picky Jay" again! Just sayin'

A few other things you may be interested in knowing is that I am working with the Canadian Forces OMLT (Operations Mentor Liaison Team). These guys are made up of Reg Force (Royal Canadian Dragoons) and Reservists from all over Canada. I can honestly say every one of them are good, decent guys I could drink a Corona with...mmmmmm...Corona!!!

One thing I have learned being on mission so far is that things change. For example, the job I have now is the 3rd job I was told I'd be doing. I don't expect to spend my entire time in theater mentoring the Regional Headquarters staff but ya never know.

After one month, I am generally healthy, mostly happy and enjoying the experience. There are days when I'm brushing my teeth with warm bottled water (always hated that) that I think to myself I could be headed to Chatham for my nephew Hayden's birthday or driving west along the 401 for Thanksgiving dinner or going to the Tecumseh Secondary School Reunion!! *sigh* But then I just shrug my shoulders, spit and head into work!