Location, Location, Location...Location?

From FOB Walton to Camp Julien (Kabul) to the Canadian Embassy (Kabul) back to FOB Walton to our new digs at the JRAC (Joint Afghan Regional Command).

In a matter of weeks I have settled into my work at Walton, traveled to Kabul for a Counter Insurgency Shura (meeting) at Camp Julien and visited the Canadian Embassy before returning to Walton to pack up and move to the JRAC.

Kabul. The capitol city. Absolute madness. But more on that in a minute.

So, about a week ago I found myself back on a Canadian Hercules headed north to Kabul with one of my mentees and another high-ranking officer of the ANP alongside my CIVPOL partner. It didn’t take long for the novelty of the Hercules cargo seating to officially wear off. I think my butt is STILL numb.

We were to attend a Counter Insurgency (COIN) Shura there at Camp Julien (an American-run base on the outskirts of Kabul City). The meeting involved all of the country’s regional commands, who were to discuss tactics, techniques and procedures related to battling the Insurgency. Riveting for all of you readers, I know. But that’s not the cool part.

Camp Julien is located near 2 palaces that belonged to King Amamullah Khan and his Queen, Soraya of Afghanistan during the 1920s. The King’s Palace named Darul Aman means “Abode of Peace” which is ironic because, after suffering several violent fires, it was finally destroyed by the Soviet versus Mujahideen conflict in the 1990s.

The Queen’s Palace is named Tajbeg Palace. It was the target of the Soviet invasion where Spetnaz soldiers assassinated the Afghan President in 1979 before becoming the Soviet Headquarters. This place has been totally bombed out after 3 decades of war.


Both palaces are currently in ruins and off limits to the general public; A rule which is not enforced very well as I saw children playing in and around the King’s Palace and a load of vandalism/art inside the Queen’s Palace.



During one of our breaks in the day our group was escorted up to the Queen’s Palace where we were free to wander around, take pictures, risk our lives… The entire place felt like it was ready to collapse around us. But that just made it more exciting! I was impressed with the architecture of the buildings being that they were initially designed in the 1920s. Check out the copper bathtub and the hand painted tiles!

A fellow CIVPOL officer assigned to the Canadian Embassy came to Camp Julien to pick us up in an up-armoured 4-Runner SUV so we could visit and eat and drink at the Embassy. Our friend showed up in full fighting order with a baby-faced Afghan driver named Safi. We strapped on our gear and climbed into the backseat of the truck ready to make the drive downtown.

The drive started off tame enough as dusk was upon us. Soon we found ourselves in downtown rush hour, in the dark, with at least 8 lanes of traffic moving in all directions. Our driver negotiated the perilous congestion with ease and confidence. We saw car accidents, flat tires and pedestrians struck. Toronto traffic is a kiss compared to this.

As he wheeled into oncoming traffic, through a bus shelter and over curbs he told us of his training. “We drive so we don’t have to stop. We don’t stop so you don’t get kidnapped”. Pretty basic concept I’d say. Okay Safi! Drive on.


As we touched down at he Embassy we met a few other colleagues and sat down for a nice proper dinner with metal utensils and everything! The food was great but not as good as the Corona! Oh no thank you, sir. Well, if you insist. Be rude not to…



The Shura wrapped the next day and we went on our merry way back to FOB Walton to prepare for our big move to the JRAC.

So y’all remember the picture of my nice comfy, PRIVATE room made of wood panels? Ya…I don’t live there anymore.

Upon my return to the FOB the order came down from the ANP Commander that we would be making the move to the new facility by month’s end. Of course, the mentor team had to be there before our ANP counterparts to assist with their seamless transition. Seamless...are you sensing sarcasm? Good.

Next Adventure: The JRAC !