I have been here in
Afghanistan now for nine months and have moved around primarily between the
three Southern Provinces of Kandahar, Uruzgan and Helmand, on this particular deployment
over here, I have split my time between Tarin Kowt and Camp Bastion and, I can
tell you, I really can’t wait to get home to Ireland in a few weeks to see my
family and friends and walk around freely for 3 weeks-
Lots of people ask about what the
experience is like working in this environment, and it can be hard to describe
but I will attempt it.....
First of all, your daily
experience is working within Military Bases where your normal freedoms do not
exist to the same extent as they do back home any longer, as you must
appreciate that you are under the protection of a Military Force that is at war
and does not have the support of the native population living here. This involves carrying identity
cards at all times, observing curfews, observing entry control rules in and out
of bases. This process is very understandable given the well reported attacks,
protests etc. that have been well reported in recent weeks both here in Helmand
and also over in Kandahar, very sad an regrettable events that only increases
each sides mis-trust in eachother.
I have experienced on a number
of occasions, when there has been a heightened alert status, which can be
stressful as on this occasions, is the “not-knowing” that can be most
distressing. These can be events that last 20 minutes to maybe 5 days !
There is also an aspect of
being confined that is also worth noting, as Westerner working as a civilian
Contractor, you generally do not go outside the Base, well I don’t anyway,
though some do obviously but only with the required security involved. Being
confined to the same area whilst big enough can become claustrophobic as for
example, you can’t just “go for a walk in the woods” to clear your head , so
that be an issue and can take some getting used to.
Routine becomes essential,
getting up at a regular time every day, eating at regular times, long working
hours are a big part of the lifestyle that can both help you but also drain you,
and I have found that it is only when you go out on leave, that you take a deep
breath and appreciate how exhausted you really are as when you are here, you
are always “on” and always alert.
There is also of course an
opportunity to work with Afghans , who are of course essential to any construction
activities here, for supplies, logistics and labour. I have found this the most
interesting part and have got to know some pretty well who will speak openly
about their damaged land and the massive effort that it will take to rebuild
the country, they will speak about their children, how they wish for the best
for them and their education and their hopes for the future. It has given me a
chance to understand their culture a little better. They do have some way to
come here in terms of education and rebuilding but I have absolutely no doubt
they have the knowledge and ability to do so despite the huge challenges. More
than Thirty years of conflict and many power struggles from different politic
and religious beliefs have left a lot of divisions here that will take many years
to heal, but my experience of Afghan people is of warm welcoming people,
focussed on their families, though like any culture there are unfortunately
those who spoil it for others.
Obviously, the most
challenging of all is being away from home for long periods, when I get home, I
will have been away for 16 weeks which is tough , and there is no way, a Skype
Call can replace that (that’s assuming it works !),
Simple stuff can be the most
cherished, having a meal at home, chatting with Laura, tucking the boys in at
night, comforting them when there’s a problem, helping them with homework or
just a good old “mess-fight” with Dad when they can have the pleasure of beating 10 colours of
“shite” out of me , simple but glorious things !
