On The Road Again

Today I traveled to a far flung little outpost about 150 miles from Bagram. I went to deliver some training materials, do a meet and greet of the leadership there, as well as identify their needs against what I can provide for them. It was a generally productive trip, although it took all day (0200-1845).

This trip was special in that it was the first mission off-base I've been on this deployment. My job does not provide for me to get off base that much, so much planning is required on my part to do so, and not just for "good times" but for legitimate needs.

This was also different because we traveled by ground convoy one of the more dangerous routes in our sector. It is dangerous not only due to the IED and RPG (Rocket Propelled Grenade, or a shoulder fired missile) threat, but also because it goes thru an insane series of twists and turns, called switchbacks, and has a very steep and sheer drop of the side of the road, at some points over 1500 feet straight down. The roads are narrow, and 100% focus is needed in order to prevent a catastrophe.

It is a very different perspective to go on a mission with time to think about it. I was rather uneasy about it beforehand, which is very unusual for me. However, I think that's based on the difference between rolling as a responder and doing a planned movement. When on call, there's already a crisis, I'm hyped up because I've only had 15 minutes before we're out the door, and I'm full aware I'm going to a serious and potentially deadly scenario, which could end badly everytime. With this, the focus is altered, and I find myself not liking being on the other end, although familiarity with the routes, and where the threats are helps ease my mind.

It is unlikely I will be heading off the base with any frequency, but I do plan to travel about once a month, or once every 6 weeks. I do have need to visit outlying locations, and air travel is not always practical. Also, if I stay behind a desk, I grow stale, and when I'm managing the tactical operations, it is important I not only understand the mission first hand, but I understand the Soldiers executing the mission as well.

Our 5-6 hour drive each way was uneventful, although we did see some interesting sights. One the way back to Bagram, our truck's AC and fan died right at the start, so we sweated and drank lots of water the entire way back. Since it was a high threat area, we stayed buttoned up the whole way. When we dismounted after arriving at Bagram, a thick cloud of steam rolled out the back of the truck when it met the significantly cooler nighttime air. It made me laugh.

I'm feeling a little tired after today, and ran for a short distance this evening. I had to move a bit after sitting stagnant in a truck for 11 hours today, but it was a very short distance. I'll resume my normal regimen tomorrow. For now, it is late and time for bed. Until next time...