Waiting For Explosions In The Graveyard Of Empires
After a chilly pre-dawn flight all over Helmand province on a CH-53 Super Stallion that leaked hydraulic fluid all over the passengers, I arrived at Camp Leatherneck for what I optimistically hoped would be a quick stay to get my expiring ID card renewed.
I was wrong.
After a 2 hour wait at the flightline (my boss thought I was getting a ride from the unit liaison, I thought he was going to get me.) I finally got a lift to the ID card office. There was no line, and one guy inside who was getting his card handed to him, almost done. I was sharply informed that "We don't see anyone without an appointment!" and "You have to make your appointment online!", then handed a web address. Making an appointment while I was bloody standing there apparently was too much of a leap. And the website helpfully informed me that the next appointment was in a week. On Saturday.
I'd packed for 2, 3 days tops. For what will in all likelihood be a 30 minute appointment. A weeks stay would be awkward to say the least. I can barely check my work mail, and cannot consult my most used chart of all bad guys in my area as its saved locally on my computer at FOB Hanson, and the borrowed one I'm using here doesn't even have that program anyhow.
Also, just for additional fun, this is the same base that was attacked by a Taliban suicide squad back in September. The one that managed to wreck a bundle of Marine Corps Harriers, and then die. So we know we're a target, the biggest base in the province. I wouldn't be surprised if the tried again, to likely even less effect. They are not very good at this, surprisingly. I expected a lot more from these guys, considering this place has been guerrilla war central for thirty years.
This is also the same base complex where HRH Leftenant Windsor is stationed at the moment, over on the UK portion named Camp Bastion. I waved as I drove past last time.
But nothing to do now but wait and kill time until Saturday. Waiting for any interesting booms or bangs. And remember past armies in this place. It still makes me laugh heartily that in the most current incarnation of Holmes and Watson on the BBC, 'Sherlock', it is still perfectly possible in a modern day setting for Doctor Watson to have the exact same backstory: medical-retirement from the British Army due to combat injuries sustained fighting Afghans in Maiwand District. Nothing ever changes.
I was wrong.
After a 2 hour wait at the flightline (my boss thought I was getting a ride from the unit liaison, I thought he was going to get me.) I finally got a lift to the ID card office. There was no line, and one guy inside who was getting his card handed to him, almost done. I was sharply informed that "We don't see anyone without an appointment!" and "You have to make your appointment online!", then handed a web address. Making an appointment while I was bloody standing there apparently was too much of a leap. And the website helpfully informed me that the next appointment was in a week. On Saturday.
I'd packed for 2, 3 days tops. For what will in all likelihood be a 30 minute appointment. A weeks stay would be awkward to say the least. I can barely check my work mail, and cannot consult my most used chart of all bad guys in my area as its saved locally on my computer at FOB Hanson, and the borrowed one I'm using here doesn't even have that program anyhow.
Also, just for additional fun, this is the same base that was attacked by a Taliban suicide squad back in September. The one that managed to wreck a bundle of Marine Corps Harriers, and then die. So we know we're a target, the biggest base in the province. I wouldn't be surprised if the tried again, to likely even less effect. They are not very good at this, surprisingly. I expected a lot more from these guys, considering this place has been guerrilla war central for thirty years.
This is also the same base complex where HRH Leftenant Windsor is stationed at the moment, over on the UK portion named Camp Bastion. I waved as I drove past last time.
But nothing to do now but wait and kill time until Saturday. Waiting for any interesting booms or bangs. And remember past armies in this place. It still makes me laugh heartily that in the most current incarnation of Holmes and Watson on the BBC, 'Sherlock', it is still perfectly possible in a modern day setting for Doctor Watson to have the exact same backstory: medical-retirement from the British Army due to combat injuries sustained fighting Afghans in Maiwand District. Nothing ever changes.