I have been in Kabul for a few days now and an underlying theme of the visit, both from what I've observed, been told, and is apparent from our guest lecturers is that "Kabul Is Not Afghanistan." First the cosmetic. When you fly in, it really is apparent that you are flying into a city. You see the poor, shanty like villages, that mark any urban area around the world. But you also see modern looking office and apartment buildings and one structure that glowed through the night (I asked and most likely a wedding hall). The people are different -- younger, more urban. The Afghans who lectured us were younger, wore suits instead of traditional Afghan "man jams," and often were clean shaven. Most hysterically to me, they had PowerPoint presentations. Of all the things we are trying to influence, improve, and import -- why the PowerPoint!
More seriously, progress on security, development/the economy, education/literacy, and just about everything the international community is pushing for as we move towards transition are light years ahead in Kabul from even the provincial capitals around the country. This makes Kabul a nice place to visit (we went hiking!). But it also quickly apparent why there is sometimes such a disconnect between both GIRoA and CF leaders/policymakers and what is happening at the provincial and district level -- or "in the field" as we have repeatedly been told (NOTE: from my perspective I am deployed to a combat zone; the terminology "in the field" to me is more akin to academia and research). This issue is not unique to Afghanistan. How often do you hear people in the U.S. decry "Washington" and the idea that they have no understanding of the problems of the average American. But I do think it speaks to the current and future challenges of the country. I am not doing a very good job of organizing my thoughts on this as I just spit something out in a few minutes. As an example, one of the Ambassadors that came to talk to us cited a survey in which people in Kabul listed security as the biggest problem nationwide. In the districts, people listed security 7th after jobs, electricity, roads, and a few other issues. More to follow on this...
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Friday, April 6, 2012
On the Move...
I am out of my "home" province for a week or so to link up with my fellow ROLFSOs in Kabul and hopefully learn a thing or two about the greater RoL mission. The last couple days have been a little surreal which means I have definitely adapted to conditions at the FOB/COPs I live at. For one I flew on a civilian aircraft without my kit. Whoa. Secondly strolling around BAF was a sense of freedom I haven't had in a few months. I had Green Beans twice just for Sarah. A run might be in order on the way back. It is also strange to see so many AF generally and then the fact that they are in ABUs. (Side note to all the pilots -- March is over, get rid of the molestaches) I showed up at my home for the week today to find signs that say the water is "potable." I'm not sure what to make of this. Fairly certain I will continue to brush my teeth with bottled water.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
TOA
TOA (transfer of authority) was last weekend in my AO. It was hard to say goodbye to new friends that I have worked with and gotten to know over the last few months as they slowly left the FOBs and COPs for home. I'm not sure what they were nervous about more when they found out I was coming in December -- that I was female, in the AF, or a JAG. And yet somehow I fit into the shop better than they or I could have imagined. So a few shout outs to the boys (who I don't believe have any idea this blog exists):
- JH- Thanks for being like a big brother -- and occasional secretary! As easy going as they come and perfect for your role out here. Always with a quick retort. You definitely helped me adjust to Army more than anyone.
- DP- Get some sun! Thanks for our morning runs there at the end. Don't become too cool to keep in touch with a ROLFFA out there in LA/MBA land.
- JC- Reintegrate or die! I always thought flexibility was the key to air power. You showed me it's the key to being a good officer too. From rear D, to S-3 planner, to SKRV development strategist, to company commander in a matter of months.
- EH- Always level-headed, pragmatic, and with great insight on the day's events -- and I don't think it's just the voice. You have given me great perspective and helped me stick with the long game through my first deployment.
- DP/Combat- Just so we're clear on the northeast Ohio rankings: 1) Hudson, 2) Medina, 3) North Canton.
- JH- Thanks for the exercise ball -- everyone is jealous of my "chair" and it has made me a good couple inches taller. Be kind to the AF folks at Eglin!
All military careers intersect in DC, so I hope to work with you all again some day. If you're ever in NE Ohio, remember no one knows what a ROLFFA is, but the name "Maimona" might get you a free beer or two at Beef O'Brady's.
Perhaps the greatest compliment I received during the farewells was from the battalion commander who told me that it would have been pretty easy for me to come in and say effectively that while I am assigned in his AO, I'm not part of his staff, etc. and go about my work in a more isolated fashion. But instead that I integrated into his staff seamlessly. This is true and it would have been a mistake to isolate myself -- professionally and personally. One of the biggest challenges I have seen over here is managing all the "enablers," people like me on the military and civilian side that are working in something other than a combat or logistics role. We are working in gov/dev, RoL, mentoring ANSF, etc. We come from all branches of the military, DoS, USAID, and I could go on and on. Managing efforts collectively is a challenge. As I have given introductions during BFC the last few weeks with the incoming unit, I tell them that I essentially have three chains I work through: 1) my actual deployed chain of command, NROLFSM, 2) the BSO, and 3) DoS. My no kidding chain of command is a given. I am lucky enough that the prior battalion commander and new both treat me as part of their staff and I am happy to be able to work on their priorities. And finally my counterpart at provincial works for DoS and has been in country for nearly 2.5 years so it would be foolish not to align with the phenomenal work he has been doing. And can't forget my AF chain of command that will get me a flight out of country when I'm done! I've started to ramble a bit...but bottom line is I think key to success when you're in my position as an enabler/individual augmentee/whatever you want to call it...is to remain flexible, work hard, collaborate with anyone and everyone, and push to do what makes sense!
- JH- Thanks for being like a big brother -- and occasional secretary! As easy going as they come and perfect for your role out here. Always with a quick retort. You definitely helped me adjust to Army more than anyone.
- DP- Get some sun! Thanks for our morning runs there at the end. Don't become too cool to keep in touch with a ROLFFA out there in LA/MBA land.
- JC- Reintegrate or die! I always thought flexibility was the key to air power. You showed me it's the key to being a good officer too. From rear D, to S-3 planner, to SKRV development strategist, to company commander in a matter of months.
- EH- Always level-headed, pragmatic, and with great insight on the day's events -- and I don't think it's just the voice. You have given me great perspective and helped me stick with the long game through my first deployment.
- DP/Combat- Just so we're clear on the northeast Ohio rankings: 1) Hudson, 2) Medina, 3) North Canton.
- JH- Thanks for the exercise ball -- everyone is jealous of my "chair" and it has made me a good couple inches taller. Be kind to the AF folks at Eglin!
All military careers intersect in DC, so I hope to work with you all again some day. If you're ever in NE Ohio, remember no one knows what a ROLFFA is, but the name "Maimona" might get you a free beer or two at Beef O'Brady's.
Perhaps the greatest compliment I received during the farewells was from the battalion commander who told me that it would have been pretty easy for me to come in and say effectively that while I am assigned in his AO, I'm not part of his staff, etc. and go about my work in a more isolated fashion. But instead that I integrated into his staff seamlessly. This is true and it would have been a mistake to isolate myself -- professionally and personally. One of the biggest challenges I have seen over here is managing all the "enablers," people like me on the military and civilian side that are working in something other than a combat or logistics role. We are working in gov/dev, RoL, mentoring ANSF, etc. We come from all branches of the military, DoS, USAID, and I could go on and on. Managing efforts collectively is a challenge. As I have given introductions during BFC the last few weeks with the incoming unit, I tell them that I essentially have three chains I work through: 1) my actual deployed chain of command, NROLFSM, 2) the BSO, and 3) DoS. My no kidding chain of command is a given. I am lucky enough that the prior battalion commander and new both treat me as part of their staff and I am happy to be able to work on their priorities. And finally my counterpart at provincial works for DoS and has been in country for nearly 2.5 years so it would be foolish not to align with the phenomenal work he has been doing. And can't forget my AF chain of command that will get me a flight out of country when I'm done! I've started to ramble a bit...but bottom line is I think key to success when you're in my position as an enabler/individual augmentee/whatever you want to call it...is to remain flexible, work hard, collaborate with anyone and everyone, and push to do what makes sense!
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Visit from the Bosses
There are good things happening in my province. And with positive steps forward comes attention from the bosses (NOTE: forward momentum is completely attributable to the work of the Afghans themselves and my DoS counterpart working at provincial...I just hold down the fort out in the districts). I had the good fortune to have not only my commander visit for the second time this month, but a fellow AF JAG come in as well (another woman!). We had a very busy day of meeting with the provincial governor, attending a public trial, Afghan lunch (my stomach has become increasingly strong...), and lots of visits with prosecutors and judges. Here is a picture at the end of the day. The Admiral really is happy, I promise!
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Spring Is Here
Back in the U.S. everyone "sprung forward" about a week ago so that EST is only 8.5 hrs behind me here in Afghanistan. The coming of spring also means a celebration of Nowruz, the Afghan New Year. Happy 1391 everyone! I haven't been able to gather much about what Afghans do for New Year's. Some say it's a two week holiday. Our Provincial Governor said "they only celebrate that in X province" and we went on with the normal battle rhythm schedule. I am most fascinated by Buzkashi http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buzkashi How can you not love a game involving a headless goat?
Spring in Afghanistan makes me miss the U.S. Why? Because the country is becoming even more beautiful and when I'm flying around I think "wouldn't it be great to go tubing down that river or hiking those mountains." And of course I don't have the freedom to do such things. Here are a couple recent pics.
Spring in Afghanistan makes me miss the U.S. Why? Because the country is becoming even more beautiful and when I'm flying around I think "wouldn't it be great to go tubing down that river or hiking those mountains." And of course I don't have the freedom to do such things. Here are a couple recent pics.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Whoaa I'm Halfway There...
Whooooaaa living on a prayer! Stolen from my friend Micah's blog as we both mark the half way point in our deployments. I confess that I have not had Bon Jovi ringing through my head much. Perhaps too much of a throwback to college. Perhaps b/c it's mostly Jack Johnson, country, and island music as the current unit packs up their bags.
I have been slacking on the blog lately. Not because there haven't been things going on to write about. Every day seems to bring a new challenge, crisis (real or imagined), setback, good news story, or humorous "oh to be deployed with the Army" story to write about. Sometimes it's best not to put such things into words in the moment or I am too tired or too frustrated to do so.
Looking at my blog I see my last post was on the heels of the Quran burning incident and 48 hrs ago brought the latest crisis in the tragedy in Kandahar. I have seen it written about in the media as another "incident" following the Quran burning, discussed in terms of the soldier's multiple deployments and TBI suffered in Iraq, and finally as a CIVCAS. I take issue with the last characterization -- civilian casualties are incredibly unfortunate but a part of war when they happen. CF here go to incredible lengths to avoid CIVCAS to the point where you frequently read about joes being hampered because of Commanders/JAGs and their ROEs. This was not a CIVCAS incident, it was a crime.
I had the fortune to have my Commander on the ground for a great meeting with the judicial officials in my province this week. It was a short visit but I was able to catch up with Chief and snap a pic after we got back from patrol before they headed out again.
I have been slacking on the blog lately. Not because there haven't been things going on to write about. Every day seems to bring a new challenge, crisis (real or imagined), setback, good news story, or humorous "oh to be deployed with the Army" story to write about. Sometimes it's best not to put such things into words in the moment or I am too tired or too frustrated to do so.
Looking at my blog I see my last post was on the heels of the Quran burning incident and 48 hrs ago brought the latest crisis in the tragedy in Kandahar. I have seen it written about in the media as another "incident" following the Quran burning, discussed in terms of the soldier's multiple deployments and TBI suffered in Iraq, and finally as a CIVCAS. I take issue with the last characterization -- civilian casualties are incredibly unfortunate but a part of war when they happen. CF here go to incredible lengths to avoid CIVCAS to the point where you frequently read about joes being hampered because of Commanders/JAGs and their ROEs. This was not a CIVCAS incident, it was a crime.
I had the fortune to have my Commander on the ground for a great meeting with the judicial officials in my province this week. It was a short visit but I was able to catch up with Chief and snap a pic after we got back from patrol before they headed out again.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Dog Days of Deployment
I am soundly in the heart of my deployment now and I will say that with the current environment over here, it's starting to feel like groundhog day. I had some pretty good momentum going with the work that I'm doing and then things have just ground to a halt over the course of the last 10 days. And when you're deployed and not busy and being underutilized, well the days really do drag. So I have had the Florence and the Machine song stuck in my head for the past day. Not a bad song to have stuck in your head. Also Total Eclipse of the Heart starting to creep in (not for blog back story).
I am hoping things will return to a "normal" battle rhythm in the short term. Here is the latest:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/us-probe-of-koran-burning-finds-5-soldiers-responsible-afghan-clerics-demand-public-trial/2012/03/02/gIQAwJqYmR_story.html
As I have thought about this today and the discussions of accidental v. intentional and read about apologizing v. not apologizing as well as what, if any, punishment the soldiers involved should receive, I've tried to go back to my own legal training and compare it to what I have seen of the Afghan legal system. In criminal law you have strict liability offenses in which there is no mental state requirement to be found culpable of having wrongfully committed the act -- think minor crimes and infractions like parking tickets. For more serious crimes you have to have the requisite mens rea (guilty mind) to be found culpable -- whether it's intentional, knowledge, or recklessness. The way Afghans view infractions appears to be premised on strict liability -- the act happened, therefore the person that carried out the act is guilty of X infraction. Just food for thought. Lots of time to think about these things right now.
I am hoping things will return to a "normal" battle rhythm in the short term. Here is the latest:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/us-probe-of-koran-burning-finds-5-soldiers-responsible-afghan-clerics-demand-public-trial/2012/03/02/gIQAwJqYmR_story.html
As I have thought about this today and the discussions of accidental v. intentional and read about apologizing v. not apologizing as well as what, if any, punishment the soldiers involved should receive, I've tried to go back to my own legal training and compare it to what I have seen of the Afghan legal system. In criminal law you have strict liability offenses in which there is no mental state requirement to be found culpable of having wrongfully committed the act -- think minor crimes and infractions like parking tickets. For more serious crimes you have to have the requisite mens rea (guilty mind) to be found culpable -- whether it's intentional, knowledge, or recklessness. The way Afghans view infractions appears to be premised on strict liability -- the act happened, therefore the person that carried out the act is guilty of X infraction. Just food for thought. Lots of time to think about these things right now.
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