An ANA soldier sits guard on packs that will be used by the new recruits for the day's activities. Select this photo for a closer look at what each soldier lugs around in 100-plus degree heat. (Photo by G. A. Volb)
Following a hard morning of work outs, the recruits head to "chow" where bread, muffins and other "goodies" await them -- all made in this facility. Select the photo for a closer look at the fires burning below. (Photo by G. A. Volb)
At 4:30 a.m. the recruits fell out for a nice 30-minute runn. Here an ANA instructor stands by, watch in hand, to track the recruits times. (Photo by G. A. Volb)Back in 1983 I joined the USAF as a young college dropout. Having spent the better part of two years in the game room at my local state university, I had finally determined it was best to get a job and cut my losses. Either that or wait for the Dean to up the ante and move for dismissal as I was already on academic probation at the time.
I had "earned" a very unimpressive 2.00 GPA, with about half of my credits falling below the cutoff for transfer to any other university.
Anyway, the move was the right one though basic training was quite an interesting time of my life. I grew up a bit then and, this past week, had the opportunity to watch as young Afghans who made the same decision headed out for a day of basic training ANA style.
It was 4:30 a.m. when I arrived at the training camp ... the ANA was making their way out to the track for about 30 minutes of running. A good choice I thought given the 100 degree heat in the afternoon.
Anyway, the photography provided offers a few examples of what that training day looked like. Believe me, I wasn't missing any of it.
In a completely unrelated story, it was so hot here today I singed the bottoms of my feet on the steel walkway outside my piece of paradise.
