Day 91: Boom!

ANA prepare to enter a "home" for a search during training. (Photo by G. A. Volb)

As his comrades secure his back, one ANA peaks out from his cover to check on things. (Photo by G. A. Volb)

Once inside the outer perimeter, the team prepares to enter the interior of the "house." (Photo by G. A. Volb)

On Monday an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) went off just down the road from the "cubicle" I call home. As soon as I scraped myself off the roof of my kingdom, I ran outside to see what had happened.

The plume of smoke rose off in the distance ... it looked like it was set off on our side of JBad road (Jalalabad road) just on the other side of the camp. In reality it was about 1,300 meters away, but on a road we all travel quite often.

You might have seen the news reports of the suicide car bomber who hit a British convoy here in Kabul; well, that was it. The convoy left our base only minutes earlier, but that's life here. Each day you're reminded that you may end up in the wrong place at the wrong time. In this case, a suicide car bomber found a convoy to sacrifice himself near in hopes it would take out coalition troops.

The truth is, however, that in most cases, as was the case here, these attacks kill or maim many more innocent Afghans than coalition. This, somehow, remains out of focus in the news.

Anyway, yesterday being Wednesday I ventured out to the ranges again. The ANA was holding training to include small arms tactics and house-to-house searches.

They are still new to the business of building a professional army, though five years into it. But I see promise if only in the numbers themselves. Hundreds each week are brought in; some look like they're 12 while others look as old as me --- many though join to serve their country, which is a good thing.

Today was massage day, an hour of physical therapy that offers enough relaxation I can plant myself in some exotic local, if only for a short time. I've noticed I'm up to 219lbs now. It's not sloppy though, which is the goal. In fact, I'm looking to hit 225 before long. We'll see how that goes.

Day 78: Countering IEDs

An ANA troop following the instructions of counter IED instructor Brandon Williams. Select the photo for a better view of the tank in the background. (Photo by G. A. Volb)

Training on the range takes place among old Russian ruins. Select this photo to see what the concrete sign says just prior to the bridge. (Photo by G. A. Volb)

Students learn how to search suspicious cars. (Photo by G. A. Volb)

I had the opportunity to spend a few days with the new counter IED classes being held here. It's pretty explanatory, but learning how to detect and react to possible IEDs when out on missions or during everyday ANA activity is crucial.

I give the ANA troops a lot of credit for stepping up to the plate with regards to such matters. It takes quite a lot of courage to actively search out and cordon off IEDs no doubt. 

To help them out, there are contractors with EOD and counter IED backgrounds sharing their insight. This includes the flags that should alert them to possible attacks or areas that may have been compromised.

The photos here were taken during such training on ranges nearby. I won't go into specifics for obvious reasons -- wouldn't want the game plan to get out, but suffice it to say it's nice to know they have a leg up on it all.

It's humid here today, has been for the last week. Feels like Florida to me. As I jug down a pot of green tea, I'm glad we have air conditioning ... sometimes.

I bought a nice multi system TV recently with a very good picture. I live off of movies, late runs of baseball games and shows from various outlets back home. Tonight's steak and lobster at the dining facility.

Day 13: A quiet Friday

Temperatures reached 100 degrees here; it was a dry heat though, so it wasn't too bad.

There were no events to speak of from insurgents. And yesterday's gate explosion was, in fact, a self detonation by security troops who discovered a car parked in the wrong area for too long. You can never be too careful.

I see that the Lakers are headed back to the finals ... being from the East Coast, I'll have to pull for the Celtics. I'd like to see KG win a ring, he's been a class act his entire career and deserves it.

Laundry in this heat isn't fun, but it does tend to get dry quick. I did the entire set in an hour.

In the distance I could finally hear prayers over the loud speakers. I'm used to that having spent two years in Turkey. At the time, my dog would sit and stare off into the distance towards the mineretts and howl ... as if he were praying along.

My diet is a challenge as I'm taking in what I would consider "junk" food -- there's no salmon, brown rice, wheat pastas etc. So I make due with what's left and try to watch the calories.

Tonight I'm working my abs at the gym. I can feel they need work.

And I'm back on my green tea and protein shake ritual; and it would be great if I could ad some red fruits to the mix. That will have to wait though and I gry to get a little more settled here.

I find myself wiping dirt from my face quite often as it tends to swirl about here. I even bought seven or eight scarvs from vendors. That way I can wrap them around my head like locals to keep such mess out of my eyes and mouth. Or at least try.

Day 10-12: Coordinated attack day (Day 12)

Hey, the Internet here was down for a couple of days so I'll catch up quick. Tuesday and Wednesday (days 10 and 11) were uneventful.

Thursday (day 12) was the day one Army sergeant warned me about: "Coordinated attack day."

We had three IEDs/suicide attacks all within a short driving distance of our compound ... and at least two of the areas I've visited several times over the last 12 days.

There's a saying that goes around here: "When it's your time, it's your time." So the idea is not to think about the danger much and go on about life, while keeping both eyes and ears open. In this particular case or cases, the bombers managed to kill or wound many God fearing Afghans --- and little else. They seem bent on indiscriminate killing of men, women and children. Their means are to what ends I don't know. I'm quite certain that as a typical man, I wouldn't be swayed to their side of the fence via similar tactics. Maybe scared into keeping quiet and low key, but never really on their side.

And it's a proven fact that you'll never, ever succeed in assimilating a culture or at least enjoying them as an ally unless you earn their trust and hearts. And that, my friends, isn't easy. But we have to stay focused. This isn't a sprint to the finish, it's a marathon. I hope the coalition has the strength of will to see it through.

Update: A fourth explosion took place following the initial posting; I have yet to receive any further information, but the location was the entrance to "Paradise East." My affectionate name for home base.