My Sudden Trip To Afghanistan (Re-Posted)
November 2010 - there was a message on my voicemail that went something like "This is the department of national defense, can you call us back" . Wow - first thing I thought was I wonder what I'm in trouble for - maybe we hired a terrorist in one of our companies. I took a deep breath and called them back. To my surprise, the gentleman on the other end said that they are looking for 5 "influential" businesspeople from across Canada and they were going to take them to Kandahar, Afghanistan for a week. How could I resist ... so I went and spent a week in the middle of the war in Afghanistan.
So what did I see...
There were over 80,000 military personnel from different countries of the world in what is affectionately called KAF - Kandahar Air Force Base. I spent most of my time with the Canadian Military and, I have to say, I was impressed with their professionalism, their training and the quality of their personnel. Every year, I interview dozens of people for different roles. I saw 25 year olds at KAF that displayed qualities of leadership and work ethic that I seldom see when I interview for our business.
I saw that the the focus of the military was to help rebuild a nation - a nation with over 28 million people. This is not just rhetoric...they are doing their best. It is a complex situation that will require time.
It's the ECONOMY - I believe it is no different there as it is here - people stop fighting if they are working. Building some sort of economy is important in Afghanistan. Not a big economy like what we have, just a little one to help people get going. The more that happens, the less fighting. As a result, I believe the current strategy is the right one - nation building. I just hope the military is given enough time to accomplish what they are supposed to.
People are people - we all laugh, cry, bleed, love, hate, dream ... it does not matter if you are from Afghanistan, or Zimbabwe, Auckland or Vancouver. Different motivations and cultures, sure.
But then again, what do I know...I am just a guy making my way in this world.
Below are a few pics of the trip...
There is actually a Tim Horton's doughnut store (a Canadian Institution) at the base - doghnuts fresh as they are in Vancouver.
This is what is doing the most harm in Kandahar - an improvised explosive device buried in the ground. That is my foot right beside it.
Some of the parents of fallen soldiers have flown to the base and written notes on the concrete walls...it brought tears to my eyes as I read them.
This is what a forward operating base can look like.
Made a couple of aquaintances ...
So what did I see...
There were over 80,000 military personnel from different countries of the world in what is affectionately called KAF - Kandahar Air Force Base. I spent most of my time with the Canadian Military and, I have to say, I was impressed with their professionalism, their training and the quality of their personnel. Every year, I interview dozens of people for different roles. I saw 25 year olds at KAF that displayed qualities of leadership and work ethic that I seldom see when I interview for our business.
I saw that the the focus of the military was to help rebuild a nation - a nation with over 28 million people. This is not just rhetoric...they are doing their best. It is a complex situation that will require time.
It's the ECONOMY - I believe it is no different there as it is here - people stop fighting if they are working. Building some sort of economy is important in Afghanistan. Not a big economy like what we have, just a little one to help people get going. The more that happens, the less fighting. As a result, I believe the current strategy is the right one - nation building. I just hope the military is given enough time to accomplish what they are supposed to.
People are people - we all laugh, cry, bleed, love, hate, dream ... it does not matter if you are from Afghanistan, or Zimbabwe, Auckland or Vancouver. Different motivations and cultures, sure.
But then again, what do I know...I am just a guy making my way in this world.
Below are a few pics of the trip...
Had a chance to fly on Canada 01 - the prime minister's plane. I even had a snooze in his cabin.
There is actually a Tim Horton's doughnut store (a Canadian Institution) at the base - doghnuts fresh as they are in Vancouver.
... although the hours are a bit more fluid
Kids selling items to a soldier at a market ... Afghans learn the art of negotiation at a young age
This is where some of the Canadian soldiers live - not exactly the Four Season's Hotel
These were the guys keeping me safe ... although I was wondering why they made me wear green :) On a serious note, they were professional, responsive and they took their job seriously.
This is what is doing the most harm in Kandahar - an improvised explosive device buried in the ground. That is my foot right beside it.
This is what a forward operating base can look like.
Made a couple of aquaintances ...
Me pretending to be a soldier ...
My boots! The sand there is like a fine dust that gets into everything
I have a number of pictures with different members of the Afghan military that I am reluctant to post for concern for individuals' safety.
In the end, I am forever honored to have this opportunity to "visit" a war zone. I have never been involved in government or the military. I return though with a newfound respect for what the armed forces are doing in Afghanistan. I also return with memories that will be with me forever.
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