Wardak

September 6, 2011 (continued)

After a couple of stops, we began our descent to our final destination.  I watched as we slowly hung over the Hescos that encircled the camp.  Soon after passing over a chain link fence, the chopper hovered closer and closer to the “H” painted on the concrete surface of the helipad.  Looking further towards one of the corners of the landing area, I could see someone turned outward away from our descending bird, down on one knee with his rifle at the ready.  The rotor wash caused the dust and sand to lift from the concrete pad and sweep towards the sentinel who was now tilting his head, protecting his neck from the onslaught of dirt and debris that was swirling around him.  I was pleasantly surprised when there was barely a bounce as the wheels made contact with the ground.  As we stepped off the aircraft, one thing that was readily apparent was the lack of air pollution.  Breathing deeply, I thankfully took advantage of the clean air.

We were given a tour by two contractors who had been there since the first buildings were erected.  Wardak is a sprawling base surrounded by mountains in all directions. It made me think of what I’d seen on TV or in the movies that depict remote military installations out in the middle of the desert, sort of like an Area 51.  The younger of our two guides described a small gym and mentioned that running along the entire interior fence provided a 2 mile run.  Being that it truly seemed to be, “in the middle of nowhere”; there was ample standoff distance so that any bad guys approaching could be seen with sufficient warning.  From pretty much any position on post one could see the main road that ran parallel to the front of the base.  The senior contactor explained that not much traffic entered the camp anyway, since most of their supplies came by helicopter.  This was due to the regularity with which the convoys were attacked on the highway.  In addition, they were currently experiencing a lull in rocket attacks, which was a good thing.

Good views of the expanse between the roadway and the camp fence.  The orange truck is on the main outside road.

 The few buildings that stood were new, but most were in need of the essentials like electricity and finished plumbing.  However, the post had the potential to be an impressive training facility. 

The buildings had ample space for classrooms and practical instruction areas.

 We were taken through what would be our living quarters.  There were approximately 12 people to a squad bay, with makeshift partitions for walls. For whatever reason, our guide rolled his eyes as he informed us that the area was currently occupied by a small contingent of French soldiers.   As he continued describing the living conditions, a French soldier, apparently fresh from the showers, briefly interrupted our tour as he made his way to his area.  All eyes were immediately drawn to the speedo he was wearing.  Once the soldier passed, we all shared mutual glances with each other.  As we exited the area, our guide shook his head and grumbled, “Ugh, the French!” 

As our tour concluded, we made our way back to the landing pad to await the chopper’s arrival. We could hear the rotor noise as it approached from the same direction from which we came earlier that morning.  I was glad I got to tour the base.  It would be a good place to train.

A couple of colleagues standing by for our return chopper ride to Kabul.

   

Once on the helicopter we were grateful to lift above the heat which had steadily risen throughout the day.  The air swirling through the open door was an extra treat; as once again, the sweat was soaking our shirts beneath our gear.  The ride back was shorter, maybe 45 minutes, since there were no other stop-offs on the way back – the Kabul express, so to speak. 

Now, at least I had an idea of what the training environment would be.  Starting at a new compound would definitely have its advantages – a new range, driving course, and ample classroom space.  Finally, after about a month of being in-country, I’d be doing what I signed up to do – train.  Since the base wasn’t yet ready, I would have ample time to become more familiar with SWAT tactics and methods of instruction. I was hoping that the construction schedule wouldn’t be further delayed since I was anxiously looking forward to interacting with the Afghan trainees.