Weekly Update

Week# 25: Partners

The alarm goes off at 0300. I roll out of bed and with a LOT of cold water, I start my day. But as I step outside and begin to breathe in the frigid air, I come to the realization that I must be out of my mind! What could possibly be the source of my willingness to endure this completely unnecessary endeavor? Well, it was Superbowl Monday of course! (8 hours ahead of EST) And with the help of our automation professionals, they were able to connect the Armed Forces Network (AFN) cable to our conference room 75-inch retractable screen. Watching the big game on AFN did have some drawbacks; no commercials. Many do not realize that AFN is a non-profit cable organization, specifically with the purpose of providing USA broadcasting for our deployed forces worldwide. Therefore, we had no option of watching any elaborate, usually hysterical, costly commercials. However, seeing the final game was only half the reason for enduring the early morning; coming together and being part of the camaraderie was the other half. So, despite the lack of the traditional munchies and thirst-quenching refreshments, we had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed the nail-biting last quarter.

Another first this past week was getting used to being addressed as Lieutenant Colonel. Multiple times I would find myself answering the phone as Major Miceli or saying Sir to my new peers. Needless to say, it made for a fair share of awkward moments. The weather has been magnificent. After some warming trends and periodic rains, there is no snow in our vast valley. I swear on a clear day you can see the farthest mountain range with almost every trail in detail. Who knows, maybe someday Afghanistan can sport the most ultimate in extreme skiing and snowboarding! Maybe we should consider investing in the Taliban Reality Inc. for those winter timeshares and chalets before the prices go up.

Our presence here is growing like wild-fire and one could say the same for some of our coalition partners. Interestingly, I always hear from various media outlets about the comparisons of how other nations contribution of troops are found to be minuscule aside their US counterparts. Of course, arguments can be made that certain nations commit just enough to show allegiance without provoking riots in their country and resulting in political suicide. However, there are nations that do so much more and give more than expected. We live in a new world; where the lines between East and West have dissolved and where both emerging democracies and terrorist states are finding themselves the center of attention. My recent experiences with some of the Polish Brigades have been eye-opening. Ive found their soldiers to extremely well-disciplined, eager to learn, and committed to total teamwork. Particularly, my observations were keenly centered on the quality of their equipment and the utilization of emerging technologies. It is true, one can never fully appreciate what they have until its either gone or you see someone with less.

Throughout this deployment, I have had the opportunity to see how some of our international partners are equipped, and I must say that it is no wonder why we are the envy of so many. So much credit and accolades should be given to our countrys infinite number of research laboratories and commercial corporations that are constantly pushing the boundaries of emerging technologies and inventive solutions. Furthermore, it goes without saying that most people overlook those soldiers, sailors, and airmen who are doctors, researchers, scientists, biologists, engineers and acquisitions. Merge these entities between the military and corporate America and the result is the absolute finest in equipment for our nations defense and offense. Many nations simply do not have the resources we do, and yet its no wonder they desire our Mine-Resistant Ambush Protective vehicles, various weapon systems and our logistics/sustainment capabilities. Yet, at the end of the day, regardless of nation, and no matter what we drive or carry, we have all committed our loyalties, offered our discipline and skills to the mission, and some have made the ultimate sacrifice to the protection of the local populace and each other.

Robert