Afghanistan Through My Eyes - 1 year later

Wow...I can't believe it's been an entire year since I started this project and amazing adventure. Last year on New Year's Eve I remember riding the escalator down while watching fireworks explode through the windows of the Dubai Airport.

So far it's been a fantastic journey. I have learned so much and met so many incredible people. I understand what it means to go to war and why we as a country need to support our military more than ever. I don't understand why stating this fact always gets me in hot water with politics. Supporting our men and women in the combat zone has nothing to do with politics. It has to do with respecting what someone has chosen to do. They are risking all for what they believe. YOU have to respect this no matter what your politics.

As I sit here in Viet Nam, with mixed emotions I salute all who have served...of course I can't actually salute as I'm not in the military, but I think you get the point.

I do believe that war is not the answer...especially after touring Viet Nam. The juxtaposition makes my head hurt.

But regardless...Afghanistan continues.

To all...have a great 2012. Make it count.

Afghanistan Through My Eyes - Karzai

Does Karzai really represent Afghanistan?

This is the question of the day when determining if the US Military should continue their drawn down.

Another question I have is why is this solely about the US Military? There are other military factions throughout the world that are representing ISAF...after all it is the International Security Armed Forces.

 I'm confused. Today on NPR I heard that Karzai wants us out as do the Elders that attended the jirga held a few days ago in Afghanistan. Of course the attendees at this jirga were Karzai supporters. Supposedly the Elders that support the US Military did not attend out of protest...or perhaps they want the US Military out too and in agreement did not attend.

I also know that there is a student movement to oust Karzai. But we're not sure what this faction wants regarding military support.

What to believe?

Why don't we look at history. Afghanistan is a tribal country, meaning one tribe will want something entirely different for their country. The only time Afghanistan has rallied as one is when the country is being attacked. This time the attack, the Taliban is coming from an Afghan faction...so in a sense this is a tribal war. We must not forget that we backed the Taliban with money and guns and so in effect escalated this whole mess and then turned in the middle because of the Taliban's treatment of women. It's still odd to me that the US didn't know about this treatment before we backed them or maybe it was because of greed by a certain oil family who has had their finger in Vietnam also...but that's another story.

Now that China is in the picture it seems there will be a pipeline...it is inevitable and that those nations involved are leaving the Soviet Union and the US in the proverbial dust of Afghanistan.

MURKY POLITICS OF GAS

Time to tell your elected officials how you feel.

Afghanistan Through My Eyes - WREI Conference 2011

Speaking at the WREI Conference was amazing. I was so impressed with all the women who attended. I could probably write a book on each one. Their bravery, courage and advocacy for women in combat was astounding.

Photo: Maj Peter Shinn

My presentation went really well. I spoke about the question: If women should serve on COPs? (Combat Outposts). Once the policy to allow women to be assigned to combatant positions is changed this will be a probability.

Right now only 1/2 to 1% of the US population is on active service. This is down from 9% during WWII. We NEED women to serve, otherwise we will not be able to fulfill the missions. Both Brigadier General Rebecca Halstead and CSrgMaj Andrew Spano agree!

Photo: Sgt Mark Burrell

My other issue is that regardless of where women serve in the military the issue of consensual sex needs to be addressed. This was a HOT topic! The women who were speaking 'on record' denied this, but the women in the audience agreed! No one wants to talk about this. We talk about sexual assault, which is very different, but with women assigned to important positions where there is no one to take their place if they become pregnant this is a real issue.

Photo by Sgt Poppe

I thought it was interesting how no one wants to talk about it. Let's ignore it is dangerously passive-agressive behavior when it can be easily rectified. I don't understand how you can take 18 and 19 year-olds who are probably having sex to begin with and then expect them to be abstinent in a combat zone when their adrenaline, hormones and anger is making them all extremely agitated.

Afghanistan Through My Eyes - More Women In Combat

Going over all the studies about women in combat I'm not sure if I should smile or yell! Especially after reading the Executive Summary for Diversity Leadership for the 21-Century Military.

This Diversity Commission was established in 2009, has 20 recommendations and a new definition of diversity, but...a big BUT recognizes that presidential and congressional guidance and support are necessary if success is to be realized.

Photo by Doug Lindner

The crux of my frustration comes because in 1948...1948...Harry S. Truman, then President issued the Executive Order 9981 that called for "equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed services".

So here we are.

Here is where I agree with Justice Clarence Thomas (I never thought I'd be writing this). He believes there should be NO segregation when implementing laws or criteria. There should be no deliniation of race, color, creed or gender. This is how the Constitution was written and meant to be interpreted.

Photo by Pete Shinn

There is enough paperwork, (63 years worth at least) to support this. Can we move on!

Photo by Mark Burrell

Afghanistan Through My Eyes - Women In Combat

I don't really even like this title as I believe there should be no gender recognition in combat. You are a warrior and until the military treats all it's warriors with the same standards we are going to have problems.

In my book: Bullets In My Pocket, that my agent has yet to read the proposal on, I do not have a chapter dedicated to women. This is because a warrior is a warrior.

However I am honored to present a paper at the WREI Conference on Women In Combat focusing on Women at COP's (Combat Outposts); so women are on my mind.

Here are some of my favorite photos of women.

I hope everyone out there has a safe weekend...in war there is no weekend.