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Posted: 7/27/2015 11:20:03 AM EDT
[#1]
Pretty much the same as it ever was...just in different locations.
You'll be surprised at how much things have scaled down/back since 2009. Last plan I heard (circa late 2009) was that "they" were going to give the west side to the 'ghans and eventually transition all coalition forces to the east side...hasn't happened. Kabul: depends on where you're talking. ISAF hasn't changed much over the (past few) years. |
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Posted: 7/27/2015 10:53:19 PM EDT
[#2]
My home was ISAF HQ in 2007 and 2008. Is that still there? By Camp Eggers and the embassy.
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Posted: 7/27/2015 11:13:38 PM EDT
[#3]
I don't remember the year, but ISAF HQ moved from the southeast side to the northeast side of the runway.
Eggers and that area is completely under construction; I can't say for sure but don't think Eggers exists, at least not where it was; the area west of the "German" HS is completely torn up. |
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Posted: 7/28/2015 12:19:09 AM EDT
[#4]
So a bit different. In 07/08 ISAF was right by massood circle.
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Posted: 7/28/2015 9:35:11 AM EDT
[#5]
Eggers is gone, its under construction for the State Dept now.
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Posted: 8/10/2015 7:12:07 AM EDT
[#6]
HQ ISAF is now HQ Resolute Support. Chow is crappy but doable most days. If you get lucky enough to get on an "American" base, like NKC, BAF or NKAIA, you'll get a lot better food. The DynCorps contractors live in safe houses off base, but just right off base. You have to don your PPE to get to base and home every day. The guys dont think its too bad. Not sure where some of the other contractors stay however.
I was on Eggers in 11 and 12 and things are very different now. We used to be able to walk to MOD, Embassy, ISAF, etc, pretty easily. Now you need full kit, and GA escort to move between the bases here. If you are on BAF. You wont leave there probably. No more ground movements between FOBs in Kabul for most folks. Rotary wing is how people move. I had to go to KAIA the other day, which when we had our own trucks was just a quick 15 minute ride from Eggers. Now you need to arrange rotary transport, get on a list, try for Space A, etc. Kinda stupid for literally a 5 minute flight. Government is very risk averse right now. Attacks still happen. In fact in my assessment, more frequently and more severe. If you need anything, let me know. Best of luck. |
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Posted: 8/11/2015 8:18:20 AM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
....... Government is very risk averse right now. Attacks still happen. In fact in my assessment, more frequently and more severe. Kind of a dumb question, but for you guys who are left are you feeling like you're just spinning your wheels? Just counting down your time til you get out of there? Accomplishing anything meaningful or just a paycheck? I am guessing that your current situation must be like how Viet Nam felt in 1974 leading up to our final pull out the next year |
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Posted: 8/14/2015 8:02:37 AM EDT
[#8]
I think it depends on the person. Personally, this is my third tour and I really like working with the Afghans. I cant lie, the pay is good, but if I dont feel like I'm doing something, I'd go crazy. Leadership sometimes puts unrealistic expectations on us, as far as how the Afghan's are progressing. We constantly assess things, and reassess things, and try to make them adhere to lofty goals. At the end of the day, they are now in the lead and as much advice as we give them, they have to decide what's best for them.
Another factor is the fact that our leadership is putting limits on our face-to-face interaction with the Afghans. Maybe its the risk involved, and it's a political nightmare when and advisor gets hurt or killed. But eventually, we will leave this place. So I think the less face-to-face we have with them, compared to the beginning of this campaign, will teach them to be more self-sufficient. Gone are the days of PRTs, VSO's and daily Ministerial level advising. It's more phone, and maybe a visit once a month. Take this for what its worth. My my low-level opinion. I'm not in any leadership capacity. Just trying to do my little part. |
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Posted: 8/14/2015 8:30:41 AM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Leadership sometimes puts unrealistic expectations on us, as far as how the Afghan's are progressing. We constantly assess things, and reassess things, and try to make them adhere to lofty goals. . It was that way when I was there |
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Posted: 8/14/2015 1:51:03 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
It was that way when I was there Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Leadership sometimes puts unrealistic expectations on us, as far as how the Afghan's are progressing. We constantly assess things, and reassess things, and try to make them adhere to lofty goals. . It was that way when I was there It's frustrating because there's a lot of donated money involved to keep the country moving, however they've done really nothing to expand/increase their GDP so a lot of what we are doing, in my humble opinion, is unsustainable. We are digital, they are still analog and have no desire to automate or improve most things that have worked for them for decades. Corruption is also a huge factor. It's everywhere, and they are masters at hiding it, or making it into what they call "patronage." Oh well. Again, i'm just trying to do my part, and hopefully make a bit of difference. I dont want my sons or grandkids to have to go back and do it all over again in 30 years. |
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Posted: 8/14/2015 1:59:49 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
It's frustrating because there's a lot of donated money involved to keep the country moving, however they've done really nothing to expand/increase their GDP so a lot of what we are doing, in my humble opinion, is unsustainable. We are digital, they are still analog and have no desire to automate or improve most things that have worked for them for decades.. When I was in Kandahar in '09 we were trying to get them to adopt a US military supply system with all of the requisition forms etc that go along with that There was talk of building them a huge supply warehouse around KAF that would act as their central supply hub. The guy running supply at PHQ flat out said he didn't care how the Americans did things, he wasn't going to adopt their system Can't force people to adopt what they resist Meanwhile the ANP assigned to PHQ and the Governors compound were all dolled up and spiffy while the guys in my districts were struggling to get basic issues |
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Posted: 8/15/2015 2:40:10 AM EDT
[#12]
Shit, if I remember correctly, when I showed up in 11, they were still pushing that "warehouse." The thing about adopting our way of accounting and record keeping is, it creates an audit trail. It makes it very hard for those old Warlords to siphon of thier piece, when there's a computerized record of it. We tried to automate the ANP's budget years ago with an online accounting system. they still haven't fully implemented it, and it's going on five years now. Crazy.
Good talking to you about this. Its seems we have equal frustration when it comes to ANA/ANP sustainability. Edit: When you headed in theater? I'm going back to the states for a few weeks, but should be back first/second week of September. I'm on HQ RS, but get to NKAIA, and BAF pretty regularly. We should get together for a crappy coffee and shoot the shit. |
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Posted: 8/16/2015 7:55:38 AM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Shit, if I remember correctly, when I showed up in 11, they were still pushing that "warehouse." The thing about adopting our way of accounting and record keeping is, it creates an audit trail. It makes it very hard for those old Warlords to siphon of thier piece, when there's a computerized record of it. We tried to automate the ANP's budget years ago with an online accounting system. they still haven't fully implemented it, and it's going on five years now. Crazy. Good talking to you about this. Its seems we have equal frustration when it comes to ANA/ANP sustainability. Edit: When you headed in theater? I'm going back to the states for a few weeks, but should be back first/second week of September. I'm on HQ RS, but get to NKAIA, and BAF pretty regularly. We should get together for a crappy coffee and shoot the shit. Holla when you get back up here. I swing by RS every other week. |
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Posted: 8/16/2015 1:28:01 PM EDT
[#14]
Will do. Heading back to Florida on Thursday to R&R a bit. Should be back on RS second week of September.
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Posted: 8/28/2015 6:47:02 PM EDT
[#15]
You summed it up with the digital v. analog comment. First we teach'em to read the tech, but no one knows how to keep it going. Our K9 endeavors have been a failure unless we maintain them and support the husbandry part. I dread leaving dogs behind. Just not the culture to understand the work.
Great comments, 9 to 14 AMK9 |
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Posted: 12/10/2015 8:36:29 AM EDT
[#16]
BAF is pretty much a ghost town now, KAF not as much but has been scaled down significantly.
Quoted:
I am guessing that your current situation must be like how Viet Nam felt in 1974 leading up to our final pull out the next year We aren't leaving anytime soon |
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Posted: 12/10/2015 8:39:03 AM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
When I was in Kandahar in '09 we were trying to get them to adopt a US military supply system with all of the requisition forms etc that go along with that There was talk of building them a huge supply warehouse around KAF that would act as their central supply hub. The guy running supply at PHQ flat out said he didn't care how the Americans did things, he wasn't going to adopt their system Can't force people to adopt what they resist Meanwhile the ANP assigned to PHQ and the Governors compound were all dolled up and spiffy while the guys in my districts were struggling to get basic issues Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
It's frustrating because there's a lot of donated money involved to keep the country moving, however they've done really nothing to expand/increase their GDP so a lot of what we are doing, in my humble opinion, is unsustainable. We are digital, they are still analog and have no desire to automate or improve most things that have worked for them for decades.. When I was in Kandahar in '09 we were trying to get them to adopt a US military supply system with all of the requisition forms etc that go along with that There was talk of building them a huge supply warehouse around KAF that would act as their central supply hub. The guy running supply at PHQ flat out said he didn't care how the Americans did things, he wasn't going to adopt their system Can't force people to adopt what they resist Meanwhile the ANP assigned to PHQ and the Governors compound were all dolled up and spiffy while the guys in my districts were struggling to get basic issues They all use the Ministry of Interior requisistions for supply. It can be a PITA to work through but ive seen it work. |
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Posted: 12/10/2015 9:07:00 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
It was that way when I was there Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Leadership sometimes puts unrealistic expectations on us, as far as how the Afghan's are progressing. We constantly assess things, and reassess things, and try to make them adhere to lofty goals. . It was that way when I was there Same when I was there in 13-14. Most of us who were direct advisors to ANA & ANP Officers speculated that ISAF was just keeping our portion of the mission going in spite of little progress was an excuse to keep a sizable SOF presence in country for HVT raids. It's a jaded outlook, but I didn't mind. |
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Posted: 12/11/2015 1:22:35 AM EDT
[#19]
Its funny, this place really hasn't changed much at all.
I experienced the weirdest sensation while walking down Disney the other day. While I have been gone for YEARS, it almost felt like I had never left. |
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Posted: 1/16/2016 12:44:42 AM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Its funny, this place really hasn't changed much at all. I experienced the weirdest sensation while walking down Disney the other day. While I have been gone for YEARS, it almost felt like I had never left. If you don't mind me asking what do you do? |
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Posted: 1/16/2016 12:59:38 AM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Its funny, this place really hasn't changed much at all. I experienced the weirdest sensation while walking down Disney the other day. While I have been gone for YEARS, it almost felt like I had never left. there is no traffic , dragon mwr gone. camp montron gone, b-huts gone, a-10s gone |
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Posted: 1/16/2016 1:02:14 AM EDT
[#22]
I would either spend 100% of my income, or off myself if I was at baf.
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Posted: 1/19/2016 4:24:53 AM EDT
[#23]
I do systems / IT support work.
In regards to boredom, gotta manage that by going to the gym regularly, and then planning some home remodeling projects for when I return home. |
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Posted: 1/31/2016 2:49:52 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted: there is no traffic , dragon mwr gone. camp montron gone, b-huts gone, a-10s gone Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Its funny, this place really hasn't changed much at all. I experienced the weirdest sensation while walking down Disney the other day. While I have been gone for YEARS, it almost felt like I had never left. there is no traffic , dragon mwr gone. camp montron gone, b-huts gone, a-10s gone I told him welcome to BAF  would like to go back myself, today is my last official day in the Army after 25 yrs, any good gigs still in theater? |
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Posted: 1/31/2016 2:57:58 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Yea my Son is there now and he said its boring, pulls guards, eats, sleeps, plays on internet. I told him welcome to BAF
would like to go back myself, today is my last official day in the Army after 25 yrs, any good gigs still in theater? Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Its funny, this place really hasn't changed much at all. I experienced the weirdest sensation while walking down Disney the other day. While I have been gone for YEARS, it almost felt like I had never left. there is no traffic , dragon mwr gone. camp montron gone, b-huts gone, a-10s gone I told him welcome to BAF
would like to go back myself, today is my last official day in the Army after 25 yrs, any good gigs still in theater? 
Best of health and happiness sir. |
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Posted: 1/31/2016 3:02:14 PM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Yea my Son is there now and he said its boring, pulls guards, eats, sleeps, plays on internet. I told him welcome to BAF
would like to go back myself, today is my last official day in the Army after 25 yrs, any good gigs still in theater? Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Its funny, this place really hasn't changed much at all. I experienced the weirdest sensation while walking down Disney the other day. While I have been gone for YEARS, it almost felt like I had never left. there is no traffic , dragon mwr gone. camp montron gone, b-huts gone, a-10s gone I told him welcome to BAF
would like to go back myself, today is my last official day in the Army after 25 yrs, any good gigs still in theater? PMed |
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Posted: 2/17/2016 2:59:49 AM EDT
[#27]
BAF is very different and more changes to come, smaller footprint. I'll be relocating from the Kabul Cluster to BAF in the near future. Not looking forward to it. Air will be cleaner, that's about it.
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Posted: 2/18/2016 9:30:40 AM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
BAF is very different and more changes to come, smaller footprint. I'll be relocating from the Kabul Cluster to BAF in the near future. Not looking forward to it. Air will be cleaner, that's about it. The fucking smog is unreal |
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Posted: 2/18/2016 12:34:41 PM EDT
[#29]
How much has KAIA changed?
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Posted: 2/18/2016 12:47:04 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
How much has KAIA changed? Run by the fucking turks, so coming and going is a shitshow that changes every other month. Otherwise, lots of Nato ladies and the Turkish food joints are legit. Still packed. Drive on security has been increased substantially due to the like 15 VBIED that hit its various gates last season. |
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Posted: 2/24/2016 1:53:11 AM EDT
[#31]
That's so true. Takes us longer to get on KAIA then it does to drive there.
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