Rain and Moustaches: The First Month in Afghanistan

Tpr B.L. Kroker, Gunner T31.
24 Apr 09

 

It was a surprising arrival to the desert when we first stepped off the plane to find it pouring rain and only about five degrees; which was a bit of a difference from the hot and dry weather we expected. So far the rain has been the theme of the first month. It has caused us some challenges since our arrival; starting with mudslides into our quarters to torrential downpours that made us some nice swimming pools beside the tanks.

 

Our first few days were spent in Kandahar Airfield (KAF) where everyone got their last fill of Tim Horton’s and Burger King and adjusted to the different climate and time change. Our stay in KAF was short lived and we were quickly whisked out to the Forward Operating Base (FOB) where we moved into our quarters that we would be our home for the next six months.

Many of us were surprised at how comfortable it was at the FOB with two guys to a cubicle, but obviously there’s going to be some adjustment to the lack of privacy many of us are used to back home. We also have our own common areas which ensure there is always something to do and always something to make us fat. Our common area is full of TVs, X Boxes, books, movies and all of the junk food you can eat.

 

We also share our common areas with a few pets that have been collected over the years and help with taking care of the mice and keep everyone company. We have about three dogs and started with two cats but now have a total of six cats thanks to four new kittens under the watchful care of SSM Stacey.

 

After being out of the FOB on several occasions since arriving here it has been nice to get out and gain confidence in our equipment and the job we are doing over here. It is good to see that the many months of training back in Canada are finally paying off and is working as it should.

 

Overall, morale in the First Troop is quite high, thanks in most part to the amazing moustaches that the T31 crew are growing… or maybe its because of the rock band and air conditioning. Either way it’s good to have a month down and are looking forward to some mid-deployment leave, the next six months and eventually going home to our families.