Challenge for You!

I wish I had more to share with you. Not a whole lot has changed. Phil had a full week. Long days, lots of learning.

Rather than bore you with details similar to the previous post, I thought I might challenge you.

I am embarrassed to admit that I am ignorant to what is going on beyond my comfortable, safe world.

With the news of Phil's deployment, I began to realize just how clueless I am. I started reading and soaking up information. It's been really interesting to discuss the political and cultural horizons in Afghanistan. Not only have I been discussing it with Phil, but also with some of the other wives whose husbands are with Phil.

My challenge to you is to take a few minutes to do some research on a different part of the world . I don't care if it's Afghanistan. Just pick a place you hear about in the news and learn a bit more about the people of that country and their culture; what they do to make a living; what their political make-up is; what do they do for fun; what is their literacy rate; what do they eat...the lessons are endless.

As I read more about Afghanistan and its people, I am shocked by the turmoil in their recent past. I was surprised to learn what life was like before the Russians invaded 30 years ago and then in the early 1990s, the Taliban, and after the fall of the Taliban reign. I have hope for their future.

It has been way too easy for me to sit back and ignore the people we share our world with. Bring what you found back to share with us if you'd like.

Quick Update

I don't have much to report this time around. But, I haven't posted in a few days and I wanted to keep you informed as much as possible.

Phil has been working away this week learning language, culture and tactical strategy. The days have changed from the first couple weeks where things moved at a slow pace. Now the guys have packed days!

It's a relief to know that they are being kept busy. There is nothing worse than sitting around. Full days just seem to move by more quickly.

I also want to send out a thank you to all of you for keeping Phil in your thoughts and prayers. Already I am overwhelmed with the kindness of our friends and families who are always asking about how Phil is doing and what he is up to. And to those who have helped us out so far. It's a humbling experience for me...and we're only a few weeks in!

Thank you.

Salam!

Phil finally started his first "real" training last week after all of the in-processing and moving into the barracks.

His first class was to begin learning about Afghanistan culture and language. Phil and his team will be learning Dari, which is also known as a Persian dialect and one of the main languages spoken in Afghanistan. Phil really liked the primary teacher, an Afghanistan native.

Almost 40 letters make up the Dari alphabet. Because of the slightly larger alphabet, it's a bit tricky to translate into English, Phil said. There are multiple equivalents to our "s" and "z" which create a bit of a challenge!

Marching right along

Phil is getting along well at training. He has been issued a lot of his gear and has spent some time putting it all together this week.

The guys went on a road march with their vests with the armored plates in them this week. The vests weigh about 40 pounds with the Sappi (that's what the plates are called). That 40 pounds is for the plates alone. They didn't even have to wear rucks or any additional gear attached to the vests this time around!

I imagine it made for a good workout. At least it would have for me.

I now have an address for Phil for the next couple months until they head to Afghanistan. If you'd like it, let me a comment with your contact info and I'd be happy to send it your way!

Pic of the guys at training, courtesy of one of the guys Phil is with!

Phi is in place!

Phil is now in place for his training. For the next couple of weeks he will be doing "in-processing". It's a whole host of things including ensuring he is healthy to be deployed, he will be issued all sorts of gear, he will have to pass a physical training test, and they begin briefings.

The team will begin to learn about the Afghan people, about their culture and lifestyles. They will learn some of the language. They will also learn the strategies the U.S. Military is using to train the Afghan military and police, which is what this team is being sent to do. It is an exit strategy for the United States to eventually transition out of Afghanistan.

Field training exercises will also be in the mix, and I have a feeling that it will be Phil's favorite part. Just a hunch.

The guys are getting along well. They had some friendly competition for exercise yesterday. They played Ultimate Football (similar to ultimate frisbee). NCOs vs Officers...the Officers won...maybe the NCOs will get them next week!