Flight Lieutenant Christie, Lance Corporal Allan,and Leading Technician Kingi, pause on return from patrol.
By WO1 Marcus Fowler
27 September 2007
When I was asked to give an ‘Army perspective’ on our experiences in Bamyan, Afghanistan, I felt slightly nervous. As a WO PTI (Warrant Officer, Physical Training Instructor) I don’t claim to be an expert on NZPRT operations, but with 24 years experience in the Army, I guess I am qualified to make some personal observations.
This experience began with Pre-Deployment Training. It was the most specific and comprehensive training I’ve been through. It was realistic, and progressive in intensity and difficulty. As we left for Afghanistan I personally felt well prepared and confident in my ability to do the job required.
My first impression on arriving in Bamyan was that the New Zealand Defence Force had matured to a high level, and there was an intensity and realism about the place. The uniforms we had been issued are different than our usual ones, but suitable for the environment. The equipment is modern and high tech. Accommodation and facilities looked pretty good and things were well organised. I still have that feeling five months later.
There have been a number of highlights for me from the mission so far. I have enjoyed the opportunity to work alongside other organisations as part of the Coalition forces. We see many different groups when they visit us at Kiwi Base as they pass through Bamyan. The New Zealand Police are with us, assisted with some unarmed combat techniques, while US teams showed us some variations to building clearing, communications, and medical skills.
The tri-service factor (that is Army, Air and Navy personnel working together), naturally created some initial challenges as we adjusted to the business at hand - but everyone is now just part of the team. One of the strengths Navy and Air Force personnel bring to the deployment is enthusiasm and a fresh approach to what Army people might consider everyday tasks.
There are some areas that have provided added challenges to the mission. As a patrol member, I was surprised at the rank seniority within my patrol. We have a Major (equivalent), a Warrant Officer Class 1, Corporal (equivalent), five x Lance Corporal (equivalents), and three Privates. With eighty percent of the patrol used to having some responsibility, it has been a battle finding ways to stimulate everyone and keep them challenged. A big part of our job here is local politics and cultural understanding.
Much of the effort for the patrols has been focussed on the capture of information for a Provincial Data Base (PDB). There are obvious benefits in visiting each village particularly from the “maintaining a presence” point of view. I was surprised that this information could not be obtained from the appropriate government departments but they hitherto lack the infrastructure to undertake many of the basic tasks.
Unfortunately there are never enough resources to go around. The key frustration for me is hearing the concerns and problems of the local communities and not being able to help out more. In a country with ancient heritage and a long history of conflict we must satisfy ourselves with the steady but meaningful progress we make. For example, things like functioning water wells make a huge difference to struggling village communities.
Being a part of NZPRT has been a mix of positive experiences and frustrations for me. Having taken some time to look back on the last six months, I would do it all again gladly. Having said that, I think I speak for everyone in this rotation when I say we are also looking forward to getting home to our families in a few weeks time.
Ends