Petty Officer Mike Kennedy in Afghanistan (WN09-0025-15)
By Petty Officer PTI Mike Kennedy in Afghanistan
Leading a foot patrol to an altitude of over 3350 metres in the mountainous region of Bamyan, Afghanistan, is not routine for a Navy PTI, who would be more at home taking circuits on the back of a frigate in the middle of the Indian Ocean. But alas, here in Bamyan you will find a Clubswinger plying his trade – and without a body of salt water in sight.
In August 2008 the opportunity to deploy to Afghanistan a Physical Training Instructor (PTI) arose. This once in a lifetime opportunity couldn’t be turned down. So two and a half months later with Pre Deployment Training, a bit of leave, and a week in Dubai under my belt, I set foot on Kiwi Base, Bamyan.
The first order of business was to get dragged up what is known as ‘PT Hill’, 2 ½ kilometres higher than the Devonport Wharf. The high altitude in Bamyan makes physical activity much more difficult, since there’s less oxygen in the air. New Kiwis on the ground usually take a couple of weeks to acclimatise to the additional strain on the body and training sessions are eased back until the body ‘catches up’.
As well as being a PTI, I have also been given the job of Canteen Manager and Kiwi Base Fire Officer. The Canteen Manager role presents its own interesting challenges. Much of our stock is purchased from the local Bazaar. With my interpreter by my side I get to barter away with the local shop keepers trying to get the best price possible, a job not to foreign to a sailor trying to get the best deal on a copy watch in Singapore. And, since part of my job is to promote health and fitness, I have to turn a blind eye when buying sweets, chips, and cigarettes for the patrons back on base.
Patrol work, however, has provided some of the highlights of the deployment so far. I have been able to see a lot of the Province and mix, work with and employ local people.
Driving here is interesting to say the least. Days spent driving the old man’s Land Rover as a kid have paid off as the roads here are not for the faint-hearted. Our accommodation has ranged from tents, to local restaurants and police stations.
Now we’re into the second half of the deployment and the focus on physical training is strong. Rugby players are readying themselves for the coming season, some are trying to make up for all the free chocolate bars and goffas (soft drinks) they have been scoffing from the fridge and others just want to get in shape before coming home. Hence the 'Bods from Bamyan' 12 week challenge. A number of the Kiwi Base team are on board, eating and training their way to that ultimate beach body, which won’t be much use because it will be nearly winter when we get home!
The emphasis however is on getting fit and healthy and so far a number of the team have had encouraging results. So all those with partners over here, get on the blower and tell your other half to shape up and leave the chocolate alone!
All in all it has been a rewarding experience and as a sailor I have had opportunities to do things I never thought I would do.To help the people of Bamyan, whether it be by supporting the local shop owners or stacking rocks in gabion baskets for flood protection, it makes being here very worth while.
Ends