ACO Hobson (right) and WO2 Bartley in Bamyan Province.WN09-0040-079.
2 September 2009
By ACO Kirsten Hobson
In full body armour, dragging myself up what is known as "PT Hill" -, is not routine for a Navy sailor who would be more at home on the bridge of a frigate or at Devonport wharf. But here in Afghanistan, I have had the opportunity to apply my trade as an Able Communications Operator (ACO) with not a drop of sea water in sight. In April 2009 I touched down at Kiwi Base in Bamyan Province. My primary job here is to provide different means of communications to all outgoing patrols from Kiwi base.
I have also had the opportunity to do patrol work, which has been the highlight of my deployment. I have been able to see a lot of the Province, and mixed, worked, and met with a lot of interesting people. The environment and culture are so different to anything I have experienced, and has intrigued me endlessly. Our accommodation while out on patrol has ranged from police stations to tents and abandoned huts.
The roads over here are interesting. Picture yourself driving on a rugged and hazardous farm track, times ten. Driving in the terrain over here is not for the faint hearted. I have also improved my soldiering skills and gained a lot of confidence in live firing and weapon handling. There is a rifle range just five minutes down the road from Kiwi base where I spend mornings learning and firing a .50 Cal, making sure there is nothing left of the targets.
All in all, this has being a very rewarding experience, and I have had the opportunity to do things I never thought I would do. To help the people of Bamyan, whether it be providing security, reconstruction or just handing out beanies to children at an orphanage. It has all made being here very worth while.
Ends