April 2009 - A.L.L. = Afghanistan Lessons Learned for Soldiers

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  • Chapter 4: The "Human Terrain" of Afghanistan

    ... but can't explain. Afghans are different, just like your wierd Uncle Joe, except on a National Level. They are stubborn and feel little compulsion to tell the truth, even if the truth is readily evident and the better for the story. They can be infuriating or they can be entertaining. It is your choice. If you decide it is your role in life to change them, you will be constantly frustrated. If you decide it is their role in life to provide you quirky entertainment, you'll find yourself...
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  • Chapter 2: History Lesson

    This post is in response to a direct request from SGT Danger, who has experienced a change of mission. First, read some basic history on Afghanistan . You don't need to know a ton, but being familiar with the history there is a good idea, and Afghans are very impressed with someone who has taken the time, and had the respect, to learn about their history. Afghanistan has a long history and is a witness to many empires, most of which have run over Afghanistan like steamrollers. Afghanistan has...

  • So, you've got Orders

    This is a test of the Milbloggers Network!So, you've just gotten your deployment orders. What Now? What will the Army give you? What do you need to buy? What do you need to pack & in what order?A Crusty old Coffee Drinkin', Smokin' PSG, an Upstate TOP, and the loyal Ole Blue have some things to tell ya. And just to make sure it's all good we convince Vampire6 to sign off on it and give you the latest scoop.Ammo is heavy. Do you really need 10 Mags? Yep! Maybe even 20. Can you...
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  • Chapter 3: Culture (Lesson 3A: Chai and the Pashtunwali

    Here is a description, in detail, the uniquely Afghan experience of having chai. A leadership recently in Afghanistan was telling its Soldiers not to drink chai. Don't listen to stuff like that; it will have you insulting people left and right. One of the key tenets of the Pushtunwali , the code of conduct of the Pashtuns, is hospitality. Hospitality is not just a Pashtun value, though. It is an Afghan value. It is shame to be considered inhospitable, and as O and I discussed over the weekend...

  • Chapter 1: Gear

    In partnership with Bouhammer , we are starting a new series of posts designed to help inform the thousands of troops headed to Afghanistan in 2009, some of whom expected to deploy to Iraq. Those who thought they were headed to Iraq now find themselves behind the power curve in coming up to speed on the peculiarities of Afghanistan. By request from SGTDanger , here is the first chapter in our attempt to help them to be more successful in A'stan.List of Gear for Afghanistan-UpdatedPosted By Bouhammer...