Need to Post Pictures--

I'll need to post some pictures-- this place is quite scenic. The outpost is situated on a small ridge that juts into a deep valley. The bottom of the valley is verdant, with neat orchards and terraced agricultural plots, mixed in all that are stone and mud houses and compounds. Above the valley are steep and sparsely wooded mountains. The mountains rise to the east, probably to around 10000 ft, right on the Pakistan border.

Below this outpost is the square outline of some ancient fort, with the remnants of towers at each corner. The walls are melted and crumbling. It is situated on a small plateau that overlooks the bottom of the valley. Currently, the Afghan National Army occupies the remains of the fort with a small tent city.

I think, but I'm not sure, that this valley probably drains down into Pakistan and the outpost is here to serve as a deterrent to Taliban movement from Pakistan. It is rough duty for these guys (and a few women) and they earn every last cent of the their hardship pay.

These outposts are really marvels of modern technology-- almost completely self reliant and with tight security. The US Army is pretty impressive. I wouldn't want to be a bad guy up against this outfit.

Mission 1

On a sudden mission, so my posting may be sparse until I get back to my "home". I'm at a small outpost about 10 miles from Pakistan (no worries, a quiet location in 2008). I'll take some photos. It is VERY small. I was asked to visit this location to see a few soldiers who have been blown up by IEDs over the past two months. Going to assess their current status and make a treatment reccommendation which may include leaving here. At such a small location I need to be sure, because every person counts.

I was given temporary quarters (no electricity) but it will do for now. I'll put in a movement request and see if I can get out of here in less than a week!