I have been here for two months now and the experiences have been more than memorable. They have changed my outlook as I knew they would even though two months ago I was scared to death about being here. I have learned more than I cared to about the Army and I haven't learned enough about the people or this incredible country that has been victimized by occupation for hundreds of years. I'm quite fascinated by it actually and I hope to see this country one day governed by its own motivating and trustworthy leader and a strong military force that will keep its people safe.
A lot of people back home don't really understand what it is we're doing here and I didn't either before I came. Afghanistan was on the back burner while Iraq took the limelight and the bulk of U.S. forces and efforts. Now that everyone is focusing on Afghanistan everyone wants to know how and when we'll be leaving. The President says we'll be pulling forces out starting in 18 months but anyone who's been here can tell you that isn't going to happen. We will leave one day but it's going to take more time than has currently been alloted to get this country on its own feet so that it can effectively protect itself from terrorists that will not be disappearing any time soon from future history books. Like my Army Major keeps saying, it's hard to fight ideology. You have to replace one ideology with another and prove that it is better for those you are trying to convince.
I can tell you that there are some amazing Afghan soldiers leading the way toward making security by the people for the people a reality here. I've had the unique opportunity to work and socialize with them and they have a tough job ahead of them and they know it. I wish the media would cover their efforts more instead of the bloody and devastating efforts of the Taliban and other insurgents. All that does is propagate the knowledge of their cruel successes in this country around the world to their counterparts who no less celebrate their little victories.
For the past few weeks I've heard the departing brigade complain about the incoming brigade and how they think they are better than all the rest. After sitting in on today's meeting with said brigade I believe their attitude definitely demonstrates that they do indeed think they are the best. That is because they are serious about what they do and the commander's plan is to make a difference and support the effort to free Afghanistan of the Taliban scourge and help train the Afghan military to be the impenetrable barrier it needs to be to keep out insurgents and let their country flourish. I have nothing but the utmost respect for that way of thinking. I'm hoping my future with this brigade proves to be the most memorable and important of my tour here.
Our leaders understand that Afghanistan is a Muslim country and they don't need to be like us and they never will be and that is a good thing. I believe the beauty of our world is that we are all different and if we can accept and try to understand each other then the good from each culture can influence others for the better. Most Muslims here just want to live their lives and have their families be safe from harm and oppression. As long as ignorance and illiteracy pervade here they will always be susceptible to the fear and teachings of an extreme ideology. Our job is to convince them we don't want to change their way of life and make them American. We only want the bad people to go away and that they don't have to fear them anymore because we won't let them come back and neither will their brothers in arms.
I've seen both distrust and complete acceptance of our presence here but with time and dedication to the safety of the populous most will know we are keepers of our word and their children can go to school without fear of retribution. Education is the long term key to a better Afghanistan. Just like any country, it will not be perfect. There will always be someone taking away from the mouths of the needy for personal gain but what we're doing isn't in vain. I truly believe that. So if I die here I want my friends and family to know that I fell in love with the vision of a better world starting here because those cruel oppressive extremists need to go and I'm glad I played a role in that. Afghanistan will forever have a place in my heart but I hope to leave it alive and well and go home to my daughter and share with her my experiences.
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