Two weeks ago, I put on my IBA and helmet and headed off the end of post to what we call Deep South. There is a single fence there, but it is considered unsecured because it does not have all of the security measures - for the most part it is safe. I am partly responsible for planning the land allocation and design of this area in order to try to have it be available this spring for occupation. While on the south end of the property I snapped the picture below.
The building you see, legend has it, was once occupied by Osama Bin Laden when this was Al Quaida training land.
Here are two other pictures that I snapped off the end toward the mountains. This give you an idea of the landscape. Pretty harsh. One thing that we are preparing for is rain. They say when it rains here that all the water from that mountain flows towards us. We have made serious efforts towards trying to direct the water - we will see how it goes. I'm sure there is a follow on post coming for the first rain - maybe November.
The last picture is looking back toward KAF. If you look closely you will see little mounds of dirt painted white. These are indicators left by the de-mining crew. One of our problems here is the left over Soviet mine belts that used to protect KAF. As the team demines an area they mark it in white.
After loading the piture, you have to look really close on the right hand side of the picture to see the mounds - otherwise you will have to trust me...
Work is still challenging. Our team has officially become the veterans with the last of the previous team leaving last week. We have worked our way into our positions and are doing the best we can to meet the needs of the soldiers coming through KAF and pushing out to all the FOB's (Forward Operating Bases) in RC-South. There is alot of work and challenges for us all. Pray for focus, endurance and health as we head through the middle weeks.
Thanks for following along, until next time....
