Getting the job done
I've settled into my working routine now and am becoming used to the long hours but it's a strange environment to be working in. Every time you think you've solved a problem, some other gremlin pops into the works. I am also amazed at how we manage to create such a high level of bureaucracy even in a conflict zone. Everything has to be checked, authorised, stamped, reauthorised and double checked before being released. I suppose part of the frustration is getting used to another department's accounting and contract systems.
Well that's enough of a moan! What have I been doing since I last logged in? I managed another trip across Lashkar Gah which gave me a good chance to get a look at the local surroundings. The first thing to note is the sheer quantity of dust which with its talcum powder consistency gets everywhere. Everybody and everything is covered in it. There were plenty of market stalls about - the staple item on sale is water melons. It was Afghan Independence Day when Afghans celebrate their defeat of the British in 1919. As it was a bank holiday, there were people everywhere. This was slightly un-nerving as I had just come from a briefing which had detailed the number of attacks on ISAF personnel and vehicles. We negotiated our way through safely enough, held our meeting and were back behind the wire in quick time.
Every Wednesday evening a remembrance service is held where they read out the names and details of ISAF soldiers who have been killed that week. Things have been a bit rough lately with some big attacks, so I am anticipating another chilling reminder this Wednesday of the cost of what we are achieving out here. The few Afghans I have managed to talk to seem genuinely glad that ISAF forces are here in Helmand and are hopeful for the future. There is a degree of governance now in Helmand which has been missing for some time.
When I heard I was going to be part of the Counter Narcotics (CN) team I had images of clandestine police work and bringing drug smugglers to justice - well the team does help the Afghan Police do just that! However my bit of the team is involved with something a bit more pedestrian but arguably more important, this is persuading the farmers to grow wheat and other crops instead of poppy. This is done in part by offering high quality wheat seed and other agricultural products such as vegetable seed and fertiliser. This is backed up by training agricultural advisors who then visit the farmers explaining how they will get the best return from their planting. The stick part of the programme is that those areas found to be growing poppy will be under threat of having their crops destroyed. The programme is an important part of the Governor's counter narcotics programme.
Being out in a conflict zone is always hazardous and my tour is no exception, I was in the medical centre today after a serious injury - I always said beach volleyball was dangerous - I overstretched and tore a muscle. The annoying thing is I won't be allowed out of camp until it clears up as I would be a liability getting in and out of vehicles.
Well it only took a couple of days and I'm back to fitness, although I'm taking a week off volleyball. Mind you it's not a good time for exercise as central Helmand is in the middle of massive sand storm. Only essential movements are allowed at the moment, so no getting out for me; its difficult to get any business done as the whole area has slowed down. It is also the Muslim festival of Ramadan which is stringently observed by the local population. This means no eating and drinking during day-light hours so by the afternoon the locals are inevitably pretty tired.
The sand storm abates as I reach the half way point of my tour, where's the time gone? It has just flown by. I've still got so much to do before I finish. I am getting concerned that I won't have time to fit it all in but being busy certainly makes the days fly by.
Starting to miss the family a bit now, especially as there's just been a big family gathering to see off my eldest son Gareth, who is off to Australia for a year. A good excuse for a holiday in the sun at Christmas to catch up with him though! His brother Tom will no doubt recount all the fine details of his leaving party.
We have hosted a couple of VIPs this week - first the Danish minister for development, followed a couple of days later by the Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg. Although they're well briefed on what's happening here, they are always surprised when they see it for themselves. The meet and greet sessions are always a welcome break from routine and they are genuinely interested in what we are achieving.
It's almost time to start thinking about going home - flights need booking 2 weeks ahead. It will seem somewhat strange going back to work in the UK. I just hope I'm not expected to continue sixteen hour days back there!