Notes from Afganistan

[Carl Harrod]

Notes From Afghanistan - 19 NOV 05
Date: Sun, 20 Nov 2005 12:43:49 +0000 

Dear Family & Friends,

I'm in the process of visiting each of my unit locations before I go on leave 26 November 2005.  I should be home a few days after than.  I visited FOB Sweeney this week to review the vertical construction projects and the road development.  It's a nice opportunity to get away from e-mail, phones, and nearly constant knocks on the office door.  While I'm on the road I get to ride where I see my Soldiers working, get completely filthy, and see massive amounts of rock and fill crafted into a road.  Yes, I love it.

As I've explained, the road from Shinkay to Qulat includes a high mountain pass that I need to transit before I can get to the other side and see the second of my units working on the road.  It required some deliberate planning before we transit that area because of the enemy activity and likelihood of IEDs.  Both of my companies on this road want to complete their portion before 20 DEC 05 and I think it's possible.  The weather plays a major factor and so far it's cooperating.  I'm tired of hearing the hand-wringing stories of last year's winter and following spring – the worst in the last 10 years.  I'm not planning for failure or restrictive weather; I want my team focused on doing all they can when the weather is good and have a plan for foul weather we can execute. 

Tomorrow I'm flying back to Sharana to review the construction projects there.  We still have quite a bit to do on the FOB and now we're working on the road to Gardez.  The Chief of Engineers, LTG Strock, plans to visit us for Thanksgiving and stay a night with us at the FOB.  I'll give him a tour of the new location and a brief on all of our Engineer activities.  When he departs I'm going with him back to Kandahar so I can catch the flight back to the USA a few days later.  It should be an interesting few days.  The first time I met him was in Senator Clinton's office when he came for an office call.  It's a small Army and it's great to have senior leaders such as him visiting us for the holiday.

Yesterday we had a long instructional period on the Law of War and how it may conflict with the cultural uniqueness of Afghanistan.  Our Commanding General attended with all of the provincial governors in the area.  Three and a half hours of instruction brought out many issues, mostly by the governors and instruction, trying to ensure we don't have additional events that possibly disrespect Islamic Law.  Although the instruction was of value I was interested in the cultural dynamics during the instructional period.  American military leaders wanted to ensure all leaders understood the importance of cultural, religious, and civil law in Afghanistan; Afghan leaders wanted to speak in traditional jurgah (jur-GAH) format.  This means that each of them stand and speak at length about whatever they wish to discuss, no limitations, and sometimes no point or results.  The only point may be discussion for the sake of expressing opinions instead of getting action.  This leaves many American military leaders feeling as if the jurgah is useless but it's a part of Afghan culture.  I found the exchange interesting because I knew what was going on but others became frustrated because they didn't see why it had to last so long. 

The one point that all Soldiers, especially leaders, really have a hard time with is that the governors spoke at length about our need to respect elders, men, women, and children but at times our recognition of their customs can lead to the enemy using our respect as a way to attack us.  No one wants to create enemies because we were culturally ignorant but I don't want to loose one Soldier because I let down my guard for cultural awareness.  It's a fine line we walk everyday and there's no room for mistakes – "tactical decisions can have strategic implications."   

I also find it interesting to hear the terms "respect for women."  From what I've observed in my military experience you can tell quite a bit about the development of a nation by the role women play.  I'm sure someone more erudite said this in a more eloquent manner. I have a hard time hearing about respect when I see men in this country treating their women like livestock – or worse.  I'm not referring to inside Kabul where women hold places of prominence; my experience is in the countryside where more progressive attitudes don't exist.  Afghanistan is fragmented but they're trying to forge a national identity and I'm sure the disparity in the way women are treated will be a major issue for them for years to come.

I expect that I won't be writing for the next two or three weeks while flying to the US, enjoying my family, and returning to duty.  Have a blessed Thanksgiving with your families and remember the price paid for your liberty comes in many forms.  We'll eat Thanksgiving dinner with our Army family with hopes that we'll be reunited with our own families soon.  We're all very blessed.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Paul

LTC Paul M. Paolozzi
Commander, Task Force Pacemaker
Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan

[Carl Harrod]

Notes From Afghanistan - 27 NOV 05
Date: Sat, 26 Nov 2005 14:37:05 +0000

Dear Family & Friends,

Hopefully by the time you read this I'll be in the midst of traveling from Kandahar to Kuwait, Dallas, and then finally Seattle.  I've spent the whole last week working on all the things I don't want to leave undone for a three week period.  My Executive Officer (XO), Operations Officer (S3), and Command Sergeant Major are great leaders and I have absolutely no concerns while I'll be away for a few weeks.  The Task Force couldn't be in better hands.

Earlier this week I spent four days in the east at Sharana.  It's good to get back onto a road construction site again.  It's dirty, dusty, and filled with diesel-belching equipment but I enjoy seeing the Soldiers and the great work accomplished each day.  There's always a large gathering of Afghanis who are amazed at what we do and even more amazed that I have women as Soldiers operating the enormous equipment.  The encounters I enjoy the most are with the children.  It seems that every place in the world I go children are the same: they love Soldiers, are amazed at what we do, and have a natural gravitational pull to our helmets or hats.  It's the part of being a Soldier that always puts a smile on my face.

Later that day I had a promotion ceremony with five lieutenants and two NCOs.  It's great to be able to share in their special event by promoting them in front of their Soldiers. 

The Chief of Engineers, Lieutenant General (LTG) Strock, came to visit on the 23rd, stayed overnight in our VIP quarters (two cots and two desks made out of 2X4s and plywood) and departed on Thanksgiving morning.  Of all places in the world where we have Engineers it's an honor to have him spend time with us.  One Soldier mentioned to me that he was amazed that a three-star would spend so much time with us when most just come for an hour and depart.  I told him that the Chief understood where the most important work was being done by the best Soldiers. Obviously that placed a smile on his face but when the Chief walked out of the mess hall I told him what the Soldier said – which brought a smile to his face.  LTG Strock is the kind of leader that Soldiers love.  They instinctively sensed that he's not just interested in a smack on the back and a trite question "where's your hometown son?" He's the kind of senior officer that can represent the Corps of Engineers in Congress and speak with Soldiers equally well.  Eventually we had to pry him from the table because we had a room full of officers and NCOs waiting to hear his "State of the Regiment" brief.

The Chief also honored us by reenlisting three Soldiers in my unit.  Not only did he perform the ceremony but he spoke about each Soldier as if he knew them for years – detailing some personal facet of their career.  I was very impressed with his ability to honor the Soldiers in a personal way with just a very short amount of time.

Finally, I took the Chief with a small party on a walking tour of FOB Sharana to show him what our engineers accomplished.  I'm very proud of my Task Force and I'm sure it came through at each location where he stopped to see Soldiers working.  The only time he caught me off guard was when he asked if I lost any Soldiers while deployed.  Explaining the combat loss of any Soldier is hard but giving a brief explanation about my vehicle hitting an IED and having two very special leaders die was hard.  He understood and quietly apologized later for not realizing how close I was to this action.

I flew out with the Chief's party late morning on the 24th.  The aviators packed everyone in his helicopter with their luggage only to leave me, my driver, and gunner in an open Blackhawk that seats 11.  We enjoyed the two hour flight with our feet extended and understood that most likely wouldn't happen again. 

The Thanksgiving dinner in Kandahar was nothing short of remarkable.  Although the queue to get into the mess hall was long, the food was excellent and the presentation was simply awesome.  There was no shortage of turkey, ham, steamship round, shrimp, lobster tail, and every trimming you could imagine.  We had two periods for food service and I went to both to because I arranged to eat with Soldiers at each occasion.  I ate for 10 minutes with each group of Soldiers so I could circulate to as many tables as possible.  I've never had Thanksgiving dinner and played musical chairs at the same time.

One last note, our e-mail service has been erratic at best.  I strongly recommend that you always use my paul.paolozzi@us.army.mil address for all correspondence.  All other addresses are temporary and could change as we continue to change servers and service providers. 

"Thanksgiving" happens everyday with the right perspective.

All my best,

Paul

LTC Paul M. Paolozzi
Commander, Task Force Pacemaker
Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan

[Carl Harrod]

Here are some pictures from the Thanskgiving meal

[Carl Harrod]

I had quite a nice surprise last Wednesday - I got off work a little early and decided to go to Fort Lewis to renew my vehicle registration there. It went quicker than I expected so I decided to check to see if LTC Paolozzi was home yet (since I knew he was coming home soon, but didn't know the exact date). I was pleasantly surprised to see him out in the yard with his son so I stopped to say "Welcome Back". We only talked for about 10 minutes because I didn't want to intrude on his quality time with his family, but he expressed his pride in everything that his soldiers were accomplishing there in Afganistan. He has visited this website and has read your comments and he was happy to hear of your support. I told him how proud we were of him and his soldiers and that we truely enjoy getting his newsletters. I don't know if I will get to see him again before he goes back, but it was such a pleasure to see him for just a short time. I told him that we all were hoping for their safe return.

I am including a few more pictures (I had a little problem attaching pictures the last couple of times)
Most people don't know that some of the cooks in the Army are selected and have the opportuniy to attend a culinary arts school wich enables them to make carvings and displays like the ones they did for Thanksgiving.  Most of them do a fantastic job and the Holiday meals are their chance to "Strut their Stuff".

[Carl Harrod]

Sunday, December 18, 2005 4:47:50 AM

Dear Family & Friends,

I had an absolutely tremendous time while on leave.  It was great to reunite with my family and spend some uninterrupted time with them.  I'm very blessed to have strong competent leaders in my Task Force who allowed me 15 straight days without having to get into unit requirements during that period.  I called back to Afghanistan every other day on my satellite phone but just asked "Is everything OK, are all the Soldiers safe, any pressing issues for me?" Each time I hung up the phone with less than five minutes of talk time.

My flights to the United States went fine.  I departed Kuwait rather quickly and flew to Shannon, Ireland.  I've been there no less than eight times so I know where everything is.  I picked up two very nice Celtic scarves for Rae Ann and she wore them immediately. 

The reception in Atlanta from Ireland was muted.  There's hundreds of Soldiers there but absolutely no recognition by the people of Atlanta.  Conversely those Soldiers who travel through Dallas told me they receive a royal welcome with their names mentioned and many congratulatory remarks.  It seems as if Atlanta is too busy to recognize Soldiers as they bustle through the busiest airport in the nation.  I was honored to have the flight attendant on our flight from Atlanta to Seattle ask that everyone on the flight remain seated while another Soldier and I deplaned to meet our families.  I rose to move to the door and the whole plan burst out in applause and cheering.  I shook quite a few hands and felt very embarrassed when I got off but happy that the attitude in Atlanta didn't carry over to all flights.

We did quite a bit while on leave and also had some relaxing time at home.  It seemed strange to come to a house that I've never been to before a call it home.  My family enjoyed giving me the grand tour as I saw it for the first time.   The next day we took a family picture which we were all pleased with.  I hope to get a copy scanned in so you can see it next week.

It was important to spend some individual time with the kids too.  I went to the rifle range on post with Aaron and to breakfast at Starbucks with Sarah.  It's nice to get their individual perspective on things.  We really enjoyed each moment.

On Friday we departed for the Cascade Mountains and took a mini-vacation to a cabin in the woods.  It was magnificent – sleeps eight, no neighbors, plenty of snow, three floors, brand new and exactly what we wanted for our get-away.  I've included some pictures of our snowmobile trip, sleigh ride, cabin, back porch, snowy roads, and ping-pong table in the basement.  We loved it.  We're hoping to go back in the late spring if it's available. 

Washington has a German village in the mountains called Leavenworth (not to be confused with the great town in the eastern portion of Kansas).  Leavenworth had all types of Christmas activities, music, sledding, great restaurants, and special tree lighting events.  We loved it and look forward to a summer visit.  The pictures you see in the village are from Leavenworth.

We also took some time to celebrate three events (in person): my birthday, Thanksgiving, and a bit of Christmas.  Rae Ann had a delicious turkey with all the trimmings on a Thursday before we went to a special showing of the "Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe" with our Church family.   Its remarkable how blessed my family is for being plugged into a great church family.  I first went to Faith Assembly of Lacey in 1988 before I was married and now we're back with a full family.  My Pastor, Dan Secrist and Deputy Pastor Dan Kaiser were a part of the church 17+ years ago and they're still there.   I look forward to be being a part of the church when I return in March.

The remainders of the 15 days were quiet and enjoyable.  I had my official Army photo taken for my board on a Friday and did some car and home maintenance.  Rae Ann and I also enjoyed a dinner night with one of my old West Point cadets, now a Captain, in Olympia.  My family, church family, and Army family all in one place – it was great!

My return flight was long and tiring.  I spent three full days flying with layovers in Atlanta - five hours, Ireland – one hour, Kuwait – 20 hours, and Baghram – 12 hours.  I was amused by a comment by one of the flight attendants in Seattle, she told us we'd be delayed for 20 minutes because we were waiting for deicing equipment.  I thought that was a very short time but the rest of the plan groaned because 20 minutes was too long for them.  I guess flying for three full days will give you a bit of patience.  I enjoyed meeting the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps in Kuwait as he escorted a few Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders, Al Franken, Traylor Howard (she's the new co-star on the TV series MONK), and few country music stars.  I enjoyed speaking with Traylor about the series and then mentioned to Al Franken that I met him in Kosovo when he entertained the troops in 2001. Most people/Soldiers associate him with a strong political opinion but I appreciated him being on this USO tour with his comedy act to entertain the troops in Afghanistan.

The Hawaiian company made a snowman from shredded paper and other local supplies and the mine clearance company decorated a tree with defused anti-personnel mines, grenades, anti-tank mines, and candy canes.  They had to have candy canes!  I received another engineer company last night and as they passed the tree they marveled at how they turned a festive tree into a training aid so Soldiers could identify mines and munitions.  I love Soldier humor.

All my best,

Paul

LTC Paul M. Paolozzi
Commander, Task Force Pacemaker
Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan

[Carl Harrod]

Notes From Afghanistan - 1 JAN 06
Date:  Sunday, January 01, 2006 12:22:58 AM   

Dear Family & Friends,

Happy New Year!  We didn't have too many special celebrations to bring in the New Year but we did have our infantry unit on our FOB fire several 120mm illumination rounds at midnight.  If all of my Soldiers weren't awake before the rounds went off they unquestionably were after.  We also woke up to a light snow cover that continues to fall now.  I pray each of you has a blessed New Year.  2006 now holds less than 90 days before we redeploy.

My guard shift on Christmas night was uneventful.  I enjoyed being outside with my S3, a .50 cal, and a set of night vision goggles.  The night was uncharacteristically warm – around 40 degrees.  We talked for the duration of our shift as we scanned the are to our front and then flopped back into bed.

Sharana is definitely my favorite location in Afghanistan.  My Task Force is the largest organization on this FOB and we have the responsibility of all facets of how it's run.  It's great to be able to take a small location and change the layout and construction to exactly what you want.  We're also trying to ensure that we do all the right things for our replacement unit the 37th Engineer Battalion.

The Airborne Soldiers of B/37th are now in full-swing in our Task Force.  They're working with the Soldiers of B/864th on the road in Sharana and with our carpenter/mason specialists in Kandahar.  They're just as excited as we were when we arrived in March.  When I was an S3 (Operations Officer) in the 11th Engineer Battalion in Kosovo we had B/37 as an attached company then too.  The Soldiers are tough and ready for this deployment.  It's great to have them in Task Force Pacemaker.

As Sharana grows-up new facilities such as a Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) building, Chapel, Laundry, aide station, gym are all being added.  I expect each of these facilities to be complete next week.  I've also been working with my CSM very hard on getting the Soldiers a small PX so they can purchase small convenience items during the deployment.  My intent is to make the selection much larger for the next unit when they arrive.  I'm doing my best to have my unit focus on making everything we touch better for the next units in Sharana.

Overall this week has been quiet.  The weather is great for building road but it's also favorable for the enemy to continue placing IEDs.  Each day I try to think of new ways to keep my Soldiers focused on tough standards and alert procedures so they don't get complacent in the last 12 weeks of this deployment.  Finally, I allowed my last driver to go back to the company because he was promoted to Sergeant and I hired a new driver from B/864th; I'm sure he'll do a great job.

Happy New Year!

Paul

LTC Paul M. Paolozzi
Commander, Task Force Pacemaker
Sharana & Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan

[Carl Harrod]

Notes From Afghanistan - 8 JAN 06
Date:  Sunday, January 08, 2006 3:30:08 AM   

Dear Family & Friends,

Two worlds have emerged in Task Force Pacemaker – one in Sharana where the snow and wind bite through you with no mercy, the other in Kandahar with milder temperatures, no snow, and brief periods of enjoyable temperatures.  I'm doing my best to rotate between two weeks in Sharana and then one week in Kandahar to ensure I get to see all of the great work my Task Force is doing.

On the first day of the year we received eight inches of snow in Sharana complete with drifts and freezing temperatures throughout the full day.  The only thing this means to an engineer is that there's no road building.  Without the ability to scarify, grade, spread gravel, and compact with water, road building comes to a halt.  The snow doesn't stop vertical construction but we're doing our best to keep the road building crews busy with missions on the FOB.  Yes, you assumed correctly, snowballs started flying on the first day of snow.

Starting the New Year right is important.  I was honored to have two great Soldiers from B/864 ask me to reenlist them on the first of the year in front of the Sharana Flagpoles.  It's very humbling to speak about Soldiers who choose not just to enter the Army but to continue their service during a time of war.  I spoke a few minutes about the patriots of 1776 as their enlistments ended in the Continental Army.  General George Washington knew that if he maintained a corps of veterans then the Army would remain strong.  He pleaded with to remain in the fragile Nation's service and two-thirds did.  I told those assembled that I saw no difference between our patriot ancestors of 1776 and the two great Soldiers I reenlisted on the first of January. 

One of my lieutenants came by my office to give me a large bag of Kettle Korn.  I love kettle korn and didn't realize half the bag was gone as I devoured it in my office.  His mom and dad make it in Wisconsin and sent several boxes of it for his platoon to enjoy.  I was touched as these great Americans made a special shipment of the heavenly tasting treat to all of us.  www.originalkettlekorn.com  Bright moments like this always make it a bit easier to be away from home for such a long time.

I flew from Sharana to Kandahar on 2 JAN 06.  It was most likely one of the coldest flights I've ever had but I had a private laugh with myself as I though of flying with the doors open to get some cooler air during the 125 degree summer.  Frankly, the winter change is welcome.   On my second day here I met with the Commanding General of I Corps and Fort Lewis, Lieutenant General Dubik on a Video Teleconference (VTC).  LTG Dubik met with me for a full hour as we discussed the historical implications of what my unit was doing, how it will change the way Engineers will organize and fight in the future, and the lessons learned from our experience.  Throughout the meeting it was apparent to me that LTG Dubik in genuinely interested in Soldiers, their well-being, and what he could do to help my unit transition back into the Fort Lewis Community. 

The Kodiaks of C/864th had their Transfer of Authority (TOA) Ceremony with B/37th.  It's a simple ceremony signifying that one unit is released to go home and the other is now in charge.  C/864th did monumental work while they were here and deserve a rest when they get to Fort Richardson, Alaska.  Now B/37th from Fort Bragg, North Carolina has the helm as they attack the vertical and horizontal construction projects in KAF and Sharana.

I also receive a visit from the Deputy Chief of Chaplains, Brigadier General Carver.  He was touched by our loss of two Soldiers and had read a letter from my Chaplain explaining the circumstances.  It was clear to me that this man of God was humble, strong, and had a great heart for Soldiers.  I was a bit surprised that the Soldier he wanted to have a pastoral call with was me.  He was concerned about my recovery, mental adjustment, and if I had someone to share with so I could be a strong commander.  I was particularly humbled when this general got down on his knees and prayed with me as he departed.  I'm proud of our Army because they've obviously selected senior officers with the right priorities to be the leaders of our Chaplains' Corps.

As I close, yesterday I had a chance to celebrate 17 short years of being married to the love of my life, Rae Ann.  It's remarkable to think of how much the Army asks of our spouses as they support from afar.  I have quite a bit of catching up to do when I get home.

All my best,

Paul

LTC Paul M. Paolozzi
Commander, Task Force Pacemaker
Sharana & Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan

[Carl Harrod]

Notes From Afghanistan - 15 JAN 06
Date:  Sunday, January 15, 2006 2:32:10 AM 

Dear Family & Friends,

A good sense of imagination and ingenuity seems to be the recipe for success during the winter months as we continue our construction efforts.  On fronts, vertical and horizontal we're experiencing challenges because of weather and material shortages. Snow cover makes it hard for the local gravel contractor to harvest large rocks that get crushed into gravel so we can continue building the road.  Similarly, the vertical construction teams continue working in the snow and rain but after the wooden structures are complete there's limited tar paper and corrugated metal to cover it.   Our logisticians are working the issue to get these items into Afghanistan now but again we're in a race with the weather.

I spent some time on the construction site with B Company yesterday.  A full day of working in an office, attending meetings, and addressing issues that my company commanders bring to me makes eager for opportunities to slip out of the office and work on one of the construction squads.  I put my helmet on, sneak out of the office, and spend an hour swinging a hammer or helping in some other way in a squad working on one of the ubiquitous construction sites.  Yesterday I enjoyed building trusses and carrying lumber.  It's a great way to know the Soldiers as they interact with their squad.  Most have a curious stunned look on their face when I show up but after a while their normal conversation continues and I get to silently hear what's going on in their lives.  There's always a healthy dose of Soldier humor, cussing, and good-natured harassment coupled with hard work and dedication.  I'm happy that the projects on Sharana won't end before we redeploy, which allows me the liberty of leaving the office and being on the construction site in less than five minutes.

I was surprised to hear from my rear detachment (the unit that manages unit issues back at Fort Lewis) that we received seven second lieutenants (2LT).  All of them eager to receive a platoon of Soldiers and deploy immediately so they can be a part of what our unit is accomplishing before we redeploy home.  The worst time to join a unit is immediately after returning from the combat theater.  Veteran Soldiers carry their stories, experience, and bonds formed during the deployment that makes it hard for a new member to understand.  No one wants to hear the "remember when we were in Afghanistan" stories without end after you've just joined the unit.   I'm going to ensure they all join us before we redeploy even if it's just for seven or eight weeks.  I have so many officers that young lieutenants have to wait up to almost a year to get a platoon leader's job.   Conversely, when I was a new 2LT I became a platoon leader immediately because we didn't have enough lieutenants for each platoon.  I had 24 months of coveted platoon leader time and my young officers feel fortunate if they get 10-12 months in the job.

I'm now in the process of having secure video teleconferences with the unit that will replace us.  It's somewhat exciting to know that we're going home in 10 weeks but there's quite a bit to do before we depart.  We're doing all we can to establish a helpful environment for our replacement unit and ensure they're able to seamlessly assume each of the missions we're working.  I'm confident that we've done the right things to make them successful – immeasurably beyond what we received when we arrived in March 2005.  It's hard to redeploy home knowing that my unit is to return to Afghanistan in February 2007 to replace the unit replacing us.  A year in combat and "less than a year rotation at home with families" schedule is driving many good Soldiers out of the Army (the next deployment will be our third in five years).  The Army has developed a reasonable cycle for maneuver units so that most do not deploy more than once every three years.  This works well for the large new brigades that make headlines when the Department of Defense speaks about the subject to Congress but units with high-demand and low-density in the Army, like mine get shuffled back and forth with little notice.  Soldiers don't complain about the deployment but they do "vote with their feet."  I'm stunned that I continue to reenlist American patriots at the highest rate in all of I Corps and Fort Lewis.

Regardless of weather or logistical challenges we're forging forward toward the completion of this deployment.

All my best,

Paul

LTC Paul M. Paolozzi
Commander, Task Force Pacemaker
Sharana & Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan

[Carl Harrod]

Notes From Afghanistan - 22 JAN 06
Date:  Sunday, January 22, 2006 3:53:31 AM   

Dear Family & Friends,

I recall writing many months ago about having dynamic weeks, wondering if the level of interest and excitement would continue.  Clearly, there are enough activities in command and Afghanistan to keep me busy and interested beyond belief.

            My week started with my third company change of command since we've been in Afghanistan.  Bravo Company (Bulldogs) had a simple and respectful ceremony with short speeches, proud Soldiers, and a reception to welcome the new commander.  I try my best to give a short speech that honors the company, the out-bound commander, and welcomes the in-bound commander.  The Bulldogs truly loved having CPT Emery as their commander so his departure was somewhat emotional as he left the company.

            I think I've spend half my week working officer management.  I recall watching my past battalion commanders working this issue intently but now realize just how important it is.  Each move has second and third order effects on how the total organization works.  With over 65 officers in my Task Force this takes some time to ensure it's done right, especially because I'm now working the summer assignments for those who will naturally depart the unit when we get home.  Although I've had remarkable success reenlisting over 200% of my Army directed enlisted quota for last fiscal year, I'm expecting a hemorrhage of officers when we get home.  An alarming amount plan to depart the military for many reasons but I'm sure that our demanding deployment schedule has to have a major impact on their decision-making.  I try not to think of their decision from my perspective with over 20 years of federal service (18+ active), but from a young lieutenant or captain's perspective.  I'm not sure if I would have continued an Army career if I knew that I would not see my family for a year at a time, several times throughout a 20 year career.  I think that's quite a bit to ask of anyone.  Any new Soldier who joined the 864th before we departed Fort Lewis is guaranteed 24 months in combat overseas and possibly as little as 12-13 months in the United States.

            At times I wonder what portions of my duties since I've been here have been devoted toward being a diplomat.  Yesterday I attended a conference with three governors to discuss the Afghan Nation Strategy and how the three provinces, all aligned by tribal affiliation, will move forward to encourage prosperity in this region.  The United Nations civilians lead the briefings and encouraged participation as we discussed some weighty issues regarding the development of Afghanistan.  After more than three hours of briefings (in both Pashto and English) we adjourned for lunch.  I entered the large room for the meal and didn't know where to sit and didn't want to violate political or cultural protocol.  Governor Mengal saw me standing aside and asked me to sit at the head of the table next to the three governors.  Although he can uncomfortably pronounce "Paolozzi," he calls me my affectionate first name "engineer."  He knows that the infantry will help him secure his Nation but the engineers will bring them into the global community.  Humbly I ate with the three governors and found that the others two governors' had an excellent command of the English language.  I had a great conversation with both of them, a Korean Lieutenant Colonel working for UNAMA, and the minister of energy.  The food was great: rice, lamb, bread, and several items I couldn't identify but they tasted good.  At times I just marvel at the unique opportunities here.  I had to leave after lunch but I shoved a flat of the bread under my arm so I could share it with my driver and gunner – a great team. 

            Of course each meeting is a master's level education in international diplomacy.  I've noticed that I'm in the small group of people that the mayor and governor give a hug to when they see me.  Coming from an Italian background, that's fine with me but it's funny to watch others feel a bit uncomfortable with this expression of warmth.  Conversely, at times I'm a bit stunned by the lack of cultural sensitivity by other American officers.  Comments are made which show ignorance and a lack of respect for other cultures, especially as these gracious people presenting their very best for us.  I wince as I hear comments made openly in English that I consider insulting can be openly heard by many Afghan leaders who are very well educated.  Afghans may have a long way to go to ensure their own security and prosperity but we have a long way to go with regard to respect.

            I'm sure you've read some of the stories in the paper that Kandahar has become a high IED area, similar to Iraq.  I read an editorial forwarded to me from a reporter questioning if we've "lost in Afghanistan too."  What a joke!  I'm entertained by these educated fools who make comments from the United States having never been to Afghanistan.  The death-dealing terrorists who come to Kandahar because it's close to the Pakistan Border are using techniques they learned in Iraq.  If they knew anything about Afghanistan they'd realize that the Pashto view suicides like Catholics do.  They don't blow themselves up in order to kill others – especially other Muslims.   These imported terrorists will not have success in Afghanistan; the people here won't tolerate it like they do in Iraq.  As I send supply convoys through Kandahar and retrograde our equipment back to KAF I pray that each mission ends up there safely. 

I've included an article forwarded from Rae Ann that I enjoyed.  It's about Engineers in Iraq but the same passion and dedication is displayed in Afghanistan.

All my best,

Paul

LTC Paul M. Paolozzi
Commander, Task Force Pacemaker
Sharana & Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan




New York Post                                                         January 20, 2006

Heroes With Bulldozers

By Ralph Peters

America's soldiers are always good for a surprise: The enthusiasm the Army's combat engineers show for our mission in Iraq would dumbfound even our military's most fervent supporters.

Privileged to speak with officers and NCOs from the Army's Maneuver Support Center in Missouri last week, I came away proud to have worn the same uniform as those men and women. Every one of them had served in Iraq or Afghanistan. Now they were briefly back home, working hard to incorporate combat lessons-learned into doctrine and training the young soldiers they'll lead during their next Mideast tours.

All that nonsense about a "broken Army"? What I heard was the conviction that we're not only doing the right thing in Iraq, but doing it far better than the media tell the American people.

Along with those combat engineers, the audience consisted of infantry, military police and chemical corps leaders — veterans all. Not one was discouraged by the political tempests blowing in Washington (where the hot air is a prime cause of global warming). The best word for what our soldiers displayed is zeal.

I only wish my fellow citizens were given an honest view of our troops, their morale and their accomplishments — along with a fuller sense of our military's complexity. Yes, the infantry leads the way, along with the other combat arms. But who hears about the combat engineers? Even though they often lead the infantry?

Well, here's to the heroes who clear the minefields, defuse the improvised explosive devices (IEDs), blow open the doors, dig the trenches, build the defensive barriers, renovate the schools and clinics, plunge into the tangle of wires that passes for an electrical grid — and fight as infantrymen when the need arises.

When you see those dramatic photographs of infantry teams taking down an urban target, the soldiers up front are often combat engineers, opening a path for the grunts to go in.

Every branch of our Army makes its own unsung contributions, but a glimpse at the combat engineers offers a sense of how complex the Iraq mission really is — and how bravely those in uniform have faced up to the challenges. So here are a few anecdotes from the officers and NCOs I met last week:

* All a soldier has to do to make headlines is to whine to a reporter. But we don't hear about the NCO lying in a stateside hospital ward who, after losing an eye defusing an IED, begged his visiting commander to help him get back to his unit in Iraq.

* In the past, active-duty leaders often dismissed the National Guard as "weekend warriors." Not anymore. The highest praise I heard was for a "dump-truck" outfit, the 1457th Engineer Battalion from the Utah National Guard, that served in Baghdad and central Iraq. A colonel described them as remarkably brave and resourceful. Operating at as low as 65 percent of their authorized strength, those mountain lions from the Rockies never ducked a high-risk mission — whether they'd been trained for it or not.

* When the highly paid contractors failed to show up with the bullets flying, combat engineers often were thrown in to get the electricity working out in the boonies. And they did. But all we heard about were the problems in Baghdad — where the contractors were responsible.

* Having just returned from Iraq, one officer said, "I'd give up my promotion to go back." Even allowing for the moment's enthusiasm, that family man believed that his sacrifices made a vital difference. Why don't men like him make the evening news?

* Even during an occupation, the Army has to train for its full range of missions. At a division commander's request, our engineers built a tank-gunnery range with 64 miles of protective berms to keep the main-gun rounds from going astray. One example among many — all in a day's work for the bulldozer boys.

* That day's work includes some of the most dangerous missions in Iraq — defusing IEDs. The equipment and techniques have gotten better, but it remains a nerve-wracking challenge. Combat engineers volunteer to do it.

* As in the Army's better-known units, our combat engineers see impressive re-enlistment rates. Soldiers sign up knowing they'll be sent back to Iraq. Tough as it is, they love what they do. As one command sergeant major put it, "This is what they signed up for, this is what it's all about."

Of course, no list of this sort can begin to capture the courage of these soldiers. They have families they love and the prospect of long lives in the greatest country on earth. Yet, they continue to risk death or mutilation because they will not quit on America — or Iraq — in the middle of a war.

At a time when we're bombarded with so much doom-and-gloom nonsense from those who'd like to abandon the world to terrorists, it's a shame we don't hear more about the men and women who stay in uniform, who do our nation's toughest work and receive so little credit from the know-it-alls safe at home.

Harvard and Yale? Keep 'em. The finest Americans are those who have gone through the School of the Soldier. A "broken military"? Nope. Anyway, if it was broken, the combat engineers would fix it. Under fire.

Ralph Peters's latest book is "New Glory: Expanding America's Global Supremacy."

[Carl Harrod]

Notes From Afghanistan - 29 JAN 06
Date:  Sunday, January 29, 2006 12:29:17 AM   

Dear Family & Friends,

There's never a dull moment.  Early this week we were awakened during the night by the infantry 120mm mortars on our FOB firing in support of a mission.  Governor Mengel's compound was targeted by enemy mortar fire, receiving several rounds.  No one was hurt on the compound and as soon as our 120s starting firing illumination their tubes fell silent.  The enemy knows they only have a few seconds to fire and egress – if they don't our mortars will start firing HE (high explosive) rounds on their position followed by some type of ground and air support.  Better to be waked up by out-bound rounds than in-bound rounds.   

I wonder if the Afghan people think about this as I do.  The insurgents target the people who are trying their best to bring governance and economic prosperity to the province instead of my FOB.  The government is not fragile but it does need assistance – that's why we're here.  I see signs of advancement each month we're here.  The only thing the Taliban can provide the people is isolation and enslavement of their minds.  There's more work to be done here.

As you know I was on leave 28 NOV – 17 DEC 05.  During this period I recently found out that one of the District Police Chiefs that I worked closely with on the Tarin Kowt Road was killed.  On 2 DEC his vehicle hit by an IED less than 500 meters from where I was hit on 18 AUG 05.  He died with four other policemen with three seriously wounded.  Whenever a municipal leader like him is targeted it's because he's doing the right thing for the people.  It's a great loss and tragedy for the people of the Shawali Kowt District.

I'm still in Sharana – enjoying being away from the US main bases near the population centers.  My road construction platoons are getting an unexpected blessing of good weather.  Six or seven hours of bright sunshine coupled with temperatures just above 32 degrees allows us to build road during a period no one would have expected.  If the temperatures dip just a bit then we have to divert the platoons to other missions on the FOB but they'd rather be on the road.  Last year at this time Sharana was covered in a thick blanket of snow.

I've completed several interviews on radio and in newspapers since I've been in Afghanistan but this week I had my first interview with my hometown newspaper, the Observer Dispatch.  When I was in high school I delivered the newspaper now I get to tell the people of Central New York about the progress their Army is making in Afghanistan.  After I gave the interview with the OD one of the local radio stations asked to do a radio interview.  They're interested in a person with local roots doing something that they read about.  I'm interested in letting them know about the great Soldiers serving our Nation and our progress in weaving the threads of a Nation together.

It's routine that local merchants set up a bazaar outside the front gate of US locations of reasonable (200+) size.  When Sharana expanded to over 700 Soldiers the bazaar came to our gates on Thursdays so Soldiers can purchase some of the local goods.  Shopping at the bazaar is nothing like a simple purchase at the local mall.  The merchants give a price after quickly doing his assessment of how quick-minded the purchaser may be and how much money he thinks you have.  Each price quoted is high, if you pay it, then you've missed the experience of haggling with the locals and a portion of your cash.  I went to the bazaar for the first time in Sharana on Thursday.  The merchants were friendly and extremely people savvy; they know this business much better than the Soldiers.  One of my Soldiers purchased gemstones from a merchant and had them appraised when he went home on leave - $25 purchase - $350 value in the US.  I'm sure I'll go a few more times before I leave.

            If you've send boxes or mail during this deployment, I thank you very much.  Please do not send boxes after 15 FEB and mail after 28 FEB.  Sometimes I think our mail is delivered after a swimmer with a waterproof satchel swims across the ocean with it.  Needless to say if you mail something after these dates there's a good chance I won't receive it.

I included a picture Rae Ann and I had taken when I was home on leave, a few pictures from an award ceremony, two pictures taken specifically for the newspaper, my gunner, and several others of Soldiers doing what they do best.

Until next week,

Paul

LTC Paul M. Paolozzi
Commander, Task Force Pacemaker
Sharana & Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan