All I Need to Know

I just got some specific information about where I'll be going. Most importantly:

There is a laundry service,post office, barber shop, beauty shop / massage spa, and Medical Clinic.

I don't need to know anything else.

7 Weeks

I leave in 7 weeks. Oy vey.

I need to start making a list. Actually, I need a list of the lists I need to make.

• A list of things I need to pack.
• A list of things I need to ship.
• A list of things I still need to buy to either pack or ship.
• A list of things I need to take care of before I leave.
• A list of meals I need to cook and freeze for S so that she eats real food at least once in a while when I'm gone.
• A list of dog and cat supplies that we need to stock up on before I leave.

I'm sure there's more. 7 weeks sounds like a long time. I have a feeling it will be over before I'm finished making my lists!

New Tasker

New departure date: July 6.

If you do the math that means I'll be gone for S's birthday, Thanksgiving, our anniversary, my birthday, Christmas and New Year's.

But, I should be able to take me R&R to come home for L&H's wedding.

So, assuming the Wicked Witch doesn't interfere, I've got 9 weeks to get ready. Fortunately I've already got my paperwork done.

An Actual Update

I hope I don't jinx myself by posting this; but I just got word that a new tasker is being issued. Departure in early July. Will post details when I get them.

Things Happen for a Reason

I believe that. Not necessarily a pre-destined reason; but I believe things generally happen the way they should. It's just how we react that determines whether or not it works out for the best.

Civilians (perhaps just females, the details are unclear) were pulled from the PRTs because the remote areas where they are operating are becoming increasingly unsafe. So even though I was really looking forward to the work (okay, I'll admit it, I was pretty pissed when my tasker was canceled), I'm not unhappy that events unfolded as they did. Things will work out the way they're supposed to. I'm sure of that. And who knows, maybe there was a reason I was supposed to hang out here for a little while longer. You just never know.

I'm still waiting for a new tasker. But now I'm not upset on a minute-by-minute basis that it hasn't come down yet. As always, I will let you know when it does.

Holding Pattern

My tasker has been canceled. I'm working on getting a new one. It's frustrating. I'll keep you posted.

UPDATE: I wish I had an update but I don't. For those who've been asking...I'm still waiting.

Book Suggestions

I need a good book to take with me. Something of Atlas Shrugged epic proportions. In other words, something that will last me a while. If you've got suggestions, let me know.

Voodoo Doll Tree Killer

There appears to be a direct relationship between the number of needles I'm required to be stuck with and the number of trees that I'm killing in order to complete the required paperwork.

Clarifications and Explanations

I guess I didn’t give nearly enough information in my e-mail. Sorry. I’ll do my best to answer all your questions. At least the ones that I know the answers to (and I don’t know very much right now).

I currently work for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). USACE is responsible for the reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq. Civilians can not be forced to deploy, however, they are much needed because our military resources are stretched very thin right now thanks to a certain someone’s policies.

Civilians can volunteer for temporary duty assignments in places like Afghanistan and Iraq. I don’t have to quit my job or anything. I'll just be doing my job in a different location temporarily; I'll still get paid. I’ll go for 6 months, and then return to my job here. While there I’ll be under the protection of the U.S. military.

Here’s a little more information on PRTs:

Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs)

Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) are aimed at promoting the emergence of a strong and credible central government able to extend its influence nation-wide.

PRTs are not intended to function as peacekeeping entities. They are relatively small, inter-disciplinary groups formed to assist local authorities, the national government, nongovernmental organizations, and United Nations agencies, in their efforts to rebuild Afghanistan, reform its security sector and disarm, demobilize and reintegrate its armed members.

While the military component of some PRTs will undertake some engineering work, reconstruction is but one aspect of the PRT mission. Rather than implement change, the PRT’s emphasis is to enable change. By providing security and basic support, PRTs will facilitate the exchange of information amongst various groups, thereby stimulating reconstruction and contributing to the process of normalization. Chain of Command PRTs currently report to the HQ Coalition Joint Civil Military Operations Task Force (CJCMOTF) within HQ Combined Forces Coalition Afghanistan (CFC-A).

Given their relatively small size, the military component of PRTs are intended to provide local security only. Combat operations, should they be required, will be conducted by other forces.
PRTs focus on supporting change to a wide variety of areas, among them education, customs, infrastructure, agriculture, police, the judiciary, and public health. As capabilities improve over time, PRT duties will gradually be transferred to the government or the commercial sector.

You can also check out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Provincial_Reconstruction_Team

And for info on the overall USACE mission in Afghanistan (a little glossy but some good info): http://www.aed.usace.army.mil/

Since I don’t know what information I’m allowed to share with the world, I’m keeping this generic. My last name will not appear anywhere on this blog. Please don’t identify me in any comments. Once I find out the level of detail I’m allowed to share, I’ll adjust my postings as appropriate and let you know what is okay and what is not.

And I’ll try to answer all your questions, so keep checking back.

The Next Adventure

Afghanistan.

Yes, that's where I'm going.

For 6 months.

To help rebuild.

I volunteered.

Except this time I get paid.

And I'll have electricity and running water.

Hopefully, I'll do some good. Anyone can build barracks on a military base. I want to do more.