// Afghanistan
An AH-64 Apache Gunship
- New Challenges, Similar Parallels
By SGT Debz Goodwin
I have just completed four months of my six-month deployment to Afghanistan and already time here has progressed really fast. Having previously completed a six-month deployment to Sinai in 2005, I’ve found similar parallels and new challenges working with other multi-national forces.
Afghanistan gets very hot in the summer but it is also the most dangerous place I have deployed to so far. Insurgent rocket attacks on the base have become regular occurrences and while most miss their intended targets, some have been a little too close for comfort!
Mail
I perform an administrative role supporting New Zealand Defence Force personnel based in Bagram, but also have wider support functions for the other New Zealand Defence Force staff based in Kabul, Jalalabad, and Kandahar. One of my primary functions is processing mail that comes from New Zealand for the troops based in Afghanistan. We usually get up to 120 kg of mail per week from home and making sure the troops receive their mail is vitally important.
Bagram Air Field, where I’m stationed, is 65 km away from the Afghanistan capital of Kabul, and has a multi-national population of close to 25,000. Bagram is a busy hub for the coalition effort against insurgent forces, with many aircraft taking off constantly throughout the day. The noise levels can be horrendous but I’ve learned to deal with it. Besides, the highlight of my deployment has been the interactions with coalition forces and the noise is all part of that role.