Deployment Strategies: Navigating The Journey To Afghanistan's Battlefield

Getting to Afghanistan is no easy feat, especially for military personnel. Troops are often transported via cargo planes, enduring long flights to reach their destination. Prior to deployment, soldiers undergo rigorous training and preparation, not only for combat but also to understand the cultural nuances of the country they are entering. They are taught, for instance, about the Islamic faith and how to handle Islamic texts respectfully. The journey to Afghanistan is just the beginning of a challenging and often dangerous mission, requiring extensive planning and a strong resolve.

Travel by cargo plane

In August 2021, a C-17 evacuated 640 Afghans from Kabul to Qatar, believed to be among the most people ever flown in the C-17. The flight was not intending to take on such a large load, but panicked Afghans pulled themselves onto the plane's half-open ramp. The crew made the decision to fly, ensuring these passengers were safely taken out of the country.

The C-17 is based at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware and is part of several flights that have carried hundreds of pre-cleared Afghans out of the country. The US Air Force C-17 Globemaster III is a massive military cargo plane that has been operated by the US and its allies for almost three decades. It is capable of carrying large equipment and supplies, as well as a significant number of troops and civilians.

The process of travelling by cargo plane involves coordinating with the country of origin and destination, as well as securing the necessary clearances and permissions. The plane is loaded with supplies and equipment, and passengers board according to the seating configuration. The flight crew conducts pre-flight checks and receives clearance for takeoff. The plane then flies to its designated location, where it lands and passengers disembark.

The use of cargo planes allows for the efficient transportation of a large number of troops and supplies, making it a crucial aspect of military logistics and strategic mobility. It enables the rapid deployment of forces and equipment to areas of operation, providing support to ground troops and ensuring the timely delivery of essential resources.

Preparing for deployment

Pre-Deployment Tasks

Service members will receive a checklist of tasks from their unit, which typically includes a required pre-deployment health assessment. It is important to complete all relevant items and review them with family members or loved ones. This is also a time to ensure that all contact information and important documents are up to date, and that legal and financial matters are in order.

Financial Preparations

Financial preparations are a crucial aspect of deployment planning. It is recommended to review finances with loved ones, set up autopay for recurring bills, and consider enrolling in savings or thrift plans. Additionally, creating or updating wills and insurance policies is essential, especially for those with families.

Family Care Plans

Developing a comprehensive family care plan is vital when preparing for deployment. This includes making arrangements for child care, elder care, and pet care during the service member's absence. It is also important to involve children in the deployment preparations and help them understand the nature of the separation.

Home Preparations

Preparing one's home for deployment is necessary, such as deciding who will receive mail and take care of any necessary maintenance. It is also essential to review and update legal and financial documents, including wills and medical directives, and ensure that family members have access to important accounts.

Emotional Preparations

Deployment can be emotionally challenging for both the service member and their loved ones. Spending quality time together, communicating openly, and seeking support from military resources or social groups can help ease the transition. It is also beneficial to create a plan for staying in touch during deployment, such as agreeing on communication methods and frequency.

Military jargon

Jingle trucks

Transport trucks with a narrow wheelbase adorned with colourful stickers and chimes. The military contracted these trucks, known as "jingle trucks," due to the decorative metal tassels that jingled when the trucks moved. The contract price was based on the destination and truck type, and while serviceable, these trucks did not meet standard US specifications.

KAF

Acronym for Kandahar Airfield, the main base of operations for southern Afghanistan. KAF serves as a major transportation hub for both helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft, as well as convoys of Humvees.

LN

Abbreviation for Local National. This term refers to a citizen of the country in which military operations are taking place, such as Afghanistan. LNs are often employed for construction or other labour tasks within military bases.

AO

Stands for Area of Operation, referring to the specific geographical area where military operations are conducted.

AOR

Short for Area of Responsibility. This is the assigned area given to a particular military unit, designating the region for which they are responsible.

APC

Acronym for Armored Personnel Carrier, the primary mode of transportation for mechanized infantry units. The Marines use AMTRAC, while the Army employs Stryker APCs.

FOB

Stands for Forward Operating Base, referring to a secured outpost typically located outside the main base of operations.

TOC

Abbreviation for Tactical Operations Center, usually pronounced "tock." This is the location where command elements are primarily situated and where critical decisions are made.

IED

Acronym for Improvised Explosive Device, referring to a homemade bomb or explosive device used by insurgents or terrorists.

RPG

Stands for Rocket-Propelled Grenade, a type of grenade launched from a portable tube-like launcher. RPGs are commonly used by insurgents against coalition forces.

These terms are unique to military language and are essential for concise and efficient communication during operations. They also help foster a sense of camaraderie and shared understanding among military personnel.

Cultural training

The US Army provides cultural training to soldiers before they are deployed to Afghanistan. This training is essential to help soldiers understand the local culture, customs, and language, thereby fostering better relationships with the local population and promoting effective communication and collaboration. This training also covers specific topics such as the dynamics and psychology of human behaviour and cross-cultural communication.

Cultural Awareness Training

The US Army offers cultural awareness training to soldiers deploying to Afghanistan. This training is designed to help soldiers understand the local culture, customs, and language, and how to interact appropriately within the local context. The training covers various topics, including:

• Religion: Understanding the religious customs and practices of the local population, especially in a predominantly Muslim country like Afghanistan.
• Social interactions: Learning about social structures, gender dynamics, and appropriate behaviours when interacting with local community members.
• Language: Basic language skills, such as greeting people, asking for directions, and communicating effectively with local interpreters.
• Tactics: Understanding the local security situation and potential threats while respecting cultural and religious norms.

Cross-Cultural Communication

Cross-cultural communication training is a crucial aspect of preparing soldiers for deployment in Afghanistan. It focuses on the dynamics and psychology of human behaviour across different cultures. Soldiers learn to navigate cultural boundaries and establish meaningful relationships with their Afghan counterparts. This training equips them with the skills to communicate effectively, build trust, and collaborate towards shared goals.

Case Study: 18th Military Police Brigade

The 18th Military Police Brigade conducted cultural awareness training before their deployment to Afghanistan. They brought in experts to provide a comprehensive framework covering history, culture, insurgency, corruption, and media relations in Afghanistan. This training emphasised the importance of understanding the human landscape, including the tribal structure, religious practices, and social customs. It also addressed working with the Afghanistan National Security Forces and transitioning security responsibilities to Afghan forces. By gaining a deeper understanding of the local culture and dynamics, soldiers were better equipped to communicate and influence their Afghan counterparts effectively.

Language Training

Language training is an integral part of cultural training for deployment in Afghanistan. Soldiers are taught basic phrases and greetings in local languages, such as Dari or Pashto. This enables them to interact with the local population, show respect, and build rapport. Language training also includes an understanding of non-verbal communication, such as body language and gestures, which can vary across cultures.

Virtual Training Environments

The US Army has also explored the use of virtual training environments, such as simulations and serious games, to enhance cultural awareness training. These virtual worlds allow soldiers to interact with simulated Afghan villages and locals, providing a safe and immersive training experience. This technology offers flexibility and customisation, enabling soldiers to practise various scenarios and receive immediate feedback. However, it is important to note that virtual training environments should complement, not replace, traditional classroom and practical training methods.

Withdrawal plans

The withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan was completed on 30 August 2021, marking the end of the 2001–2021 war. The US-Taliban deal, signed in February 2020, stipulated fighting restrictions for both parties and provided for the withdrawal of all NATO forces from Afghanistan in return for the Taliban's counter-terrorism commitments. The deal triggered the collapse of the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) as the US reduced the number of air attacks on the Taliban, to the detriment of the ANSF.

The US intended to withdraw its troops by 1 May 2021, but in April 2021, President Biden announced that the withdrawal would be completed by 11 September 2021, the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. The US withdrawal was delayed, and the new deadline was set for 31 August 2021.

The US withdrawal was criticised by some as abrupt, but Washington had repeatedly signalled its intention to withdraw over a decade. The US decision to withdraw was based on the assessment that the threat of terrorism from Afghanistan was smaller than from various parts of Africa and the Middle East. The primary objective in Afghanistan since 2001 had been to degrade the threat of terrorism against the US and its allies, and this goal was achieved a decade ago. Al-Qaeda's capabilities are now a fraction of what they used to be.

The withdrawal of US troops was completed on the night of 30 August 2021, shortly before the midnight deadline. The last C-17 military cargo aircraft departed Hamid Karzai International Airport, marking the end of America's longest war.

Frequently asked questions