American Soldiers In Afghanistan: Life On The Front Lines

Life for American soldiers in Afghanistan has been challenging and fraught with danger. The U.S. military spent years training Afghan soldiers to fight insurgents, but the Afghan National Army collapsed in a matter of days, with the Taliban seizing control of the country. American soldiers have faced the constant threat of attack from the Taliban and other insurgent groups, and the security situation has slowly unravelled over time. The U.S. troop presence has been dramatically reduced, and soldiers have had to take on multiple roles. American soldiers have worked to train Afghans in weaponry, tactics, drone operation, and intelligence gathering, but issues such as illiteracy, corruption, and incompetence within the Afghan military have posed significant challenges. The U.S. military has also had to navigate cultural differences and work on trust-building with the local population.

Daily routine and duties

The daily routine and duties of an American soldier in Afghanistan vary depending on their role and location. Here is a breakdown of a typical day for soldiers in different situations:

Daily Routine at a Base:

• Wake up and prepare for the day: American soldiers stationed at bases across Afghanistan start their day with morning routines, which may include physical training (PT) or a workout with their team.
• Breakfast and downtime: After morning activities, soldiers have time for breakfast and personal activities like playing video games, watching videos, or connecting with family.
• Training and classes: Many soldiers attend training sessions, drills, or classes to enhance their skills and knowledge. This includes weapons handling, tactics, drone operation, intelligence gathering, and other specialized areas.
• Lunch and recreation: Lunch is followed by recreational activities like sports tournaments, yoga, or spin classes, providing a break from the routine.
• Work duties: Soldiers then proceed to their assigned duties, which can include a wide range of tasks such as conducting layouts, gunners training, teaching team members, intelligence gathering, public affairs, or supporting various base functions.
• Dinner and free time: After dinner, soldiers have free time to engage in personal activities, socialize, or pursue individual interests.

Daily Routine on the Field:

• Patrols and Interactions: American soldiers on the field in Afghanistan may conduct patrols on horseback or in vehicles, interacting with local communities, developing relationships, and gathering intelligence. These patrols can be dangerous, requiring weapons and protective gear.
• Intelligence Gathering: Soldiers try to gather information on enemy activities, often in remote and dangerous locations. They may set up observation posts or use advanced equipment for surveillance.
• Firefights and Combat: When confronted by enemy forces, American soldiers engage in firefights, utilizing their weapons, tactical training, and teamwork to neutralize the threat. These encounters can be intense and unpredictable.
• Support and Assistance: American soldiers also provide support to their Afghan counterparts, offering training and advice to enhance their capabilities and ensure effective operations.
• Community Engagement: Building rapport with the local population is crucial. Soldiers may distribute supplies, interact with children, and establish connections to gain trust and gather information.

High-Ranking Officials:

For high-ranking officials like Major Jared Auchey, the daily routine involves a different set of responsibilities:

• Commute to the Ministry of Defense (MOD): Major Auchey's day starts with a commute to the Afghanistan MOD headquarters, requiring full body armor and a mission number.
• Public Affairs and Advisory Roles: Auchey's work centers on public affairs and advisory roles for the Afghanistan MOD, aiming to counter the information war waged by groups like the Taliban and ISIS.
• Briefings and Meetings: Throughout the day, Auchey attends briefings, meetings, and press conferences as part of his advisory duties, collaborating with both American and Afghan personnel.
• Base Activities: The American base offers recreational activities like soccer tournaments, barbecues, half-marathons, and yoga classes to boost morale and provide a sense of home for the soldiers.

The daily routine of American soldiers in Afghanistan is shaped by their specific roles, locations, and the overall security situation in the country. Their duties encompass a wide range of activities, from combat and intelligence gathering to community engagement and advisory roles, all while navigating the challenges of operating in a foreign land.

Interactions with Afghan civilians

Interactions between American soldiers and Afghan civilians have been fraught with challenges. The U.S. military's rules of engagement for airstrikes in Afghanistan, relaxed in 2017, resulted in a dramatic increase in civilian casualties. The number of civilians killed by U.S.-led airstrikes in Afghanistan increased by 330% from the last year of the Obama administration to the last full year of recorded data during the Trump administration.

The U.S. military's engagement with Afghan civilians has also been marred by instances of misconduct. The CIA has armed and funded Afghan militia groups, and these militias have been implicated in grave human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings of civilians.

American soldiers have also been accused of misconduct towards Afghan civilians. In 2021, there were allegations of a U.S. soldier murdering at least 16 Afghan villagers. Additionally, the U.S. military has been criticized for its handling of civilian casualties. In one instance, errant fire from a U.S. gunship killed dozens of Afghan civilians in the Shindand District of western Herat Province, drawing condemnation from Afghan President Karzai.

However, there have also been instances of positive interactions between American soldiers and Afghan civilians. Some American soldiers have engaged with Afghan children, offering them candy and conversation. There have also been efforts to train and empower Afghan civilians, particularly women. Despite these efforts, the gains made for Afghan women remain fragile, and their status in Afghan society is still precarious.

Leisure activities

Physical activities are also important for stress relief and entertainment. Gyms are often open 24 hours and offer a variety of classes and competitions, such as martial arts, yoga, dance aerobics, and weightlifting. Outdoor activities include fishing ponds, swimming pools, and running/walking events.

Soldiers also have access to restaurants, coffee shops, and bazaars where they can socialise and enjoy a variety of cuisines. They can also participate in cultural events like Arabic nights and belly dancing classes. These activities provide a sense of normalcy and help soldiers cultivate relationships with Coalition partners.

In addition, soldiers can take advantage of the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) website, which provides information on military sports and fitness programs, as well as activities for singles and families, such as campgrounds and recreational facilities around the world.

Safety and security concerns

The U.S. Embassy in Kabul is located inside the city's Green Zone, a heavily fortified area that houses the Presidential Palace, other embassies, and senior government officials. The U.S. Embassy is a well-fortified town in itself, with formidable security, 10-foot blast walls, heavily armed U.S. Marines, explosive-sniffing dogs, and cameras at every corner. The only route out of the Embassy is through Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport, which is currently protected by U.S. and Turkish troops.

The U.S. Embassy in Kabul has detailed plans for every scenario to protect its staff. If there is an evacuation, it wouldn't be the first. The U.S. Embassy in Kabul shut down in 1989 when the former Soviet Union left the country.

The Taliban have issued statements saying they are not looking for a military takeover of Kabul. Washington has repeatedly warned that a military move on the Afghan capital would return the insurgent movement to pariah status, denying it international recognition and assistance.

However, the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021 has raised security concerns. The Taliban's crackdown on IS-KP in Nangarhar, for instance, led to reports of extrajudicial killings and torture. The Taliban's use of profiling and collective punishment has also raised concerns.

The Taliban have asked regional and Western countries to share "actionable intelligence", rather than acting unilaterally.

Impact of US withdrawal

The US withdrawal from Afghanistan has had a significant impact on the country and its people, as well as on US politics and global counter-terrorism efforts. Here is an analysis of the effects of the withdrawal:

Impact on Afghanistan and its People:

• Increased Taliban Control: The US withdrawal removed a significant obstacle to the Taliban's goal of regaining power in Afghanistan. Within weeks of the US departure, the Taliban had seized control of Kabul and established themselves as the country's de facto rulers.
• Potential Civil War: Analysts predicted that the withdrawal of US and NATO forces could lead to a civil war between various factions, including the Taliban, militia groups, and remnants of the Afghan National Army. This could result in even greater violence and instability in the country.
• Humanitarian Crisis: The Taliban's rise has led to a deterioration of human rights, particularly for women and girls, and a rollback of the social and economic advancements made over the last two decades. Thousands of Afghans have attempted to flee the country, and those who collaborated with US and NATO forces now live in fear of retaliation.
• Terrorist Safe Haven: The withdrawal has provided terrorist groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS with a narrative of success and a potential safe haven for planning and launching attacks. The scattering of advanced weaponry from the Afghan National Army could also fall into the hands of these groups, increasing their capabilities.
• Geopolitical Competition: The power vacuum created by the US withdrawal could lead to increased geopolitical competition among regional powers, such as Iran, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Russia, as they seek to extend their influence in Afghanistan.

Impact on US Politics:

• Public Opinion: While the American public supported ending US military involvement in Afghanistan, they largely disapproved of the way the withdrawal was handled by the Biden administration. Many believed that the exit was chaotic and poorly planned, damaging President Biden's approval ratings.
• Bipartisan Criticism: The withdrawal sparked bipartisan criticism, with lawmakers from both parties expressing concern over the manner in which it was executed. There was also frustration over the lack of congressional oversight during the two decades of the US combat mission in Afghanistan.

Impact on Global Counter-Terrorism Efforts:

• Terrorist Threat: The withdrawal has likely increased the threat of terrorism globally, as extremist groups gain more freedom to operate and plan attacks without the presence of US and NATO forces.
• Challenges for Counter-Terrorism: The loss of US and NATO bases in Afghanistan has made it more difficult to gather intelligence and launch counter-terrorism operations in the region. The US will need to rely on remote support and cooperation with regional partners to continue these efforts.

In conclusion, the US withdrawal from Afghanistan has had far-reaching consequences. While there was broad support for ending America's longest war, the manner of the exit and its aftermath have led to political fallout, a worsening security situation, and a humanitarian crisis. The effects of the withdrawal will continue to shape Afghanistan's future and influence global counter-terrorism efforts for years to come.

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