Wow, things have come a long way...
In my short time there, I recall having no internet or phone access for two weeks (less a sat-phone that cut out all the time)... and when we got into PB Wilson, there was 2 computers with Sat-internet that might as well have been dial-up... and with 3 platoons in PBW, there were long lines.
After I left, I didn't hear from anyone until around Christmas.. There was no internet out at the newly built strong points... and they were living in a ditch near the strong points for 57 days after leaving Spin Baldak.
When everyone came home, I started hearing the stories about FOB Martello (sp)... 7+ months of 2 sat-phones and no internet (or computers, really)... they were more concerned with the lack of cleaning facilities, water, proper toilets and eating something that's not in a bag.
Now I get e-mails almost daily from buddies out in FOBs... Guys are updating their Facebook status and blogs daily... I seem to recall a strong sense of disconnection when I was out of the wire, and when we were back in, oh so briefly, the internet in KAF was only available in the trailers by Canada house... the line ups were long and, again, you might as well be on dial up.
Jeez... I feel like I'm telling a "back in my day" story... We fought all our battles in waist deep snow, uphill, with the wind blowing towards us, and all that... It was only 3 years ago...
makes me wish I could go back... it seems as though it would be like having all the comforts of home while in a war zone... soon troops will be complaining that they their refrigerators aren't keeping their beer cold enough, and the pool in KAF is always full of kids.
Craziness
