Nitty Gritty time

Last week we learned and simulated some fun but irrelevant stuff. We learned how FOs (forward observers) call in artillery fire and make adjustments until the bad guys are blown up. We also learned calling in close air support. We then went to a simulator where terrain was displayed on a 20 foot wide screen along with bunkers, armored vehicles and trucks. Each of us plotted the location and called for fire (CFF). We adjusted subsequent calls until the enemy was toast. Fun but not what we'll be doing.

After a few days off for the 4th (I got to see my family!!!), we returned for CLS, combat life saver. Much more practical and focused on providing care and survival in a battle zone. Saturday 7/7/07 will see us in full "battle rattle" (all of our protective gear) out in a field and we will take mock casualties. We have to cordon the area, tend to the wounded and call in medevac. I don't expect to use these skills but need to know them.

Today we learned techniques of care and I and the 6 other docs here were called on to do some of the teaching and supervision. Very enjoyable and similar to what we will do in A-stan.

We learned more Dari (local language) over the last week and sampled some Afghani food like a salad made with cukes, onions, tomatoes and mint; also a beef stew over rice that was made with garbanzos and fresh tomatoes.

Next week: convoy duty and qualifying on a variety of weapons. Earplugs, check!