Training in Kabul

Range day in Kabul. Photo by Keith Schenkel/IPLO.

Yesterday, I got to visit a former Soviet army post and do some firearms training. Driving into the post, we passed hundreds of acres of old Soviet armor sitting derelict in valleys surrounding the former compound. When we arrived at the 'range,' we were met with a big dose of reality; a group of young Afghans came out of their very humble dwellings (mud and stone huts, many without roofs) from across the valley to greet us. They were there to watch us, but more importantly they were waiting to pick up the leftover brass from the firing range to make a little money. These are hardy people.

The shooting itself was interesting too. We shot in a snow field that was melting. Translation: it was dang cold and wet and muddy. I have never shot on a range with running water through the lanes. In the photo above, you can barely see the target holders sitting in the snow in the background. The mountain peak was our backstop. On the convoy home we got to have some practical application what we have been practicing; several of the vehicles in our convoy got stuck in some mud (there are very few paved roads in Kabul) and we got to set up security while they were freed. The local got a kick out of watching us and there were no incidents to speak of.

Final assignments are handed out later today. People are excited and a bit anxious to learn where they will spend the next 12 months of their lives.