Interview Notes: Afghanistan War Veteran

Smell: The Middle East has a unique, distinct smell, neither disgusting nor pleasant, but something the speaker finds they like.
Sand: Characterized by lots of sand.
Heat: It is very hot but less so than places like Iraq or Saudi Arabia.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is described as humid and hot.
Afghanistan reminded him a lot of Idaho. This is a comparison he would make again later.

The speaker served in the 727th Reconnaissance unit, operating Predator drones.
The unit was stationed at Kandahar, Afghanistan, a former international airport repurposed as a base.

Felt a compelling need to do something but lacked a clear direction.
The military seemed like a way to gain time, discipline, and a paycheck while figuring things out.
Initially intended to serve for a few years but decided to stay longer.
Driven by the desire to avoid stagnation.

Joined the military before 9/11 during a time of peace.
After the attacks, the speaker volunteered to go to war and was deployed to Cyprus five days later.
Motivated by a personal need to act rather than specific nationalistic feelings.

Acknowledges that mistakes were made but recognizes the need for action after 9/11.
Believes attacking Afghanistan was justified, given the circumstances.
Describes the national sentiment at the time as a desire for revenge.

Radiation exposure, anticipating future health problems.
Developed a negative association with the Muslim population due to being targeted for an extended period.
Experiences discomfort around mosques.
Sensitivity to loud noises due to close calls with mortars.

Initially brought the country together in a shared desire for revenge after 9/11.
Increased support for the military.

The war in Afghanistan destroyed the country and reversed any progress.
Describes the situation upon leaving as the same "terrorist-filled, Taliban-infested shithole" they found.
Deems the intervention a complete waste of time, like Vietnam.
Suggests the primary goals of revenge and eliminating Osama bin Laden were achieved, but the overall effort was futile.

Family members, particularly his mother and grandmother, were worried.
Grandmother sent a box of food, including banana bread, which spoiled during transit and arrived covered in mold.

If a similar attack like 9/11 happened again, the U.S. would likely need to respond in kind.
Believes the U.S. should not have stayed in Afghanistan for thirteen years; shorter engagement focusing on terrorist training camps and assisting local villages would have sufficed.
Suggests a more targeted approach to find Osama bin Laden, possibly in Pakistan, and a swift exit.
- Limited military presence with one heavily defended base.

Experienced high-quality German food in Afghanistan, through German ally contributions.
Notes that the Germans sent chefs instead of soliders.
The chow halls were initially excellent due to the German contribution but later declined in quality.
Mentions that Hungarians brought prostitutes to Afghanistan, which led to conflict when they were not allowed entry.
Believes they probably killed my first three people in Afghanistan.
Compared Afghanistan to Idaho in terms of landscape, specifically Mountain Home.
Recalls seeing the first casket with a flag and questioning the worth of the conflict, marking a turning point from being completely "gung ho."