Afghanistan My Last Tour

"ER" had to go into the shop for repairs

The past few days my team has gone on some short missions.  “ER” our new MRAP is already in the maintenance shop being repaired.  The rough roads and numerous potholes take a toll on these million dollar plus vehicles.  Coincidentally, the MRAP manufacturers have listened to the concerns and suggestions of the troops in the field.  As a

M-ATV (photo courtesy of manufacturer)

result, they have redesigned the MRAP and in the future we hope to see a sleeker MRAP such as the MRAP All Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV) designed by Oshkosh Defense seen in this picture outside the manufacturing plant.  The Department of Defense recently awarded them a $1.05 billion contract for 2,244 of these vehicles.

2 AF SSgts drilling holes into metal frame bars

Meanwhile, my ETT team has been busy with outfitting our new trailers with trailer covers.  Originally transportation maintenance was going to install them for us.  Instead, our team leader recognized our team abilities and talent and we undertook the task ourselves.  We had a small challenge with drilling holes in the steel frames because the manufacturer had a small oversight and forgot to do this.

Hope you didn't forget the lock washers!

After a few broken drill bits, we managed to secure the metal reinforcement plates to the frames and draped the canvas covers over them.

Our team leader also employed the team manpower to organize and clean up the weapons storage area and connexes.  Not only did we organize the shelving, but we disposed of unneeded and outdated items.  So now the impetus is on us to maintain it in this state of readiness.

We also had some down time since the Ramadan holy period started and engaged in some friendly sports competitions.  I entered in a 2-man dart tournament and was victorious for the second month in a row.  We draw cards randomly to determine who our partners are going to be.

My team installing frames on trailers

Previously Marine Master Guns was my partner, but this time he was an opponent.

Yesterday, our MWR committee in conjunction with newly appointed Navy Chief Petty Officer selectees hosted an outdoor volleyball tournament.  Instead of 5-man teams, the sponsors changed it up and made it more challenging by requiring 3-man teams.

Trailers with their new covers

The Air Force as usual had several competitive teams.  My team consisted of our team leader and my roommate.  We made it to the finals and played a controversial match with the Army for the championship game.  The referee was unaware of the most basic rules and the Army team exploited this by not calling their own infractions.

Army 3 on 3 v-ball winning team

Even after pointing out the egregious infractions and request for self-integrity, my plea was rejected.  So double-hits and hitting the ball with 2 consecutive hits by the same person were ignored.  I was rather disappointed at the lack of integrity, but being a good sport, I am still posting their winning photograph as they edged my team out in a tie-breaking contest.

Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: | Afghanistan, Deployment, ETT, M-ATV, MRAP, Oshkosh Defense, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, volleyball, war