Week 15 – Because it was there

So the patrol ended up being pretty good, except for the fact the guy we were looking for wasn’t even in the area at the time. Like looking for a needle in a haystack and discovering you’re looking in the wrong haystack. The section I was with for the task was originally FOB security. You know, guarding the officers, sigs and medics. This lasted all of three hours before we were tasked with climbing a big fuck-off hill. One which nearly took me out on the first day. We are talking 70 degree slopes at times to a height of 250m on the first leg. After overnighting in a clearing on a ridge we continued on to the top of the hill 510m which, although at times as steep as the first leg and with little usable track, was a lot easier as we started early in the morning and we were relatively fresh. We took a break at the top and then went down the side. This was a bad idea, 80+ degree slope that was wet with moving rocks and little hand holds. We met one of the other sections heading up and eventually stopped for the night down by the river. Understandably we were all pretty tired at this stage.

The next morning we walked up the river to meet up with another section to act as a communications relay with the FOB. This proved to be a waste of time as that section split and did it themselves. Instead we spent the day guarding a pleasant piece of river and jungle. The fourth day saw us heading back towards base along the river. However just before we got there we were placed as an OP and then saw a group of people that may have included our person of interest. We gave chase up river for about 3 kilometres before we called it off (Those islanders can move fast) as we were spread along the river and it was getting dark. That night we set up an OP in a different place and settled in for an uncomfortable night. The final morning we walked down the river and caught a waiting chopper back to Avu avu. Not bad work for a security section aye.

Week 14 – I’m getting paid for this? Part 2

We arrived at Avu avu the night before the rest of the platoon got in from a three day patrol. In this time we discovered that there was a long drop for a toilet, a tap in a field for a shower, tents for accommodation and rat packs for meals. Understandably we were a little put out. However as soon as the platoon got in things got better. It was so good to be back with the brothers. We spent the rest of the week doing little bits of work in the morning, followed by touch and a swim in the afternoon with a movie after dinner. Almost like a damn holiday camp. We were also doing overnight patrols to local villages, however unfortunately I came down with some crippling bug hours before I was due to leave. I hated having to watch the boys go off without me. Luckily it was only an overnight thing and after throwing up I felt much better. At least I did until I was told that they were splitting up the sections again for a four day patrol. I can’t speak for the other sections but when they do that to us it is like splitting up a family. Always a bad idea.

Week 13 – Rollin’ on the river

Funny how things work in the army, although by this stage I really shouldn’t be surprised. ¨You’re going to Mbambanakira for a month, no changes¨. Lo and behold, one week in and we get shifted to join the rest of the platoon at Avu avu. Bambam was a sweet gig, sleeping indoors, real plumbing, and occasional fresh food. Easy patrols. It wasn’t just a walk in the park though. While I was there I went on three patrols, one that included acting as security while the body of a baby was exhumed for investigation. The others in the patrol were not impressed that I could eat my lunch with the stench of a corpse in the air. We also got to do some mean whitewater rafting on an airbed which was great. But it was not to last. Avu avu here we come.

Week 12 – I’m leaving on a chopper, don’t know when I’ll be back again .

Three days left at Mbalisuna now. We are supposedly going to the Weathercoast (South Guadalcanal) but that all depends on if the fugitives are still at large. So now most of the platoon is off to Avu Avu. I say most because me and five others are off to a place called Bambanakira which is a good 60km away from Avu Avu and that is over mountains as well. Our task there is to act as security for the police station and... Well actually, that is all I know so far. So much for using my time at GBR to get fit and tanned, sorry ladies. This also puts a dent in planning things for when I get home; things like Kelly’s stag do, my visa, etc.

Week 11 – A new oxymoron, military organisation

Life continues apace in the doldrums. We have now spent a week on admin and security. Well, almost a week. Well, long enough anyway. Finally got out of this place for a decent length of time in the last few days. This also happened to be my first patrol as section commander for the tour. I wonder if I get paid extra for this? Tuesday saw us out west on a patrol with the civil-military liaison guys. This involved us following some Aussies around while they scouted for future CML tasks. I.e. sheds to be built, things to be fixed, etc. In reality it wasn’t great. The first village we went to they tried to teach some kids how to skip rope and got them to draw pictures on a blackboard. Woo-fucking-hoo. Second up we went to a college. In the holidays mind so there were few people around. Apart from me sending the guys to talk to whoever they could find, this was basically a lunch stop. Finally we went to a further village were they played soccer with some children and I had a nap in the vehicle while on radiowatch. Still, it was good to get out of the cage.

Thursday saw us out on a swanreq. This started off in the requisite clusterfuck fashion what with trying to get weapons and transport. However, after a few ´wu-sah´ moments and change of plans we got underway. We ended up visiting a museum that had some old warplanes and cannon pieces, including a wildcat that still had a folding wing. This was followed by a visit to a Sherman tank, and finished off with a swim and some shopping. Overall a pretty good day was had by all. Only one week left out at Mbalisuna, but where we go from here? Who knows?