Because my money's under the mattress already!

I've received a few questions lately regarding our recent rocket attacks. Since they come from several different people, let me try to address them here.

Any more attacks?
Thankfully, none so far. Subject to change at discretion of the enemy.

First you said you were mortared, then rocket. What's the difference?
Good question! These are both examples of indirect fire (direct fire = rifle bullet aimed AT someone in particular; indirect fire = explosive device lobbed in a general direction). Mortars are a variation of artillery fire and the cannon of old. Rockets are an explosive device with a motor attached to the back that fires it towards a target or target area. Both tend to be imprecise (at first, until you get your aim right) and indiscriminate.

Why do we let Afghans on the base?
Sigh... this is a tough one. First, it's basically part of the policy of being welcoming and friendly with our friends, the Afghans. We're here to liberate them from their oppressive government (done), help set up democracy (in-progress), reduce the insurgency (we're working on it), and share the recipe for Mom's Apple Pie (doesn't everyone like Apple Pie?).

We work hand in hand with the ANA (Afghan National Army) and ANP (Afghan National Police - though, don't think of them as the friendly neighborhood cop, it's something different). Also, as we know back home, Americans don't like menial jobs. Same in the Army. In fact, through budget cuts and realignments, many of the basic jobs in the Army are now contracted out. So, port-a-potty cleaning, trash removal, etc. is not done by Soldiers. It's often not even done by our sidekicks, the KBR contract workers. It's locals. Same for transport of supplies. We hire local truckers (they come with their own trucks, and seem to know the local roads or what passes for roads.)

We screen them. We process them. We hope we're right. So far, so good.

Also, keep in mind, we're surrounded by mountains. Anyone with binoculars or a good telescope can see the layout of the base.

One last thing... part of the policy (as I understand it), is that the Afghans are our allies. Therefore, we have to treat them as such.

So, why don't you sleep under your bunk?
Because that's where I store a lot of my gear! Also, I have a comfy mattress and then air mattress...
Ok, seriously... 1) a mattress frame and mattress will provide little to no protection.
B) It's not comfortable, and in the basic shape of things, worse than cowardly... it's afraid. Not good to display fear in a military unit.
3) These things are random. Let's put it another way - how many of you reading this have flown on an airplane in the last four years? Been in a high-rise? Or, more recently, gotten on a subway or bus? ARE YOU CRAZY???? It's dangerous!
Of course you have. And you're going to continue to. Risk management. We all know there's a chance, but... we take it. Otherwise, we wouldn't live our lives. Sleeping under the bunk is one thing, but... I have to eat. I have to go to work. That means walking outside. What then?

This base had not been attacked for over two rotations (years). London hadn't been attacked like that since the IRA, and before then, the Blitz (WW2 for the younger readers). NYC? Last time a plane had flown into a skyscraper there was WW2, and then, it was an accident (B-25 into the Empire State Building).

Life is full of chance. I might win the lottery (haven't yet). I might step on something I shouldn't (so far, so good). My son might have been born deaf (doesn't look that way). Death can rain from the sky (often does, but so far, no showers in my immediate area). One might find love and happiness (found her!). I might choke on a chicken bone at dinner (hope not, but it better be good chicken).

For most of us here on base, the attacks are already long past. Nothing we could do about them, or can do about them. C'est la vie, c'est la mort....

Hope this helps some...