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3 October 2006
It has been over four months now since I deployed to Afghanistan with the advance party of the Kiwi contingent, enthusiastic and keen to make our mark during the summer rotation.
As the logistics officer for the contingent, I have faced many challenges, including coming from the naval logistic school of thought. Fortunately, I had passed the Army Intermediate Logistic Ops course the year before deploying, so many of the terms used in this land-locked mission were not completely lost on me. Also, working in HQ JFNZ’s Logistics Branch before the deployment had prepared me a little for logistic obstacles I would face.
Operating in Afghanistan is a unique opportunity, which has taught me a lot. I have been fortunate to lead a fine group of men and women from the three services of the New Zealand Defence Force, who are representing New Zealand every day with courage, commitment and integrity.
In the logistic cell, I co-ordinate with senior non-commissioned officers (SNCOs) from the catering, stores and workshops functions to provide the support our contingent needs to make the operation viable and successful. If any of these areas were to stop, the operation would eventually have to cease – this makes my job highly visible to the contingent command, and good communication is always necessary.
During my time here I have been able to visit the famous Bamian Buddhas and Gholghola (the scene of Genghis Khan’s 1222 slaughter of everyone who lived here, including animals), and establish myself as somewhat of a tour guide to those places. I have also been fortunate to travel to our western and northern regions, and see some of what our patrols operate in and meet some of the locals. I would highly recommend this position to future logistics officers, as this country, its people and their culture, certainly bring you out of the textbook environment and to the forefront of the logistic profession.
As with all deployed personnel, there have been highs and lows; however, on reflection I have valued these experiences because they have all taught me lessons, and will help me achieve one of my other goals – being the supply officer on board the Navy’s new multi-role vessel. This vessel will be a true three services, one force platform, in which the NZDF will achieve the objectives the Government has set for us.
I have made many good friends here from the other services; we all have our differences but are united by our values, shared experience and our commitment to help make this a better world.
This page was last reviewed on 10 October 2006 and is current.
