The Journey Home: Experiences of American Soldiers Returning from Afghanistan
During the 13-month deployment from 2009 to 2010, soldiers served in Afghanistan, a place so pivotal to our national history and contemporary geopolitical realities. The experience of being an American soldier stationed in Afghanistan is one that is both humbling and honorific. It is a journey defined by both the peculiarities and the profundities of the human condition, reflecting the inherent dignity and resilience of those who serve.
The Uniqueness of Afghan Combat
My 13-Month Deployment in Afghanistan:
Perhaps one of the weirdest aspects of my return from Afghanistan was walking on flat ground without rocks everywhere. This is not a trivial matter in the terrain of Afghanistan, where undulating landscapes and rocky ridges are commonplace. Moreover, the resignation to frequent ground combat became a stark reality, something that almost all Americans back home were unaware of. It was a stark reminder that while many were fighting for their lives in no-name engagements in towns unknown to them, 99% of the population remained oblivious to this active combat.
A Honor and a Call to Remember
The Greatest Honor:
For me, the 13-month deployment in Afghanistan was the greatest honor of my life. We owe eternal gratitude to our older brothers and sisters who served in Vietnam and fought with equal passion and dedication. As someone who served in the Gulf War, I hold an eternal debt of gratitude to those who came home to endure prejudices and minimal recognition. America has had some of the worst presidents, yet, their service remains a testament to the indomitable spirit of our soldiers. So, God bless those who have laid down their lives under administrations that often forget their sacrifices in the name of political expediency. We have undoubtedly had the worst POTUS in American history, but the valor of our soldiers remains singular.
The Aftermath of Combat: Ongoing Struggles
Post-Deployment Challenges:
Returning from Afghanistan, I found myself experiencing a range of psychological and social struggles. It is a common story among many soldiers. One of the weirdest things I had to do was to find my headscarf to pull over my head after getting out of a car in Germany. This simple act, which once had no meaning, suddenly became a reminder of my time in a country where such gestures were necessary due to cultural norms.
Another manifestation of the psychological impacts was my jumpy reaction to fireworks or loud bangs for a full year. These sounds, which may be mere nuisances for others, held a profound impact on my mental state and triggered my war-worn senses. It was also surprising to note that when my time in Afghanistan is brought up, people from all over the world often react with a mix of awe, disgust, and disbelief. This reflects the disconnect between the average American and the experiences of those who have served in conflict zones.
Meeting someone from Afghanistan is like meeting an old friend because there is a shared understanding of the challenges and the sense of brotherhood forged in the crucible of war. The differences in language and culture become secondary to the unbreakable bonds created through shared experiences and mutual sacrifices.
Reconnecting with Society: The Struggle for Understanding
The journey of returning from Afghanistan is not just a physical one; it is a journey of reintegration. Many soldiers find it challenging to feel understood by friends and family. The stories shared by my comrades are remarkably varied, each reflecting a unique set of experiences. The most common sentiment is the difficulty in being genuinely heard and understood. Friends and family often make judgments based on stereotypes, which can lead to a sense of isolation and estrangement. Thus, the transition from combat zones to post-conflict society is not just about adapting to new environments but also about rebuilding the bonds with loved ones.
During my return to Germany from humanitarian service, where I worked with the UN, I was seconded to an Afghan federal ministry. This experience provided a unique perspective on the ongoing struggles and the transformative potential of international aid. The journey home is a complex and nuanced one, filled with both challenges and opportunities for growth and understanding.