The Roughnecks
November 18th, 2009 | Photography | Posted by Chris Maddaloni
Spc. Anthony Hernandez sets up his 240 in a wagon at the entrance of an alleyway while on patrol with 1st platoon, the “Roughnecks,” Blackwatch Co., 2-1 Infantry, near COP Rath in western Kandahar.
(On a semi-related note, these kind gentlemen in the Roughnecks, gave me a warm room in a genuine building last night. Let’s just say, the last few nights previously were rather cold – generator issues – without heat in the tent, despite a woolie cap, clothes and a sleeping bag. Kings among men, to say the least…..)
To The Bastions Of Maywand
November 16th, 2009 | Photography | Posted by Chris Maddaloni
Sgt. Timothy Guichard (right) prepares to leave on a patrol, going to a nearby village to ask locals about IEDs that have been planted in the area. I think Mr. Fury would be proud.
Door Number One
November 12th, 2009 | Photography | Posted by Chris Maddaloni
Sgt. Mikael Barrow, with 2-1′s Blackwatch Company, exits a nomad’s hut after searching it on a patrol with Afghan police in Maywan district, Kandahar. And, yes, mustaches are basically required in this unit.
Morning Truck Ride
November 11th, 2009 | Photography | Posted by Chris Maddaloni
Spc. Michael Holt, with 2-1′s Blackwatch company, prepares to mount his Stryker before an early morning mission in western Kandahar.
Cell Phone Man
November 10th, 2009 | Photography | Posted by Chris Maddaloni
While we were on the way to visit the nearby Afghan National Army base, someone spotted a man watching military movements, making calls on a cell phone. The Strykers were quickly diverted, and troops went from one abandoned house to next to look for him. He was spotted running into a cluster of fruit stands, shops, and a mosque – but, natch, disappeared just as fast.
Everybody Looks Tall From Here
November 9th, 2009 | Photography | Posted by Chris Maddaloni
A little Afghan girl watches soldiers search a compound for suspicious materials in Luy Karez, Kandahar.
Sound System
November 8th, 2009 | Photography | Posted by Chris Maddaloni
In the village of Luy Karez, searching compound to compound – an IED hotspot for the area.
Tatooine
November 7th, 2009 | Photography | Posted by Chris Maddaloni
Afghanistan is a complicated place, and although grammar police may hate mixed metaphors, this place is rife with ‘em… Last time, in Zabul, I keep thinking of the Wild West. But western Kandahar is definitely all Star Wars. About four people today on the patrol with the 2-1′s Blackwatch all mentioned Tatooine to me. Take my word for it, around here, you can’t understate all often this place evokes a little slice of Hollywood fantasy gone rogue.
Zabul Redux: Call It In
October 15th, 2009 | Photography | Posted by Chris Maddaloni
5/19/09: Sgt. Trent Barnes from Bravo Company, 1-4 Infantry, calls in a 120mm mortar attack on hills nearby where insurgents are gathering to attack near FOB Baylough, Zabul province.
Zabul Redux: Aftermath
October 14th, 2009 | Photography | Posted by Chris Maddaloni
6/6/09: The end of result of this mission – another angle of the new ANP recruit, Atam, who is helping search the remains of a Taliban KIA from the night before. A planned assault by PMT Viper on village occupied by the Taliban had been called off due to rough terrain – but the helicopter escort intercepted a few Taliban fleeing on motorcycles, still carrying their weapons.