Camp Northern Lights

Early in the morning, right after a hearty breakfast in German style, we joined a convoy to the Swedish - Finnish camp Northern Lights. Every time we leave camp there are certain operational procedures and precautions to follow. As I was travelling inside an armoured personnel carrier I didn't get to see much of the city Mazar-e-Sharif, and tried to take a nap instead. But it was too hot inside - the older APC models lack air-conditioning.

In CNL, we were introduced to the camp and the general situation in the area, as well as given instructions for the coming days. Accommodation is again in an air-conditioned tent much like last night, only less roomy. In the evening there was a barbecue, but I didn't stay long. Instead I spent the best part of two hours packing my equipment vest with the issued combat kit. Not much fun but it needs to be done properly. There's still much to, though, before all the equipment is ok.


Camp Northern Lights.

The proportions of the ISAF operation begin to dawn on me. There are now nearly one hundred thousand foreign troops here. Every soldier has to be fed, accomodated, transported, cared for medically, protected, entertained, communicated with... It is difficult to imagine. It has to be seen to be believed. This is a very, very big operation.

The heat made me feel ill this afternoon, but the symptoms passed after dinner. I still feel tired and hope to sleep well in the tent. It's cool in there, but the AC is noisy, and somewhere they are burning coal with the result that the stinking smoke spreads everywhere.


Tent life.