Lagman and Apache

Well, I’ve settled in to my new job, and in the process learned more lessons about the wide variety of living conditions experienced by deployed Soldiers. They really do very widely from place to place in Afghanistan. And interestingly, smaller is often better.


My new job is interesting. I’m working with the Jordanian Armed Forces, specifically the staff of a Jordanian field hospital. They are here working with the staff of the Zabul Provincial Hospital in Qalat. I’m here to facilitate their mission, to help with the logistical support and any other issues that arise.








To celebrate the arrival of the new Jordanian commander they cooked a mansaf, a traditonal Jordanian dish. It consists of rice and lamb, covered with a goat’s milk yogurt. And for really special occasions, on top of the mansaf they place a lamb’s head. Very appetising. Of course, the lamb’s head is cooked, so the special guest can enjoy a real delicacy; lamb’s tongue! I can tell you from personal experience, it is quite tasty. In fact, it tastes much like a chicken liver or gizzard.




And I’ve moved to a new FOB. The Jordanian’s live on an Afghan National Army (ANA) base, Camp Eagle. I’m now living at FOB Apache, which is closer to Camp Eagle than FOB Lagman, and I can go between the two without an armored convoy because they are connected. FOB Apache is very small, about the size of two football fields. It’s a great FOB; small, but neat and orderly, and it has a good gym and nice MWR. I’ll actually be spending time at both Apache and Lagman since I’ve got business to conduct at both.I’ll keep you posted on how things go with the Jordanians, and the mission. And I’ll let you know if I have any more new culinary experiences.



Until then, thanks for the support and prayers.
Phillips, out.