Category Archives: Uncategorized

COP Shangri-La, Zhari District, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan: On the 28th of July, Apache Troop conducted an air assault into a very risky objective. This was the first mission of that kind for us. Our traditional role is in the mechanized … Continue reading →

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COP Shangri-La, Zhari District, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan: The big one-zero, here we go. Pakistan has really been chapping my nethers lately. First, their totally unreasonable reaction to our raid on the rat king. Look, I get it that they are … Continue reading →

COP Shangri-La, Zhari District, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan: It’s been over a week since the rat king fell, but this isn’t checkmate yet. The reprisals promised over here haven’t been seen in our area yet, but KC (Kandahar City, not Kansas … Continue reading →

COP Shangri-La, Zhari District, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan: There was a patrol today, like any other day. It went well. No one hurt, no bad guys shot at us. We completed the mission and got back to the COP in good … Continue reading →

COP Shangri-La, Zhari District, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan: So it’s been a couple weeks. Been pretty busy some days, other days leave me without words. It’s like we have entered that strange phase in dating. The one where you, the readers, … Continue reading →

COP Shangri-La, Zhari District, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan: I’m sitting here starting to type this week’s update when I hear a loud gunshot ring out from over the tent. I grab my weapon and head outside to find the ANA Commander, … Continue reading →

COP Shangri-La, Zhari District, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan: Yes, the Taliban fear Taylor Swift. Just a given? No, I’ve reached this conclusion through a fusion of careful battlefield analysis and counterinsurgency doctrine. By the end of this update, you’ll agree. I … Continue reading →

COP Shangri-La, Zhari District, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan: Ennio Morricone provides the background music to this update. The spaghetti western feel of this place is surreal. Scenic landscapes over the antiquated population, facing the oppression of vile and murderous bandits define … Continue reading →

COP Shangri-La, Zhari District, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan: Welcome to the front. We spent a few days at Wilson getting briefed by lawyers on when we can and can’t shoot, and what we can and can’t blow up. This is very … Continue reading →