What deployment experience (with the locals) will the rest of our free country never be able to understand/appreciate?

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Fri, 04 Nov 2016 10:32:22 -0400

The ability to share our experiences helps educate our society - we are unique based on individual experience and it is something civilians cant get.

I've enjoyed cipro for long periods of time while sharing various animal parts during shuras and key leader engagements as well as witnessing some amazing traditions such as Buzkashi. Talk to me about some of yours!

https://youtu.be/C7KP_W-e_cM

Buzkashi | Afghanistan's Brutal National Sport | Trans World Sport

Buzkashi is Afghanistan's national game and is a brutal struggle between men endeavouring to ride around an unmarked area holding onto a calf's carcass befor...

Response by SFC George Smith made Nov 4 at 2016 10:34 AM

SFC George Smith — Fri, 04 Nov 2016 10:34:09 -0400

the Presence of the King (Thailand, RIP) walking into a Protest and riot or Coup, and things instantly stop...

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Nov 4 at 2016 10:43 AM

MSG Brad Sand — Fri, 04 Nov 2016 10:43:39 -0400

I think the most important thing to me was the realization of how big our World really is and how much we actually have in common? That and how foolish and childish most of our citizens are. Oh, did I say that?

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Nov 4 at 2016 11:08 AM

LTC Stephen F. — Fri, 04 Nov 2016 11:08:14 -0400

Thanks for sharing CSM Michael J. Uhlig what could be a national geographic video of days gone by. Most of my experiences had to do with spotting the risk of terrorism in various parts of Europe and south America. I noticed security forces at-the-ready in outer parts of towns and by ports when many of those I was with didn't. Frequently I would go off by myself to explore when I saw the activity.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2016 3:38 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 04 Nov 2016 15:38:37 -0400

The concept of natural politeness. In England I got to experience such sweetness from another nation; polite, generous and just so sweet. I talked to the locals when I was hanging on in a pub in Portsmouth; nicest people I've ran into. We talked about beer (of course), what Portsmouth was like based on schools and residences. They don't have as near as many issues as a small town/city in the U.S. I don't think I saw one police vehicle doing rounds; I even felt safe walking around the streets at night.

I actually felt safe in Portsmouth even without the police, security guards and what not, the locals made me feel safe and comfortable. I would love to go back again!

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Nov 5 at 2016 11:50 AM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Sat, 05 Nov 2016 11:50:02 -0400

CSM Michael J. Uhlig I don't have any pictures because I'm on the road in San Diego, CA right now through Veterans Day, but for me the most memorial were the Medical Ready Missions that I was on in South America and seeing how the rest of the world lives (when an individual's most prize possession is their Goat, Cow, Pig, or cart with two wheels being pulled by an Ox. It makes you thankful for we have here in our own backyard. You'll never hear me complain about anything that I've had the privilege to have and I'll never complain about not having something - ever! Hope that makes sense Michael?

Response by SFC John Hill made Nov 9 at 2016 7:35 AM

SFC John Hill — Wed, 09 Nov 2016 07:35:29 -0500

The various cultures and history that exist in the rest of the world.