It’s also difficult for the aircraft to decide who down below are friends versus enemies because every unit I’ve ever been with, or likely ever will be with, has breaks in contact during night movements.  That’s the way it goes.  And so sometimes the pilots will radio down saying to turn on fireflies if they are not already on.  The night vision gear that foot troops wear is great, but the aircrews have much better gear.  4-4 Cav was good at night movements, but let’s face it, this ain’t easy and that’s the way it goes.  Always using the PVS-14, no matter how bright the moon, was a big help.

In constricted terrain or built-up areas, movement becomes far more dangerous.  Much of the night advantage evaporates because the enemy can easily hide for a tight ambush.  He could remain hidden in broad daylight.  When close firefights begin, you can’t call airstrikes or artillery, but those crazy Kiowa pilots can help tip the scales back in our guys’ favor, but that’s only if the weather is okay and they are around.  Such areas can lead to straight-up slugfests, and if the enemy has realized you might come this way—which has often been the case—there might be many bombs hidden in the walls or the path, or in places you might seek cover.  At some point, it’s just extremely dangerous and that’s tough luck and part of the job.  Heck, all of this is extremely dangerous, but these areas can be extra-extremely dangerous, as the Marines and British saw so often around places like Sangin.  The troops keep going.

The Soldiers rested a few hours inside an Afghan family compound.  Poppy plants were drying on the roof and they had a giant dog but he was quiet.

While most of the Soldiers got to rest, others pulled guard duty and leaders had leadership work to do.

The red zigzags are from headlights, and apparently someone used a white light for a dash.

Two Air Force JTACs (or possibly TACPs) were on the roof trying to make comms.  I’ve never seen so many comms problems as in this area called Zhari District.  Zhari seems like a Devil’s Triangle for radio waves.   They were having problems getting connected, but they tried until they succeeded.  There was a gunshot from somewhere, but only one and it didn’t sound like it was for us.  And that was it.  A night walk during a mission with 4-4 Cav.

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