Stupid is as stupid does!

Ethan, I know you are going to kill me for this one!

Yesterday, I was told by Bush (my friend that you saw in the pictures) that we were supposed to meet up with Lee, a Britt who runs DHL here at 14:00 to go dom to the ECP (Entry Control Point) to learn how to get the cargo trucks into the base. Ok, this is part of my responsibility so lets have at it. May even be cool seeing the edge of our civilization as when you are in the base you can not see out due to the berm.

So off we go in the Lee's truck down to the ECP. To understand this realize that there are several bases here put together into one. We are in leatherneck, the Marine base. Next to us is an Afghanistan Army base which on our way to the ECP we pass by on the left. To our right is Bastion which is the British Air Base and somewhere off on the other side of the Afghan Army is Tombstone which is a second smaller Marine base. Anyway you have to make several turns along the walls for about a half mile.

So we arrive at the entry control point and exit the truck. The point is basically the physical entry point from anything outside. Big barricades and a large watch tower. The Afghan trucks must stop on the way in and way out to receive badges. At this point Lee starts walking through the truck area. He explains that we should put our badges inside our shirts so that we do not stand out so much. Huh?

So we pass through this windy channel of HESCO Boxes and T Walls, pass the truck drivers, who by the way are looking at us a little strangely and on to the guard post. So Ok Lee what are we doing? Apparently we have to see what they call the Bomb Area, yes Bomb area. It is where trucks coming in are screened for Bombs by a big metal detector thing. So we pass right by the last guard post, waving at the British soldier and out we ventior.

Lee explains that the trucks park in the Bomb area and and then move through an xray machine. At this point I keep looking back trying to determine how for out we are. Maybe a few hundred yards. So ok Lee, what's the point? Well i may have to come out here to find a truck and get the escort for it. This is the first place that you may see them. First place?

So as we continue to walk, away from the base, we start to approach an MRAM which is a big heavy armored truck with a 50 Cal. mounted on top. It is the first line of defense, pointing straight down the road that approaches the base. Lee explains that if you approach by vehicle to fast or without approval the man with the 50 will take you out! As we walk past this point Lee waves to the heavily protected man and says, "we are going to the SOK Yard". Don't know what it stands for but it is about 3/4 of a mile down the road.

Lee explains that from this point on we are in Afghan territory and on our own. Greg, Bush and I make a little chuckle, like what? On our own? Isn't this a little dangerous? Of course Lee reaffirms to us that it is a lot dangerous. That we should stick together and watch where we step. OK, reiterate why I am out here?

Down past the junk yard and cement yard is the SOK pit (we have pictures on a cell phone). Here is where all of the trucks que up and wait for the Military to let them in. they can stay there for 24 hours. This is supposedly protected by the Afghanistan Army however there is nobody there except for the drivers. So in we go, and let me tell you heads turn at this point. We stand out and it is apparent. Lee now is visible nervous and states that if you come out here to find a truck don't come alone and don't venture into the trucks too far. He had one of his DHL guys taken for a ride, they let him go but none the less scary.

So two minutes in paradise and off we went back to the base. Now picture every car that passes slowing down and every passenger looking at you like you are crazy. We were! All Greg and I kept saying is, "this is stupid, this is stupid". It was. I even picked up a rock to bring back to remind me of how stupid this was. Lee also had to remind us that if something were to happen at the base right now we would be stuck outside until they opened back up. Hum.

So we passed the MRAM, and waved, passed the guard and said hello, and then walked back to the car through the gate area and then back to the office. I hugged Bush when I got back in the car. It was stupid.

I because of lack of knowledge, followed a crazy Britt out into No Mans Land for the sole purpose of nothing. Stupid is as stupid does.