Best Defense
Thomas E. Ricks' daily take on national security.

What she learned in Afghanistan

A neat outfit, American Women Veterans, held a contest for female vets: What did you learn on your latest deployment? They are flying the winner to march with them in New York on Veterans’ Day. The winning entry was Navy Lt. Cdr. Victoria A. Stattel. Here are some excerpts. I think the last line is ...

The U.S. Army/flickr
The U.S. Army/flickr
The U.S. Army/flickr

A neat outfit, American Women Veterans, held a contest for female vets: What did you learn on your latest deployment? They are flying the winner to march with them in New York on Veterans' Day.

A neat outfit, American Women Veterans, held a contest for female vets: What did you learn on your latest deployment? They are flying the winner to march with them in New York on Veterans’ Day.

The winning entry was Navy Lt. Cdr. Victoria A. Stattel. Here are some excerpts. I think the last line is especially true — the hidden aspect of culture shock occurs when you return to your own culture:

First of all, I learned that I am glad I didn’t join the Army! …

I learned that I am deeply concerned about our policies. Though the best of intentions may be from where we start, I have come to realize our objectives are almost always lost in metrics and want for numbers…

I learned that bananas in Afghanistan are superior in taste than those in the United States — even though I would argue that they look far worse!

I learned that the amount of contractors along the road to Kabul would astound anyone who had eyes that cared to see them.

I learned that the nights in Kabul are beautiful. The wind will rustle through the trees drowning out the sounds of the city in the distance and create an inspiring peace.

I have learned the importance of a comprehensive, strategic plan…

I learned that language is not only a barrier between us and the host country, but also between us and our coalition partners. A great asset is lost because of our lack of patience with our non-English speaking partners.

I left certain that there is hope and what unites us is greater than what divides us.

Some stereotypes are true — the Italians have the best looking uniforms, the Brits break for tea and the Americans are workaholics.

I have learned that it will take time, perhaps more time than we are willing to give…

I learned that coming home can be lonelier than I ever imagined.

Thomas E. Ricks covered the U.S. military from 1991 to 2008 for the Wall Street Journal and then the Washington Post. He can be reached at ricksblogcomment@gmail.com. Twitter: @tomricks1

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