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Kabul Multinational Brigade (KMNB) Reconnaissance Squadron Closes Out Roto 2
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By Lieutenant Michael H Gough
4 February 2005
 Operation ATHENA Rotation 2 is quickly drawing to a close with the first members of the next Roto arriving today. For some, it is difficult to believe that it is over, but by all accounts, it has been a long, and busy haul.
KMNB Reconnaissance Squadron was Canada’s principal commitment to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Kabul, Afghanistan. Based on the Coyote Reconnaissance Squadron from Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) (LdSH(RC)), the Recce Platoon from 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) was attached. Also integral to the Squadron was a Light Recce Team (LRT) from Slovenia. These attachments provided OC Recce, Major Derek Macaulay, with unmatched flexibility, especially with regards to defining targets up close.
 In addition to these attachments, Recce Squadron also enjoyed some key add-ons to its Headquarters. Three Intelligence soldiers provided thorough analysis of information from multiple sources directly to the Battle Captain, Capt Mark Lubinecki, and the Operations WO, WO Rick Stacey, the planners who needed it most. LdSH(RC) Recce Sqn brought the full gamut of capabilities to the table which allowed us to, among other things, operate self-sustained for extended periods of time, which was a unique capability within KMNB. This ability was demonstrated during Op GRANITE, which saw the entire Squadron deploy to Surobi, which is 70km East of Kabul, for a period of five days. This region, which produces most of the hydroelectric power to Kabul, had been largely left alone by ISAF. Its position on the Kabul-Jalalabad road makes it a strategic staging point for any Opponent Militant Forces (OMF) seeking to bring harm to the city. Although this operation was very busy, some soldiers still found time for love. Sgt Ernie Romanuik, 3 Troop Sergeant, endeavoured to win the hearts and minds of the local Chief-of-Police by tightly gripping his had for a photo opportunity.
Another keystone operation was Op HUNTER/OCTOPUS, which was KMNBs response to the multiple rocket attacks in and around Kabul. Recce Sqn, operating almost exclusively at night, moved through the highest threat areas in order to deter the OMF from launching their rockets at the vulnerable city. The result was the longest consecutive stretch, 41 days, without a successful attack against Kabul. This high threat environment pushed Capt Islam Elkorazati over the edge. He was found by his Troop at the Senior Ranks Mess on Karaoke night dressed in drag singing Shania Twain’s I Feel Like a Woman. The soldiers of Recce will never hear this song in the same way again.
 October saw the landmark Afghan Presidential Elections for the first time in this country’s long history. For Op PRONGHORN, ISAF support to the Presidential Elections, KMNB Recce Sqn deployed into a full screen for 14 continuous days in order to monitor key polling stations as well as to provide an overt presence to deter any OMF wishing to disrupt the democratic process. The result was a resounding success with a nearly 80% registered voter turnout.
Of course, no article about Kabul would be complete without some words on the traffic. One really has to see it to believe it. Nothing could have fully prepared us for the stress of driving in frenzied Kabul. Although there are several traffic lights in the city, none of them work. Traffic Police exist, but the title itself is an oxymoron. They stand vainly in the middle of traffic circles waving their arms wildly and whistling incessantly with little effect. Traffic moves wherever it will fit, and although people generally drive on the right-hand side of the road, many vehicles have their driver’s stations on the left, making passing very risky. Add into the mix thousands of pedestrians, donkey carts, rolling vegetable stands, jingle trucks and dogs and you have close to an accurate picture of a typical commute through Kabul. Edmonton’s rush hour will never seem quite as bad again.
 Although the traffic is chaotic, it sends another message: Kabul is stable enough for people to leave their homes and start the long process of rebuilding. Indeed, it is not uncommon to travel a route one day only to find that next time road has turned into someone’s living room. On one particular Friday, while on an Observation Post near King’s Tomb in the heart of Kabul, 3 Troop witnessed nearly 1000 families flying kites, picnicking and enjoying the beautiful day. This is a sure sign of things to come as the security situation continues to stabilize throughout Afghanistan.
The scars of two decades of war are visible everywhere, but under the security of ISAF and the Afghan Security Partners, the people of Kabul are finally able to get on with their lives. The children are especially happy to see us wherever we go. As one glances across a crowd of youngsters and tries to guess their ages, one pictures what violence they must have witnessed during their short lives. The teenager remembers the Taliban and possibly the Soviet occupation. The 8-year-old remembers only the oppressive Islamic rule of the Taliban. The 3-year-old has known just ISAF. The hope for the future of Afghanistan rests with this young generation that thankfully has not seen war first-hand.
Most soldiers would agree that busier is better. The time speeds by, but more importantly, if we’re busy, we’re achieving our primary aim, which is to ensure a safe and secure environment in and around Kabul. It was certainly rewarding to see the smiles of the children and the sincere thanks of the local elders for our contributions to their country. As we leave Afghanistan for home, many problems will still remain unsolved. The general feeling of the local population is that they are tired of war and long for peace. Many Afghans share similar aspirations with Canadians: A safe and healthy family, a steady job, and the prospect of a bright future. Seeing first hand the determination of the Afghan people to build their country gives all Canadian soldiers a much fuller appreciation for the peace, security and prosperity we enjoy in Canada.
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