I love this job

posted @ 09:13...

French and American Soldiers routinely train Afghan Soldiers in everything from medical techniques to Artillery.  Recently we interviewed an Afghan soldier who was involved in some Forward Observer training.  Through an interpreter, one question we asked was "How did you enjoy the training?"

 

He didn't seem to understand the question, so we worded it a different way: "What things did you like about the training?"

 

He still didn't understand.  Ultimately, he seemed to be lost on the concept of "enjoyment."  I know these people have words in their language for "enjoy." (I would list those words, but Google's translator doesn't include Dari or Pashto.)

 

In the US, we tend to find ways to enjoy our jobs, if possible.  And the military is no different.  It's not all about killing. Our job is enjoyable because contrary to what ignorant hippies might think, our job is all about helping people.  One example is the Soldiers who train Afghans artillery soldiers.  Helping people learn how to protect their homeland from terrorists is fulfilling.  For Americans in guard towers, protecting your fellow Soldiers is rewarding. And of course for me, using video to tell stories about your fellow Soldiers is incredible.  Obviously, I can't say that all American Soldiers everywhere love their jobs.  But I certainly enjoy what I do.  It just seemed strange to me that the very concept of enjoying one's job seems to be a foreign one in some cultures.