Civil Affairs Specialist
September 5, 2011
Finally, my first letter on this site, not from the lack of trying, but for the lack of resources, a luxury that I so dearly miss from back home.
I have had the opportunity of exploring various villages with the Cavalry unit I'm attached to, and even participated in many dismounted patrols, while in route to the villages District Centers (DC).
It is at those DC's, that I conduct the majority of my business, from discussing future and excisting projects with the District Governor (DG), to gathering intel for the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT).
Civil Affairs is an interesting MOS, being able to be a soldier and a civil military liason at the same time.
My desire to participate in combat missions is always haunting me, I sometimes feel as though I'm not doing enough.
But then reality sets in, as a 38B, we are soldiers first and foremost, trained to be tactical at a moments notice, yet, diciplined enough to maintain control and conduct important interactions with the local populace in order to "Win the Hearts and Minds" of the people.
It is the 38B Civil Affairs soldier, that goes outside the wire, and risks his/her life, to find better ways for the locals to function on their own.
It is this soldier that speaks on behalf of the commander to the local governors, and instills trust and understanding to them of the military's objectives.
A company of 38 Bravos, is filled with many talents, from a Nuclear Specialist, Police Officers, Teachers, Business Managers, Plumbers and even students in college.
It is these talents and experiences as well as having the training as a combat soldier, that makes a Civil Affairs Team unique in itself, and makes me proud to be a part of.
Until the work of my fingers and the viewing from your eyes meet again, have a nice day, and remember, "Freedom is Not Free", someone is always paying for it.
LTC Michele Haberlach
Sep 17, 2011 1:53 AM