With possibility of a huge troop surge to Afghanistan coming from the Trump administration, We Are The Mighty asked several OEF combat vets what they missed most from their time “in the suck.” Here’s what they had to say.
Related: 7 items every Marine needs before deploying
Thanks to the Facebook page “Bring the Sangin Boys Back” for contributing.
1. Afghan naan bread
Regardless of the rumors how the bread is pressed (by Afghans’ feet) it was delicious.
Here they’re just mixing the bread. (image via Giphy)
2. Band of Brothers
The lifelong friends you made in combat are priceless, and there’s nothing else like it.
Yup. (images via Giphy)
3. Awesome nights
With a lack of electricity, there was no artificial illumination to spoil the night sky, it made the stars pop even more.
Not an Afghan night sky, but you get the point. (images via Giphy)
4. Low responsibility
You went on patrol, pulled some time on post, worked out, slept and…pretty much that’s about it.
woke right up when sh*t went down. (images via Giphy)
5. You got to blow sh*t up
The best part of the job while serving in the infantry was delivering the ordnance.
3/5 Get Some! (image via Giphy)
6. Firefights
Getting a chance to put all your tough training to use and put rounds down range at the bad guys was freakin’ epic.
It was that fun. (images via Giphy)
7. Getting jacked
When you’re stuck out in the middle of nowhere and have 24 different of high-calorie MREs to choose from, there’s no better way to pass the time than hitting a gym made of sand bags, 2x4s, and engineer sticks.
1,2,… 12 (images via Giphy)
8. Movie night
Huddling around a small laptop watching a comedy or “Full Metal Jacket” was considered a night out on the town. And we loved it.
And felt like you’re in a real theater… not really. (images via Giphy)
Also Read: How to make a movie theater with your smartphone on deployment
9. Making memories
Although you we experienced some sh*tty times, nothing beats looking back and remembering the good ones while having a beer with your boys.
To the good times! (image via Giphy)
Bonus: The emotional homecomings
Leaving your family to deploy sucks, but coming home to them — priceless.
We salute all those who serve. Thank you! (images via Giphy) WATM wishes everyone to stay safe and watch your six. That is all.