Journey into the Unknown
By: Cpl M. Farnell
3 Troop Recce Sqn TF 3-09
By: Cpl M. Farnell
3 Troop Recce Sqn TF 3-09
The operational reserve for a deployment is an awkward place to be, especially if you haven’t had a tour before. Everybody wants the chance to go over seas and put your training and hard work into action. That being said, as a soldier in the operational reserve, you don’t want someone to get hurt in order for you to get your tour.
When you get the call and you find out you’re going; there are a lot of mixed emotions. You’re excited the opportunity and the experience you’re about to have and your very sad because you are taking someone else’s spot. You are anxious and paranoid about getting everything ready to deploy. You have a very limited time to get your personal life sorted out, like storing your car, making sure bills will get paid and so on. Once you’re sure you’re ready to go, you get back to see your family, friends and get the last bit of partying out of your system.
The day I left Canada I had friends take me to the airport and my family met me there as well. It was great to have their support, especially as I’m about to get on this plane and beginning my journey into the unknown. Luckily, before I even got on the first plane I met two soldiers in the exact same situation. It’s a lot better being confused and nervous together then being alone.
As we make our way across the world, I am also curious about the guys and gals I was coming to work and live with for the rest of the tour. I’m not curious about their ability to do the job, but curious about how we’d work together. Knowing that you’re taking the spot of their friend they just spent over a year training and bonding with. You obviously don’t expect a warm welcome. On that note you’re also upset, sad and angry about the injuries of the person you’re replacing. We know the realty of the job we chose; but that doesn’t make it any easier to deal with injuries or the loss of friends.
Once I actually got my feet on the ground in Kandahar Air Field (KAF) I felt a rush of excitement. I grabbed my kit and MCpl Broughm who works in the Squadron’s QM showed me around and got me settled in. I sat in on several briefing and was luck enough to meet some of the guys from the patrol I’d be joining. It was good for several reasons but mainly they gave me a good idea of what they had been doing. They suggested what I should extra equipment, and kit I should have. The next morning they rolled out while I was still getting cleared in and ready back in KAF. Needless to say I didn’t hit the ground running as there were lectures and paperwork to be done.
It was time to go, and I had two hours to get my rucksack ready, have lunch and get in the helicopter. I got over there pumped and ready to go but the flight had been cancelled. It wasn’t too bad as I ended up getting scheduled for a flight the next day, so I double checked everything and had one more sleep on a “somewhat” nice bed. When we landed at my stop I grabbed my stuff and rushed out the back of the bird, again by myself wondering what happens next. When all the dirt and sand finally settled there were ten guys in the distance waving me over. Again I was being taken around and shown a new place and set of responsibilities. I was starting to see some familiar faces and meet a lot of new ones. I’m looking forward to the rest of this experience and to us all making it back safe. Take care Abe, we hope your getting better buddy.
When you get the call and you find out you’re going; there are a lot of mixed emotions. You’re excited the opportunity and the experience you’re about to have and your very sad because you are taking someone else’s spot. You are anxious and paranoid about getting everything ready to deploy. You have a very limited time to get your personal life sorted out, like storing your car, making sure bills will get paid and so on. Once you’re sure you’re ready to go, you get back to see your family, friends and get the last bit of partying out of your system.
The day I left Canada I had friends take me to the airport and my family met me there as well. It was great to have their support, especially as I’m about to get on this plane and beginning my journey into the unknown. Luckily, before I even got on the first plane I met two soldiers in the exact same situation. It’s a lot better being confused and nervous together then being alone.
As we make our way across the world, I am also curious about the guys and gals I was coming to work and live with for the rest of the tour. I’m not curious about their ability to do the job, but curious about how we’d work together. Knowing that you’re taking the spot of their friend they just spent over a year training and bonding with. You obviously don’t expect a warm welcome. On that note you’re also upset, sad and angry about the injuries of the person you’re replacing. We know the realty of the job we chose; but that doesn’t make it any easier to deal with injuries or the loss of friends.
Once I actually got my feet on the ground in Kandahar Air Field (KAF) I felt a rush of excitement. I grabbed my kit and MCpl Broughm who works in the Squadron’s QM showed me around and got me settled in. I sat in on several briefing and was luck enough to meet some of the guys from the patrol I’d be joining. It was good for several reasons but mainly they gave me a good idea of what they had been doing. They suggested what I should extra equipment, and kit I should have. The next morning they rolled out while I was still getting cleared in and ready back in KAF. Needless to say I didn’t hit the ground running as there were lectures and paperwork to be done.
It was time to go, and I had two hours to get my rucksack ready, have lunch and get in the helicopter. I got over there pumped and ready to go but the flight had been cancelled. It wasn’t too bad as I ended up getting scheduled for a flight the next day, so I double checked everything and had one more sleep on a “somewhat” nice bed. When we landed at my stop I grabbed my stuff and rushed out the back of the bird, again by myself wondering what happens next. When all the dirt and sand finally settled there were ten guys in the distance waving me over. Again I was being taken around and shown a new place and set of responsibilities. I was starting to see some familiar faces and meet a lot of new ones. I’m looking forward to the rest of this experience and to us all making it back safe. Take care Abe, we hope your getting better buddy.
(L-R) Cpl Farnell, Cpl Negreria, Cpl Ouzzif, Tpr Rumleskie, Tpr Parent and Cpl Fiset enjoy a drink together
Maj Popov and MWO Mathers promote Cpl Farnell
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