More illumination in deep darkness.

The ghost of a Soldier can be seen leaning over the antennae.

Near midnight, a CH-47 delivers resupply just outside the compound.  I had been sleeping on the ground inside the compound and got up to take this photo and it nearly blows me away.  The Kopp-Etchells Effect is very bright, but I am being beaten badly by small stones and debris and have great difficulty keeping the camera still.

Kopp-Etchells Effect.

Morning Twilight and the JTACS are still there.

The JTACs stayed on that roof without a sliver of shade.  They wore full body armor and helmets, in Afghanistan summer sun, for two full days, one full night, and part of another night.  They never complained.

Finally, a JTAC comes down from the roof, and I asked why they never come down.  He laughed and answered, “We are afraid of the ladder.”  Despite all that heat and discomfort, they kept that attitude the entire time.  Much respect for the JTACs.

I told him he needs new pants.

Michael Yon on Facebook.

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Comments  

 

0 # Leyla Najma 2011-08-17 09:47

The last photo I would have to say.......is my favorite!!

Blessings,

Leyla

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0 # Travis 2011-08-17 09:57

Nice work as always Michael! Keep it up, and God bless you and the troops around you!

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+1 # Ken Hill 2011-08-17 10:36

Very nice work. These guys deserve all the attention, they are saving many many sons and husbands. Great pictures and thanks for your service as well Michael.

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0 # Kristoffer Young 2011-08-17 11:32

Great article - great pictures !

I'm just back from serving a tour in Helmand so all I'' say is - Keep up the good work and Stay Safe !

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0 # Frank Sweetin 2011-08-17 11:43

I'm a newcomer. your pictures and commentary are rewarding and compelling. What is it like to walk in the canyon of heroes with the heroes? God Bless!

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0 # Jim Rotramel 2011-08-17 12:25

The VF-32 Tomcatters F/A-18E Super Hornet is from Air Wing 8 (CVW-8) on the George H. W. Bush (CVN-77). It's armed with one Laser Guided Bomb and one JDAM.

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0 # Shawn Stanford 2011-08-17 12:25

"The troops unfolded a bright, orange VS-17 panel. This would allow the aircraft to see us and avoid an accident."

LOLz: not so much. As we found out toward the end of our deployment (I was a GLO on BAF), aircrews don't understand or really see VS-17 panels. Their pods only show black-and-white images!

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0 # Brett 2011-08-17 12:50

I am blown away by your articles and photos! In particular the KW shots...my son is a Kiowa Driver in your AO! I see those shots and always wonder if it is him! Your work is amazing...my son turned me on to your site...glad he did!

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0 # Bayonet 40 2011-08-17 14:14

To broaden the GLO's (ground liason officer) knowledge - A slight clarification - a VS17 panel is NOT just for fast movers (fixed wing A/C) Rotary wing A/C and even the A-10 r/t lower and slower tactics CAN see the VS17 and utlize it allowing them a refrence point to avoid fracture side incidents. JTACs do not use the VS17 as refrence for pilots to look thru their POD rather for looking out the window.

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0 # peter 2011-08-17 16:28

Michael, thank you for this first hand account!

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0 # Charles 2011-08-17 20:04

that first full spectrum shot is amazing, it's like the shots i would see of deep space in my astronomy 101 class. all the different colors of stars and galaxies.

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0 # Matt 2011-08-17 20:58

You're clearly mistaken and do not have as much insight as you think. VS-17 Panels have two sides. One of which that can be seen via IR and one with the naked eye. All pods can see colors. Goes to show that the quality of GLOs hasn't changed since i retired from service.

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0 # Mike 2011-08-17 21:08

As you can see, they were working extensively with a Pink team (SCAT team, whatever you wanna call it) in which the Kiowa uses no optics during the day. Any resupply aircraft coming in during the daytime (Blackhawk/Chinook) would find the VS panel most useful as well.

Rotory-wing and Fixed-wing worlds are incredibly different yet both very important.

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0 # Tony Bobsin 2011-08-17 21:33

Thank you for your great photographs and down to earth stories about what our troops are doing. Because of them, I remain free. Keep up the great work!

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0 # Frank Morse 2011-08-17 21:43

Great pictures, as usual Michael. Joint Forces has never been as integrated as it is today, as your pictures clearly show.

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0 # Gary 2011-08-17 22:21

My Son is the JTAC with the torn pants, glad to see he still has his sense of humor. Thanks for the great pictures, and thanks to all that serve.

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0 # Violette 2011-08-18 03:30

Romheros without ladders,soon without pants,"The Emperor has no clothes" only Gucci shoes, on his Bus Tour,rationing the beans for the troops ! ! !
America The Beautiful is still smiling,
this IS hope.
At least but least,Modern Warfare engenders Modern Art Photos with Modern sophisticated gear,by a skilled Photographer under the fire works "pour nos beaux yeux",kind of sort an equilibrium.

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0 # Eric 2011-08-18 08:41

Thanks for the story. It is nice when attempts at publicity get it right. That is rare, and you were pretty much spot on. Good stuff.

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0 # Mel 2011-08-18 11:15

The JTACs are my boys from back home. JTAC Dad, it is an honor to serve with your son.

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0 # Jaz 2011-08-18 13:21

I am the Pentagon representative for all JTACs/TACPs. Thank you for the excellent presentation on what our JTACs do, day in and day out, without complaint and without fan fare. They never cease to amaze me with their courage and dedication. I am proud to be among their few numbers and proud to serve with these unsung heroes.

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0 # John-Capt in ANG 2011-08-18 20:26

Since most of the AF guys I see in PT gear back behind the wire make me wince, it's great to hear stories like these about the JTACs. It's a tough career field from what I learned as a junior enlisted, active duty AF guy looking to cross train in the mid 90s, but very rewarding.

I have noticed the uniforms issued for deployments are garbage, at least for AF and Army. If guys/gals are wearing them out sitting all day behind the wire (eg at IJC or HQ) I imagine they don't hold up too long outside (the razorwire).

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0 # Heezey 2011-08-19 07:06

I believe you were referring to the term "fratricide" not "fracture side incidents!?

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0 # Bayonet 40 2011-08-19 09:25

Yes that is correct, my Apollogies for the error

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0 # Chris G 2011-08-19 10:02

Awesome article and photos...I was a JTAC back in the day, (OEF 2003) in Oruzgon province for a 10 month rotation. It's great to see this coverage of these exceptional and often forgotten airmen.

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0 # MG 2011-08-19 18:51

Back in the day? Man, I guess it is almost 10 yrs

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0 # MAUREEN 2011-08-22 12:34

Michael, when do you sleep? Take care of yourself. PLEASE be safe.

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0 # Clarissa 2011-08-22 23:58

:cry:: :cry:: :cry:: Thanks Michael.it is great to see or men.they sure tug atmy heart.it has been along10yr for what.im74yr old and have alot of grandchildren over there.the sky is beautiful.tohave so much troble under Gods world.take it safe and know a lot of prayers are being for all of youall.

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0 # kyles mom 2011-08-23 19:02

Thank you again for these accounts!!! I pray to God that the 'ghost' of the soldier standing over the antenna is not a 'ghost' for many many many years!!! Tell him his mother is extremely proud of him!!! I pray for all of you to return home safely to your families!!! ps.....he has some good ghost stories to tell though!!!!

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0 # Heezey 2011-08-24 06:31

Chris G... would you possibly be the Chris G that was at the 1st ASOS many years ago?

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0 # Danette 2011-08-24 10:07

My son is PFC Brandon Longshore...the soldier carrying the young boy...thank you for sharing the pictures...your awesome

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0 # Freak 2011-08-24 10:16

Chris G? Could only be. Great article(s) and photos as well.

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0 # Jen 2011-09-14 02:11

Not all pods can see color:-) The GLO's right! The pointy nose, high flying people have a hard time seeing VS-17 panels; I know because I have about 750 combat hours in one of those jets.

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0 # Geoff 2011-10-23 20:08

Why does he need new pants? He just got the air conditioning installed on those.

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