By Sgt. Jon E. Dougherty
Public Affairs NCO
203rd Engineer Battalion
NANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – There is nothing quite so satisfying to the soul than to see a smile on the face of a child, with the possible exception of being the one responsible for making that child smile in the first place.
These days, U.S. soldiers are responsible for lots of smiles on the faces of many Afghan children.
While combat is a reality of life that many soldiers regularly face, increasingly – thanks to a recent shift in strategy by senior Pentagon leaders – U.S. troops are also getting more opportunities to positively affect the lives of this next generation of Afghans. And those efforts are translating into greater trust and, noticeably, more smiles.
Cases in point:
Earlier this month members of the 41st Engineer Company, based at Ft. Riley, Kan., and the 5-3 Field Artillery Company from Ft. Lewis, Wash., took a break from their route clearance mission to engage the local population in a series of charitable acts that, from a ground perspective, will go as far in winning the war against extremism as any offensive military actions.
Our convoy first stopped at a tented community called Chamtala to distribute several bundles of clothing donated by Americans back home and distributed to the military through various U.S.-based charities – something these soldiers have done a number of times in recent weeks.
Anticipating what was coming, scores of local children and adults surrounded the American soldiers within seconds after they dismounted their armored vehicles. The eager response of the children was the most eye-catching; their enthusiasm was infectious and their warmth for the Americans was as obvious as it was palpable.
Long after the clothes distribution was complete, scores of children continued interacting with the Americans, running after soldiers as they returned to their MRAPs, laughing and joking with them, flashing “thumbs up” signs and waving ferociously.
And they smiled broadly.
As we headed out of Chamtala the children followed us, their displays of friendship a testament to the success of the mission and the overall acceptance of the American presence. There was no hesitation on their part, no dark stares of mistrust, no stone-throwing, no name-calling. While acceptance of the American presence may not be universal throughout the country, it is becoming obvious that most Afghans do indeed recognize the U.S. military as a force for good.
Two days later, on another route clearance mission, soldiers again made it a point to stop in another community to dole out more good will. Soldiers with candy and other items they bought themselves solely for the purpose of making new friends distributed them freely to throngs of children, anxious to nab goodies but equally willing to interact with members of the patrol.
While most gathered for the give-away, some of the kids came to exchange local currency for U.S. dollars, while others were eager to show off new skills acquired in the classroom, such as English and arithmetic. I saw one boy, perhaps nine or 10 – with friends gathered around him. He scratched English alphabet letters in the dirt as a few soldiers looked on.
Several children were primarily interested in obtaining pens and pencils, showing zeal for acquiring the tools they need to continue their learning experience.
You might think soldiers adorned with body armor and bristling with weapons who travel around in hulking, noisy, heavily armed vehicles might instill fear and suspicion in children especially, but just the opposite occurs; the kids display no fear at all and appear very trusting of the American soldiers, an effect, no doubt, that stems from months and years of favorable interaction.
In Washington, military and political leaders are hoping to more quickly influence the outcome of this phase of the war against extremism by convincing ordinary Afghans that the United States is not interested in occupation or imperialism, malevolence or domination.
Without question such displays of benevolence and favoritism, while keeping up the pressure on extremist factions interested only in oppression, are a tremendous help in winning the hearts of those we will depend on in the future to take control of their own destiny. Over time the strategy’s impact will become obvious as cooperation increases, violence subsides and the next generation of Afghans begin to expect the kind of peace and stability American forces are already beginning to provide.
Witnessing the implementation of this strategy firsthand, it’s safe to say the transformation we hope for will be more speedily implemented when our forces are able to directly change the dynamics of the conflict by reinforcing a positive perception of our presence here on the ground – in the villages, communities, towns and settlements dotting this southwestern Asian nation.
Gaining the confidence of village elders and children alike, through presence and direct relations, is a sound principle that American soldiers are putting into practice daily. Even a casual observer can tell this strategy is already paying dividends.
Fortunately for Americans, our children don’t have to grow up in war zones. Fortunately for Afghan children, it is obvious that American soldiers understand their plight and are committed to improving their lives by protecting them from extremism while providing them with the stability to change their destiny.
Without question, our actions are translating into many millions of smiles.
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