What is remembered serving in the army

I’d like to share with you the recollections of a former soldier. Being that today marks Remembrance Day in Canada, I felt it was fitting to extend what I’ve learned to you. My second tribute on Welded, is dedicated to a family friend, Abdul Wakil Khan, and to all soldiers in the world.

I’ll start by saying that I have made the assumption that you may not be close to someone who has served in the Canadian army. If you are, you’re very fortunate in my view. I tried to recall my Canadian history knowledge and watched this year’s ceremony on the internet hosted by CBC News. However, it was thinking about Canada’s multiculturalism and my heritage, which inspired me to think of anyone who served in a national army.

Brother Wakil served in Afghanistan’s national army, a place where the symbolic and beautiful poppies grow. He explained that at that time, over a few decades ago, the country was in severe need of national protection. It wasn’t a choice to join the army. Once you turned 18, you were sent for training. After training completed, military officials would be ready to take you directly to the army camp. Most people expected it, and were packed and ready to go. Some tried to escape but failed.

The Afghanistan army had two purposes; to maintain peace and security of cities (3-year term), and to go to war (2-year term). He was placed with the troop who was responsible for the first. Soldiers were prepared to be sent out every six hours to a specific city. This ended up being 12-hour shifts daily plus an extra 2 hours per week allotted for combat training in case they were ever called to war. Back in those days, Brother Wakil recalled being paid somewhere around 100 rupees per month (under $2).

Just like in the movies, your heads were first shaved, you were put in line, and everyday woken up in the early mornings with your duties set out. It was extremely well organized. Discipline was the first and last thing that could make or break you. For the first month, soldiers were taught theoretical and practical education which included what to do in combat, how to communicate, and where to go in various circumstances. They were prepared to adapt under any circumstances. When sent to war, they were expected to follow through on their specific responsibilities which included; taking care of the mines, Remington Gas Pistons (RGPs), tanks etc.

One time, Brother Wakil and his friends were called to go to war on the spot. The Mujahideen terrorist group was aiming to destroy their weapons in a specific zone. His crew was responsible for securing the weapons and bringing everyone to safety. The entire night was spent in a shootout with the enemy 1 km away in the dangerous mountains of Afghanistan. With constant communication, the crew maintained their position to de-risk the situation. Brother Wakil explained that they secured as many weapons as possible. Given the growing strength and proximity of the enemy, the commander in charge soundly summoned them back to camp. They were successful in their mission, and no mortalities thankfully. It was an unforgettable experience, and one that stays with him today.

Brother Wakil shared that, the army puts you through rigorous hardships in life, so you know how to protect yourself, and others around you. It teaches you about humanity and what you can to do for others. This story is one with a lighter and positive outcome. It must be acknowledged that there are no winners in war. People witness death, loose family and friends, and experience varying degrees of psychological and physical ailment during warfare. These are things you can’t reverse.

Today, Brother Wakil takes any opportunity to continue serving his country with open arms. He participates in acts of generosity, compassion, and involves his family and friends to help those less fortunate.

I leave you with this story to inspire you, to face life with the same fierceness, and to look out for each other in the same way the army teaches. I realize it’s not simple, and you must, because your strength is greater than someone else out there who needs your help.

Do you have any stories shared by someone who served in the army?

Share it with everyone, so that we can stay connected through knowledge and find a way to balance each other.