[x SF med]

WM-
Great post. We as SF soldiers have trained to take these advisor positions, know the need for area studies, cultural immersion, language training, and working closely with the "G's". Sometimes we fail in instilling these key points in the young SF soldiers who think the job is all door kicking.

Maj Edwards brings this to light - but focuses on a larger issue, we as a nation are not preparing our conventional soldiers to step backwards into the 12th Century with cellphones, to understand the culture and use it to get their jobs done properly - we are sending American teenagers with a case of the ass over 9-11 and MSM indoctrination to do a job that now requires a much gentler approach.

In'sh'Allah, Mahktub, Salaam, and myriad other words have secular and religious meanings, and are indicators of the culture and its temporal instability. Time is different, things happen as God wills in His time; things happen because 'it is written'; conversation and respect are the norm; social activities take precedence even in business or political situations. The Major is a QP and understands that he must supress his cultural upbringing and become a part of this new culture - not 'go ntive' but be sensitive and understanding of the implications of his actions, no matter how benign they are 'back home'.

Every soldier going to 'the sandbox' needs to read this.

Thank you. rant over