Carsten Dombrowski - here is the homepage of his
CAPSARIUS AKADEMIE, which delivers the excellent "Callsign Doc" newsletter - served as a
military observer of the German Bundeswehr in the
Western Sahara. Today, a night position is taken up in the desert:
From time to time, the UN Headquarters, UN HQ for short, stipulates that patrols must be carried out at night. Furthermore, the length and duration of a patrol that lasts several days may require staying overnight in the desert.
Such an undertaking involves a larger portion of planning and preparation. The desert and especially the routes are not without danger, and in connection with the mine/UXO situation mentioned in report no. 9, mistakes will not be forgiven.
Before the night deployment, which is intended to prevent accidents in difficult terrain, a few additional tasks must be completed. Firstly, the exact position (coordinates) must be sent to the HQ. Next, a helicopter landing zone must be identified, and the vehicles, once parked, must undergo field technical service. Tents are pitched, and dinner is prepared. Here too, absolute teamwork is required. If military units of the conflicting parties are nearby, they must be informed of the presence of the peacekeepers.
However, before the brief, cosy part during the meal, an intensely scented powder is spread in a circle around the sleeping spots. This is meant to keep snakes and other creatures at bay. After the meal, it is usually quickly off to the sleeping bags, as the patrols on the following day will once again be long, and the fatigue from the day already takes its toll. A quick look at the unique night sky, stretching across the entire horizon, rewards for the many hardships. A night sky like no other, only visible in the desert. At least when the weather cooperates.
If the night is not uncomfortable due to strong winds or rain, the day still starts very early. Sometimes with temperatures just above zero, the day begins with an improvised morning routine and a spartan breakfast with coffee. The sun has usually not yet risen above the horizon when preparations for the day's march begin. Radio checks, technical service on the vehicles, packing of equipment, and a final check of the upcoming marching route need to be completed. There is little time to appreciate the beauty of the surroundings, even though free-roaming camels or dromedaries may pass very close by.
After another day with approximately 10 to 15 hours of vehicular march over bumpy tracks or muddy roads, this 24- or 36-hour tour also comes to an end, and a day of rest is on the schedule. However, rest is relative, as at least one side job within the team awaits.
**Military Observer in Western Sahara - for further reading:**
Part 1: The Selection
Part: 2: The Training
Part 3: Helipatrol and false tanks
Part 4: In the land of the Puszta and Magyars
Part 5: When German soldiers go on trips
Part 6: Following the dust
Part 7: Papa Lima with the Desert Hawks
Part 8: Air Patrol - the desert from the air
Part 9: Mines and remnants of war
Questions? Contact the CAPSARIUS ACADEMY at our [email protected] with the subject "Morocco".
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