Matthew Harsha

I was the battle space Commander of Laghman Province, Afghanistan from about July 2011 until February 2012. An air medivac would have had air cover, i.e. AH-64 and they would not be called in unless there were forces on the ground that could give them some protection. They would NEVER go in alone and be expected to secure themselves. Not there job. I watched in awe one time when a dusty landed in a rice patty, under fire, to get one of mine out. Don't discredit them. The wounded would be evacuated to Jalabab or Baghgram. It's rare for an O-4 medical officer, esp. an MD, to have the command authority for an AR-13. If a doctor recommended an Art. 13 for one of my soldiers, I'd look into it and probably blow it off. Medical professionals are generally not informed on the U .C.M.J. They are almost never in a Command position to start Civilian clothing and alcohol were prohibited as was sex, but I know it did happen some. It wasn't rampant. Laghman province did not have the ability to skype on a civilian network. Soldiers did not generally carry Zippo lighters, they would have to have access to the fuel, witch they didn't, and they leak causing irritation An O-6 would not admonish an E-5, that passes the Company Commander and Battalion Commander and there would be huge IG complaints and Hell to pay. There's checks and balances. No personnel would be allowed to leave a FOB without a trip ticket. The trip ticket would show what unit was escorting them. NO ONE goes out on there own, for any reason. Afghan's say they are not superstitious, but the most definitely are. The boxing seine, any activity where a soldier might make himself or herself not combat capable was generally prohibited. The memorial was good, but the First Sargent takes role, not an officer. So far I find this show as very inaccurate and an insult to any Veteran who served. As for the nefarious activity, I have no doubt it happened. The soldiers I had the honor of serving with would never do what you displayed, I can't watch anymore. If you provided a chat room, I would have posted this there. This is all wrong.