Episode 24: The Deployment: Afghanistan Stories - Greg
Oct 10, 2023
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Greg, an Afghanistan veteran and Tac Hel instructor, shares his adventures and struggles in Afghanistan, including engaging enemies in combat missions, daily routine and challenges, experiences with PTSD, seeking help for mental health, and maintaining mental health and fitness.
The Griffin helicopters in Afghanistan were versatile and performed tasks such as Chinook escorts, reconnaissance, and air assaults, supporting ground troops and gathering intelligence.
A typical day in Afghanistan involved planning missions, flying in challenging conditions, and swiftly responding to calls for support from ground troops in contact with the enemy.
The most rewarding aspect of the job was being able to provide effective assistance to ground troops in need, protecting and supporting them in dangerous situations.
Deep dives
The Role of the Griffin in Afghanistan
The Griffin helicopters were tasked with attack and reconnaissance work in Afghanistan, providing protection and support for ground troops. They conducted Chinook escort missions, moving troops and supplies, and also performed reconnaissance tasks, acquiring imagery and gathering intelligence. They also engaged in air assaults, inserting soldiers into different areas of operation, and conducting patrols in search of roadside bombs. The Griffin helicopters were equipped with camera systems that allowed them to provide visual support and assist in identifying potential threats.
The Average Day in Afghanistan
A typical day in Afghanistan involved planning missions, flying for extended hours, and maintaining readiness for operations. The teams would start with a day of planning, preparing for different types of missions, such as Chinook escorts or reconnaissance flights. They would then proceed to fly for multiple hours, often facing challenging weather conditions and navigating through mountainous terrains. The days were busy and intense, with pilots constantly vigilant and ready to respond to any calls for support from ground troops in contact with the enemy. After completing their missions, they would engage in activities like fitness training, socializing, and enjoying meals before resting for the next day's operations.
The Most Fulfilling Part of the Job
The most fulfilling part of the job was when the Griffin helicopters were able to respond to calls for support from troops in contact and provide effective assistance. Hearing the stress and urgency in the voices of the ground troops and then being able to swiftly arrive on the scene and respond to the enemy presence brought immense satisfaction. Knowing that their actions helped protect and support the troops on the ground and potentially saved lives was deeply rewarding for the pilots and their crews.
The Hardest Day in Afghanistan
The hardest days in Afghanistan were marked by the loss of Canadian lives. The pilots and their crews experienced extreme difficulty and grief when Canadian troops were killed in action. They would provide support in recovering their fallen comrades and maintaining security during the process. These were emotionally challenging days, leaving lasting impacts on the pilots and their experiences in Afghanistan.
The Importance of Seeking Help for PTSD
Seeking help for PTSD is crucial for managing symptoms and healing. The speaker encourages individuals who may be experiencing symptoms to reach out to a flight surgeon or mental health nurse. Therapy and support from the mental health system can be highly beneficial in the healing journey. Having confidence in the help and understanding available is essential. The speaker emphasizes the importance of asking for help and the positive impact it can have on managing symptoms and leading a fulfilling life.
The Key Qualities of a Good Pilot
Stress management and work ethic are identified as two key qualities of a good pilot. The speaker highlights that being able to manage stress and work hard are essential for success in the field. Confidence is emphasized as a vital attribute instructors should instill in their students, as it helps them overcome failures and setbacks. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong work ethic and consistently reviewing and learning to excel as a pilot.
What was it like to deploy with the Canadian Helicopter Force Afghanistan (CHFA)? What is it like when your door gunners engage the enemy, or to be shot at while flying in a firefight? What do you do when your helicopter gets shot up and you still have to make it to a safe place to land?
Greg has been a Tac Hel instructor, and deployed early in his career to fight in Afghanistan with CHFA; flying nearly 600 combat hours in many sorties.
Greg will share his adventures and his struggles in Afghanistan plus much more on this episode of The Pilot Project Podcast.
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