As U.S. Bases Close Down In Afghanistan, Coalition Troops Prepare To 'Rough-It'

U.S. Army Spc. Matt Cullen, right, conducts a mission brief before departing Forward Operating Base Farah for a meeting with the Farah City mayor at his office in Farah City, Afghanistan, May 14, 2013. Cullen is assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Farah. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Petty Officer Josh Ives

Coalition Troops Are Ready To ‘Rough It’ While Closing Afghan Bases -- Washington Times

KABUL, Afghanistan — Troops stationed at bases in Afghanistan enjoy some of the comforts of home: living quarters, bathroom facilities, cooked meals, even laundry and mail services.

But as the U.S.-led coalition withdraws, life will become more “expeditionary,” meaning troops will begin roughing it with fewer amenities, said the top engineer for U.S. and coalition forces.

“Does that mean we’re going to be with a rucksack and living in a tent, eating MREs three meals a day? No. There’s a gradual transition. Expeditionary standards do have a limit,” said Army Brig. Gen. Michael C. Wehr, referring to meals ready to eat — portable, foil-encased food that does not require cooking.

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My Comment: The most interesting line in this story comes from Army Brig. Gen. Michael C. Wehr ....

.... “I’m being a little bit tongue-in-cheek here, but Wi-Fi is the last thing to get cut,” Gen. Wehr said. “But my point is, there may be two hot meals and one meal ready to eat.”

If given a choice .... I suspect that most soldiers will be willing to sacrifice in having fewer amenities .... with the exception of one .... their internet connection back home.