Life as a deployed military photography/public affairs specialist

PAKTYA PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

11.14.2011

Story by Senior Airman Wesley Farnsworth 

Provincial Reconstruction Team Paktya

PAKTYA PROVINCE, Afghanistan -- Often times I’m asked the same question as every photographer in the military is asked, "What do you do?" Well, I thought I'd take a moment and share some of my experiences as a deployed military photographer and public affairs specialist.

My mission is different than many other photographers. I don't go out on combat patrols, kick in doors, or go looking to get into a fire fight for good photos. My job is that of peace. See, I'm part of a provincial reconstruction team that is tasked with the responsibility of preparing our province, Paktya, to be transitioned.

Partnering with the Afghan Government in transitioning their province is the overall goal of the PRTs in Afghanistan. When a province is considered for transition, it means the government can stand on it’s own feet to sustain governance, security and other key identified areas.

My job as a PRT military photographer is to capture those events that lead to the transition of my province.

I take photos of key leader engagements, shuras, quality control checks of local engineer projects, medical buildings and roads. Of course, I photograph distinguished visitors to our forward operating base, promotions, and other feel-good events within the PRT, too.

But my job consists of so much more than that. You see, PRTs have very small public affairs offices, normally only one to two people deep. This means that often times we do projects that are not normally within our specific career field.

Some examples would be the graphic design work I've done for our PRT, the articles I've written covering everything from highlighting specific members in our PRT, to major events and programs that our PRT has been a part of and working with media requesting to interview our PRT members.

I’ve had some of these stories and photos published in papers both in the states and for local Afghan distribution as well as many different Web sites.

I also manage all the PRT social media sites, ensuring they are updated frequently with the latest photos and articles covering the men and women of PRT Paktya.

During this deployment I’ve had the honor and privilege of dining and meeting local and national Afghan leaders, as well as the countless individuals on the many missions.

I’ve worked directly with media, prepared talking points and briefed my commander for an interview with a stateside news paper.

Finally, I’ve had several occasions where I was the interim public affairs officer for a week, running the shop, while my PAO was doing battlefield circulation.

Prior to arriving in country, the only knowledge I had was what I could find online in articles. I heard people asking "Why are we still there?" and "They don't want us there."

It's been my personal experience that most people do want us here. Most Afghans understand why we’re here and are happy for the help. They no longer want to live under the fear of the Taliban. The problem is some just have issues with change. Just like in the United States we have problems with change.

Now don't get me wrong; there are some who still don't want us here and are content with the way things are. But overall I feel that the majority of the people welcome the help. To make steps toward a secure Afghanistan, the Afghan National Army conducts joint missions with our team and works alongside us to help make Paktya province a safe, secure place to live.

Finally one last comment, many people say “It must be hard for you being away from your family, is it worth it?”

My response to this “YES!” it’s worth it. I’ve missed countless events being away from my family. I’ve missed my daughter’s first steps, her first words, her first pony ride and so many other firsts I can’t even think of them all. But knowing that I had a hand in the development of another country to make them better than they were after 30 years of war and fighting makes it all worth it to me.

I hope that this note helps some of you get a better understanding of what exactly I do here in Afghanistan. I love my job and the experiences I've had on this deployment.

• Date Taken: 11.14.2011
• Date Posted: 11.14.2011 08:30
• Story ID: 80006
• Location: PAKTYA PROVINCE, AF