PAO Going For Win in Photo Category of “You’re Doing it Wrong”

Yes, I’ve posted this on Tumblr, but felt like it needed a home here on the blog, as well:

Sadiqa Jalali, the Zabul Director of Women’s Affairs, meets with members of the Zabul Provincial Reconstruction Team to discuss women’s programs in the province at the Zabul provincial governor’s compound, in Qalat, Afghanistan, Jan. 22. Members of the PRT routinely meet with the DoWA to discuss women’s affairs issues. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Patrice Clarke)

Before those of you in uniform past or present get all bent out of shape that I just don’t understand ‘cuz I’m just some blogger who rides a desk, I’ve been in these meetings, on both sides: in the DCU, then the ACU, then the cargo pants. I fully understand that there’s a delicate balance between establishing a collegial report and maintaining one’s security posture.

That also does not mean that you should take a picture of it.

And as far as the tactical implications: this person is obviously in place because someone in the PRT’s security element decided that yes, they need a “guardian angel” in the room. In front of the window. With the curtains drawn. And their back to it.

So they’re not at this post so guard against who might be coming in, they’re guarding against who’s currently in the room. Which, is the local Director of Womens’ Affairs. I know a DOWA’s job is tough, but is it bad enough she wants to launch an insider attack?

I may need to start keeping a file of the truly horrible PAO moments: this might just be this year’s winner in the photo category. So. Wahoo.

Until next time, let’s stay on that sunny side, yes?

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=859460067 Karim Delgado

Hahaha, yes.
- El_Snarkistani
  
  This is just…all sorts of wrong. Need to do a “What the PAO Could Do Differently” post series.
Hanna

It is ISAF policy to have security in the room in all meetings with Afghans, regardless of how innocuous they seem. Remember the female ANSF who recently commited the insider attack?
- El_Snarkistani
  
  I get that that’s the policy. I’ve seen it in practice. Don’t agree with it, but that’s not my point. What I don’t get is a) taking a picture of it, and b) that this “security” is in the worst possible place in the room for providing said security.
http://www.facebook.com/drew.schumann Drew Schumann

This kind of douchebaggery is what the Army does best. Morons. Isn’t “courage” one of the alleged Army Values? If our soldiers lack the courage to risk potential insider attack, what does that make us?
- http://republicofsnarkistan.net/ Gary Owen
  
  I’ve been the guy in the guns and the body armor in those rooms. If you’re looming over the DOWA in full kit, in a meeting, something’s gone…wrong. It’s less an issue of courage, and more of a “can we possibly make this look any more awkward?” I get especially antsy when it’s a meeting with an ANSF type. In his office. Surrounded by his security. Nothing says “you suck at what we tried to teach you” than that visual.