The first week of pre-Sudan deployment training for UNMIS (United Nations Mission in Sudan) has been interesting. I have met the five other RCMP members that I am to be deployed with to Sudan. We are definitely a mixed bag of personalities, but everyone seems like great people. It has included policy and code of conduct lectures, mission pay, travel, medical issues, cultural lectures, as well as, what I like to call Christmas in May, otherwise known as kit issue. My colleagues and I also had the opportunity to meet with members of the Sudanese community who were able to provide a lot of insight into what to expect while on our mission. Well…kind of.
We have an Inspector, Corporal and four Constables. Our Inspector has 29 years of service and is currently working with National Security in “A” Division (Ottawa). He will be our Contingent Commander for the UNMIS. He is the man for the job. He is on the ball and I know will have all the answers to all of our questions during the mission. A quirky kind of guy, but he has definitely earned my respect for the rank that he holds. Whether or not he will bail me out when I get into “Gonzo’d” at the Canadian Embassy Christmas party remains to be seen. The other guys are all great as well. Two are from “E” Division, (that’s BC for all of you non-mounties), a 10 year Constable with the Integrated Gang Task Force in Surrey, BC and a 35 year Corporal from Sechelt Detachment in BC. This will be the final posting for the 35 year member from Sechelt as he will be retiring after the mission. We also have a 7 year general duty Constable from Gleichan Detachment in “K” Division (Alberta), a 10 year Constable with the Prime Minister's Protection Detail section in “A” Division (Ottawa), and me. A mixed bag of personalities for sure, but from first appearances, a solid group of individuals that I do not foresee having any problems getting along with.
Basically, our first week of training has covered a lot of policy matters both with the RCMP and United Nations. Code of Conduct was something that was drilled into us, however, we are all unsure exactly what “fraternization with the locals” actually means. Pay issues and travel matters were also covered in detail which was definitely useful. Pretty much boring stuff for anyone to read so I will keep it brief, but it was much appreciated and definitely important to have covered off. When it came to finding out exactly what our duties were going to be or exactly where we would be working in Sudan, no one had an answer. We were told that we will find that out when we get there. A little disconcerting. When it came to the dangers we might be facing, it was somewhat unclear, however, by the sounds of the way people are talking, we will be well protected and should have no issues. We just need to be smart and keep our heads down. The rest will be about focusing on our duties. I am confident that our backs are covered.
Kit issue was great. I think we all had fun. We received two large “barrack boxes” filled with all the bells and whistles and were fitted for our uniforms. We received a lot of nice trinkets including a camping stove and a mine probe kit. I know how to use the stove, but when is the mine probe kit training again? We are definitely well equipped for our mission. Probably a lot better than other police forces who are heading to, or have already been deployed to Sudan.
Our medical lecture was very relevant. The peacekeeping branch nurse went through our medical pack with us in detail explaining what everything was for and ensuring we had everything we would need on our mission. She also provided us with information on the creatures and critters we might come in contact with. From mosquitos to scorpions to poisonous snakes. I will definitely be checking my shoes twice before putting them on in the morning. We were also issued with our dog tags and taught how to use them. Apparently we are to break off one piece of the stamped metal identification and keep it with us and shove the other identical piece down our colleagues throat should anything drastic happen. If there is no throat then we are to shove it wherever we can. In an attempt to break the ice, and in traditional Gonzo fashion, I suggested that mine be shoved up my ass because I am more used to having the doctor put his fingers there versus in my throat. I think my troop thinks I am fucked up. Oh well. They will learn.
We were also given some cultural insight with respect to the Sudanese people. We had a Sudanese male named “Alew” who attended our cultural lecture and spoke. He was very passionate about the history of Sudan. Needless to say, it was a long history lecture. He also was able to provide a lot of insight into the country of Sudan and it‘s culture and people. With an area of 2,505,810 square kilometres and a population of approximately 40 million people, you can only imagine the diversity of culture and people that exists in this country. The primary language is Arabic, however there are other several dialects that exist. There are also over a hundred different languages spoken in Sudan in addition to the different dialects of Arabic. There are also several different tribal groups which have their own tribal traditions. The two main religion of Sudan is Islam and various sects of Christianity.
Apparently, your left hand has been historically, and in some cases is still used, for cleansing your bottom, and other than that, no one wants to have you touch them with it, hand them anything with it, and definitely not eat with it. This is especially important among Muslims. I am all about experiencing culture, but some things I just can not do. I‘ve done it with leaves, sticks, and smooth rocks on the California Coast while surfing, but I can not see myself using my hand.
“Assalamu Alaykum” (Peace be upon you”) we have been told is the common greeting.
We have also been told that “Inshala” (“God willing”), “bukra” (“tomorrow”), and “malesh” (“nevermind”), are good words to know which are commonly used to “save face”. Basically, a way of promising something without the commitment to follow up. This could prove ueful, or at the least I will understand why something has not been done despite the apparent agreement that it would be.
Our Inspector/Contingent Commander, made arrangements for us to meet with some members of the Sudanese community this weekend. We attended the home of “Mohammed” who graciously accepted us into his home and invited several other members of the Sudanese community to meet with us. We had open conversation where we all asked questions about what to expect and got to know each other a little. This was followed with a tradi
tional Sudanese meal. It was amazing. My parents would have appreciated how the lamb was cooked to perfection. I know that I will have no problem consuming the traditional meals of the Sudanese. I did catch myself using my left hand though at times while breaking the “kisra”, the traditional Sudanese flat bread. I quickly corrected so as to not gross anyone out. I was also given the opportunity to corner “Mohammed” and learn how to eat with your right hand. No forks, knives, or spoons. It was interesting, but I think I have the hang of it. After eating, everyone formally introduced themselves and on a map, describing what part of Sudan they were from and a little bit about the history of Sudan as well as their individual history. We then had a question answer session. They were very interested in exactly what we would be doing in Sudan. Unfortunately, we were unable to give a definite answer. They were happy, however, that we were Canadian and that we were going to attempt to help their people in one way or another. A friendly, peaceful, compassionate people, with a love for their culture, country, and distant brothers and sisters currently living in Sudan.
It has been a good first week where I met the people I will be working with, was exposed to and lectured on some of the administrative issues, received my survival gear, and got some insight into the country, the people, and the culture. However, this last Saturday, near Khartoum, the capital city of Sudan, Darfur rebel forces, also known as the JEM (Justice Equality Movement), conducted attacks against the Sudanese Army. This may cause some issues with respect to our expected deployment date of May 18th. We are all a little concerned as we have already been delayed for so long. Hopefully, they will still deploy us as planned as we are ready to go. We will likely find out tomorrow. Here’s hoping for the best.
**********************************************************************************************
A thank you again to everyone who were able to provide me with clothing and other items to take with me to Sudan. I have it all packed and ready to go . It was much appreciated. I apologize for the short notice, but I was not given much time (check out the attached photos).
Cheers,
Gonzo.
We have an Inspector, Corporal and four Constables. Our Inspector has 29 years of service and is currently working with National Security in “A” Division (Ottawa). He will be our Contingent Commander for the UNMIS. He is the man for the job. He is on the ball and I know will have all the answers to all of our questions during the mission. A quirky kind of guy, but he has definitely earned my respect for the rank that he holds. Whether or not he will bail me out when I get into “Gonzo’d” at the Canadian Embassy Christmas party remains to be seen. The other guys are all great as well. Two are from “E” Division, (that’s BC for all of you non-mounties), a 10 year Constable with the Integrated Gang Task Force in Surrey, BC and a 35 year Corporal from Sechelt Detachment in BC. This will be the final posting for the 35 year member from Sechelt as he will be retiring after the mission. We also have a 7 year general duty Constable from Gleichan Detachment in “K” Division (Alberta), a 10 year Constable with the Prime Minister's Protection Detail section in “A” Division (Ottawa), and me. A mixed bag of personalities for sure, but from first appearances, a solid group of individuals that I do not foresee having any problems getting along with.
Basically, our first week of training has covered a lot of policy matters both with the RCMP and United Nations. Code of Conduct was something that was drilled into us, however, we are all unsure exactly what “fraternization with the locals” actually means. Pay issues and travel matters were also covered in detail which was definitely useful. Pretty much boring stuff for anyone to read so I will keep it brief, but it was much appreciated and definitely important to have covered off. When it came to finding out exactly what our duties were going to be or exactly where we would be working in Sudan, no one had an answer. We were told that we will find that out when we get there. A little disconcerting. When it came to the dangers we might be facing, it was somewhat unclear, however, by the sounds of the way people are talking, we will be well protected and should have no issues. We just need to be smart and keep our heads down. The rest will be about focusing on our duties. I am confident that our backs are covered.
Kit issue was great. I think we all had fun. We received two large “barrack boxes” filled with all the bells and whistles and were fitted for our uniforms. We received a lot of nice trinkets including a camping stove and a mine probe kit. I know how to use the stove, but when is the mine probe kit training again? We are definitely well equipped for our mission. Probably a lot better than other police forces who are heading to, or have already been deployed to Sudan.
Our medical lecture was very relevant. The peacekeeping branch nurse went through our medical pack with us in detail explaining what everything was for and ensuring we had everything we would need on our mission. She also provided us with information on the creatures and critters we might come in contact with. From mosquitos to scorpions to poisonous snakes. I will definitely be checking my shoes twice before putting them on in the morning. We were also issued with our dog tags and taught how to use them. Apparently we are to break off one piece of the stamped metal identification and keep it with us and shove the other identical piece down our colleagues throat should anything drastic happen. If there is no throat then we are to shove it wherever we can. In an attempt to break the ice, and in traditional Gonzo fashion, I suggested that mine be shoved up my ass because I am more used to having the doctor put his fingers there versus in my throat. I think my troop thinks I am fucked up. Oh well. They will learn.
We were also given some cultural insight with respect to the Sudanese people. We had a Sudanese male named “Alew” who attended our cultural lecture and spoke. He was very passionate about the history of Sudan. Needless to say, it was a long history lecture. He also was able to provide a lot of insight into the country of Sudan and it‘s culture and people. With an area of 2,505,810 square kilometres and a population of approximately 40 million people, you can only imagine the diversity of culture and people that exists in this country. The primary language is Arabic, however there are other several dialects that exist. There are also over a hundred different languages spoken in Sudan in addition to the different dialects of Arabic. There are also several different tribal groups which have their own tribal traditions. The two main religion of Sudan is Islam and various sects of Christianity.
Apparently, your left hand has been historically, and in some cases is still used, for cleansing your bottom, and other than that, no one wants to have you touch them with it, hand them anything with it, and definitely not eat with it. This is especially important among Muslims. I am all about experiencing culture, but some things I just can not do. I‘ve done it with leaves, sticks, and smooth rocks on the California Coast while surfing, but I can not see myself using my hand.
“Assalamu Alaykum” (Peace be upon you”) we have been told is the common greeting.
We have also been told that “Inshala” (“God willing”), “bukra” (“tomorrow”), and “malesh” (“nevermind”), are good words to know which are commonly used to “save face”. Basically, a way of promising something without the commitment to follow up. This could prove ueful, or at the least I will understand why something has not been done despite the apparent agreement that it would be.
Our Inspector/Contingent Commander, made arrangements for us to meet with some members of the Sudanese community this weekend. We attended the home of “Mohammed” who graciously accepted us into his home and invited several other members of the Sudanese community to meet with us. We had open conversation where we all asked questions about what to expect and got to know each other a little. This was followed with a tradi
tional Sudanese meal. It was amazing. My parents would have appreciated how the lamb was cooked to perfection. I know that I will have no problem consuming the traditional meals of the Sudanese. I did catch myself using my left hand though at times while breaking the “kisra”, the traditional Sudanese flat bread. I quickly corrected so as to not gross anyone out. I was also given the opportunity to corner “Mohammed” and learn how to eat with your right hand. No forks, knives, or spoons. It was interesting, but I think I have the hang of it. After eating, everyone formally introduced themselves and on a map, describing what part of Sudan they were from and a little bit about the history of Sudan as well as their individual history. We then had a question answer session. They were very interested in exactly what we would be doing in Sudan. Unfortunately, we were unable to give a definite answer. They were happy, however, that we were Canadian and that we were going to attempt to help their people in one way or another. A friendly, peaceful, compassionate people, with a love for their culture, country, and distant brothers and sisters currently living in Sudan.It has been a good first week where I met the people I will be working with, was exposed to and lectured on some of the administrative issues, received my survival gear, and got some insight into the country, the people, and the culture. However, this last Saturday, near Khartoum, the capital city of Sudan, Darfur rebel forces, also known as the JEM (Justice Equality Movement), conducted attacks against the Sudanese Army. This may cause some issues with respect to our expected deployment date of May 18th. We are all a little concerned as we have already been delayed for so long. Hopefully, they will still deploy us as planned as we are ready to go. We will likely find out tomorrow. Here’s hoping for the best.
**********************************************************************************************
A thank you again to everyone who were able to provide me with clothing and other items to take with me to Sudan. I have it all packed and ready to go . It was much appreciated. I apologize for the short notice, but I was not given much time (check out the attached photos).
Cheers,
Gonzo.
5 comments:
Thanks so much for setting this up Rory! I'll get Mom & Dad over to see it tonight. The kids miss you (we all do) already! See if you can enjoy your B-Day in a big way before you leave.
Luv,
Colette
Querido Filho
Gostamos muito de ver o Blog. Ja temos saudades de ti. Faz cuidado. Que saibas que os teus pais te amao-te muito.
A tua irma la nos vai emprimir as noticias do teu Blog para mandar-nos em Portugal.
muitos beijinhos,
Mom & Dad
Okay, I don't recall that picture being taken at all. No wonder it took me a week to recover. Anyways, as mentioned before let me know if you find a group that is doing some amazing things for the victims of the atrocities that are happening - specifically the women of the voilent acts of rape. Just read an article last week in the Economist on the Congo, which boarders Sudan an is having many of the same issues.
Also let me know if you need anything personal - like crest white strips. Rory we will all miss your gleaming white smile.
With love,
Christina (aka - Hollywood)
Right on buddy, wish I could join you over there. The experience of a lifetime for sure! No change to report back here on the rock. Keep your head down dude, and keep on bloggin'.
Cheers,
Shawn
GONZO:
You look tres sexy in your little tam and booties...
About the scorpions: If you can lay aluminum foil around your bunk or even newspapers, you'll hear the little blighters coming. They move slowly so you'll have lots of time to react to the rustling sounds that they'll make. Also black light illuminates them. I'm in the market for a black light flashlight myself, so if you're interested I'll order one for you.
You're sorely missed in the south corner.
STROMER
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