WiFi Desert
Following up on his Windows XP SP2 report, John Levanger explains how they get wireless Internet in the Afghan desert:
Technology has changed the way we do business in the military. It does seem somewhat bizarre to have unfettered internet access in the middle of nowhere. I can sit in my tent with my ThinkPad and email, IM, and browse the internet the same as if I was sitting in my living room back in Georgia. Myself and 39 other buddies purchased a satellite system from an outfit out of India. The ISP is actually in Germany and we get just about T1 bandwidth which is split up 40 ways if everyone is on (which doesn’t occur due to different work shifts). We “beam” it out via Wi-Fi to the different tents. Even our aircraft (I’m in a CH-47 Chinook unit) are on an intranet of sorts. The system called Blue Force Tracker allows secure tracking of all the different aircraft (and ground elements) within the theater real time. We can email between aircraft and to our headquarters during flight…all with satellite technology. I’ve hardly sent a snail mail letter since I’ve been here. SSG John Levanger Taskforce Diamondhead Kandahar, Afghanistan “People sleep comfortably at night in their beds only because rough men stand ready to do violence in their behalf”.
(From the ThinkPad mailing list.)
Wireless smireless my eye! This character calling himself a soldier in Afghanistan needs to get a real job. Works on CH47’s Humm? Sure sure, I believe the “sits in his tent” part! EADH open your eyes and if you really are in Afghanistan see what the real soldier is doing while your playing with your “lap” top!
Orvil, I don’t see where John “[calls] himself a soldier” or says he “works on CH47’s”.
I don’t know what John does exactly; he doesn’t say. But suppose he were “just” a mechanic as you seem to imply. Is that not an important and essential job too? Do aircraft fly without mechanics?
Whatever John’s job is, I would wager that it is more difficult and dangerous than mine. Anyway, the real story here is how he and his buddies were able to set up a wireless Internet hookup in the middle of the desert.
orvil is a putz. I know John and he is indeed in Afghanistan. If orvil is such a tough guy, lets see HIM enlist and head over there and show us all how its done. How about it “rambo”, you up to the challenge?
Yes John is in Afghan desert He Left work to go over there an i also know john from my active duty days when he was a in MOWHAK Units with me orvil you are a putz!! Ken Campbell RET and still working!!!
KANT SPELL TO SAVE MY LIFE
ITSOK IKANT EETHER
But if you want to repost your comment with the spelling corrected, I can delete the original for you. OTOH, ITS MOR FUN THISS WEY
Sounds like “Orvil” is a drooling lefty who mocks the real men who defend him. Maybe Orvil would be happier living in Iran or Saudi Arabia.
[edited for language]
Guys, I don’t allow cussin’ here. There’s women and children who visit.
I was tempted to delete Orvil’s comment; maybe that would have been the wisest move!
All—greetings, peace (and yes, I pray this even for John and all the other men [and women], soldiers or no, in Afghanistan and Iraq, South Korea and Diego Garcia, up at Adak or down at PD), and grace—Thank you from one who wore the uniform for a while, for helping keep my family safe and my flag free.
By the way, SSG Levanger—I like the bit from Burke. Oh, also: PD = periscope depth. You can all take your guesses from there.
Yes, It’s true about Johnny…He is my Mohawk and Chinook Bro…”High Speed” as they come. Johnny is the type of LEADER who can make it happen anywhere. From Korea to Europe to the Desert…Nothing is impossible for him. What to you so long? Watch you Six bro… SCAM Baby! “T”
John, your doing great things there. When you get the chance. AND YOU HAVE, communicate anyway you can back home. They miss you. Mohawks! SCAM….
Vic Kenny
Keep up the good work John. I’d love to hear from you, or the other Mohawkers too! Thanks for the article T.
LOL, easy guys, looks like I stired up a hornets nest. Not surprised though, but I noticed no one inquired about the EADH incert. Ask John next time you talk with him. You are all right on target, and glad to see you show your support for the troops,(and John),LOL, doing the job right.
Orvil, you’re a friend of John’s? That is pretty funny. Had me fooled… :?
I was wondering what EADH is; can you give me a clue?
Michael, you got it! We have all gotten a good laugh and a little lesson on human behavior with this one. Not to mention the entertainment factor. As far as EADH, well, use you imagination and enjoy the hunt, “A” is for aviator. Take care, PS: Of course O. Olan is ficticious. Have a great day, from Afghanistan, brooks@accessatc.net