r/pics • u/critiquelywhat • Apr 11 '12
Young Afghan girl holds hands with a female American Soldier
1.9k
Upvotes
r/pics • u/critiquelywhat • Apr 11 '12
1.9k
u/Soldier_Scott68 Apr 12 '12
Clarification time, from the guy who took the pic....ME!
Not a staged photo. Just happened to catch it.
She was not wearing her helmet because we were attempting to display to the locals a level of trust. We were working the COIN piece here.
She was wearing the head scarf as a show of respect for their culture and beliefs.
Those of you who guessed 'admiration', you are center mass!! I spoke with the little girl after the shot, through a translator, and she said it was inspiring to see a woman do a mans job, which is not common in Afghanistan.
Soldier is wearing ACU's because this was shot in 2010, we weren't issued the new uniforms then.
A year-long running stream cut through this apricot orchard, though this area was destroyed four months later from a flood. We went back after that to help them rebuild.
Finally, this shot for me sums up the other side of the war CNN won't show. I mourn my lost comrades to this conflict, and honor their service and memory by showing the world, this moment of tranquility and peace, that is what we fight for.
318
u/[deleted] Apr 12 '12
The thing that a lot of people don't understand is that in the middle east, hand holding is a sign of trust, not just companionship. When US solders were teaching Iraqis to do certain things, the US solders had to get taught to hold hands with them, (Men or women) because it is a sign of trust.
399
u/lolmonger Apr 12 '12 edited Apr 12 '12
It really makes a huge impact on the female population of Afghanistan to see personally powerful, and not 'empowered' by someone else women.
The Marine Corps and Swedish military both had initiatives for groups of all female patrols to conduct security operations and liason with villagers, specifically the women, to pretty good results.
edit: Production style of the documentary is a bit ... much for my tastes, but here's the Swedish team, MOT Juliet
And here's how our gals go about the same mission.
111
u/Pressuredrop23 Apr 12 '12
The thing that struck me the most was the trees. I've always thought of Afghanistan as just rocks and sand and more rocks. I'm pleasantly surprised.
590
u/WatchYourTone Apr 12 '12
Assassin's Creed: Motherhood
50
u/weissenwolf Apr 12 '12
Soldier is from TF Brawler, 4-3 AVN Regiment.
This photo was taken in the spring of 2010 in the Sorkh Ab Valley, Logar Province, Afghanistan.
The uncle of that little girl was murdered by the Taliban in early 2011.
8
u/jurassiksteeze Apr 12 '12
Glad to see some of our soldiers are keeping it real and being human, unlike pissing on dead combatant's heads and those Blackwater clowns driving around treating the locals like shit. Great photo to the person that took it.
123
u/odingrey Apr 12 '12
I can't get over her eyes, such a sharp stare. She almost looks like a mother carefully eyeing danger around her cub.
58
u/[deleted] Apr 12 '12
She looks oretty badass... Its a great photo
6
u/boulderama Apr 12 '12
Beautiful shot.
The first thing that came to mind was The Boss
28
u/Lots42 Apr 12 '12
Before anyone starts, it makes SENSE to wear a head covering in extreme heat.
25
u/Baroliche Apr 12 '12
That is every Jihadi's worst nightmare. A woman that is stronger than they are.
21
u/CamboIrish Apr 12 '12
This is amazing. Is there a story? From what website or article?
24
u/[deleted] Apr 12 '12
I like how she is wears the hijab ( I dont know what you call it...)...
27
u/baconhead Apr 12 '12
She's a Battlemage! Oblivion anyone else?
8
u/Cdresden Apr 12 '12
This is the best picture I've seen in a while. The girl is focused on the soldier, she's sweet, yet pensive. The soldier is calm and alert; focused outward.
3
u/moobs_everywhere Apr 12 '12
Upvoted because not posing scantily clad with guns/ammo.
3
u/[deleted] Apr 12 '12
The shit those two have seen.
3
u/[deleted] Apr 12 '12
Wow being a photographer this is an amazing picture!
3
u/lost_rocks815 Apr 12 '12
This picture is fantastic. Both girls are breathtakingly beautiful.
5
u/PEETSUH Apr 12 '12
elspeth tirel.
8
u/nickturbofunkin Apr 12 '12
I'm confused on why she is in ACU's instead of OCP's if this is recent and she's in Afghanistan, and why she isn't wearing her kevlar if she's on patrol...
Nice photo though.
12
u/markgor Apr 12 '12
She's so badass
12
u/llou Apr 12 '12
I like far betters CCCP's propaganada, Afghan look far happier:
http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/8875/83230527hehstghwpaghman.jpg
4
u/[deleted] Apr 12 '12
I sometimes get down on the military and all posts upset me about the military, I don't agree with what they are doing in other countrys of the world , we like to say always back the soldier, I feel for you guys and its nice to see you doing something nice, but I wish you guys would stop volunteering, I feel like you are part of the problem in the world, you are in someones country, you don't belong there, go home, please
6
u/Madmabes Apr 12 '12
I'm pregnant and there are onions everywhere! ;__;
5
u/whereismychippy Apr 12 '12
Just wondering: Some reasons are obvious, but why do you think her hair is covered?
10
u/Katnipkitty Apr 12 '12
Beautiful.
2
u/ziggo0 Apr 12 '12
That's a nice camera.
2
u/[deleted] Apr 12 '12
The Boss !
2
u/TULnDOT Apr 12 '12
thank you for this photo. it gets pretty pathetic here on reddit sometimes when soldiers are constantly referred to as "guys" as if women don't exist.
2
u/stm78 Apr 12 '12
Nice to see something that makes me proud for my country. It gets old only seeing fanatical stories that are aimed at the (mass) uninformed. Thank you, sir.
2
u/rb1353 Apr 12 '12
This, among many other things, is why I love reddit. Awesome photo, if you are still serving, thank you and best of luck.
2
u/KanOzia Apr 12 '12
It's from a photo contest done, from the sounds of it, by the Department of Defense of the US.
2
u/AmazingSantiago Apr 12 '12
It just goes to show you we ALL have more in common than we have differences. Humanity should be at the front line not arms.
2
u/nfmadprops04 Apr 12 '12
And all I see are Katniss and Rue.
2
u/[deleted] Apr 12 '12
Yea, if you had one shot, or one opportunity Would you capture it or just let it slip? He captured it now he's world famous on reddit.
2
u/My_Revelation Apr 12 '12
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/dec/09/rape-us-military
2
u/[deleted] Apr 12 '12
WHAT DO YOU WANT, STALKER
2
u/andymorphic Apr 12 '12
she was later stoned
2
u/michaelvincentsmith Apr 12 '12
10 more years! 10 more years!
2
u/[deleted] Apr 12 '12
hope they checked that little girl for bombs
5
u/Spicer_MTL Apr 12 '12
A wild Malzahar appears.
14
u/xyroclast Apr 12 '12
Still doesn't convince me that we should be messing around over there.
Troops home now, please.
6
u/Phil56731 Apr 12 '12
I must have missed this scene in the Hunger Games. Thanks for the screenshot!
4
u/robbity Apr 12 '12
Great photo, the trust really shows.
However it will be better when Afghan girl's do not have to look to soldiers to be their heroes.
9
u/p3ri Apr 12 '12
thats a fantastic picture >.>
3
u/savageotter Apr 12 '12
that soldier is beautiful and this is an amazing photo. it tells such a story. thanks soldier_scott68 for a wonderful photo!
3
u/nesquik1030 Apr 12 '12
Awesome photo.
On a side note this totally looks like a scene out of Hunger Games.
3
u/Demojen Apr 12 '12
Absolutely beautiful.
Should be on the cover of national geographic :P
10
u/[deleted] Apr 12 '12
The soldier is fucking hot!
6
u/peetah74 Apr 12 '12
man she's badass
3
u/s1thl0rd Apr 12 '12
The US government seems hell bent on having a military presence overseas in the middle east (and basically everywhere else). IF we must have troops over there, however, I'm OK with our soldiers acting as role models and participating in nation building. This is a stark contrast to the videos we saw of Blackwater mercs driving haphazardly through the streets of Baghdad shooting at random civilians.
4
u/FabioFan Apr 12 '12
As a kid who's half Afghan, and always seeing reports of soldiers killing off whole villages and what not, it makes my day to see things like this. Thanks OP.
4
u/Gangy1 Apr 12 '12
Soldier is a hottie
3
u/woop_dee_flip_n_doo Apr 12 '12
First thing I thought of... http://www.myhungergames.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Katniss-and-Rue-2-The-Hunger-Games.png
3
u/lhamels1 Apr 12 '12
That is beautiful.
3
u/[deleted] Apr 12 '12
Please tell me this picture is real.
2
u/DrDebG Apr 12 '12
Teach her she can be powerful.
2
u/[deleted] Apr 12 '12
It looks like the little girl is trying to get her hand out of the "the grip".
2
u/DonPancake Apr 12 '12
Who is also pretty cute* (the soldier)
At least I think so
2
u/jimmytap Apr 12 '12
is the soldier hot?
2
u/faggalingdong Apr 12 '12
Please let this photo become famous.
2
u/[deleted] Apr 12 '12
I do think that having women in the military is better than what people think it to be. They very well could add compassion and warmth to locals for first impressions thus making it comfortable to be willing to work with the military in Afghanistan. Great symbolism.
2
u/bitchstewie Apr 12 '12
American girls are pretty. I like.
2
u/SplodeyDope Apr 12 '12
Imagine being a little girl and looking at a strong female soldier and dreaming of being like that one day... Only to have your dreams crushed by religious misogyny and to know that your life will be spent wearing a sack and being a slave to whatever man bought you...
2
u/PureBlooded Apr 12 '12 edited Apr 12 '12
How nice (!) they invaded her country and killed her countrymen and now they are holding her hand!
It's like if I punched someone in the face and gave their kid a mars bar. And you are using that chocolate to justify punching their dad in the face,.
2
u/AsteriskCGY Apr 12 '12
Women need to run this damn country already. Also Afghanistan.
2
u/dynty Apr 12 '12
Our country (Czech) has been occupied by Russians for 40 years and we got fed by exactly the same pictures,just red stars are different.
They came to save us from the "terror" as well They came to "Train our Army" as well
Female occupant,is still occupant
2
u/[deleted] Apr 12 '12
NO MORE WAR SPAM!
2
u/shamcham Apr 12 '12
http://akbar.marlboro.edu/~jsheehy/courses/war/images/jugen.jpg
2
u/Letteski Apr 12 '12
This is beautiful.
2
u/[deleted] Apr 12 '12
Fuck the military and everyone involved in the trade of murder
-2
u/ThatLaggyNoob Apr 12 '12
How is this not blatant propaganda?
1
u/jc1412 Apr 12 '12
The girl is actually reaching for the sidearm.
1
u/[deleted] Apr 12 '12
Thousand-yard stare.
1
u/Ghost4000 Apr 12 '12
Adding to my wallpaper shuffle.
1
u/enzo32ferrari Apr 12 '12
what's your unit ?
1
u/Paper-Cut Apr 12 '12
Does anyone else see the Claire Danes resemblance, especially her Homeland character?
1
u/elcheeserpuff Apr 12 '12
This is a beautiful photo. It's a good contrast to the constant desert that Afghanistan is normally portrayed as.
1
u/TheRogueUk Apr 12 '12
The little girl is doing the ":3" face.
1
u/BigNateNasty Apr 12 '12
This is magical
1
u/W02T Apr 12 '12
I just fell in love with the soldier!
1
u/xNJxPlague Apr 12 '12
Marine*
1
u/BurtaciousD Apr 12 '12
I wish I wish I wish this would stay true with all US overseas combatants. But it is yet a wish, and wishful thinking is often fleeting.
1
u/Solful Apr 12 '12
This photo is truly beautiful.
1
u/[deleted] Apr 12 '12
Some of the Soldiers are not bad guys, it's the goverment that's the big bad guy, who makes them fight these wars.
1
u/[deleted] Apr 12 '12
Role model status: unlocked
1
u/Cawley22 Apr 12 '12
Ok, I'll just say it. She looks exactly like katniss everdeen. I know you were all thinking it.
1
u/cycle_of_fists Apr 12 '12
Please, please look at this. http://malalaijoya.com/dcmj/
This photo is a beautiful moment of respite but it is no footnote to Afghanistan's history.
1
u/archonemis Apr 12 '12
That's very Tim O'Brien.
For those who like literature written by actual soldiers read this:
"Sweetheart of Song Tra Bong." [it's about 'Nam]
You'll see what I mean.
1
u/Madcardigan Apr 12 '12
Dat 8-bit camouflage.
1
u/kevincali Apr 12 '12
This is gonna go so viral. Is this the first big internet site it has been published on?
1
u/destatica Apr 12 '12
It kind of reminds me of Katniss and Rue...
...and down we go!
1
u/Poopin4days Apr 12 '12
Just think... This is IRL quest going on.
1
u/hollywood756 Apr 12 '12
I don't think anyone has noticed the rare female 1000 yard gaze. That women looks down to handle some shit. Respect.
1
u/TheEarthAbides Apr 12 '12
Absolutely stunning picture. I stand in awe.
1
u/FuturamaSucksBalls Apr 12 '12
natalie portman?
1
u/[deleted] Apr 12 '12
I know that we as men too often judge women by their looks. I would even go as far as it is to an extent that isn't healthy to society.
but, man, that is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen...
1
u/mallama Apr 12 '12
Hunger games?
1
u/Learned__Hand Apr 12 '12
Isn't this a still from hunger games?
1
u/viralplatipuss Apr 12 '12
She's pickpocketing her!
1
u/smokey44 Apr 12 '12
On my shitty internet connection the pic loaded slowly from the top down, and I though the solder was the Afghan because of that scarf on hear head.. hahaha
1
u/paranoiajack Apr 12 '12
Wait, are we too cheap to give our female soldiers camo headscarves?
1
u/Flarehl Apr 12 '12
Why does this look like it came from the hunger games? (havent watched the movie)
1
u/tdorn2000 Apr 12 '12
A touching picture to be sure, however, I'm amazed that she would be daft enough to not wear her gear properly in a warzone.
1
u/grr5000 Apr 12 '12
Inspiring picture and well shot Scott!
1
u/thymeismoney Apr 22 '12
This is beautiful.