The Wild West

In many ways this base resembles the Wild West just like the movies.
For one, there is spotty law enforcement (rules enforcement –with basically
everyone being armed there is no real law breaking). There seems to
be an "everything goes" mentality in some areas. Only slowly is some
conformity is being introduced. A few weeks ago everyone on base was
notified that license plates were being introduced on the base to
finally be able to track vehicles (aka non-tactical vehicles).
Currently there are no consistent means of identifying vehicles. Some
companies will have an 8.5"x11" piece of paper taped to the windshield
with some cryptic identifying information on it but most go without
any marks. The problem is compounded since we have a very limited
number of vehicle models on base and so many vehicles look the same.
The most prevalent vehicle is the international version of the Toyota
4-Runner which is known as the Hilux Surf here. With most
non-tactical vehicles being imported from Pakistan, the driving is on
the right side while the traffic flows on the right side. So there is
a setup for accidents or erratic driving and so the need for good
vehicle identification is understandable. There are basically 3 paved
roads here with all other routes being crushed gravel or impacted
dirt. Passing vehicles churn of large dust clouds making walking here
hazardous to your lungs. A road grid of sorts is in the works but
most signs are ignored and since there are no side-walks people and
vehicles come into frequent confrontation. There are also no street
lights. Currently a $5000 reward is out for information identifying
the driver in a hit-and-run that killed a soldier.
The 'wanted' posters are not the only other similarity to the Wild
West. The social center of the airfield is a collection of eateries
and shops collectively known as the boardwalk. The establishments are
arranged in a square with an internal 'quad' that contains a
basketball court, "fields" of packed dirt and rocks, and believe it or
not, a street hockey rink. The latter is a testament to the Canadian
presence. A covered wooden walkway around the inside gives the place
its name. The place is a melting pot for all of the NATO forces. I
can picture the swinging saloon doors. Crafty entrepreneurs have are literally working out of shipping containers along the board walk.
The fact that everyone is walking around with a weapon is another
similarity to the Wild West. The only thing missing is shootouts at
high noon.
Housing varies significantly as well. Some folks live in large tents. Other options include the 35 man-7 room dwellings that I live in, stacked container housing units, and for the select few, 2-story concrete dorms. The latter are being constructed for NATO troops. It is not uncommon to see them laying out on cots, sunbathing in Speedos. That sight is probably where my PTSD will come from, not rocket attacks.
To sum things up: the varying accomodations and the overall slow move towards rules, orderliness, and conformity must have been what the American West was like back in the late 19th century.
The picture is of a boat that is located on one of the lots on this DESERT base. Go Army.