Post-Service: Would you go back to Afghanistan if you could make a lasting difference in that country?

Yes!!!!!! When I left we were winning

depends on the pay if i can bring a weapon and who im going to be working with and what our support assets look like along with our facilities. damn sure would not do it for less than 100K unless its in a military role and capacity and oh the ROE needs to be back to the good old days when Bush was in Office.

Not until they want change.

Why do ya think I've gone back two more times?

As mentioned, if the safety aspect was solid for a non-Soldier group, I would consider it favorably. However, there are many more problems than simply growing one crop vs another. The overall agricultural system in place while I was there in 2012-13 would need to be overhauled and the locals were not very open to change - even when it was shown that a restoration agriculture approach would increase every aspect of their livelihood. The infrastructure necessary to get that product to the market was not in place to support making this a viable option at that either. I'll be back there at the end of this year and let you know if things have changed enough to allow this to occur.

Yes:
With only a couple minor personal caviates... That being said does anyone really think the current government climate in our own country is suitable to making a whole hearted effort again??? And to go as a civilian lots of $$$ but you can't spend it if your dead and the game on the ground is a changing with the draw down.. Just saying.

Yes, with out a doubt.

I'd go back in a heartbeat. I always say that if you're going to send people over, send the ones who are truly willing. I loved flying and being a part of something bigger. Too much political BS has been thrown in the way of the true mission. Too much mainstream media has perverted the view of what really goes on. It's not just collateral damage and dead women and children. It's improved infrastructure, new facilities, friendly faces, and much more. The people over there are nice. They don't all hate us as Americans. We just need to learn that they aren't going to be immediately like us, or ever like us in some cases. But that's okay. Everyone is different. If I could get back in the Marines, I'd deploy once a year every year until I retired just to be back in and make a difference.

I feel like the point is moot since it wouldn't make a difference in my humble opinion.

I think it is important to maintain a force there instead of letting it fall into militia hands. What we are witnessing in Iraq and Yemen is a result of our involvement. On the other hand, many Soldiers have have to many deployments and are not up to the task.