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

Yes, if it was done right. Help the Afghanis do the job, not do it for them. Do it the best way for them, not the way we'd typically do it. Help them create and sustain their country and culture, not a subset of ours. A lot of that is what helps feed the Taliban and other hostile groups. If those are more dependent on foreign fighters and support it gets a lot more difficult logistically and we'd likely get more local support across the board. Follow the example of the Special Forces 'Horse Soldiers' who went into Northern Afghanistan first (good book to read if you haven't) rather than the notion of throwing large numbers of our people at the problem and expecting it to get fixed.

Yes, in a heartbeat.

Under no circumstances would I want to return to Afghanistan.

Yes, without a doubt I would. I still keep up with my Dari just for that purpose.

Two part answer:
Yes, if it Afghanistan was like it was pre Russian invasion, but more up to date. Yes, if I knew that we (US) were welcomed. Both of course need to have the "safety" clause when looking at returning without belonging to either the military, or a larger source who can provide you safe passage to and from. (Whatever your job, plan, or agenda is.) I was lucky enough to learn to speak, read, and write Dari, and Farsi; so communication would have its advantages as long as I remained in Kabul or Western Afghanistan. Someone else mentioned that the Afghan people aren't all bad... I agree, I made some great acquaintances for the time I lived and worked with them. Lastly, because there really isn't anything left to see, returning would have to be other than leisure. All the gems, minerals, and spices are being harvested by the Chinese, and local Northern tribes; working a lucrative deal, that would pay off, both in safety and monetary value would be hard to find.

Yes, I would, but only under certain stipulations. 1.) USFORA ROEs only. 2.) No unconventional working for conventional or vice versa. 3.) No over-eager civilians with too much to prove and not enough to prove it with being in charge of anything. 4.) Hallyburton runs the DFACs, not FLUOR. 5. Beer days for those on extended orders; about every 90 days!

That aside, not much of anything for prerequisites!

Saffron is the most expensive spice on the planet. In parts of India, where they grow saffron, it is kept in a locked safe at times.

Me, myself, I would not come here again.

I gave a few thumbs up earlier on a few comments. I'm sure that everyone has their own opinion on the topic whether it be good, bad, or indifferent. Based on your own personal experience concerning Afghanistan, I don't know but from my view point it would be different.

That's odd, a replied to this and 2 hours ago got an upvote and a response to it. Now that I came to view it, my comment appears to have been hidden, did one of my fellow admins deem it inappropriate? SFC Mark Merino you have the power of the 4 star, do those powers include seeing hidden comments?

I was told thats why I was going there the first time I went. Not sure if I would or not. I would really have to think about it and the pay would have to definitely be worth it.