A contest!

We throw enough darts around here that when we see an interesting idea coming out of officialdom, we should have the good grace to note and applaud it:

Are you now, or have you ever been to Afghanistan?

Think what we’re doing in Afghanistan is important? Tell us why!

Joint Forces Command HQ Brunssum is sponsoring a contest in which you will have the opportunity to share your experiences with the world - and possibly win a camcorder!

Tell us in 3 minutes or less “Why Afghanistan Matters” and you could be a winner! The contest is open to all military personnel currently serving, or who formerly served, in Afghanistan. In addition, the contest is open to civilian personnel working, or who have worked, alongside NATO or Coalition Forces. For questions on eligibility, contact us.

How the contest works:

• You make your video and either mail it to us or upload to this site.


• We screen your video only to ensure it complies with the official rules.


• We notify you when your qualifying video gets posted on the contest channel.


• Public rating determines the winner (1 Grand Prize and three First Prize winners!)

Timelines: The contest will be open for submissions during June, July and August. We will post your videos once approved as a qualifying submission. From 1 to 30 September, we will allow further video rating, and winners will be selected on 1 October. Winners determined by highest average rating.

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Why a Contest?

This contest, sponsored by Joint Forces Command Headquarters - Brunssum (the Netherlands) serves as an opportunity for those serving - or who have served - in Afghanistan, to explain why the work they are doing in Afghanistan is of such importance.

The intent is to provide a "boots on the ground" perspective of the military mission in Afghanistan from the point of view of those most closely involved. We will not edit clips for content, but will exclude contest submissions that jeopardize troop security, or show objectionable, disturbing or offensive material.

I've been saying for a long time that the most compelling spokespeople we have for the mission, other than the Afghans themselves, are those on the front lines doing the difficult and dangerous work to secure and rebuild that country.

So to all you Afghanistan veterans reading (in uniform or retired) here's your chance - sponsored by The Powers That Be - to say what needs to be said from your own perspective.

And to those of you who think this is trite, or hokey, or overly safe: it's a HUGE step forward for a governmental/military organization. If it's not a bold enough step for you, suck it up and get behind it anyway. All non-participation does is reinforce the idea that bold steps aren't worth taking.

Pitter, patter...