Irwin, Anne: my experience as an embedded anthropologist in Afghanistan, 2006 (March 5, 2014)
PublicAn interview/narrative of Anne Irwin's experience as an embedded anthropologist in Afghanistan. Interview took place on March 5, 2014.
Interviewee: Irwin, Anne
ABSTRACT: Narrator: Irwin, Anne, b. 1954. Title: “My Experience as an Embedded Anthropologist in Afghanistan, 2006” Interviewer: Interviewed by Sarah Fitterer Extent 1 sound recording (MP3 or list other format) 2:13:01 (time length of interview), file size (kB) Interview Date and Location 5 March 2014, Sooke BC. Synopsis: Begins with background information on anthropology PhD research on 1PPCLI during 1990s. Field study opportunity at 1PPCLI’s Afghanistan deployment is discussed. Irwin’s preparation for the field study in Afghanistan is examined and its application in field is discussed. The pilot deployment and arrival in Kandahar in March 2006 is covered, including encounter with Col. Russell Williams, first meeting and acceptance with 1 PPCLI C Company outside the wire. Reminiscing over Capt. Nichola Goddard’s work during March deployment, inherent risks, discussion of nature of the conflict, and reflections on the first deployment in March. Reflections on the differences of the second deployment in May 2006, difficulties of research ethics. Discusses time and lifestyle at Kandahar Airfield, moving to Spin Boldak in July. Discusses participation in Operation Augustus, Sangin District Centre, suffering mortar and artillery attacks. Discusses participation in Operation Zahar, with 1 Canadian fatality, and the Battle of Seyyeden (part of Operation Jagra) on June 12 with two Canadian casualties. Greater focus on Operation Zahar, fatality of Tony Boneca and treatment of Taliban prisoner. Discusses her relationship with C Company, including role as a researcher. Discusses personal observations of hierarchy and social structure of the troops, including soldiers’ feelings towards senior command. Further examination of Irwin’s relationship with soldiers of C Company and observations of segregation and contention between troops. Discusses specific encounters with the Taliban. Discusses soldiers’ pre-patrol preparation and courage in field. Discusses soldiers’ decompression and memories of leaving Kandahar. Goes back to discuss the Battle of the White School on Aug 3, 2006. Discusses previous military experience and its effect on Irwin’s time in theatre. Discusses her experience returning home to Canada from Afghanistan. Reflects on the presence of media in theatre and its affect on Irwin’s work. Reflects on how the tour affected Irwin’s perception of the Canadian Forces in general. Time Log (0:00- 7:32): PhD Research and field study opportunity. (7:35-14:55). Arrival in Kandahar and meeting 1PPCLI C Company. (14:55-21:31). Reflections on pilot deployment in March (21:31- 25:04). Reflections on the differences of the second deployment in May 2006 (25:04- 27:59). Life at KAF; moving to FOB (28:00- 34:00). Augustus; Sangin District Centre; mortar and artillery attacks (34:29- 44:44). Operation Zahar and the Battle of Seyyeden (part of Operation Jagra) (45:50- 53:11). Detailed focus of above (54:08- 1:01:22). Relationship with C Company; role as a researcher (1:01:38- 1:08:40). Troop dynamic and soldiers’ feelings towards senior command (1:09:45- 1:17:30). Expansion on above (1:17:47- 1:22:23). Specific encounters with the Taliban (1:22:45- 1:28:29) Discusses soldiers’ pre-patrol preparation and courage in field. (1:28:40- 1:35:47) Leaving KAF; decompression (1:36:01- 1:43:00). Battle of the White School on Aug 3, 2006. (1:43:01- 1:46:58). Previous military experience (1:47:02-1:51:00). Her experience returning to Canada (1:51:07- 2:02:00). Presence of media in theatre and its affect on Irwin’s work (2:02:25- 2:10:45). Irwin’s perception of the Canadian Forces Suggested Clip(s) for Archive: (1:01:38- 1:08:40). Discusses personal observations of hierarchy and social structure of the troops, including soldiers’ feelings towards senior command (1:09:45- 1:17:30). Further examination of Irwin’s relationship with soldiers of C Company and observations of segregation and contention between troops Subject Key Words Spin Boldak; Col. Russell Williams; Camp Mirage; Ian Hope; 1 PPCLI; Charlie Company; Kandahar Airfield; Nichola Goddard; Wainwright; Infantry; research ethics; civilian; Operation Augustus; Lashkar Gah; Helmand; Tony Boneca; Operation Zahar; Panjwaii District; Christie Blatchford; the Taliban; Bill Fletcher; Battle of the White School, Battle of Seyyedin; Operation Jagra; Afghanistan; 8 Platoon.
Interviewer: Fitterer, Sarah
- In Collection:
- 1 sound recording (MP3)
- 33, 66
- Original sound recording (AIFF) also available.
- Canadian Military Oral History Collection
- IA_803
- Special Collections Finding Aid: https://uvic2.coppul.archivematica.org/military-oral-history-collection
- March 5, 2014
- Digital sound recording in .mp3 format at 128 kbps and 44 kHz. Recorded in digital format by interviewer, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Interview recorded in digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2014. Migration metadata by KD and MT.
- Rights
- This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
- DOI
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