Getting into conversation with random soldiers

Until that moment when I walked into that compound, I had never thought such a sight would intimidate me that much. It was the French-Uganda friendship week. Being regulars at events in the ambassador’s residence, my friend Jan and I sauntered in casually.

Even stopping at a backdrop for some selfies. But the moment we stepped into the area where the cocktail was happening, my heart skipped a beat. At every corner stood a military uniform of different colour. My heart beat then started racing. I have never been in a space with so many soldiers. If you have friends in the military, you may not relate, but if you are like me, a wave of fear just sweeps over you when you are in the space.

Gladly though, after a few breaths and sweeping the room to discover many civilians, we embraced the space. With the initial shock out of the way, curiosity got the better of me. We started plotting our ambushes. Our strategy was to attack in doubles, because I mean who can dare approach a uniform alone. Not me, that is for sure. Two glasses of white wine for me, for the courage.

Our first target we decided would be the female officer at the table next to us. She looked friendly, but was very engaged with her other colleagues, however, the moment she looked in our direction, we went for it. A smile often wins over a lady, even one in uniform, and then a compliment seals things. We went for it. The South Sudanese native was friendly, exchanged pleasantries. Unfortunately, as we started to get comfortable enough to get ask some really interesting things, she begged to take her leave. Now that was frustrating.

Gladly, the South Korean officer next to her looked a jolly chap, so we went for it. Asking about the stars and decorations is always an ice breaker with an officer, we soon discovered. He took his time to explain the ranks and the meaning of his medals. I must confess I do not remember, but he sounded accomplished. A life of poverty had led him to join the military because there was a scholarship attached to his service.

Obviously I wanted to know what it is like to be in war, to be walking the thin line between life and death. He was so amused by our curiosity and animatedly told us he had done some tours but “That is life, everyone will die anyway, it just has to be for something you believe in like defending your country.” He never divulged much that is when we actually realised that having a conversation with a soldier is not something that comes easy.

Jan was quick enough to remember that this must have to do with the training. For a minute, there I felt like I was in a film playing spy. The space though was meant to have the military from different countries interact among each other and with civilians too. I doubt though that it was comfortable for the uniforms. Anyhow, a much older officer from Holland soon caught our attention with his medals. I wanted to know all about them. He had been a pilot and had indeed been in wars. He took a minute to impress us by telling us about his martial arts skills.

But when we wanted to know more about his escapades on the front line he had this to say... “Those experiences are not for women. They are bad, women need to only think and talk about the nice things in life. Don’t stress yourselves with those hard things.”

Huh! Tongue drop. In this day and age! We were left in shock, so much that we fled when he offered to get us some drinks. But we went right into the “arms” of a French soldier who looked like a film star, hair complete with gel, his blue and white uniform adorned with medals. His brief explanation.

“I just showed up and got these.” Huh! My advice, never try to have a conversation with a stranger in uniform, it will not get you much, that is for sure.