Rapid-Response to Assist US Army
Tajikistan is a land of extremes. Spectacular natural beauty contrasts with Soviet-era architecture. Bordering Uzbekistan to the west, Kyrgyzstan to the north, and China to the east, Tajikistan suffered a brutal civil war following independence from Moscow in the 90's.
It remains unstable, with a smoldering Islamist insurgency that has the potential to catch fire. To the south is Afghanistan, where more than fifty thousand US troops try to defeat extremism and stabilize the country.
Cinematographer Claire Billet filming for Spirit of America in Lodjirk, Tajikistan
There are also US Army Civil Affairs soldiers in Tajikistan – a fast-moving and diverse team of just five, with no shortage of work. Civil affairs units have been around since WWII, but in recent years the growth of extremism in failed or failing countries has spurred the army to deploy small teams to dozens of at risk nations, delivering Humanitarian Assistance and American goodwill. Spirit of America worked alongside the Army team to deliver targeted assistance to the isolated mountain village of Lodjirk, an 11 hour drive from the capital.
Roger Jackson
