3 Rich's Job

 3 Rich’s Job

Rich’s job at the Pakistan Air Force College of Aeronautical Engineering (PAFCAE) is undefined. It has been for years. Rich assumes that his mission entails teaching the Pakistani cadets to the best of his ability, fostering strong relationships between the USAF and the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), and helping the Aeronautical Engineering department function efficiently. 

Rich’s boss in the department is Wing Commander S. T. Ali, the department chair. S. T. is a superb leader and colleague. He consults with the Pakistani officers who make up the faculty, as well as asking Rich for advice on occasion.

Rich is commander of the small unit of two Air Force officers at PAFCAE. He wants to get some things in writing so we can take leave, and do our own administrative work without sending it all up-country to the Colonel who is the Defense representative in Islamabad (Iz lom uh bod), the capital city. These are not big concerns, but they make a very pleasant assignment just a little bothersome. But we understand that these things take time, so we'll get to practice patience. 

That was the rain, now for the sunshine. Rich’s teaching job is a joy, and working with the PAF is enlightening. The PAF Cadets are very sharp, so Rich must be constantly on his toes. They will easily spot any flaws in his courses, the US’s foreign policies, and his beliefs. The PAF cadets are just as smart as the AF Academy cadets. They work hard, are very athletic, and are good looking. 

Rich’s office overlooks a bay on the Indian Ocean. When he’s not engaged in work, he can see dolphins at play or fishing boats at full sail. October was a very hot month, as are most, but the sea breeze through his window kept him fairly comfortable. It greatly helped that he and Lois went to a tailor who created cotton Air Force uniforms for him that function much better than the wool/polyester standard issue. It goes without saying that AC is not available at PAFCAE, except in the computer rooms, to keep the equipment from overheating. 

Work at the college has a relaxed atmosphere that must be felt to be appreciated. Nobody works late. There are no overtime clock punchers who put in long hours to impress themselves or their bosses. The college closes up tight at quitting time because the lascars (civilians who work for the PAF) close all the windows and lock the doors. Rich thoroughly enjoys the “work smarter, not harder” and “do less and accomplish more” attitude in the Sub-Continent.

Twice a day is tea break. The faculty gather in the break room for tea and gulab jamins (goo lob jah mins). Rich has never liked tea, and the sweets are not that tasty. But as long as the officers remember to speak English now and then, Rich enjoys talking and taking a break twice a day.

And let's say you have something very important to do. Like, your cousin is getting married or your kids are sick. Well, take a day or two off by all means. Just tell your cadets that you won't be meeting for a few days. They'll understand because there are always a few missing cadets from class for similar reasons. In other words, in Pakistan, life is not all work and who would be such a fool to think otherwise? 

Rich really didn't know if the friendliness of the PAF officers would be that disquieting or not. Let’s explain. Pakistani men are quite emotional, probably because there are no women in work situations to supply an emotional balance to the logic that men often display. So, Pakistani men are both logical and emotional. 

This leads to such practices as men holding hands, and men openly displaying anger, sorrow, and joy. Not recognizing the “keep your distance” American bubble, they like to get very close to converse. Rather than be disquieted, Rich has come to enjoy feeling closer to men. He like their attitudes. If he doesn’t know where the bazaar is, a stranger takes him by the arm or hand to show him. And of course, there is a handshake before and after each conversation, which is a nice gesture. Rich is learning a lot.