Chapter 11 – Returning and Learning

After an intense six months operating alongside Delta Force, Harry Potter returned to his unit in SAS Sabre A Squadron with a new perspective. The experience alongside the Americans had been invaluable, expanding his tactical knowledge and solidifying his confidence as an operator. However, he knew that the war on terror was continuing to evolve, and to stay ahead of the curve, he would need to continually hone his skills.

As soon as he returned to SAS headquarters, Harry resumed his training routine with the team. Sabre A Squadron, now reinforced by Harry's presence, began preparing for further operations in Afghanistan and possibly Iraq, which was on the brink of imminent invasion. But Harry realized that there was something he could do to make his future missions more effective. During his operations in Afghanistan, it became clear that communication with the locals—whether with Afghan allies or with prisoners in interrogation—was crucial.

It was time to add a new skill set to his repertoire: learning local languages.

In his first post-return meeting with the unit commander, Harry laid out his plan:

"I want to learn Pashto and Urdu," he said without hesitation. "They are the most widely spoken languages ​​in Afghanistan and Pakistan. It could give us a huge advantage, both in the field and during interrogation."

The commander, a middle-aged man with years of experience in the Special Forces, looked at Harry thoughtfully. "It's not common for operators to dedicate themselves to language study while on missions, Potter. But given your background and recent experience, I can see that you understand the importance of it. I believe you would be a valuable addition to the team."

He paused, then added with a slight smile, "The SAS already knows your value as an operator, but it seems you want to go further, and I respect that. We'll get you the study materials and connect you with language experts."

Harry nodded. "I will commit, sir. And when we return to the field, I will be ready to use these skills."

For the next few weeks, while the rest of the unit went through their routine of training and briefing, Harry spent hours a day with a tutor assigned by the SAS to teach him Pashto and Urdu. Learning was not easy. The languages ​​were challenging, especially since they were drastically different from English. Pashto, with its unique alphabet and guttural sounds, required constant practice. Urdu, with its rich and intricate structure, also tested his patience.

"If you can master close-quarters combat, you can master these languages," Harry told himself in a moment of frustration. His competitive spirit kept him focused, and he worked as hard as he did on combat missions.

During training sessions, he incorporated the use of the languages ​​he had learned into simulated combat situations, which helped solidify his vocabulary. In CQB, he gave orders and instructions in Pashto to his team. During mock interrogations, he would attempt to conduct conversations in Urdu. Gradually, he began to see the clear benefits of learning, becoming increasingly fluent in sentence construction and understanding responses.

Meanwhile, the mood at the SAS base was one of constant preparation. With tensions rising in Iraq, many operators knew that a major mission was only a matter of time. Harry, unlike many of his colleagues, now felt more prepared for the challenge. He understood that in any future conflict, knowledge of the local languages ​​could be a huge strategic advantage, both in dealing with the local population and in extracting valuable information from prisoners.

Life in the SAS remained intense, however, and whenever he wasn't studying languages, Harry was taking part in physical training, simulating combat scenarios, building breaches and CQB with his team. His time with Delta Force had taken his skills to a new level, and he was now bringing those lessons back to the SAS, helping his colleagues hone their own techniques.

One evening, while he was in the base mess hall with his team, one of the operators, Lewis, who also served in Sabre A Squadron, approached Harry. Lewis, a quiet man known for his skill with infiltration tactics, looked at Harry curiously.

"I heard you're learning Pashto and Urdu," he said, taking a sip of his drink. "That's…different."

Harry gave a small smile and nodded. "Yes, it's part of my training. On the last mission, I saw how much direct communication can change the course of things. I thought it was worth investing in."

Lewis studied him for a moment, then gave a short laugh. "Well, if anyone can handle all this, it's you. You're always looking for something new to improve. I think that keeps us all on edge."

Harry laughed too, appreciating the comment. "It's part of the job. If we stop adapting, we won't last long here."

As 2003 drew to a close, Harry, now with a solid foundation in both languages, was ready to take his new skills to the field. His superiors noticed his dedication and put him in charge of several simulation exercises that involved communicating with local allies and interrogating insurgent prisoners. The fluency with which Harry now handled Pashto and Urdu impressed even his instructors.

His hard work had distinguished him not only as an exceptional soldier, but as a well-rounded operator who understood both the tactical and psychological aspects of warfare. Harry knew that in future missions, he would be able to interact directly with the local population, understanding their cultural and linguistic nuances, which could save lives and prevent fatal misunderstandings.

In the SAS, it wasn't just his physical strength or combat skills that made him stand out—it was his relentless drive to improve, to go above and beyond what was expected, to be a real asset to his team and his country. 2004 promised to bring new challenges, and Harry was more prepared than ever.