The iPod was launched in 2001 as a different, revolutionary MP3 player and would completely change the way the world would listen to music anywhere. The iPod is still popular for a very large number of people, especially for soldiers stationed in various theaters of operations. In an interesting documentary published during this weekendThose from with the BBC explain to us how important they are iPod-s in the war in Afghanistan for the soldiers of Great Britain.
Soldiers stationed at Camp Bastion describe their music as an essential part of their lives. It helps to drown out the constant hum of activity around camp. It gives an adrenalin kick to long, dreary journeys, and helps everyone to relax in their free time. Music can quickly become a prop, helping those serving to deal with the difficult and potentially traumatic reality of life serving in Afghanistan. As British soldiers prepare for their first war zone posting, building a playlist takes on a real sense of importance for those both excited and anxious about their first tour of duty. What will be the right music to listen to when they are in Helmand?
The soldiers stationed there use the small products of those from Apple Lossless Audio CODEC (ALAC), to "escape" from the world in which he is, to relax or to occupy his time on long trips across the country. The same music helps them get through difficult moments, and the playlists chosen from home before leaving are extremely important to them. Practically, the iPod becomes, according to those from the BBC, a tool through which the soldiers manage to make it much easier to face the hard life in one of the most complex theaters of operations.
