6.The four Marines finally exchanged their utility cams for high-quality Pashtun garb, the white color of their qmis and shalwar spotless, vests a nicely brushed black felt, as would be appropriate for attending a relative’s rural wedding. Ahmed centered each pakol just so, tugging McKenna’s down a little bit more on his forehead.
Then Ahmed checked them all over very carefully, watching them walk around for a few minutes, as if they were indeed mingling among themselves or guests at a wedding, before he signaled his final approval. “Good,” he said in Pashto, grinning. Then he added in English, “You are now members of my extended tribe.”
McKenna knew they were more vulnerable to injury without military helmets and flak jackets, but that standard combat gear wouldn’t make much difference
