Those Wacky Iraqis: December 2007

Friday, December 28, 2007

Strange Days

I was in Wal-Mart with my wife and sister. I walked up to look at cell phones and a young woman started chatting me up. It was obvious she was flirting but she finally said she was the T-Mobile rep and wanted to know if I was interested in a cell phone. I had forgotten how women will use their sexuality for sales and was actually taken aback by this.

I told her that I did not want to sign any contracts as I am not sure how long I will be here. She pried and I told her I had just come back from the sand box. I live close to Fort Hood so that is not an uncommon thing around here. She asked me if it was strange to be back. I gazed around the electronics department looking at all the fat people so self absorbed in consumerism and told her that yes; it was strange. I wound up getting a disposable phone and a $25.00 refill card. That is what I had in Iraq so that at least is not strange.

We needed another vehicle as I sold my Explorer a couple of years ago. My wife hates it when I car shop because my step father was general manager of a Volvo dealership and I learned from him how to grind them down. I did not want to go through that exercise but knew I had to. I just wanted to make it as painless as possible so I got my own financing before we went.

I found a Red Tag Tahoe for a good price and we went to the Chevy dealer. We looked at this one Tahoe, test drove it and then I bought it for the Red Tag price. It was as easy as that. No grind, no pain, no muss, no fuss. I bought it from Hewett Chevrolet in Georgetown, Texas and they were as pleasant as can be. My wife can't believe that I did not walk out twice and then go shop another dealer to attempt to play them against each other but I just did not have the energy or desire to do so.

We now have a new Tahoe in the front drive and she will be driving the wheels off of it this week to show it to all her buddies. That's OK. She has put up with a a lot while I have been gone and I want her and the T-Man to have the very best of life.

I hear them stirring about so I am cutting this short. I don't write when they are awake so Adios for now.

Saturday, December 22, 2007

Home

Wow. A one way ticket was placed in my hand and I had reasonable or good flight experiences the entire way. No hassles, no long lines, no delays, no running in airports, no surly customs officials, just a long trip....home. It is Christmas and Eid at the same time but the airports were efficient and everything went on time.

Baghdad to Dubai I got an exit row seat with extra leg room. I had 8 hours in Dubai and I spent that drinking a 6 pack and eating some really tasty Arabic food followed by sleep. I was put into a room with a guy from the Green Zone who was going on R&R. He left to go party and I crashed. He literally stumbled in about 03:00 and could not turn on the lights. I had to get up and do it for him. He passed out and I could not get him to roll out of bed on time. We were on the same 08:00 flight from Dubai. That means get up at 04:00 and catch the last shuttle at 05:00. I tried, I really did, but he is an adult and made his own choices. He missed the shuttle and the flight but I hope he made it home OK.

Dubai to Amsterdam was a full KLM flight but I had an aisle seat and a video on demand system to watch movies. I chose Stardust and then Superbad. Stardust was as good as the reviews said it was. Superbad is so damn funny that I caught myself laughing out loud a lot. The food was actually very tasty and the booze is free. The flight attendant spilled some orange juice on my arm and just could not do enough for me after that.

I then had a brief lay over in Amsterdam and the NWA flight was 1/3 empty. I had an aisle seat and an empty seat next to me so I had plenty of room to spread out and sleep. I watched an independent British movie called "Death at a Funeral" and it too was really funny. Not everyone gets British humor but I do and I really liked the flick. This time I took a Valium and slept hard for about 4 hours. Minneapolis must have gotten rid of all the surly customs people I ran into the last time I was there because this time they were polite and fast. It gave me plenty of time to go to Chili's and have a beer and a big'ol juicy burger. Best damn freedom meal I have had in years.

Minneapolis to Austin on NWA was almost full but I sat next to an older woman who spotted my three day bag with name tag and she started asking me all sorts of loaded questions. It was obvious she did not like Bush or his policies. I finally just told her that I really did not care what she thought nor does the Army so she will just have to live with it. I also told her to quit reading the NY Times and talk to a soldier of she wants the truth. There was an empty seat behind me and the woman in it asked her to move and sit with her for "More room". I winked at her and mouthed "Thank You". She mouthed back, "You're welcome".

I got to the airport and no one was there to pick me up. This is the first time that has ever happened. I started wondering what was going on and wondered if my wife got my emails, was there traffic, if the car rental counter was open, etc. She finally showed up and hugged me a kissed me while she was crying. She has not done that for a long time. She kept telling me over and over, "You're home. You don't have to go back." I turned and saw a young soldier in his ACUs watching. He was with his parents and it was obvious he had just finished AIT or boot. he had no unit patches, a fresh uniform and that single lonely little Private chevron that says to the world "FNG!". I looked at him and said, "Every soldier should get this sort of welcome home." He smiled and his mom said, "Not from his mother though." We all laughed at that. he hustled off to get his ruck and I spoke with his folks for a minute. I told them he would get great training, have the very best equipment available and have good leadership. I told his mom that he would be OK as most of them are. His dad is a vet and he said. It is his turn for us all. I know exactly what he meant.

I now have this strange feeling. I am up early and my wife and son still sleep as do the dogs. Their lives have just changed as has mine. I now have to tread the line of re-integrating myself into their day to day lives without upsetting their rhythm. The counselors tell you all of this when you get ready to come back but I don't think anyone is really prepared for it. This will be my challenge over the next few weeks. I will become a regular American.

I was hit with all sorts of last minutes offers and compromises to entice me to stay but I said to all,"Too late. It's time to go." I have only been back a day and a half and I already wonder how long I will be off. I had two verbal messages waiting for me, three emails, and a letter. Sorry guys, I just need some rest right now.

I'll write more later. I have to because for me it is therapy. I just wish I could have been more open before but the Internet watch dogs cover every posting. I want to tell the story from my perspective. I will but right now I need some coffee.

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

4 years, 2 months, 2 days, 21 hours

That is how long I have been in this theater. I have lots of memories. Good, bad, indifferent, terrifying, and joyous. It is time to go. I have to turn in this computer in 10 minutes. As many have said, "AMF YO-YO!"

Adios Mother Fuckers, You're On Your Own!

Monday, December 17, 2007

Disconnecting

Now that I have dropped paper and talked it out for my demob and Aloha bird out of here they want to try and talk me into staying. No, nada, nyet. I promised the little guy that I would be home for Christmas. That in itself is kind of strange though. Knowing I will be home before Christmas and beyond is some times a little frightening. I am so used to running full speed 12+ hours a day 7 days a week that I worry I will have trouble adjusting. Time will tell.

Right now time is dragging. I find myself just trying to wrap up loose ends. The new CO keeps adding taskers to me and I keep telling him I won't be here. I guess that I have been a fixture so long that they just don't fathom that I really will be leaving a vacuum that they have not filled yet.

I am divesting myself of all the creature comforts I colected over here. I have a wonderful automatic Braun coffee maker with a stainless steel carafe and a timer but it is 220v. So are my iron, hair dryer, etc. All that stays behind as does my cell phone because I discovered it has a 220v charger only. Can't even charge it at home.

What has been endearing is that I have had many personnel who have worked for me come up to me and press slips of paper into my hands with email addresses, phone numbers, etc with their contact info. They all tell me they will follow me to the pits of hell. That makes me sad as hell and I can't help but feel guilty but I have to live some life with my son and wife for a change.

Hell can wait a while!

Friday, December 14, 2007

Ferengi Rules of Aqusition

There are 285 rules but I don't have them all. If anyone has any which are missing or even has a good one to add, feel free to do so. My favorite is # 211

1. Once you have their money, you never give it back.
2. The best deal is the one that brings the most profit
3. Never spend more for an acquisition than you have to.
4. A woman wearing clothes is like a man in the kitchen.
6. Never allow family to stand in the way of opportunity, or Never allow family to stand in the way of profit.
7. Keep your ears open.
8. Small print leads to large risk.
9. Opportunity plus instinct equals profit.
10. Greed is eternal.
11. Even if it's free, you can always buy it cheaper.
12. Anything worth selling is worth selling twice.
13. Anything worth doing is worth doing for money.
16. A deal is a deal.
17. A contract is a contract is a contract. But only between Ferengi.
18. A Ferengi without profit is no Ferengi at all.
19. Satisfaction is not guaranteed.
21. Never place friendship above profit.
22. A wise man can hear profit in the wind.
23. Nothing is more important than your health. Except for your money.
27. There is nothing more dangerous than an honest businessman.
31. Never make fun of a Ferengi's mother...Insult something he cares about instead.
33. It never hurts to suck up to the boss.
34. War is good for business.
35. Peace is good for business.
40. She can touch your lobes, but never your latinum.
41. Profit is its own reward.
44. Never confuse wisdom with luck.
45. Expand or die.
47. Never trust a man wearing a better suit than your own.
48. The bigger the smile, the sharper the knife.
52. Never ask when you can take.
57. Good customers are as rare as latinum. Treasure them.
58. There is no substitute for success.
59. Free advice is seldom cheap.
60. Keep your lies consistent.
62. The riskier the road, the greater the profit.
65. Win or lose, there's always Hupyrian beetle snuff.
74. Knowledge equals profit.
75. Home is where the heart is, but the stars are made of latinum.
76. Every once in a while, declare peace. It confuses the hell out of your enemies!
79. Beware of the Vulcan greed for knowledge.
82. The flimsier the product, the higher the price.
85. Never let the competition know what you're thinking.
89. Ask not what your profits can do for you, but what you can do for your profits.
94. Females and finances don't mix.
95. Expand or die.
96. MISSING
97. Enough... is never enough.
98. Every man has his price.
99. Trust is the biggest liability of all.
100-101. MISSING
102. Nature decays, but latinum is forever.
103. Sleep can interfere with...
104. Faith moves mountains... of inventory.
105. MISSING
106. There is no honor in poverty.
107-108. MISSING
109. Dignity and an empty sack is worth the sack.
110. Keep 10% of every transaction for yourself...just don't let your boss know about it
111. Treat people in your debt like family. Exploit them.
112. Never have sex with the boss's sister.
113. Always have sex with the boss.
114-120 MISSING
121. Everything is for sale, even friendship.
122. MISSING
123. Even a blind man can recognize the glow of latinum.
124. MISSING
125. You can't make a deal if you're dead.
126-138. MISSING
139. Wives serve, brothers inherit.
140. Lawyers should be killed.
141. Only fools pay retail.
142-143. MISSING
144. There's nothing wrong with charity... as long as it winds up in your pocket.
145-161. MISSING
162. Even in the worst of times, someone turns a profit.
163-167. MISSING
168. Whisper your way to success.
169-176. MISSING
177. Know your enemies... but do business with them always.
178-180. MISSING
181. Not even dishonesty can tarnish the shine of profit.
182-188. MISSING
189. Let others keep their reputation. You keep their money.
190. Hear all; trust nothing.
191. The most dangerous man is one who has no greed.
192. Never cheat a Klingon... unless you're sure you can get away with it.
193. You mother should be you best customer.
194. It's always good business to know about your customers before they walk in your door.
195. Fear will drive up profits..unless you are the one who is scared.
196. The government is the worst customer of all...avoid doing business with them unless they make you.
197-202 MISSING
202. The justification of profit is profit.
203. New customers are like razor-toothed Greeworms. They can be succulent, but sometimes they bite back.
204-207. MISSING
208. Sometimes the only thing more dangerous than the question is an answer.
207-210. MISSING
211. Employees are the rungs on the ladder of success. Don't hesitate to step on them.
212-213. MISSING
214. Never begin a business negotiation on an empty stomach.
215-216 MISSING
217. You can't free a fish from water.
218. Always know what you're buying.
219-222. MISSING
223. Beware the man who doesn't make time for oo-mox.
224-228. MISSING
229. Latinum lasts longer than lust.
230-235. MISSING
236. You can't buy fate.
237-238. MISSING
239. Never be afraid to mislabel a product.
238-241. MISSING
242. More is good... all is better.
243-254. MISSING
255. A wife is a luxury... a smart accountant, a necessity.
256-260. MISSING
261. A wealthy man can afford anything except a conscience.262. MISSING
263. Never allow doubt to tarnish your lust for latinum.
264-265. MISSING
266. When in doubt, lie.
267-283. MISSING
284. Deep down, everyone is a Ferengi.
285. No good deed ever goes unpunished.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

They don't believe me!

"No, you are kidding. You don't really want to go." "You are just trying to get a raise." "You can't leave us now!" "You put this together! How can you leave now?" "I heard a rumor that you are leaving, that can't be true." "This project will crater if you leave."

Really folks. It is none of the above. The war effort will get along fine without me. I really am leaving. I really mean it. I had Household 6 tell the Little Guy that the Big Guy will be home for Christmas.

Dave from Daves-Not-Here leaves tomorrow. I wish I was with him but it looks to be about 1 week before I actually get out.

This will be the longest week of my life.

Monday, December 10, 2007

I go

Time to go. I drop paper tomorrow. Maybe I will get out with Dave from Daves-Not-Here. He DDs the 13th. I'm not sad. I am actually relieved. Time to get some down time and hang out with Household 6, the Little Guy, and the dogs. Time to get to know my family again and have a beer when I want it.

Once i get CONUS and out from under GO#1 I will really let loose with what I can. I will tell it like it is without fear of reprisal or big brother kicking my butt. Stay tuned.

Saturday, December 08, 2007

"Should I stay or should I go?"

The seminal band of the late 70s was The Clash. Some of you may remember them from "Rockin the Casbah" but my favorite Clash song was "Should I stay or should I go?" That song has just been drilling through my head the past two days.

I'm getting close to my original departure date and I'm getting itchy. Things are not the way they should be here but they never are anyway so it is status quo really. My reality is not that of anyone in the land of the big PX so they don't know or care about all the phrases we bandy around like "Mission Essential", "Tertiary Effects", "OpOrd", or even "Hooah". I want to go so bad but these phrases always equate into the one factor I cannot shake. If it is not me it will be some one else.

I'm awfully damn good at what I do. I know my job and role and come in second to none but the grind, politics, difficulties and Iraq in general have just got me to a point where I don't have any reaction to bad news other than this: I am already in Iraq so they can't threaten me with that. The worst thing they can do to me now is put me on a plane and send me to America. You know what? That ain't bad at all.

Wednesday, December 05, 2007

Alive and Well

I have been given yet another "temporary" mission and have just been swamped. This one was jacked up and I have been putting in 14-15 hours a day to try and get things going correctly. I have a Battalion sized unit that I am in charge of scattered over 23 locations in Iraq. It make command and control very difficult. There is nothing about this challenge that can't be overcome but it is a critical part of the overall mission and I have obligated myself for at least another 3 months.

I was prepared to go home. I am still looking at my target date with longing. I sent all my stuff home and have no winter gear here and it is getting colder. At least I am with good folks, some of who have also been here since 03. Oh well, war does funny things and has a way of driving you rather than you driving it.

Household 6 (Mrs MiG) just closed on a new house for us so she is tickled pink and my not being home yet has been padded by that. I guess that takes the edge off. I don't have any firm fixed date right now. The new CO coming is a friend and he and I have been deployed together before. he just finished a long stint in Djibouti but we kept in touch the entire time.

I'll write more later, I am bone tired and it is late. I did buy a "Christmas in Baghdad 2007" coffee mug though. that is the extent of my Christmas decorations. Bah Humbug.

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Veteran's Day

A year ago today I was in London for Remembrance Day (Veteran's Day) and the Lord Mayor's Parade which was the very next day. What I remember vividly is that the entire country comes to a stand still for two minutes on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of the year. It was originally a time set aside for the British public to remember their terrible losses in WWI but has since been magnified to remember all those lost in combat no matter which conflict.

We in the USA have the same date set aside as Veteran's Day to remember all those who have served in conflicts but we as a people don't observe this to the same degree as do the British and other Commonwealth nations. Does this say that we don't care as much or that we are just "Too Busy" to take two minutes to observe a period of silence for those who served and those who died?

I remember that on that day in London almost all traffic came to a halt. People everywhere stopped what they were doing whether they were walking, talking, shopping, or anything else. The only sound I could hear was the pealing bells from St. Paul's cathedral and that seemed so right as St. Paul's is still a symbol of perseverance in the darkest days of WWII during the Blitz. Maybe the fact that the British spirit has been tested time and again with attacks on their homeland makes them more aware of the immediacy and importance of remembering and being ready to act.

I hope to god that we don't suffer any more 9-11s but fear that more will come as we get tired of the struggle and will pull back and let the forces against us have some breathing room. The only reason they don't attack us at home is because we have our boot on their neck over here. Once we let it up and step back, they will get on their feet and come after us with a vengeance. Remember this when you vote this November.

All holiday's of national significance are different to me now and this one is no exception. In a few minutes I will shut my door, stand up, and bow my head for two minutes in remembrance of my ancestors who gave all so that I could have free will and free choice.

I have attached a video from a Canadian Folk Singer named Terry Kelly who sings a poigniant reminder that we all need to take the time to remember. If we forget those in the past then why will the people of the future want to carry on our way of life? Being controlled is easy, being free is not, and freedom is never free. It costs two minutes.

Terry Kelly is a remakable person. He is blind but does not let that stop him from going to places such as Afghanistan to meet with Canadian troops. People like Terry Kelly are to be commended. I invite you to visit his website and read about what caused him to write this song.

http://www.terry-kelly.com/

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Sounds

No movie can make incoming fire sound right. It does not matter if it is artillery, mortars, rockets, or small arms, it just never sounds right. It may be because the film crews who conduct the Foley effects have never been under fire, then again live music always sounds different from recorded so maybe you just can't get it right, you get it close.

There is a marked "Crump" sound when a mortar lands. Sometimes you hear the tubes when they launch. That is a far away "POP" and you know it's coming. FNGs don't so they don't automatically scan for cover and then go for it. They stare at you like a deer in headlights until the first one lands,"CRUMP!" Then they would follow you into a pit of burning oil because you look like you know what you are doing. Hell, I'm just trying to keep my big ass from getting "blowed up" before I DD out for the last time.

After the adrenaline rush from the sudden adjustment to total consciousness and then literally running as fast as you can for cover your heart is just racing. Sometimes you eat dirt, sometimes you get to a bunker. Either way you lay or sit there until you get the all clear no matter how it is delivered. Small talk ensues and some of it is just surreal.

Some guys make light of the situation, some go into a silence mode, some are just plain chatty. I get silent and am not in the mood to chat. I just try not to be scared and try to rationalize what is going on. When you are in the bunker the only thing that can hurt you is a big rocket making a direct hit and that is about as rare as a No Hitter in baseball. They do happen but never when you are there. I have heard the big ones and even seen a couple land. Big Lou remembers he and I being stuck behind a convoy that was stopped and me yelling, "Drive! DRIVE!" He was going,"Where, WHERE?" I yelled,"AROUND THEM!" Then the third one hit and it literally punched a hole in reinforced concrete. That was a big assed "WHOOOMP" with a sound of concrete breaking mixed in. Big Lou then went off road and drove like the demon he is. Speed and distance are your best forms of protection in those situations, not hunkering down and waiting.

Bob from Las Vegas remembers when he and I were on an Iraqi base and all of a sudden the vehicle started taking small arms fire (SAF). We both ducked under the dash (like that was going to help with all that plastic protection) and he drove like a demon too. Thing is, it kept happening, the sound also increased in cyclic action when he sped up. That was when our buttholes unpuckered and we realized we were not under fire. We stopped and jumped out to do an inspection. No marks anywhere! What we found was that one of the tires had picked up a piece of trace chain and it embedded in the tire. The tire was whipping the chain into the wheel well and that was what we heard. Scared the bejesus out of us but it was good for a laugh that night at the DFAC.

Charlie remembers when 8 rounds walked into our LSA. I heard the first one land and knew it was close. I pushed a cleaning lady out of the office door and forced her to run. I was right behind Charlie and the second one landed behind us. It was fired from so far away that the angle was almost a flat trajectory. Most of it was backblast but I felt the heat and my ears where ringing. Charlie got hit on the finger tip. That one went,"WHING". I found out later that it landed on concrete and that is what changed the sound. This time there were 4 others in the bunker who beat me to it. The third and fourth rounds hit, really, really close. I looked over at one of my tough guys who was in the bunker. You know the type. They have all the brave tats and wear Harley shirts. this guy was shaking like a leaf and I asked him if he was hit. he just said, "I'm scared shitless. All I can think about is my kids." I told him we were all scared but just stay put. Charlie and I knew we needed to get to the Ops Cell. "Three second break, then we run." CRUMP! CRUMP! "OK, he is firing in sets of two. Wait until after the next set and run like hell." WHUMP, Whump, further away. We ran. I have not run that fast since I was playing football in high school. Once we made the Ops Cell Charlie said,"22 years in the Army and this is the first time I have ever been hit." It was like a paper cut and had one little drop of blood.

I don't know if the movie guys want to come over and sit through a barrage to get the sound right but i know these are all sounds I hope I never hear again.

Sunday, October 21, 2007

The World Sport

Football (Soccer) is THE world sport. We as Americans are very arrogant to think that the average Iraqi gives a hoot about baseball, the NFL or hockey. They care only about their brand of football which is the premier and most popular sport world wide. It is such a simple game and all a kid needs is one ball. You dont need gloves, tees, pads, bats, goalie sticks, pucks, ice skates or any of the other gear that only the rich nations of the world can afford. you just need a ball, some spirit, and the will to play.

I was at the Ur Market and came across this pick up game with some of the friendy Iraqis and an American Soldier. Well, they were friendly in the day, who knows what the hell they do at night but today was all about football. They tried to encourage me to play but I told them I am too old, too fat, and too slow. They just laughed. What you don't see in these photos is the onlookers. In the spirit of Opsec I did not photo the soldiers or older Iraqis who were watching. That is to protect the Iraqis more than anything else.

I have stated before that if we really want to win we have to win the heads of these people. The soldier playing here today is doing a much more valuable service by simply playing soccer than by going on patrol or sitting in a guard tower. He is reaching across the ocean, in a literal and figurative sense as no matter what the language, religion, education, or name, this simple game of pick up football is a bridge across it all. These pics are not great but I snapped them with my pocket camera.

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

The Valley of Tombs

Not really so much a Valley as it is a Wadi of Tombs. It is a few hundred yards from the Ziggurat and has been covered in many areas with concrete or pitch to keep people out. Every tomb has been raided so there is nothing there as far as artifacts except that it is covered with more pottery shards that I have ever seen in any one location. I was just amazed at how many I saw and just plain walked on.

The entire area is zoned with concertina wire to keep personnel out. We did not cross over the wire as the last thing I wanted to see was some zealous USAF SP (Air Force MP) pop up from behind something and want to give me a hard time. As I stated yesterday, it is restricted access and you must have the base commander's permission to visit. We had it but were not challenged the entire time we were there.

It would be interesting to know who is buried here. I assume these chambers age back as far as the Ziggurat itself but there was no one to tell me, no signage save some in Arabic, and no research material I have found states otherwise. I have to admit i have let my imagination run and imagine Abraham walking these very same sands. maybe it was him who dropped the clay jug at my feet.

This last shot is of the top of the Ziggurat. We were warned not to climb it so we didn't but I took this with a 300mm telephoto lens. You can see some detail and this must be the condition it was in when they first excavated it back in the 1800's.

Tomorrow - The Pottery Waterfall

Sunday, October 14, 2007

The Ziggurat of Ur

FOBs, COBs, ASRs, MSRs, DFACs, MREs, MRAPs, MEF, M1-A1. It seems like that is the only lingo we know but every once in a while we hear a phrase of word that just stops us in our tracks and we go,"What"? This happened to me when I heard the name "Ziggurat of Ur". I said,"What the hell is that"?

I was in Tallil and heard about this ancient edifice that existed on post. I had a vague remembrance of reading something about it years ago and went to wikipedia to read about it. It knocked my socks off! It is the oldest artifact in Iraq and the most profound archaeological site in Iraq. It is biblical!I was lucky enough to wrangle a pass to visit and get some photos. I love taking photos in the late afternoon because the long rays of the sun bring out such vibrant colors but it didn't help with pictures of the front of the temple as it was in some dark shadows. I was in mixed emotions when I saw that so much of it has been rebuilt. It cheapens the effect but at the same time it is a reminder of how much effort went into building this monument to their gods.
This last pose is me sitting on the stairs of the temple. I usually don't put pictures of myself in here but I don't think you can blow it up enough to see my face. I do promise though that I will come clean once I have finished my TDY and go home.

There is also the House of Abraham and a Valley of Tombs nearby. We visited both and I will run some more pictures later of these as blogger will only let me put three per post up.

Friday, October 12, 2007

Navy Birthday

Since I live, breathe, eat, sleep Army I don't often say anything about the other branches of service. The Navy has been doing their part over here. All Corpsmen (Medics) with the Marines are Navy personnel. Navy personnel supply SeaBee construction efforts, contracting officers, base security, etc. My Nephew's good friend Ryan is in the Navy now and I remember how proud he was the night he told me that he had joined. I was proud of him too. I told him that he was about to become a member of a fraternity that no one else would ever be able to enter unless they experienced it themselves. I last saw him two years ago and every sailor I see reminds me of him. I have seen naval personnel at every base I have been posted to and this one is no exception.

I have been in An Nasariyah for the past few days floating between Tallil (Adder) Air Base and Cedar II. Not much to see here except the Ziggurat but I will comment on that tomorrow. I wanted to take the time today to honor the sailors here who risk their lives everyday and to show that even though the only water around comes out of a deep well, we still think about our sea going friends. Happy Birthday USN. Here is what the DFAC staff has whipped up in your honor.

Saturday, October 06, 2007

Whose God?

I have fallen back in the Iraq groove. That means everything sand colored except the ACUs the soldiers wear. I don't see how these things are good for cammo except for hiding in river rock which we have in abundance. The new USAF cammies are even worse. Digital Tiger Stripe. It looks terrible and the horizontal stripes make them all look fat.

This scorpion is made of wood and is located out at the fuel farm. It was built about 4 years ago out of scrap. It is probably about 6 feet long so when you get up to it the size is almost SciFi. For now my photo opportunities are very limited. I finally got my DSLR out of the shop and it is working fine but I just can't carry it around here as I walk everywhere. I'm glad I finally bought a pocket camera for myself. I did that right after my last R&R when it dawned on me that once my DSLR was down i had nothing to take photos with. For a shutterbug like me, that is not a good thing to happen.

I have an observation to make though. Whose version of God/Allah is more powerful? As you can see above there is a mortar roof installed above the Christian Chapel but when you look at the Mosque, it needs no protection from mortars.

I know Haji is not a good shot so I am not convinced that he misses the mosque on purpose but it is amazing that it has never been hit. Makes you wonder just whose God is more powerful. When you consider that all Christians, Jews, and Muslims worship the same God and are all children of Abraham you start to see the absolute futility of it all. No God is more powerful than any other. It's the same dude!

Sunday, September 30, 2007

¿Senor, es que un toro en su asno?

I feel like the guy in this photo. Every BOOM and every POP makes me wonder just how long I can be lucky. I had some close calls in 2004-05 and now that I am back I think a lot about my own mortality. Back then we laughed and joked and called it "Mortar Bingo" but we really thought it would not happen to us. Most of those folks have left and are home safe. Hearing the Phalanx ripping out ungodly numbers of 20mm shells to tear apart rockets in mid air makes me feel better but I hate the "Big Voice". It either makes you jump out of your skin when they give incoming warnings or makes you just about crap your pants when they make an "All Clear" and you realize that you never even knew we had incoming.

The days just drag. It seems like they take 48 hours to complete. I guess that is part of the problem with having an end game. I wish I was man enough to just suck it up and press on but I am like a kid looking at Summer Vacation and counting the days until school starts. R&Rs were never as anticipated as this.

The guy in the photo knows that bull is on his a$$. That is how I feel. I am sprinting for the rails and that bull is behind me. I think I am going to make it but there is always the chance that I could trip and fall and the bull could get me. Like it says in the title. "Mister, is that a bull on your a$$?"

Thursday, September 27, 2007

What can YOU do to help?

One of my friends is the commander of a unit in Afghanistan and they are winning hearts and minds of the locals by being compassionate and caring. They have identified a group of Afghan children who are in dire need of winter clothing. I am including his info in the hope that some of you might understand that this is how we win. When we help a child they remember and maybe, just maybe, one of these children can make a difference in the future. Please help and while these children are Muslim the clothing is a fine, fine Christmas gift. There are 43 kids lsited here. You may not be able to help them all but i am sure you can help 1.

Dear Friends,

Winter soon approaches in Afghanistan and many children here have no winter coats, hats, gloves or shoes. We have several Afghan workers who make only a few dollars per day but work extremely hard and are happy to have a job to support their families with only the basic necessities. With the Christmas season approaching we here at Camp Julien are hoping that in someway that we may be able to help either through Churches or School Groups at home. We are aiming for a target date of 12 - 01 - 07 to distribute clothes to our workers and hopefully others as well. We are winning the war in Afghanistan and with your help we can continue to win the war one child at a time. Anything you can do will be greatly appreciated. Afghan children are smaller than children at home but I am including a list of ages and sexes of the children we are attempting to help:

New Born 1
3 Months Girl 1
1year Boy 2 Girl 1
2 years Boy 2 Girl 1
2 1/2 years Boy 2 Girl 1
3 years Boy 2 Girl 5
4 years Boy 1 Girl 2
5 years Boy 2 Girl 3
6 years Boy 2 Girl 1
7 years Boy 4
8 years Boy 2
9 years Boy 4
10 years Boy 1
11 years Boy 1 Girl 2

Our address is :

William M. Jacobs
COIN Academy
Camp Phoenix
APO AE 09320

Monday, September 24, 2007

Drifting Mind

I am back in the savage north known as Iraq. It has not changed at all except more of the equipment is up armored and there are more T-Walls than ever. I am re-adjusting to my life and role but it is all a very bitter pill at this time. I am trying to get my heart into it as I made a promise but it is not easy. I find my mind drifting in so many directions.

"What will I do after this?" "Will I ever be happy in a regular job again?" "Will I miss the adrenaline?" "Will I miss the troops?" "How much of my son's childhood do I sacrifice?" "How will my wife take me being there EVERY day?" Then there is the biggest question for me....."When do I leave?"

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Fox Hat

I have seen this one a bunch of times and I still laugh every time I see it. If you travel to the British Isles like I do you will invariably run into linguistic challenges. This is an example. Just thought I would share it with you all.

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Down to 2 bags

I am down to 2 bags. I shipped a couple of footlockers up North to my TDY station for some bit of comfort. It is stuff like a coffee maker, blankets, water pot, extra boots, books, DVDs, etc. I have my clothing in a Bug Out bag and a suitcase. I gave my TV and DVD player to the Filipina girl who has been cleaning my room. I bought it from the guy who was there before me and I hardly used it at all. She was touched that I gave it to her. She can take it home or sell it, either way I don't care and it is better than me forking out a cash tip for her. I am going up and doing the job but I spoke to Mrs. MiG today and she is 100% behind me to do this. I just need the break before I break.

The best part about this is that I will get to watch my USC Trojans at a regular time instead of 03:00. College Football means Fall and Fall is my favorite time of the year. While the leaves don't turn colors in Texas like they do in other places I will still be able to enjoy some cool weather, BBQ, college football and my son's 6th birthday.

Monday, September 17, 2007

Rolling On, Cutting Back

I am still handing stuff off and getting ready to leave Kuwait. I have agreed to go up north for a while and help out in a much reduced, less stressful capacity. This is a temporary situation and I am still committed to going home as soon as I can.

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Leaving Ain't Easy

Leaving ain't as easy as it sounds. I am working my exit plan and handing things off. My wife is just overjoyed to hear that I am sending her more of those black footlockers from AAFES. I am actively sending my stuff home and entertaining some interesting offers from elsewhere but it looks solid that I will be out soon.

It is like a huge weight off my shoulders. I know there is still so much to do but I have a son who just started Kindergarten and he is starting to notice that all the other daddies are home except his. It's time. I have spent hours just thinking about the future. 5 years deployed has drained me. I just want to be able to get up, read a newspaper, have a beer in the afternoon, play with my dog, make love to my wife, just be normal for a while.

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Going Home

I have had enough. It is time to go home. I am just burned out and need some down time with my family. Good luck my brothers and Godspeed. Get home alive and safe.

Friday, September 07, 2007

The Merry Go Round

You are driving in a car at a constant speed. On your left side is a drop off - the ground is 18-20 inches below the level you are traveling on - and on your right side is a fire engine traveling at the same speed as you. In front of you is a galloping horse which is the same size as your car and you cannot overtake it. Behind you is a galloping zebra. Both the horse and zebra are also traveling at the same speed as you. What must you do to safely get out of this highly dangerous situation?

* Get your drunk a$$ off the merry-go-round. *

I don't know why this struck me as so funny. I guess it is because I have come out of the Yard House in Long Beach, CA and put my drunk a$$ on the Merry Go Round at Shoreline Village.. Maybe it is because it reminds me of Congressional politics. I think it is because more than anything it reminds me of some of the convoluted situations we run into where people in senior command demand that we operate exactly like our counterparts in CONUS. That would be very amenable to the situation except that... WE ARE IN A FRIGGING WAR HERE.

Sorry, had to vent.

Thursday, August 30, 2007

Let's Try Video

This is an experiment to see how a video link works. This is an original WankerVision Productions short we made in Bosnia. Unlike Iraq we were often quiet bored in Bosnia as the USAF had bombed the Serbs back past the stone age.

The cow came form one of the local Bosnian girls in the office and the rude Teddy Bear is English as is our star, The Wanker.

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Is is safe to be a soldier?

Thanks to my buddy BIG LOU for sending me the following article. I read and went, "Na, can't be true. This has to be skewed info. I know enough about statistics to know you can colorize them to say anything you want." Then I popped the link and read the report. I am stunned. I knew the Army AKO Safety plan had paid dividends but I did not realize just how many personnel were killed in accidents during the Clinton years. Read the info below and then read the official Congressional report. I think you too will be surprised. It is actually safer to be a soldier now during a hot war than it was during the 90s.

Why has the media not complained about military casualties before the Iraq war? Here are
some rather eye-opening facts:

As tragic as the loss of any member of the US Armed Forces is,
consider the following statistics:

Annual fatalities of military members while actively serving in the
armed forces from 1980 through 2004:

1980 .......... 2,392
1981 .......... 2,380
1982 .......... 2,318
1983 .......... 2,465
1984 .......... 1,999
1985 .......... 2,252
1986 .......... 1,984
1987 .......... 1,983
1988 .......... 1,819
1989 .......... 1,636
1990 .......... 1,508
1991 .......... 1,787
1992 .......... 1,293
1993 .......... 1,213
1994 .......... 1,075
1995 .......... 1,040
1996 ............ 974
1997 ........... 817
1998 ............ 826
1999 ............ 795
2000 ........... 774
2001 ............ 890
2002 .......... 1007
2003 ......... 1,410 ----- 534*
2004 . .........1,887 ----- 900*
2005 ............ 919*
2006 ........... 920*

* Figures are Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom
fatalities only

Does this really mean that the loss from the two current conflicts in
the Middle East are LESS than the loss of military personnel during
Mr. Clinton's presidency? Were we at war?

Now, are you confused when you look at these figures?

Especially look at 1980, during the reign of President "Nobel Peace
Prize, Jimmy Carter" himself, there were 2,392 US military fatalities.

What this clearly indicates is that our media and our liberal
politicians pick and choose, and they tend to present only those
facts that support their agenda driven reporting.

Another fact our left media and politicians like to slant is that
these brave men and women losing their lives are minorities.

Wrong again - The latest census shows the following:

European descent (white) . 69.12%
Hispanic ....................... 12.5%
African American ............ 12.3%
Asian .............................. 3.7%
Native American ............... 1.0%
Other ............................... 2.6%
Now, the fatalities over the past three years in Iraqi Freedom are:
European descent (white) .. 74.31%
Hispanic .......................... 10.74%
African American ..... ..........9.67%
Asian ................................ 1.81%
Native American ... ............. 1.09%
Other ................................. 2.33%

These statistics are published by DOD and may be viewed at:

http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/natsec/RL32492.pdf

Labels: Army Life

Monday, August 27, 2007

The Things We Miss

It was my son's first day of Kindergarten today. I have missed birthdays, anniversaries, Thanksgivings, Christmases, and many others that I will never get back. My son does not remember ever having his daddy live at home. We have had one Christmas together in 6 years.

I'm not whining, I chose to come here and do this. I just know that I have made sacrifice after sacrifice for the job, the mission, and my future. I hope to God it all pays off because at the end of the day the main reason I am here is so that in 12 years my son does not have to come over here for any reason other than to be a tourist.

I'm really busy right now so off I go.

Friday, August 24, 2007

Bravest Woman This Year

In our PC world of apologists and revisionist historians we never seem to get straight answers or straight talk from anyone in the media or on TV. It seems that most people are concerned about stating what the masses want to hear, whatever liberal stance is the popular one, or whatever will not offend loud radicals. We hear shrill voices arguing for everything except exterminating the bad guys which would just stop everything in its tracks.

A friend sent me a link to a refreshing bit of dialogue from Al Jazerra which has English subtitles. Here is a totally unafraid Arab woman stating what many of us say in private. We say what she says. Islam is 600 years behind the rest of the world. This about where Christianity was 600 years ago. Christians were slaughtering people who did not believe what they did. The Pope had absolute power and could send armies marching by his word alone. Christian martyrs believed they were going to heaven because they were fighting infidels. Women were cattle for sex, breeding, and work. If you did not profess full belief you could be burned at the stake as a heretic. In Spain the accusation of being a Jew or Muslim was enough to have you literally skinned alive.

I invite you to listen to this and commend this brave woman for what she says. I want to hear more!

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Carrying the Load

My support counterpart was transferred to a FOB in Iraq. His replacement is months out so I get the whole enchilada for a while. Oh well, done it before. It just means less sleep and more decisions to be made. The CO is going on R&R in a few days and the S-3 is leaving for good as he is done and headed home. It is going to be a very, very busy time for me the next couple of weeks. until the CO gets back.

I am actually so busy that I was able to duck a mission to Iraq and send some one else. It ain't chicken talking, it is just reality. I get that busy some times. I have never ducked a movement into Iraq or anywhere else but it was kind of nice to be able to send some one else. Of course if he gets hurt I will be feeling guilty for a while. I can't let that bother me though. Others have to make those decisions every day with even more tragic possible consequences. At least I dont have to worry about combat missions. I have always felt that combat unit leaders never get the respect they are due. It is bad enough to have to send some one across the berm or out the wire but to actually have to tell'em to go waepons hot and have a live load looking for Haji is something that I hope I never have to do. My hat is off to all of them.

My friend Butch came into Kuwait a couple of days ago. He walked up to an operation that he knows belongs under my AO and told the guy there to "Get Mig on the phone!" Now keep in mind that Butch is over 6 feet tall, a football coach in the land of the big PX, and a full Colonel who was wearing full battle rattle. The poor sap there just about crapped his pants and thought I was in deep doo doo. Butch got on the phone and we had a great chat. He was going up north and will cycle back in a coouple of weeks. I promised him I would bring pizza out when he gets here as he can't leave post. It is really funny to see the reaction that he has on people. He is very intimidating looking and his bearing is one of absolute malice but he is a big'ole teddy bear of a man. I cherish my relationship with him and many others. As I have stated many times, the finest people I have ever met have been part of this effort. Every other relationship (except family) will pale in comparison. Every expereince will too. I won't get so melodramatic as to say Band of Brothers but there is a comradeship and bond that no one else can break. We were here. We saw it up close. We were part of it. Proud I am of that, damn proud.

Oh well, thats my SitRep for today.

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Heroes Part II

More proof that we don't see who in our midst are the real heroes. Here is a story that I bet bottom dollar never made the MSM or your local news. I have no doubt that the father of that child does not see him as the enemy and I'll bet that when he comes of age the little boy will not either. CPT Powell's actions are the type that will win this war. These stories spread by word of mouth in the tribal environment of Iraq and according to the code of Wasta and Baksheesh that tribe now owes him and his men a favor of equal value in return.

CPT Powell is from Newport Beach, CA. For those of you who do not know; NB is a high dollar spread and you don't live there unless you have some serious ducats. CPT Powell is regular Army and a member of the 1st Cavalry Division. Those of you who know me know how I feel about the Cav so don't be surprised if you hear one day that I ran into CPT Powell at a bar in Killeen or NB and bought him a beer.

Monday, August 13, 2007

Heroes

There is a TV series named "Heroes" which I have never seen. Sports personalities are sometimes called Heroes. Hollywood wimps are sometimes called Heroes. They are not. Never were. Never will be. We have let the media and glitz machines beat it into our collective psyche that they are but my years over here have taught me they are not. I love sports and am rabid about baseball and hockey but at the same time I just have the feeling that all the hype, hyperbole, and hoopla surrounding the games are not necessary. I look at all the Barry Bonds ink and teletype I see and think to myself, "What difference will this make? Just how does this change anything?"

There are heroes out there. They live among us. They are in little places all over America and all over the world. I am blessed to have met some of them and to call some of them "Friend." Chris, Butch, Vic, Mike, Joe, Jeff, Vaughn, Fritz, Joshua, and Jerry are all heroes. Yeah, they have last names but I don't use them. They are known to me by those names because they are my friends. They became heroes in places like Vietnam, Somalia, Rwanda, Afghanistan, Bosnia, and Iraq. They had all the spine and inner qualities that were needed to be heroes and these episodes provided the time and place for them to become that. You have never heard of them because they are quiet professionals just doing their jobs. They are extraordinary men doing an extraordinary task in extraordinary ways and damn well should be recognized.

One hero I am proud to know has finally been recognized. I know John. I met him in 2004 when he lived on my post. I knew he was in action and had a bad day but I didn't know the details until today. Please read the dispatch and understand that heroes are teachers, firemen, cops, and National Guardsmen. Where can you find them? You can find them on weekends at any NG armory in America. Common men with a common purpose for the common good is what the National Guard is all about.

I used to make fun of Arkansas but I don't anymore. I am proud of the fact that I know many of the heroes of the 39th Brigade Combat Team, Arkansas National Guard. They protected me, I took care of them. We sheltered in bunkers during incoming barrages, ate together, built shelters together, laughed together, worked together, trained Iraqis together, treated wounded Iraqis together and became friends. They awarded me the honor of being an "Arkansas Traveler" and took me into their confidence. I gave them back dignity and respect.

I have seen a lot of units pass through. Some are good, some are not. Some are full of esprit d'corps, some are not. The 39th is full of common men who are what everyone in the Army wants to be. They are Warfighters. They protect you regardless of whether you live in Arkansas, Texas, California, Canada, or even Iraq. They are called "National Guard" but what they really are is more like what the ancient Spartans were. Every citizen a soldier who is called upon in time of war or time of need. Much like the real Spartans at Thermopylae (Not the movie version) they train constantly for something they hope never comes. They just go when needed to do what they have to do to protect those at home. They should really be called "International Guard." No matter what they are called by nomenclature I know what I call them. I call the Heroes. They are and I am proud to know them.

Sunday, August 12, 2007

English is Lingua Franca for our times

WWII ensured that Democracy was safe, that human rights would continue to develop, that capitalism would grow and that English would become the language of business and commerce. The simple fact that all sea borne and air traffic was conducted in English is what precipitated this. To this day all air traffic and sea traffic world wide is conducted in English regardless of nation or nationality of the vessel. Even so there are changes on the horizon.

The European Commission has just announced an agreement whereby English will be the official language of the European Union rather than German, which was the other possibility.As part of the negotiations, the British Government conceded that English spelling had some room for improvement, and has accepted a 5-year phase-in plan that would become known as "Euro-English".

In the first year, "s" will replace the soft "c". Sertainly, this will make the sivil servants jump with joy.The hard "c" will be dropped in favour of "k". This should klear up konfusion, and keyboards kan have one less letter.There will be growing publik enthusiasm in the sekond year when the troublesome "ph" will be replaced with "f". This will make words like fotograf 20% shorter.In the 3rd year, publik akseptanse of the new spelling kan be expekted to reach the stage where more komplikated changes are possible.

Governments will enkourage the removal of double letters which have always ben a deterent to akurate speling.Also, al wil agre that the horibl mes of the silent "e" in the languag is disgrasful and it should go away.By the 4th yer, pepl wil be reseptiv to steps such as replasing "th" with "z" and "w" with "v".During ze fifz yer, ze unesesary "o" kan be dropd from vords kontaining "ou" and after ziz fifz yer, ve vil hav a reil sensibl riten styl.Zer vil be no mor trubl or difikultis and evrivun vil find it ezi tu understand ech oza. Ze drem of a united Urop vil finali kum tru.Und, efter ze fifz yer, ve vil al be speking German lik zey vunted in ze forst plas.

Friday, August 10, 2007

Marines 1 - Murtha 0

Pundit Review has a terrific article and blog roll on the fact that Lance Corporal Justin Sharratt was exonerated on charges of murder in Iraq. First of all, it is a war zone and $hit happens there. Secondly, it ain't Vietnam and no matter how many times those of us who have seen that particular Elephant say it, there are those that don't believe it. I think my buddy Fritz may have the best take on all of this if he will comment on it.

Here below is the reply I posted on Pundit review regards the situation.

How can Justin Sharratt stay in the Marines after this? Can he ever overcome this and get on with his career? I think he is made of strong stuff (All Marines are) and hope to God that he sticks it out to be the face that wins the fight. How many young men and women will be dismayed by this and decide to not be part of the few and proud out of fear of persecution from their own government? Enemies of the state exist in many places and sometimes they are from within. Murtha should be ashamed for his actions. He should not be re-elected. Who do I send a donation to for "None Of The Above" for his district at the next election? Even better, who is better to represent us in Congress; an embittered washed up hack job specialist like Murtha or a exonerated and proven warrior and volunteer to his country like Justin Sharatt? DRAFT SHARRATT FOR CONGRESS!!!!!

Monday, August 06, 2007

Pimp My Ride - Kuwait Style

This Gawd-Awful colored beast was parked behind my crib and I could not resist taking this shot of it. There is some Kuwaiti in my neighborhood who is just proud as punch over this Jewel Tool of a Ghetto Fab cruiser.

Later in the day I am pulling up to a stop light and I see something moving in the back of this pick up. Is it what I think it is?

My Gawd, it is. It is a pair of goats. Which is worse; the awful Big Bird Yellow wanna be HMWWV built on a Chevy Tahoe chassis or the Nissan complete with goats tied to the fake roll bar? You decide but what ever you pick just remember that this does not raise an eyebrow in Kuwait except mine!

Monday, July 30, 2007

Back to Terra Firma

We made it back from the Caribbean after all. We visited Jamaica where we just went to Doctor's Cave Beach and spent the day while other passengers endured long bus rides on terrible roads to go to Dunn's River Falls and the like which are located in Ocho Rios. Being that we have been to Jamaica 5 times before we skipped all that and just lounged on the beach drinking Red Stripes at 6 for $10.00 US. Another couple with children that we know were on board with us so we hung with them all day.

The next day was Grand Cayman Island. We had not been back since 2000 when we were there for Thanksgiving Week. There are more buildings than before and it even has a Hard Rock Cafe. We took the T-Man to Stingray City. He loved it. He got to hold a Stingray and kissed one too. This was an important child development stop for us as he was terrified after hearing about the Crocodile Hunter being killed by one.I got sunblock in my eyes and could not see for a while. I had been there before so it was not so important for me to hold a Stingray. We had lunch at a place called Breezes and it came to $143.00 US. This is why we had never come back to Grand Cayman. It is super expensive.

Last stop was Cozumel but we never even set foot on that island. A tender took us straight from the dock and we ferried to the mainland to catch a bus to Tulum. Tulum is an impressive site and is deserving of a visit bu everyone. Our guide was wonderful and knew the history inside out. The fact that it as about 95 Fahrenheit and about 95% humidity led to a sweltering day. The guide told us we could swim at the beach if we wanted to. My wife did not as she did not wear any swimming gear but the boy and I were wearing board shorts so we dashed down into the surf to cool off.

Two days sailing back and then a 3 hour car trip and we are at home. My Father-In-Law came over and he and I started rum tasting. We found out that anyone who is a Texas resident can only bring back one liter of liquor but if you are from any other state you can bring back 5 liters. I have a California driver's license and am a legal resident of Kuwait so I was allowed 5 plus one for the missus. I actually bought 7 liters at the duty free and forgot the count but when I got to customs I flashed my DoD ID card and the customs agent started flipping through my passport. He looked at me and asked "Baghdad?" I said "Yep." He then just smiled and said "Enjoy".

I get two days here and then am off to London for a couple of days. No shows this time. I have seen all the ones I wanted to see so I will try and catch The London Walks Jack the Ripper Tour.

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

R&R, Yabba Dabba Doo

I am on R&R. I had a miserable trip here. We circled Heathrow for two hours and than sat on the runway another two hours waiting on a slot to open at at Jetway. English weather you know, just bad luck. Anyways, the flight to Chicago was delayed but the connection was not so I got to stay overnight in Chicago.

One day at the house trying to cram in a haircut, shopping, and a baseball game before blasting out of the driveway early Sunday morning for a drive (4 hours) to the cruise port. We are on a monster cruise ship and it took 4 hours to check in, about as long as the drive.

Last night was formal night and my son dropped my very expensive DSLR so now the shutter release will not trip. Not a great start so far.

Oh yeah, forgot to add. I bought my wife a 22 carat gold hand made bracelet in Kuwait and the response I got was "Oh that's nice." My next R&R may be me alone in the Alps with some sticks on my feet.

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Random Shots

This was my first bunk back in 2003. I shared this billet with 18 other guys. I slept here one night before I moved the cot outside onto a balcony. Two days later I was on an RAF flight to Basra and then Baghdad. It was not very long before I realized just how comfy this spot was.

I took this photo about 8 months later when I transited back through Kuwait again. It is at a hotel in South Kuwait. There were these cardboard cutouts all over the place. It is the first time I have ever seen the locals characature themselves.

Finally we have a Ramadan tent. Rich Kuwaitis set these hospitality tents up for evening festivities. I snuck inside this one during the day to grab this pic. This was Ramadan in 2004.

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Sandstorm Rolling In

Saturday, July 14, 2007

Overreactions

OK, the powers that be in the exalted castles on high have overreacted to the issue and consequently so did a lot of us. What we are basically being told is, "Be very, very careful. Don't post pictures from facilities, of equipment, of personnel. Don't discuss detail of movement, numbers, unit names, etc." I have no problem with any of that and in reality I think I have done a pretty good job of that in the past. I know that there are some world class idiots over here who think that the bad guys are dumb and dont know how to link facts to make a bigger picture, They are wrong about this. The bad guys are as smart as us, they just are not wired like us.

Instead I will concentrate on my life and how being here affects me on a day to day basis. I am in wind down mode right now as I am getting ready for an overdue R&R. I can't wait to get out of here for a couple of weeks. I just wish my wife would be more understanding and would make the journey this way for a change. That transatlantic haul is wearing and I have done it 12 times in the last 4 years. When our son was a toddler I had some sympathy for her but now that he is school age I really wish she would see it through my eyes and understand that after 4-6 months with absolutely no days off I am mentally and physically exhausted and need to just wind down, not be thrown into another stressful situation.

Friday, July 13, 2007

On Hiatus - Maybe Forever

The powers that be have issued an ultimatum regards blogging that it just about shuts down everything. Rather than be punished for my stress relief I will simply go on stand by mode until this is lifted or revised. Sorry but it is getting tight regards this issue. You may have read some about it in the media by a few who are outraged. It was really brought on by others who have violated OpSec and other elements of responsible blogging. I don't blame the one who issued the stop order, I blame the irresponsible ones who have jacked this up for the rest of us.

Just because I don't post for a while does not mean I am not monitoring the site.

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Operation Earnest Will Remembered

In 1986 I was part of the team that set up a reconfigured derrick barge as a support platform for the US Navy as part of Operation Earnest Will.

Most people don't remember that one. The Iraqis and Iranians were engaged in a brutal bloodletting in the Fao Peninsula that was started by Saddam Hussein invading a weakened Iran. The Shah was gone, Reagan was in office and the Iranians were on their heels. Saddam thought he could waltz in and grab some land, sea access, and maybe crush the home of Shiites. How wrong he was.

He forgot one thing. No one likes an occupier. We are learning that lesson now. No matter how bad Saddam was, at least he was a home boy. The Iranians felt that way too. They may have had no love for the Mullahs but they fought like Tigers for Iran.

I was responsible for navigation to the set up area and then we had to leave the barge to a US Navy crew. They were afraid we might be in harms way if the Iranians let fly with an Exocet. Funny how times change. Everyone is a target now!

I snuck this shot of the radar screen as we steamed up the gulf from Bahrain. This Furuno was state of the art in 1986 as it had an effective 60 mile range! Every blip you see is either a platform or a moving target. We did not have motion acquisition software or computers of any kind so we had to manually track each moving target by assigning an alphanumeric to it and watching it. This took constant monitoring and attention. The modern day stuff does it all for you, you just sit back and relax.

We re-flagged 7 tankers, put American crews on them and then we split. I didn't think about this one until the other day when I was talking with some Naval officers and one mentioned he was being assigned to an Amphibious Assault Ship. Every time I hear the term "Amphibious Assault Ship" I think about the USS Coronado and the USS LaSalle. These were AAS that were the flagships for US Navy ops in the Persian/Arabian gulf back in the 1980s. They were painted white. The official nickname of the Coronado was "The Great White Ghost of the Arabian Coast". Of course the Navy has wags just like the Army and the crew quickly renamed her "The Great White Whore of the Arabian Shore." God, I love soldier/sailor/marine humor.

The Navy brought PBRs (Patrol Boat River) to the barge to escort the tankers as well as provide screens for the Frigates who stayed a little further out. These were 1950s technology vessels that did about 35 knots on a good day in flat water. They were armed with a twin .50 caliber Ma Deuce up front and a 20mm on a stand in the stern. The crew carried the old style M-16s.

They bravely called themselves "Boghammer Hunters". Boghammers were Swedish built patrol boats that were modern versions of the old PT Boats from WWII. They were three times the size of the PBRs, made 70 knots in choppy seas, were armed with a litany of large and medium caliber weapons and , oh yeah, had Exocets! In other words, the PBRs would have been toast if the Boghammers had ever engaged them. The PBRs were bait so that the Frigates could rush in and blow the Boghammers out of the water. They should have been "Boghammer Bait".

Most of us have forgotten about this little chapter in Us/Kuwaiti relations. I had for a long time but now I remember.

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