So, my neighbor got the iPod Touch he ordered today. That was really fast. He wasn’t there when it was dropped by our desk so I grabbed it and hit behind our growing stash of Rip Its. That involved rearranging the Rip Its some, which drew more attention to them. A little while later, someone asked about the mass of Rip Its, and as my neighbor proudly explained how we grab two from the chow hall each time (and how he won some bets that were paid of in Rip Its), he noticed a box there.
He was very happy to have his iPod. He showed it to everyone in the JOC. I threatened to draw all over the touch screen with my Sharpie, but decided it would be a bad idea. He has some great prank war stories and that would escalate real fast. I don’t know if you’ve ever seen the fight scene from “Anchor Man,” but something like that. Except we really do have grenades.
After my shift I hung out for a while chatting with my partner. He was telling me about his son who went from driver to general manager of a store for a pizza chain in 9 months. He scored a 99 on the management exam. When asked by one of the larger division managers if the son was gunning for the regional manager’s job, the son responded that he was after the division job. The son is being flown to a large corporate event where he is being recognized for running one of the most successful locations. He was recently moved to a new poorer performing location, which is either a vote of confidence in him or a sign that the regional manager really was feeling threatened by this young fast burner.
I also learned that my partner was the first Air Force Weather guy at Baghdad International Airport during the initial invasion. He flew in with the initial SOF assault force and fought his way in with them. He’s a quiet guy and said that by the time the follow guys from a more prestigious unit arrived, he had already transmitted a bunch of hourly weather observations from the secured field. But those guys got the credit as the first in. It happens. He knows and has some great pictures back at home from those early days before there were rules.
I was in my Junior year at Michigan bored in some engineering class while my partner was invading Iraq. When that hit me I realized in a new way just how long we’ve been at this. It also gave me a new respect for all the young lieutenants, junior NCOs, and junior enlisted. It can’t be said enough that they knew exactly what they were signing up for when they raised their right hands. They volunteered anyway. I don’t care what your politics are, I hope you realize how lucky we are to live in a country that can produce such people.
We had a promotion ceremony for one of the young troops today. That Private First Class is now a Specialist-4. Still pretty low on the totem pole, but one promotion away from being an NCO. All of us, from the lower enlisted to the senior offices, stood at attention as his promotion order was read aloud. We all clapped and let him say a few words. Then back to the war for all of us.
I’m definitely feeling more confident in my little contributions to the war. I’m picking up on subtle forecasting issues and it’s almost second nature again to consider all the moving pieces when analyzing weather impacts. Over our internet chat tool that we use to coordinate weather forecasts and observations across the various locations here I saw a minor mutiny by some of the conventional weather guys here in country against the forecasters back in the states. The guys in the states were arguing that certain forecast conditions clearly imply certain impacts while the guys here said that nothing is clear and that aircrews in particular need to be spoon-fed the details. I watched amused and fought the urge to type that if they wear pajamas to work (e.g. flightsuits, one piece uniforms worn by pilots) then they need to be spoon-fed everything.
I was annoyed at flyers at the time because there were some that apparently tried blaming non-existent weather issues on why they didn’t want to fly. Ordinarily I wouldn’t care, but that could have impacted my guys. I had some choice words that while said aloud, were not typed into the chat tool. The demonstration of my vocabulary did get a shocked look from a female officer who was walking by though. I looked at her and said, “pilots,” and she just nodded back knowingly.
Unfortunately, internet and phones have been spotty lately. I'm trying to call home for Mother's Day but may be late. I will email.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Dirty Laundry
I dropped my laundry off today. Also dropped of my hand me down towels and sheets that have been loyally serving me and my predecessors in my trailer for a few years now. We will leave many things to the Iraqis when we leave, but I suspect that these sheets will no longer be of much use to them after a few more rotations. They are fine now, really, lest anyone worry. I'm just thinking ahead.
But on the topic of dirty laundry, I'm not going to air my specialty's dirty laundry in public but will talk about how we handle it. A little while ago one of the troops came back from a rotation and wrote down his thoughts about where we've been and where we are going. He sent it out to everybody in his unit.
I had heard about this particular paper but only recently got to read it. It is very well written and mainly says that we as a career field are spending too much time learning small parts of everybody else's jobs, which is depriving us of the time and opportunity to become true experts in our own jobs. Many of the guys out there doing the job nodded their heads in agreement.
Apparently the senior leadership did not take kindly too it. I'm starting to ask around my peers in middle management what their thoughts were. We'll see.
I suspect that their is more to it than just clueless leadership. They are getting directives from above that they have to fill which are driving our high deployment rates. This in turn limits time to train and may force a focus on basic combat tasks in place of the more complicated technical environmental characterization tasks. I'm not sure what latitude they have to push back on the taskings for bodies downrange in order to improve how we train.
In the mean time, the requirements downrange seem to be increasing. Guys are getting frustrated at the growing difference between what we do, what we are training to do, and what we are supposed to be mastering.
The smart troop that wrote the paper is going on to officer training. Unfortunately he has chosen to be an officer in a different specialty. In any case, the loss of that troop represents a leadership failure in my opinion.
But on the topic of dirty laundry, I'm not going to air my specialty's dirty laundry in public but will talk about how we handle it. A little while ago one of the troops came back from a rotation and wrote down his thoughts about where we've been and where we are going. He sent it out to everybody in his unit.
I had heard about this particular paper but only recently got to read it. It is very well written and mainly says that we as a career field are spending too much time learning small parts of everybody else's jobs, which is depriving us of the time and opportunity to become true experts in our own jobs. Many of the guys out there doing the job nodded their heads in agreement.
Apparently the senior leadership did not take kindly too it. I'm starting to ask around my peers in middle management what their thoughts were. We'll see.
I suspect that their is more to it than just clueless leadership. They are getting directives from above that they have to fill which are driving our high deployment rates. This in turn limits time to train and may force a focus on basic combat tasks in place of the more complicated technical environmental characterization tasks. I'm not sure what latitude they have to push back on the taskings for bodies downrange in order to improve how we train.
In the mean time, the requirements downrange seem to be increasing. Guys are getting frustrated at the growing difference between what we do, what we are training to do, and what we are supposed to be mastering.
The smart troop that wrote the paper is going on to officer training. Unfortunately he has chosen to be an officer in a different specialty. In any case, the loss of that troop represents a leadership failure in my opinion.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Shenanigans
Today the JOC director told us to cease all shenanigans. He did so while walking around with imaginary lats syndrome. It was quite a sight.
The two other guys in my row looked up remote control helicopters and asked the Sergeant Major if they could get them and have them fight each other over the skies of the JOC. He said no. However one of the reviews of the model helicopter they wanted was from a dude in Iraq. Apparently he got it stuck in a T-barrier (big concrete wall, shaped like an upsidedown T) and so was disappointed with the maneuverability but satisfied with its durability. One of the guys here has experience with that model and said it was hard to keep it flying straight.
I was going to explain to him the physics of helicopter flight and why he was having trouble keeping it straight. But I thought better of it. It wouldn't necessarily make it easier to fly. And he probably knew already.
At one point, two guys started bombarding one of the senior officers with post-it note bads. They were aiming for his bald spot. He returned fire with tiny easter eggs. He continued until one was caught in the target's mouth.
We have the fun row.
We also teased a young officer about the mustache he is growing. It actually isn't as ridiculous as some, but mustaches are often pretty ridiculous. Especially in the growing stage.
Lest you think it is all fun and games, we also did a lot of real work. But I can't post that here. Sorry.
Per my father's recommendation I clarified certain comments about the people of this region. I would also like to add that after testing the wild boar at the Baghdad Zoo for swine flu and determining that they were not infected, the Iraqis killed them. Yes. Not infected. Killed anyway. I'm not sure if that's a local quirk or our influence.
The chaplain was able to find two meals for me on post. Ordering more and still looking too. Babysteps.
I also met our Command Sergeant Major and operations director. It's a little different than last time where I had a lot of face time with the commander, the ops director, and the senior enlisted for the command. The structure here is different. I'm not sure if that is because of the difference between the elements I'm working with or the evolution of the war. It is what it is.
It is nice though that when people redeploy the commander is given a little index card with some notes and makes a public presentation. If he knows the person, it is a little more personal. He tries and adds something funny or nice each time. Then the person get's to say a few words.
It's kind of funny though how routine some things have become. Unless I either screw up royally or single handedly save the planet, I will be leaving this rotation with a command coin and a Joint Commendation Medal. I'm not here to add to my coin collection (they sit in a bag on a shelf in my uniform closet, I think) or to collect uniform bling. No one is here for that. But I just find it a little odd.
The two other guys in my row looked up remote control helicopters and asked the Sergeant Major if they could get them and have them fight each other over the skies of the JOC. He said no. However one of the reviews of the model helicopter they wanted was from a dude in Iraq. Apparently he got it stuck in a T-barrier (big concrete wall, shaped like an upsidedown T) and so was disappointed with the maneuverability but satisfied with its durability. One of the guys here has experience with that model and said it was hard to keep it flying straight.
I was going to explain to him the physics of helicopter flight and why he was having trouble keeping it straight. But I thought better of it. It wouldn't necessarily make it easier to fly. And he probably knew already.
At one point, two guys started bombarding one of the senior officers with post-it note bads. They were aiming for his bald spot. He returned fire with tiny easter eggs. He continued until one was caught in the target's mouth.
We have the fun row.
We also teased a young officer about the mustache he is growing. It actually isn't as ridiculous as some, but mustaches are often pretty ridiculous. Especially in the growing stage.
Lest you think it is all fun and games, we also did a lot of real work. But I can't post that here. Sorry.
Per my father's recommendation I clarified certain comments about the people of this region. I would also like to add that after testing the wild boar at the Baghdad Zoo for swine flu and determining that they were not infected, the Iraqis killed them. Yes. Not infected. Killed anyway. I'm not sure if that's a local quirk or our influence.
The chaplain was able to find two meals for me on post. Ordering more and still looking too. Babysteps.
I also met our Command Sergeant Major and operations director. It's a little different than last time where I had a lot of face time with the commander, the ops director, and the senior enlisted for the command. The structure here is different. I'm not sure if that is because of the difference between the elements I'm working with or the evolution of the war. It is what it is.
It is nice though that when people redeploy the commander is given a little index card with some notes and makes a public presentation. If he knows the person, it is a little more personal. He tries and adds something funny or nice each time. Then the person get's to say a few words.
It's kind of funny though how routine some things have become. Unless I either screw up royally or single handedly save the planet, I will be leaving this rotation with a command coin and a Joint Commendation Medal. I'm not here to add to my coin collection (they sit in a bag on a shelf in my uniform closet, I think) or to collect uniform bling. No one is here for that. But I just find it a little odd.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Uniform? I don't need no stinking uniform!
Well, I do have a stinking uniform. Or at least it will be soon. I have one set of the Army Combat Uniform (ACU), the Army uniform. I do have a two sets of the Airman Battle Uniform (ABU), the new Air Force uniform, that I could wear. But I don't want to. I'm proud to be in the Air Force. Proud of what we bring to the fight. But our uniform sucks. It is made of a thick material that might be nice in the winter, but it is almost summer here. The ACU is much thinner.
Fortunately, I have one more set of ACUs on order through supply. It just isn't here yet. I went to two supply offices to see if they had any extras lying around, but no joy. They probably do, but Army supply people are notorious for hoarding their supplies and so they definitely won't hook up an Air Force guy any more than they have to. So ABUs will have to be my laundry day uniform. Not a big deal. I'm mostly sitting in an air conditioned facility anyway.
As it is, I was given an order sheet and a price limit and told to get whatever I wanted on the list for my official supply issue. So I picked out some cold weather layers, a boonie cap, and another set of ACUs. I won't really need the cold weather layers during this trip, but it will be nice to have official uniform cold weather layers for when I need them. When we actually go in the field, we're not picky about uniforms as long as our stuff works, but at home we need to be all pretty and professional.
Back at work, where the magic happens, the guy who sits next to me has been talking about all sort of weapons parts and where to get the best prices on various pieces of equipment. This could be dangerous. A lot of free time, an internet connection, and an enabler... but I won't. I may be tempted, but now my wife knows I am tempted. It's a great way to avoid making needless purchases. Though there were some screaming deals.
At one point I was sitting there when he slammed a can of Rip It on my desk. He had one and two other guys had one. I was then told that the last one to finish was a, well, something that need not be mentioned in a family blog but would get me an instant discharge from the service under current policy if it were told... if you are tracking. Well, a Rip It is a carbonated energy drink. It may have over taken Red Bull as the fuel that powers the Global War on Terrorism. Anyway, I'm not usually into energy drinks or carbonated drinks. It was my first Rip It. But I was the last to finish mine. I should mention I didn't realize it would be carbonated, but this is a no fail environment and I failed.
As an epilogue to that story, a minutes afterwards, I made a sarcastic comment to a senior non-commissioned officer. They declared it must be the Rip It speaking.
I will also admit that while I'm not big in to energy drinks, I do start my day by stealing a Shocker from the snack bar of another Ops Center. Shockers are just canned ice latte things. Nothing too fancy, but a nice start to the workday. One guy asked if I could get him one too, but then I got a little worried after that young Navy officer said "I love you" when I gave him the can. There is a standard inter-service joke in there somewhere, but I am above such petty things. Well, that and I'd think its funny, my wife will roll her eyes, and most other people reading this wouldn't get it.
As a last little vignette from today, we cleaned out some of the shelves and cabinets in our workspace this morning. There was a salami that someone had received in a care package that we didn't know what to do with. So we put it in one of the community candy plates on the Ops floor. So there it is with a bunch of Brach's mint type things and Jolly Ranchers.
We also found a bible. A lot of groups send bibles. It's a very nice thing to do and is appreciated. However, there are now a lot of bibles in theater. Most bible-reading troops bring their own on top of that. So, when we leave, or at least move forward with the impending draw down, we will either be taking a lot of bibles back with us or bequeathing a lot of Christian bibles to the Iraqis along with some very nice facilities that they may or may not be able to maintain. We are not particularly confident that, if left, these bibles will be disposed of or otherwise treated in anything resembling a respectful manner. Fortunately, there is a double standard when it comes to Arabs in this region showing respect for such things so it won't create much of an uproar if it happens. I said it.
Low expectations, even when very very warranted and proven, are a prejudice too.
And I was trying to keep it light.
Everyone congratulate my wife and getting to deliver a baby all by herself on her first day of her advanced family medicine rotation. And she's biking to work. I'm very proud.
OK, off to the gym.
Fortunately, I have one more set of ACUs on order through supply. It just isn't here yet. I went to two supply offices to see if they had any extras lying around, but no joy. They probably do, but Army supply people are notorious for hoarding their supplies and so they definitely won't hook up an Air Force guy any more than they have to. So ABUs will have to be my laundry day uniform. Not a big deal. I'm mostly sitting in an air conditioned facility anyway.
As it is, I was given an order sheet and a price limit and told to get whatever I wanted on the list for my official supply issue. So I picked out some cold weather layers, a boonie cap, and another set of ACUs. I won't really need the cold weather layers during this trip, but it will be nice to have official uniform cold weather layers for when I need them. When we actually go in the field, we're not picky about uniforms as long as our stuff works, but at home we need to be all pretty and professional.
Back at work, where the magic happens, the guy who sits next to me has been talking about all sort of weapons parts and where to get the best prices on various pieces of equipment. This could be dangerous. A lot of free time, an internet connection, and an enabler... but I won't. I may be tempted, but now my wife knows I am tempted. It's a great way to avoid making needless purchases. Though there were some screaming deals.
At one point I was sitting there when he slammed a can of Rip It on my desk. He had one and two other guys had one. I was then told that the last one to finish was a, well, something that need not be mentioned in a family blog but would get me an instant discharge from the service under current policy if it were told... if you are tracking. Well, a Rip It is a carbonated energy drink. It may have over taken Red Bull as the fuel that powers the Global War on Terrorism. Anyway, I'm not usually into energy drinks or carbonated drinks. It was my first Rip It. But I was the last to finish mine. I should mention I didn't realize it would be carbonated, but this is a no fail environment and I failed.
As an epilogue to that story, a minutes afterwards, I made a sarcastic comment to a senior non-commissioned officer. They declared it must be the Rip It speaking.
I will also admit that while I'm not big in to energy drinks, I do start my day by stealing a Shocker from the snack bar of another Ops Center. Shockers are just canned ice latte things. Nothing too fancy, but a nice start to the workday. One guy asked if I could get him one too, but then I got a little worried after that young Navy officer said "I love you" when I gave him the can. There is a standard inter-service joke in there somewhere, but I am above such petty things. Well, that and I'd think its funny, my wife will roll her eyes, and most other people reading this wouldn't get it.
As a last little vignette from today, we cleaned out some of the shelves and cabinets in our workspace this morning. There was a salami that someone had received in a care package that we didn't know what to do with. So we put it in one of the community candy plates on the Ops floor. So there it is with a bunch of Brach's mint type things and Jolly Ranchers.
We also found a bible. A lot of groups send bibles. It's a very nice thing to do and is appreciated. However, there are now a lot of bibles in theater. Most bible-reading troops bring their own on top of that. So, when we leave, or at least move forward with the impending draw down, we will either be taking a lot of bibles back with us or bequeathing a lot of Christian bibles to the Iraqis along with some very nice facilities that they may or may not be able to maintain. We are not particularly confident that, if left, these bibles will be disposed of or otherwise treated in anything resembling a respectful manner. Fortunately, there is a double standard when it comes to Arabs in this region showing respect for such things so it won't create much of an uproar if it happens. I said it.
Low expectations, even when very very warranted and proven, are a prejudice too.
And I was trying to keep it light.
Everyone congratulate my wife and getting to deliver a baby all by herself on her first day of her advanced family medicine rotation. And she's biking to work. I'm very proud.
OK, off to the gym.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Breakthrough!
So I'm walking back from the gym and decided to check to see if the Chaplain was in. Our chaplain was not. But another chaplain for a related command was there. So I checked with him about my food situation. He and I walked over to the chaplain's assistant to verify the process and current availability.
I asked for two a day until my scheduled departure. They said that wouldn't be a problem but that it would take some time. However, they think there is a stash around here somewhere with the conventional folks and they will see about picking it up very soon. They need to go there anyway. They'll also follow-up with the bulk order.
So that's that.
I also mentioned that given the duration of my stay and the timing of it, I can help as a lay leader for part of the community here. It just so happens that one of the chaplains returned home recently and they just might be in need. So I'll help how I can. Should be an interesting and enlightening experience.
More to follow.
I asked for two a day until my scheduled departure. They said that wouldn't be a problem but that it would take some time. However, they think there is a stash around here somewhere with the conventional folks and they will see about picking it up very soon. They need to go there anyway. They'll also follow-up with the bulk order.
So that's that.
I also mentioned that given the duration of my stay and the timing of it, I can help as a lay leader for part of the community here. It just so happens that one of the chaplains returned home recently and they just might be in need. So I'll help how I can. Should be an interesting and enlightening experience.
More to follow.
Pocket full of dreams...
Well, a pocket full of 9mm ammunition anyway. One guy had to unload his magazine to go somewhere and just handed me the bullets. I threw them in my pocket. A few hours later I heard a rattling as I walked and couldn't figure out what it was. All my magazines are full so I guess I'll just hold on to these as extras. I can fire them off at the range, pass them on the new guy, or save them for the odd chance I need them.
You never know when the zombies will attack, but I'm ready.
Even in the deployed environment the silly ancillery training requirements must be kept current. Our command had yet another mandatory suicide prevention training session. It is a serious issue, but the military method of teaching this material (repeat, repeat, and repeat... show cheesy video and complete with powerpoint again) may be having unintended consequencs as we desperately try to avoid the more annoying events. I escaped because although we were all told we had to go, it was actually just an Army event. I was glad because we got our annual--semi-annual? bi-annual? monthly?--suicide prevention brief back in January. Well, my unit did. I missed that because I left that drill early because my wife was sick. So don't have suicidal thoughts around me. I'm no longer current in my training and may do the wrong thing and negatively impact your personal record or scare you from seeking help.
I now have my correspondence course for my Professional Military Education set up here on my work computer. I need to finish this in order to get promoted. Granted I'm not eligible for promotion for a while, but have the time and opportunity to bang it out real fast here.
I've also gone through reports written by that last few people to sit in my seat to learn what has worked, what hasn't, and what still needs fixing. I'm working with my partner to create a to-do list of things for us to improve. We're going to scrub all of our products to see what is working, what isn't, and what is/is not needed. No change for the sake of change, but things can always be better. As we make the list, we'll check it with people in the JOC to get their inputs. We'll also check it with some of our peers for a common sense edit. I'll check the bigger picture issues with some trusted folks before raising them up the flag pole.
Otherwise, I am getting my routine set. I liked what I did last time of PTing twice a day. I'll try to keep to that. I'm easing in to it. So I'm pretty sore, but in a good way. I worked hard, but I'm not injured.
I also found out that we can take some limited pictures here. My wife will probably ship me my camera so I can take the obligatory cheesy hero shot. I'll get all kitted out on the range so people can see me in action slaying evil jihadi paper.
Speaking of kit, I saw one of the guys had a few morale patches on his armor/load carrying vest. Morale patches are velcro patches with logos, pictures, quotes, etc. Sometimes they are inside jokes. Small ones can be funny. Going overboard or having one that is really bright and attention getting is just silly. Quiet professionals. That's what we are. We're not supposed to advertise. Leave that for playing at home and airsofters. Just my thoughts on the matter.
...a tasteful small Calico Jack or Spartan shield in a subdued color, however... but no I don't have any on my kit. Just some IFF (identify friend or foe) material to identify me to good guys.
You never know when the zombies will attack, but I'm ready.
Even in the deployed environment the silly ancillery training requirements must be kept current. Our command had yet another mandatory suicide prevention training session. It is a serious issue, but the military method of teaching this material (repeat, repeat, and repeat... show cheesy video and complete with powerpoint again) may be having unintended consequencs as we desperately try to avoid the more annoying events. I escaped because although we were all told we had to go, it was actually just an Army event. I was glad because we got our annual--semi-annual? bi-annual? monthly?--suicide prevention brief back in January. Well, my unit did. I missed that because I left that drill early because my wife was sick. So don't have suicidal thoughts around me. I'm no longer current in my training and may do the wrong thing and negatively impact your personal record or scare you from seeking help.
I now have my correspondence course for my Professional Military Education set up here on my work computer. I need to finish this in order to get promoted. Granted I'm not eligible for promotion for a while, but have the time and opportunity to bang it out real fast here.
I've also gone through reports written by that last few people to sit in my seat to learn what has worked, what hasn't, and what still needs fixing. I'm working with my partner to create a to-do list of things for us to improve. We're going to scrub all of our products to see what is working, what isn't, and what is/is not needed. No change for the sake of change, but things can always be better. As we make the list, we'll check it with people in the JOC to get their inputs. We'll also check it with some of our peers for a common sense edit. I'll check the bigger picture issues with some trusted folks before raising them up the flag pole.
Otherwise, I am getting my routine set. I liked what I did last time of PTing twice a day. I'll try to keep to that. I'm easing in to it. So I'm pretty sore, but in a good way. I worked hard, but I'm not injured.
I also found out that we can take some limited pictures here. My wife will probably ship me my camera so I can take the obligatory cheesy hero shot. I'll get all kitted out on the range so people can see me in action slaying evil jihadi paper.
Speaking of kit, I saw one of the guys had a few morale patches on his armor/load carrying vest. Morale patches are velcro patches with logos, pictures, quotes, etc. Sometimes they are inside jokes. Small ones can be funny. Going overboard or having one that is really bright and attention getting is just silly. Quiet professionals. That's what we are. We're not supposed to advertise. Leave that for playing at home and airsofters. Just my thoughts on the matter.
...a tasteful small Calico Jack or Spartan shield in a subdued color, however... but no I don't have any on my kit. Just some IFF (identify friend or foe) material to identify me to good guys.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Back in the Saddle Again
I think I'm getting the hang of it. It's an odd and in some ways redundant job since my forecast is good for the commander's situational awareness but someone else's forecast controls the assets supporting his people. My job is too coordinate and communicate. And to make sure my partner on the nightshift does the same. He's been out here before so he knows the drill as well.
If all goes well the guys we replaced will be drinking beer soon. Wish them a safe and quick (maintenance delay free) trip home.
Both because of how the war here has evolved and because of who I am working with the tempo here is a bit slower and more relaxed than where I worked last time. In part, we have caught or killed a lot of the worst actors and driven many of the others deep underground. Also, with the new agreement with the Iraqi government, there are more restrictions on who and how we target. It is interesting to watch.
The people I work with are fun to hang around. We were teasing one young butterbar officer fresh from his Specialties very intense qualification course about his age and the fact that he still lives at home. He doesn't, but he did grow up very close to where he ultimately trained and was stationed. So he did live at home for a bit and his mom did, in fact, drop him off at work a few times.
It is a funny atmosphere because a lot of the people are experienced Special Operations troops who are frustrated to be sitting in an Ops Center rather than forward with a team. So a lot of jokes and healthy complaining. There are a lot of movies and TV shows on one of the network drives. I had to promise that I would watch Boondock Saints before I left. The whole place fell silent when they found out I had never seen it.
They are adding a wireless hot spot to our compound. I'll have to check the range and speed of the connection to see if it will really be worth the monthly fee. Probably.
As for food, since people will want an update, there is no news. The Chaplain is dealing with the casualty and tending to the casualty's family and peers. That is and must be the priority.
With that, a good week to all of you. I'm out.
If all goes well the guys we replaced will be drinking beer soon. Wish them a safe and quick (maintenance delay free) trip home.
Both because of how the war here has evolved and because of who I am working with the tempo here is a bit slower and more relaxed than where I worked last time. In part, we have caught or killed a lot of the worst actors and driven many of the others deep underground. Also, with the new agreement with the Iraqi government, there are more restrictions on who and how we target. It is interesting to watch.
The people I work with are fun to hang around. We were teasing one young butterbar officer fresh from his Specialties very intense qualification course about his age and the fact that he still lives at home. He doesn't, but he did grow up very close to where he ultimately trained and was stationed. So he did live at home for a bit and his mom did, in fact, drop him off at work a few times.
It is a funny atmosphere because a lot of the people are experienced Special Operations troops who are frustrated to be sitting in an Ops Center rather than forward with a team. So a lot of jokes and healthy complaining. There are a lot of movies and TV shows on one of the network drives. I had to promise that I would watch Boondock Saints before I left. The whole place fell silent when they found out I had never seen it.
They are adding a wireless hot spot to our compound. I'll have to check the range and speed of the connection to see if it will really be worth the monthly fee. Probably.
As for food, since people will want an update, there is no news. The Chaplain is dealing with the casualty and tending to the casualty's family and peers. That is and must be the priority.
With that, a good week to all of you. I'm out.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)