So now im stuck a Camp Taji (north of Bagdad) and we got hit my sand storm which means no flights. which means we wait. which means im bored. the visiblity is only about 200 meters and the sky is orange. seems like the calm before the strom.
I got news from the boss that im going to be an S3 (operations officer) which with the iraq force, plan and develop missions and operations within the battle space. we also got told that our mission has change and will be advising a brand now iraqi infantry battalion called 2-62 IA (iraqi army). implied missions? we will be dealing with a new unit which is like teaching pre-schoolers algebra, but with guns. there is a funny video on youtube of an american advisor trying to teach a group of iraqi soldiers jumping jacks... its pretty funny and frustrating if your on the teaching end so lets just say we got our work cut out.
with the sand storm and low visiblity its prime time for insurgents to lay IEDs and plan. last night a couple 155 arty rounds went off with a gun ship chinnok (helicopter) because a couple guys were spotted out side the wire. prob laying fresh IEDs at major access roads. first contact ive seen since in country.
The team is getting along fine but all anxious to get finally settled in our AO. cant belive i got lucking a hooked up this group. it could be a lot worse. the team we are taking over cant stand to be in the same room with each other let alone combat missions. we all have thick skin and if we have an issue we say it, remembering that one day that person you have beef with might have the power to save your life. I thinks its all about looking at the big picture and never forgetting it. granted i have short sight just as anyone else does, but the big picture allows focus on the smaller things. like sitting too close to the screen in a movie, you need to move your head around and not look at one side to see the other. the father away you sit and the better perspective you have. am i rammbling... i think im rammbling...
The food is good here, i love middle eastern food. not much else going around... did i mention that im bored? oh well i guess it all counts toward the year.
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2 comments:
love to hear your Life and perspective & also of how to get along w/ your team. "Laying fresh IED's" in the sand storm gives me the willies. A brand new Iraqi unit -- hew boy.... am going to UTube the teaching jacks Iraqis. Am sure the boredom's passed, but don't forget the milage we got out of the ABC game in the car!!!! You're always in our prayers.
Hey -- it's interesting -- the time posted w/ my previous comment is your Iraq time -- it's only 6:53 p.m. Sept 17th. Cool!
love you -- m.
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