Ok- so I'm not even really sure that that is how you spell bounty, but basically people want me dead. I'm prob being a little dramatic but my head is worth $10,000! Currently the terrorists in this region have a 10,000 dollar reward for any Iraqi soldier to shoot am american. there have been couple of them already and that is the new and improved method of fighting the insurgents have come up with.... cowards. Taking advantage of the poor, weak, and starving families of the jundi (Iraqi soldiers). How can this be you say? Why would anyone in there right mind do this...? You see here, a man's worth is sometimes equated to how well a man can provide for his family. If he or his family feels he is worth more dead or in jail then alive then sometimes the family and local leaders will persuade the man to do something drastic. This is the culture. We always watch our back, but now that we are planning on living with the Iraqi unit, this may prove difficult to do 24/7. I joke with my interpreters that they can shoot me in the leg and we can split the money.... or maybe we can have every jundi shoot (not kill) every us soldier and bankrupt the terrorist...?!?
We were able to do a couple missions with the navy seals- fun stuff, real commando hanky panky. We found some bad guy toys and slapped their wrists, but there is more to find.
I can tell that my patience and temper when dealing with the other team members are getting tested. Its hard to find satisfaction in our mission with so many obstacles in the way. As a team we are good when it comes to planning and mission times, but horrible when there is nothing to do. I cant tell if I have become more annoyed, or if they have become more annoying. probably both. Its like this whole thing is some kind of new army reality TV show, where 11 strong willed dudes, with an impossible mission, in cramped quarters duke it out until there is one left. There are prob a couple generals in the Pentagon watching the cameras they put on us laughing hysterically. Bastards.
But i guess all in all i cant complain (which i just did if you weren't paying attention), there are several soldiers far less fortunate then I, fighting in far less fortunate times. I just need to remember to count my blessings...
Friday, November 28, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
been a while
so, yeah its been a while since i wrote last, but sometimes its hard to jump on the old computer that is not controled by the military. but as we speak, i am sitting on the west bank of the tigris river in mosul. We have a make shift base on an old sadaam river house. its pretty nice, but i got about 20 flies on me and about the throw the computer bc they DRIVE ME CRAZY! And its like these desert flies and bugs are aggressive as hell bc food and water is far and few between. We are seeing dudes bc of a mass mutiny and without going into detial, some stuff that is suposed to be right is not and people could die. The AWOL rate is rediculous with the Iraqi Army. I mean some if not most are good and brave, but MANY will turn and run if they dont like the situation, or out of pure laziness.
On a brighter (kinda) note- i offically recieved my CAB (Combat Action Badge) for some fights up in mosul. Not really a big deal, but its is just some flaire or bling for the old uniform.
I met my new counterpart with our iraqi unit, which brings me to another problem. This guy has been in the iraqi army for over 20 years but with the old regieme (you know the guys who twice fought against the US forces) Most have a smooth transition into working well with us, but some like this dude just has an old way of thinking. Not really hate or distrust with the US, but just an overall "thats not how we used to do it" kinda attitude. Its a problem bc all those commanders in key postitions are "old regieme" dudes. What we really need to do is fire all these old dudes and let the newer, modern thinking leaders take charge. not saying that is really the answer to all the preoblems but it would be a blood transfusion that this decaying country needs.
sorry a lot of complaining this time- but im about 3 months in and sometimes its just starts dragging....
On a brighter (kinda) note- i offically recieved my CAB (Combat Action Badge) for some fights up in mosul. Not really a big deal, but its is just some flaire or bling for the old uniform.
I met my new counterpart with our iraqi unit, which brings me to another problem. This guy has been in the iraqi army for over 20 years but with the old regieme (you know the guys who twice fought against the US forces) Most have a smooth transition into working well with us, but some like this dude just has an old way of thinking. Not really hate or distrust with the US, but just an overall "thats not how we used to do it" kinda attitude. Its a problem bc all those commanders in key postitions are "old regieme" dudes. What we really need to do is fire all these old dudes and let the newer, modern thinking leaders take charge. not saying that is really the answer to all the preoblems but it would be a blood transfusion that this decaying country needs.
sorry a lot of complaining this time- but im about 3 months in and sometimes its just starts dragging....
Friday, November 7, 2008
A good start to a morining
So I guess Obama is our new prez. My buddy just got an email with the following:
"Do you really want a good way to start your day? Do the following:
1. Create a folder on your computer labeled as "Obama as President".
2. Then right click and delete the folder.
3. Go to your recycle bin and press to delete the folder again.
4. Then a window will come up and ask "Do you really want to get rid of Obama as President?"
5. Click yes as many times as desired, then laugh as hard as you want."
OK OK- well i guess he is my new commander and chief so Article 88 of the Uniformed Code of Military Justice prevents me from saying anything bad about him so i guess that is that.
It is looking like i will be going to Defense Language school after my redeployment to learn Manderin Chinese in Monteray Cali. But it comes with a 3 year add on to my commitment in serivce. But with the economy and all i think all the training will better smooth the transition to the civ world, and hopefully back to china for business.
Im in the best shape of my life and living the dream...
"Do you really want a good way to start your day? Do the following:
1. Create a folder on your computer labeled as "Obama as President".
2. Then right click and delete the folder.
3. Go to your recycle bin and press to delete the folder again.
4. Then a window will come up and ask "Do you really want to get rid of Obama as President?"
5. Click yes as many times as desired, then laugh as hard as you want."
OK OK- well i guess he is my new commander and chief so Article 88 of the Uniformed Code of Military Justice prevents me from saying anything bad about him so i guess that is that.
It is looking like i will be going to Defense Language school after my redeployment to learn Manderin Chinese in Monteray Cali. But it comes with a 3 year add on to my commitment in serivce. But with the economy and all i think all the training will better smooth the transition to the civ world, and hopefully back to china for business.
Im in the best shape of my life and living the dream...
Saturday, November 1, 2008
a couple Q & A's
Im helping a student with a report on the effect of the war on Iraqi culture, and thought that it would be cool to share some the Q & A's that he had with all of you. So here you go....
CPT ADAIR: An overview of Iraq
Dillion here are some answers to your questions. Here is a little background on me first:
I am a member of an 11 man team called a MITT (military transition team) designed to train and advise the Iraqi army and police. I received close to 6 month training at FT. Riley KS for this assignment. I arrived in Iraq AUG 08 and am currently working in Mosul, Iraq. I mentor 2 infantry Iraqi Battalions (roughly 2000 men). My team’s duties are to assist in operations of roadside checkpoints, raid, searches, patrols, and any other combat operations. I act as the liaison between the Iraqi units and the coalition forces.
Q: Since you've been in Iraq, has the treatment of Iraqi women improved? If so, in what ways (what are they able to do now that they weren't before?)
A: Well the culture of Iraqi women is that they are held in high regard. They hold high values of chastity and morality. The saying is that in public they are not to show hardly any body part and not to look on a man and vice visa. In public they are submissive, but in the home they wear the pants. They are not suppressed as the world believes but just held to a different standard. The culture encourages the education and opinions of women, but not the trophy independent women as the western world. When meeting an Iraqi male I do not talk or gester to his wife, and really its best to just pretend she is not there.
As the military we are only allowed to search a women by a us women soldier. The best way to piss off a crowd of men is to have a male soldier search or try to talk to a women.
Women are not thought of as a lower being, but treasured. Its just different to the western world. My understanding is that they have always had the same rights and privileges of males, but are not to flaunt them in public. Because of the Saddam’s regime and the war, all human rights in Iraq has decreased, not just the women’s.
Q: Examples of ways that Iraqi people spend their day now as compared to before. Do they get out more? If so, what do they do? (the paper is kinda a before and after)
A: Well the unemployment rate is ridiculous. In Mosul, there is a 75% unemployment rate, so people are poor. Most people do not have a job and therefore walk around a hand on the streets or in their homes. Those that do work usually own a store or a small business at a market. Because of the war, the economy has suffered. Most of the factories from before the war owned by Saddam’s government are shut down. So initially that increased a loss of job and economic slump. As capitalism grows, and the county’s infrastructure increases, so will the jobs and moral of the people.
Q: Does the population have more rights, or do they now get to excercise natural rights similar to our Bill of Rights? (Religious freedom...I know Saddam persecuted the Shiites for example)
A: The people definitely have more rights now then before the war. The Shiites and Kurds were heavily persecuted before the war. People have most of the rights that we do in America. The problem is now all the different previous suppressed groups all believe they deserve a bigger piece of the country’s pie. Some do it through political means, and others like terrorists do it through acts of violence. Iraq is currently under something like Marshal Law (where the military is in control). But come 1 JAN 09 a SOFA (status of forces agreement) will probably take affect. Good, because it restores more rights to the people, but bad because it limits us as a military force to get bad guys. Look more about the SOFA online. It is much like the same agreement we have in South Korea.
Q: Generally speaking, are there any major changes to the society? (Possibly due to globalization, Americanization, or just because of they might now have resources to info. about the world.)
A: Like I said earlier, the country is always changing. Iraq is a melting pot of several different cultures and parties. As some come in to power the culture climate shifts. Most Iraqis know and want to be a part of the world community, but are still loyal to their individual tribes and heritage. As freedoms and capitalism increases, so will the society’s consciousness of the global world, and the county will be effected by that. How and when, I couldn’t tell you.
Q: How much resistance are you experiencing by the Iraqi citizens, or Do the Iraqis basically accept or appreciate the change Americans have brought to them
A: Well some just plain hate us. If fact, one of our Iraqi units that were are working with plainly said that he doesn’t like us and if local civilians weren’t being killed by the terrorists, he would join them to kill Americans. One of the biggest weapons of terrorists is the ability to spread information to the people. For instance, they put up signs all around town saying that we will rape and kill women during our searches. They will spread lies around to strike fear and hatred in the hearts and minds of the people, encouraging them to support the insurgency. It is a never ending struggle to gain the trust of the people. Most know the truth, but are scared of the repercussions if they openly support the coalition forces. Another example is our interpreters. They have to change their names and cover their faces when we are in public, because if, by chance, they are recognized they, or their families could be killed.
Q: What do you personally think is the biggest change that we've brought to Iraq...I know it's rather general, but based on what you've seen, if you could narrow it down to one thing, what would it be and why?
A: I think the biggest change is the choice to choose a better life. This war has hurt the country of Iraq, but sometimes you need to cut into the wound so it can heal right. This war is for the local Iraqi man who can exercise his right with out threat or fear, to work and support his family. For those suppressed to be repaid, and for the basic human rights we all deserve and should be able enjoy. Now I don’t know a great deal about the US governments need for oil, or the conspiracies of politicians, and really I don’t care. On my level, it is about fighting for basic freedoms that would not be available without help from outside forces that have the means and responsibility to stand up for those in need. Don’t let anyone tell you that this task is trivial and unnecessary. I believe that the US has it’s time to be involved and that time is soon up. But it was purposeful and necessary and those who doubt that need to come and see for themselves.
CPT ADAIR: An overview of Iraq
Dillion here are some answers to your questions. Here is a little background on me first:
I am a member of an 11 man team called a MITT (military transition team) designed to train and advise the Iraqi army and police. I received close to 6 month training at FT. Riley KS for this assignment. I arrived in Iraq AUG 08 and am currently working in Mosul, Iraq. I mentor 2 infantry Iraqi Battalions (roughly 2000 men). My team’s duties are to assist in operations of roadside checkpoints, raid, searches, patrols, and any other combat operations. I act as the liaison between the Iraqi units and the coalition forces.
Q: Since you've been in Iraq, has the treatment of Iraqi women improved? If so, in what ways (what are they able to do now that they weren't before?)
A: Well the culture of Iraqi women is that they are held in high regard. They hold high values of chastity and morality. The saying is that in public they are not to show hardly any body part and not to look on a man and vice visa. In public they are submissive, but in the home they wear the pants. They are not suppressed as the world believes but just held to a different standard. The culture encourages the education and opinions of women, but not the trophy independent women as the western world. When meeting an Iraqi male I do not talk or gester to his wife, and really its best to just pretend she is not there.
As the military we are only allowed to search a women by a us women soldier. The best way to piss off a crowd of men is to have a male soldier search or try to talk to a women.
Women are not thought of as a lower being, but treasured. Its just different to the western world. My understanding is that they have always had the same rights and privileges of males, but are not to flaunt them in public. Because of the Saddam’s regime and the war, all human rights in Iraq has decreased, not just the women’s.
Q: Examples of ways that Iraqi people spend their day now as compared to before. Do they get out more? If so, what do they do? (the paper is kinda a before and after)
A: Well the unemployment rate is ridiculous. In Mosul, there is a 75% unemployment rate, so people are poor. Most people do not have a job and therefore walk around a hand on the streets or in their homes. Those that do work usually own a store or a small business at a market. Because of the war, the economy has suffered. Most of the factories from before the war owned by Saddam’s government are shut down. So initially that increased a loss of job and economic slump. As capitalism grows, and the county’s infrastructure increases, so will the jobs and moral of the people.
Q: Does the population have more rights, or do they now get to excercise natural rights similar to our Bill of Rights? (Religious freedom...I know Saddam persecuted the Shiites for example)
A: The people definitely have more rights now then before the war. The Shiites and Kurds were heavily persecuted before the war. People have most of the rights that we do in America. The problem is now all the different previous suppressed groups all believe they deserve a bigger piece of the country’s pie. Some do it through political means, and others like terrorists do it through acts of violence. Iraq is currently under something like Marshal Law (where the military is in control). But come 1 JAN 09 a SOFA (status of forces agreement) will probably take affect. Good, because it restores more rights to the people, but bad because it limits us as a military force to get bad guys. Look more about the SOFA online. It is much like the same agreement we have in South Korea.
Q: Generally speaking, are there any major changes to the society? (Possibly due to globalization, Americanization, or just because of they might now have resources to info. about the world.)
A: Like I said earlier, the country is always changing. Iraq is a melting pot of several different cultures and parties. As some come in to power the culture climate shifts. Most Iraqis know and want to be a part of the world community, but are still loyal to their individual tribes and heritage. As freedoms and capitalism increases, so will the society’s consciousness of the global world, and the county will be effected by that. How and when, I couldn’t tell you.
Q: How much resistance are you experiencing by the Iraqi citizens, or Do the Iraqis basically accept or appreciate the change Americans have brought to them
A: Well some just plain hate us. If fact, one of our Iraqi units that were are working with plainly said that he doesn’t like us and if local civilians weren’t being killed by the terrorists, he would join them to kill Americans. One of the biggest weapons of terrorists is the ability to spread information to the people. For instance, they put up signs all around town saying that we will rape and kill women during our searches. They will spread lies around to strike fear and hatred in the hearts and minds of the people, encouraging them to support the insurgency. It is a never ending struggle to gain the trust of the people. Most know the truth, but are scared of the repercussions if they openly support the coalition forces. Another example is our interpreters. They have to change their names and cover their faces when we are in public, because if, by chance, they are recognized they, or their families could be killed.
Q: What do you personally think is the biggest change that we've brought to Iraq...I know it's rather general, but based on what you've seen, if you could narrow it down to one thing, what would it be and why?
A: I think the biggest change is the choice to choose a better life. This war has hurt the country of Iraq, but sometimes you need to cut into the wound so it can heal right. This war is for the local Iraqi man who can exercise his right with out threat or fear, to work and support his family. For those suppressed to be repaid, and for the basic human rights we all deserve and should be able enjoy. Now I don’t know a great deal about the US governments need for oil, or the conspiracies of politicians, and really I don’t care. On my level, it is about fighting for basic freedoms that would not be available without help from outside forces that have the means and responsibility to stand up for those in need. Don’t let anyone tell you that this task is trivial and unnecessary. I believe that the US has it’s time to be involved and that time is soon up. But it was purposeful and necessary and those who doubt that need to come and see for themselves.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
hit and miss....
So the last couple days have been nuts. everyday we have been shot at with IEDs going off all around us. its heating up in mosul. Since our Iraqi guys are the ones being attacked we roll out in the kill zone and help fight them off. it really does feel like the movies and all you can do is to stay calm, think, and remember your training. usually its one of our check points or smaller iraqi bases in the city that get hit by complex attacks from IEDs, small arms fire, and snipers. the problem is that they hide and blend in the locals and are hard as hell to find during and after they attack. Our team has kinda been like a QRF (quick reaction force) that goes and hunts the attackers down instead of a back seat advisor. I can say that this war is real now, attacking the will of the people of mosul to fight back. those trying to help are being hunted and murdered. we had a couple dudes getting executed right down the street from our location and we were the first on the seen. we chased a sniper for blocks after he got a couple shots at us. Its real. Our team has proven to be a show-stopper for the insurgents and run when they see us coming. It really is something from the movies. We did get a couple of bad guys and processed them but there are plenty more. Our Iraqi unit did however take a couple KIAs and WIAs and ask that you pray for them for and there families, and hope that their loss will further fuel the anti-terrorist fire.
Its like the war has weeded out all the stupid bad guys and the smart ones are left. But we'll get them.
I wrote earlier about the Kurds and the ways they protect their own. Well that is good and bad. I mean if you had Mafia down your street, sure they take care of their own, but at what price? taking matters into their own hands with disregard for the law. Its a double edged sword and we are caught in the middle. Hard to blame them, considering their past, but it still needs a great deal of work. Its all they have known and been able to trust. Thats just a little of what i can say about that.
yea- its been a crazy a week and I dont doubt its far from over. And thank God they cant shoot bc i prob wouldnt be writing this.
Its like the war has weeded out all the stupid bad guys and the smart ones are left. But we'll get them.
I wrote earlier about the Kurds and the ways they protect their own. Well that is good and bad. I mean if you had Mafia down your street, sure they take care of their own, but at what price? taking matters into their own hands with disregard for the law. Its a double edged sword and we are caught in the middle. Hard to blame them, considering their past, but it still needs a great deal of work. Its all they have known and been able to trust. Thats just a little of what i can say about that.
yea- its been a crazy a week and I dont doubt its far from over. And thank God they cant shoot bc i prob wouldnt be writing this.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
combat missions and Jonah
so we are finally through all the red tape and able to get out and do our jobs. lately been doing a lot of cordon and searching. basically that means that go to one of the 50 or so neighborhood and lock it down and search house by house. Been finding some interesting stuff from weapons to detainees. We got shot at the other day and it whizzed passed one of the 3 gunner we have in our convoy. So finally we saw some action. yesterday we went to one of the poorest neighborhoods in mosul and little kids swarmed around me and my guys. I was able to give a pink teddy bear to a little girl who was playing in a trash pit. it was one of those "man we are blessed moments". most of the houses don't have power and water and other basic necessities we take for granted. I'm 2 months in iraq and time is flying by.
I got to visit Jonah's tomb. if you don't know the city of mosul is the old Nineveh in the old testament. most popular by the city that Jonah refused to preach to and when he ran away he got swallowed by the whale. there was a huge mosque in his honor here and right next to it was the original walls of the city! the market surrounding those walls made it even feel like I was back in time in the days of Jonah (minus the cars and trucks). It was truly humbling to able to witness that sight, and pass through the gates that the great profit Jonah did when entering the city. however, I can empathize with his fear of standing for whats right in the then and now corrupted city of Nineveh/Mosul. Of course i have body armor, tanks, and guns... thanks God for technology...
I got to visit Jonah's tomb. if you don't know the city of mosul is the old Nineveh in the old testament. most popular by the city that Jonah refused to preach to and when he ran away he got swallowed by the whale. there was a huge mosque in his honor here and right next to it was the original walls of the city! the market surrounding those walls made it even feel like I was back in time in the days of Jonah (minus the cars and trucks). It was truly humbling to able to witness that sight, and pass through the gates that the great profit Jonah did when entering the city. however, I can empathize with his fear of standing for whats right in the then and now corrupted city of Nineveh/Mosul. Of course i have body armor, tanks, and guns... thanks God for technology...
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Kurdistan
So we took a little road trip to a place called Arbil a little east of mosul deep inside Kurdistand. It was like night and day. I respect the Kurdish people bc they have united together and stood up to any terrorist group. they are harsh but effective in the protection of their people. Driving through the city, i would have guessed i was new mexico or something. people were dressed nice, building intact and functional, and even school kids running around in class uniforms. We down graded our body armor and had an amazing lunch at a local restaurant. The kurdish people bask in their rights and freedoms, deciding to live in peace rather then allowing terror to rule them. Now they still have their faults and struggles. With decades of abuse to their people from Saddam's era, they are faced with political struggles against the arab grip on the country. But sometimes I wish the arab nations would follow the kurd example by unifying and fight for whats right.
Mosul is getting hot and some call it the last stand of the insurgency over the next little bit... thanks for your prayers and thoughts for protection, bc a wild animal fights hardest when you got it in a corner.
Mosul is getting hot and some call it the last stand of the insurgency over the next little bit... thanks for your prayers and thoughts for protection, bc a wild animal fights hardest when you got it in a corner.
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