tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101101252011-04-21T20:37:34.157-07:00Hubris. A lot of it.MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.comBlogger4481100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1163951431921716962006-11-19T07:03:00.000-08:002006-11-19T07:50:32.063-08:00

The purpose of this blog was to share experiences during my deployment to Iraq. That experience is now over, and so is this blog.Thank you family, friends, and a few others who followed my deployment and encouraged me through this site. I truly appreciate it.

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1159402118002744782006-09-27T17:01:00.000-07:002006-09-27T17:08:38.026-07:00

Which came first, terrorists in Iraq or the US military presence?Circles of violence make me dizzy.About six in 10 Iraqis say they approve of attacks on U.S.-led forces, and slightly more than that want their government to ask U.S. troops to leave within a year, a poll finds.but...Last week, Iraqi President Jalal Talibani told the United Nations that coalition forces should remain in Iraq until

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1159282101567580742006-09-26T07:22:00.000-07:002006-09-26T07:48:29.220-07:00

Fort Lewis authorizes 10 consecutive half-day work schedules following redeployment. After that most of the unit will go on leave for a couple of weeks, if only to sit at the house. And there is nothing wrong with that. Every single one of the guys (and two gals) has earned the right to wake up at noon, play with the kids, and have a family dinner with some beer.For now we are working the half

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1158962583091606812006-09-22T14:52:00.000-07:002006-09-22T15:03:03.110-07:00

The long hiatus was me going through the incredibly painful process of redeploying. In its infinite wisdom the Army has determined that all things military which might render positive emotions or feelings in Soldiers should be as bitterly aggravating to accomplish as possible. This way, we appreciate it more.And you know? With my empty bottle of Red Hook Sunrye Summer Ale sitting next to me,

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1157256124297682002006-09-02T20:56:00.000-07:002006-09-02T21:02:04.316-07:00

But W's are W's. We'll take what we can get.Was up early for the occasion of the ND game, and the early season satisfaction of Lee Corso's BCS champion pick (Cal) getting finished off by Tennessee. It makes me happy.Being up early means getting to enjoy the sunrise here, which is usually fantastic. Today was no exception.

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1157019494464948052006-08-31T02:55:00.000-07:002006-08-31T03:18:14.630-07:00

An open notice to all military commanders making speeches:IRAQ IS NOT THE SIZE OF TEXAS.I'm not sure how this vicious rumor was started, or why it the comparison is constantly made, but Iraq is slightly larger than California and roughly 100,000 sq miles smaller than Texas.So please, for the love of all that is good in this world, quit making the claim. It is embarassing for all of us.

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1156919508919942942006-08-29T23:14:00.000-07:002006-08-29T23:31:48.940-07:00

To follow-up on my comments below regarding the SEC, I must note there are also links to reputable football schools like U-Dub and ND. Wholesome programs. Also, coincidently, my teams.College football starts for us early Friday morning with some College Gameday and South Carolina at Mississippi State, but won't really get rolling until 6pm local on Saturday, with the 2 hour College Gameday and

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1156861457148748072006-08-29T07:07:00.000-07:002006-08-29T07:24:17.313-07:00

For the football crowd (specifically godless SEC fans), my friend is moderating/posting at And the Valley Shook, an LSU site. Links to other SEC teams, though if you have to be an SEC fan I don't think you can do much better than the Tigers. Except maybe Spurrier's Cocks. Kind of sounds like a disorder, doesn't it?And for the Army/military crowd, a new site for Enlisted Swine, brought to you

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1156836096482005292006-08-29T00:19:00.000-07:002006-08-29T00:21:36.500-07:00

Check out Chairforce, scroll down and view "Lazy Ramadi." A brilliant video brought to you by the best minds of the United States Army.

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1156770458370050452006-08-28T05:55:00.000-07:002006-08-28T07:27:48.206-07:00

Improv Everywhere (though it could be Improve Everywhere if my wife didn't have better eyes than I do)Check out the missions page. Entertainment for all ages.On an unrelated note...The Army is very big on cultural celebrations, history months, recognition days, and the like. It shows how much we care. And is also very important so when racial/gender conflicts occur Commanders can easily say "

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1156767614164214462006-08-28T05:18:00.000-07:002006-08-28T05:20:14.193-07:00

Look what Websense isn't blocking today!Rumsfeld on missile defense in Alaska. But the throw-away quote on nKorea at the end is what I find most interesting:"I think the real threat that North Korea poses in the immediate future is more one of proliferation than a danger to South Korea," he said. Asked to elaborate on that point, Rumsfeld said U.S. intelligence about the intentions of North

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1156676347233909832006-08-27T03:36:00.000-07:002006-08-27T03:59:07.290-07:00

Visited Balad this past week, hopefully for the very last time. There was a ceremony in which I was required to participate. The rehearsals were typical Army affairs. All the people who's role it is to merely stand at parade rest, come to attention, salute, etc., endured two different rehearals at which we did nothing but stand at attention while the command groups talked out exactly how the

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1156072639745656642006-08-20T03:48:00.000-07:002006-08-20T04:17:19.763-07:00

1LT Watada is not nearly as smart as he thinks he is:His lawyer, Eric Seitz, said he has lined up two witnesses to support the soldier's claim that the war violated domestic and international law: University of Illinois professor Francis Boyle, an international law expert, and Denis Halliday, a former United Nations assistant secretary-general.The good LT is getting court martialed, and his

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1156070878619354302006-08-20T03:31:00.000-07:002006-08-20T03:47:58.640-07:00

1. Smile2. Salute3. Don't make a joke about their name4. Go from thereToday I breezed through steps one and two, however I may have failed at step three. I don't know, I'm not a doctor.We had a PT test yesterday in preparation for redeployment. I did fine, nothing exceptional, but the run kicked my ass. Or my nose's ass, to be precise. I haven't stopped sneezing in 30 hours, and my nose is

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1155647113420572352006-08-15T05:45:00.000-07:002006-08-15T06:05:13.603-07:00

I'd say about 33% of each day is now spent working on redeployment and preparing for garrison operations. If my life existed in an Army vacuum, and the Army was THE ONLY THING THAT MATTERED (which, shhhhhh, don't tell them it's not), then I would never, ever want to be in garrison. I would want my command to be downrange where you can work your mission and avoid a vast majority of the OER

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1155645898798742882006-08-15T05:08:00.000-07:002006-08-15T05:44:59.360-07:00

I'm not sure what else I have to add.My wife recommended reading this column (twice, read it twice, and the links, which I confess I have not yet done): Hawkish Gloom, by Stanley Kurtz at NRO:"No, I don’t think our venture in Iraq has gotten us into this mess. I think this mess has gotten us into Iraq. And the mess will not go away, whatever we do. Our Islamist enemy has proven himself implacable

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1155456592590902032006-08-13T00:53:00.000-07:002006-08-13T01:09:52.606-07:00

It has been an industrious but non-work related Sunday morning. Returned some merchandise to the PX for a refund, I had purchased the wrong type of memory card for some equipment. See, a college degree can't do everything for you. Then had my hair cut, it looks remarkably similiar to nearly every haircut I've had for the past 6 years. See, Turks can do everything.Speaking of multi-tasking, I

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1155304546664983632006-08-11T06:30:00.000-07:002006-08-11T06:55:50.306-07:00

Crystal Light. Love it. Tastes incredible. For those of you with my address, forget it, no more packages. Time is too short. Oh yes, you heard me correctly. Time is too short.Of course, the Strykers have taught all of us in theater a valuable lesson in not counting your chickens before they hatch, and I have to say I feel sorry for those guys. Not that I want to develop a more intimate

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1154698562542658482006-08-04T06:07:00.000-07:002006-08-04T06:36:02.670-07:00

One of my favorite lunch/dinner items at the DFAC is the lasagna. I'm not sure there is anything special about it, I just like it. And I had it for lunch today. Which helps make for a good Friday. Also, I got all the things checked off my "to-do" list prior to lunch. True double true.My "to-do" lists go onto whatever paper is at hand. Likewise, when I go into meetings I usually write on the

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1154696222719745342006-08-04T05:41:00.000-07:002006-08-04T05:57:02.763-07:00

Says the sage E-7: "You cannot bluff a retard."I've been playing Texas Hold'em at MWR, sans money (because that's a violation of General Order #1, and we don't violate General Order #1), and lesson number one for Army poker is the above - you cannot bluff fools. Which takes a significant amount of strategy out of the game of poker, when you are playing with the people who never learned to turn

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1154405468604140732006-07-31T20:40:00.000-07:002006-07-31T21:11:10.406-07:00

Return trip to the big city for paperwork signing and a friend's promotion to CPT. Yeah, she's getting out of the Army as soon as she redeploys. Met no less than four CPTs yesterday all planning to get out upon redeployment, pushing the number of CPTs I know leaving service up to somewhere around 5,000. Never fear, I hear rumors that the promotion rate to Major is now pushing 98%. Clearly

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1154008478488126752006-07-27T06:27:00.000-07:002006-07-27T06:54:38.760-07:00

The most exciting thing in my life is the countdown until I receive EA's NCAA 07. I pre-ordered it from Amazon, but as the mail situation here is retarded in the slow sense, I continue to wait. This will make six consecutive years I have purchased the game since being introduced by my junior year roomate.The power randomly goes out in our housing area. Not very often, but sometimes the

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1154006805767257112006-07-27T06:05:00.000-07:002006-07-27T06:26:45.886-07:00

Islam means peace.No, seriously.He also called for the "downtrodden" throughout the world, not just Muslims, to join the battle against "tyrannical Western civilization and its leader, America.""Stand with Muslims in confronting this unprecedented oppression and tyranny. Stand with us as we stand with you against this injustice that was forbidden by God in his book (the Quran)," al-Zawahri

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1153829729667934522006-07-25T04:47:00.000-07:002006-07-25T05:15:29.903-07:00

After 10 months in country we had our first injury in the unit. A broken finger playing basketball. Not too bad of a record thus far, but if that is the worst of it I will be pleased. I had a friend redeployed after destroying his spine...weight-lifting. Which is why I play it safe and don't go to the gym. Just kidding Army, I work out every day. Don't you worry.In the next few weeks I must

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1153234688607927892006-07-18T07:07:00.000-07:002006-07-18T07:58:12.943-07:00

I'm seriously contemplating living in a much warmer environment after we leave the Fort Lewis area. Which might seem odd, considering how much I love this place. But then, I have no plan to move to Iraq, so I guess there is a difference.Maybe high desert, we'll see. Something with a little more ambiance than Iraq. Because, to be honest with you, this area lacks the romance of Arabian

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1152969407605742962006-07-15T06:14:00.000-07:002006-07-15T06:16:49.366-07:00

Good to see democracy is alive and well in Russia:Nikolai Svanidze, a presenter on state-owned Rossiya channel, even suggests that Russians actually demand one-sided news."Our guests from the United States and European countries may not understand what I'm talking about, but the classic Soviet viewer is not used to alternatives," he said. "It's tiring to have a choice because you have to think."

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1152799793980934522006-07-13T06:26:00.000-07:002006-07-13T08:01:56.206-07:00

Let's see, how to avoid the popular refrains? I don't think I can, so let me get them out of the way up front:It is still hot. I burned myself on a port-a-let seat.Staff officers make me want to cut things.I can't wait to not be here.Etc.Life marches right along, I am surrounded by people getting short-timers syndrome. REMFs can do that, catch a case of short-timers, that is. That gets the

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1151756951115272452006-07-01T05:18:00.000-07:002006-07-01T05:29:12.716-07:00

The movie I saw was Benchwarmers. An intellectual thriller, if anyone has two hours to spare this weekend.At LSA Anaconda I usually eat at DFAC 3, though sometimes DFAC 1. Never been to DFAC 2.

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1151292225614155552006-06-25T20:07:00.000-07:002006-06-25T20:23:45.633-07:00

When you visit Balad, you enjoy the good life. I'm at LSA Anaconda right now, and sometime between the seeing a movie at the actual theater and visiting the pool and having Popeyes and Burger King and Pizza Hut there was also some work I was supposed to do.Actually, that's not really the truth. I did see a movie, with popcorn, in a theater, and that was pretty cool. The rest, however, I'll

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1150981590270775342006-06-22T05:43:00.000-07:002006-06-22T06:06:30.356-07:00

I don't really have much to contribute today, except to say that watching the news affirms my current political leanings, and that having been a Marine once, or a Soldier once, or a Seaman, well, doesn't make you a damn expert. I can look all around the Army right now and know that our participation in this great undertaking will make us no more rational than other people in exercising future

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1150459611400585842006-06-16T04:49:00.000-07:002006-06-16T05:06:51.423-07:00

Walking past someone without acknowledging them is rude. In the Army, it is rude and contrary to customs and courtesies. Lots of saluting and whatnot.Some senior leaders get into a routine of saying the same thing or asking the same question when they are saluted or happen to walk past someone. It is the typical generic, personal but impersonal interaction - a meaningless exchange of

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1150025970937557842006-06-11T04:13:00.000-07:002006-06-11T04:39:30.940-07:00

Re-acquaint yourself with real American heroes.Life goes on here in Northern Iraq. Got a package with some cookies yesterday from a family friend. The inserted note contained these words of wisdom: Stay as far away from helicopters as possible. I was handed the package about 5 minutes after exiting a UH-60 (that's a Blackhawk).We are experiencing a cool spell around 100 degrees. It makes for

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1149702000105567042006-06-07T10:29:00.000-07:002006-06-07T10:40:00.160-07:00

Congratulations, LT Ehren Watada, on doing your damnedest to damage a company's, battalion's, and brigade's mental focus as they prepare to enter a combat zone.Somewhere in Washington there is a company commander who is wondering why God is punishing him with such an irresponsible subordinate, there is a platoon wondering why their commissioned leader is such an embarassment, and there is a 28

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1149606667850015042006-06-06T07:57:00.000-07:002006-06-06T08:11:07.913-07:00

Me on the phone: "Do you have World Cup fever yet?"My wife: "No, I'm an American, so I've been vaccinated against that."(She might have said inoculated. Forgive me, it was 13 hours ago.)

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1149604906666075042006-06-06T07:05:00.000-07:002006-06-06T07:41:46.846-07:00

Facing many who work in the same TOC I am in is this:Is it better to walk a short distance and sweat inside a port-a-let, or sweat while walking a long distance to use an air conditioned latrine?The answer varies by gender. Me? I enjoy the sauna like atmosphere of the port-a-let. Or is it port-o-let? I think "a". Spell check will tell me what to do.Moving on...I was not at all shocked to see

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1149430021480723652006-06-04T06:58:00.000-07:002006-06-04T07:07:01.513-07:00

The first six months of a deployment for a logistician is spent helping people out, doing favors, improving your operations and making yourself useful and indispensable. The second half? Collecting on all your chits and generally piddling away all the good karma earned during the first half. Just kidding. Kind of.My leave was good, but going home will be much better. The irritations that

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1149427592975880092006-06-04T05:58:00.000-07:002006-06-04T06:26:33.000-07:00

118. Getting hotter. We have to use a rag now when removing the locks from anything out in the sun. MREs cook themselves. Etc. Etc. Etc. I actually like the heat. I like the A/C even more, but I prefer it being really hot than deal with the mud and rain of this past winter. In this way I am lucky. Most everyone else can't stand the heat.On this lazy Sunday morning I did a driving tour

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1148996838589543422006-05-30T06:26:00.000-07:002006-05-30T06:47:18.946-07:00

Can we all agree that this man is crazy? And not regular crazy, but a horrifying crazy that cannot possibly result in anything good?I imagine that only a German could pull off this entire interview with a straight face.

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1148995534270651432006-05-30T06:14:00.000-07:002006-05-30T06:25:34.330-07:00

Yes, I am back in Iraq. Since I've been gone, a pool has been installed at my housing pad. Courtesy of another unit and their attached civilian contractors, we now have an above ground wading pool. It is a remarkably good looking product, I was quite impressed. Beyond that? SSDD.The day after I was back in Q-West we had a Toby Keith concert. This, I must admit, was not my first Toby Keith

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1148665557749146392006-05-26T10:29:00.000-07:002006-05-26T10:45:57.780-07:00

Thin Mints in the sunThermometer one three fiveMy Girls are sweatingLessoned learned by somebody: don't leave Girl Scout cookies in the sun during daylight hours in Kuwait...lesson not learned was picking the things up so the rest of us didn't walk by and die a little inside looking at their liquidy remains.La la la la life goes on.I'm back in Kuwait, hanging out prior to composing the "I'm back

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1146481116802753922006-05-01T03:42:00.000-07:002006-05-01T03:58:36.826-07:00

Been busy, getting crap out of the way before leave.Yes, leave. Sweet, beautiful, not being in Iraq leave.Some observations...1. It is really funny when an LT drops the s-bomb in the middle of a meeting at which they are the lowest ranked person. It is really not funny when they work for me.2. The Army fascination with softball perplexes me. While drinking I can understand, but for the love of

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1145789249500423712006-04-23T03:41:00.000-07:002006-04-23T03:47:29.556-07:00

Yes, I am a man, and leaving this comment in place, idiotic as the link may be.For the record, I think that America's true blessing is capitalism. Also for the record, I hear gas prices are pretty high in the states. Maybe we aren't doing a good enough job stealing the oil, what say you?

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1145358585015752382006-04-18T04:04:00.000-07:002006-04-18T04:09:45.056-07:00

And on and on and on we keep going.Counting down until leave. Doing way, way too much paperwork (yes, it exists in bulk in a combat zone. Gotta explain everything). Will be traveling for the next week. Blogging forecast looks hazy.Hope all are well.

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1144675516894145422006-04-10T06:11:00.000-07:002006-04-10T06:25:16.926-07:00

I'm white. As in Caucasian. Of Saxon descent, which means "not of the desert and/or other sunny places." Between genetics and full body uniforms, I might not exactly be prepared for the sunshine that I am beginnig to endure. PT runs, if not at night, are resulting in pink thighs and forearms. If I'm not careful to apply the SPF-50 I'll be baked within a month. That would not be good.It is

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1144674584666258022006-04-10T06:04:00.000-07:002006-04-10T06:09:44.696-07:00

Pizza delivery on an Army base in a combat zone.When you add that to Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, Burger King, Popeyes, Subway and Coffee shops, it is no wonder that you get these results. The juniors and seniors in high school need to know what opportunitie are available.

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1144244230939714122006-04-05T06:17:00.000-07:002006-04-05T06:37:13.000-07:00

I have hit the wall.Emotionally, I am at the point where at no less than 15 given moments during the workday I am teetering on the verge of throwing a laptop across the room. I need a break.Thankfully one is on the way. The unofficial countdown to my leave has begun, and hopefully in just over a month's time my happiness will rate somewhere over delirium due to my return trip home. The goal

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1144243041639399082006-04-05T06:07:00.000-07:002006-04-05T06:17:21.673-07:00

Hell has seasons. Honestly, if you believe that the weather in Iraq was always hot, sandy and hellacious, you'd only be about 80% right. At the present we are experiencing late spring, when the weeds of many colors bloom and trick they eye if for only a moment...am I seeing beauty in the land of eternal bad news?There are, surprisingly, some flowers here. Though likely classified as weeds I

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1143618553265864812006-03-28T23:43:00.000-08:002006-03-28T23:49:13.293-08:00

Halfway home. Busier than ever. Reduced unfettered internet access. Etc, etc.I'm running out of excuses. I owe a bunch of people email. I apologize in advance. They are on their way.Something to entertain you, a made up certificate I saw recently:On this date, XX March 2006, a Major from XXXXXXX called and asked for 2LT XXXXX by name. This is believed to be the first time that a call has

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1143214839195748672006-03-24T07:28:00.000-08:002006-03-24T07:40:39.243-08:00

Been traveling, still safe.I wish there was something exciting to report, but at present there is not. Lots of unexciting things. Like watching soldiers directed to sweep a parking area for three straight days as part of spring clean up. Followed immediately by rain, mud, and a filthy parking area. Re-enlistment office is to the left. Yeah.Or, as I found where I am currently visiting, a

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1142687055225227402006-03-18T04:17:00.000-08:002006-03-18T05:04:15.253-08:00

How do I sign up for the World Water Council?But Loic Fauchon, president of the non-governmental World Water Council, told the 4th World Water Forum that the poor often struggle to obtain decent, affordable water. "We must stop attempting to solve the problem of water supply on the basis of macro-economic theories, abstract mathematical models, or inhuman restructuring plans," he said, calling

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1142683434659040832006-03-18T03:10:00.000-08:002006-03-18T04:03:54.693-08:00

As we close in on the six month mark we'll have a reunion of sorts, a complete week without someone on leave or pass or travelling for a mission or training or meetings or change of responsibilities (switching Command Sergeant Majors, 1SGs, etc) or any other of the myriad reasons we get to move about the battlefield. We won't, due to mission, really be all together, since the unit is split

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1142348168121488412006-03-14T06:22:00.000-08:002006-03-14T06:56:08.186-08:00

The vast conspiracy to block me posting online grows. Of course not me specifically, since this isn't an exceptionally well travelled blog, but the general Army propensity to take whatever is good and enjoyable in an activity and suck it entirely out continues apace. Welcome, Websense, to Iraq. Not that there aren't other computers and networks to be used, as you can see, but...I just like

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1141740110119951752006-03-07T05:36:00.000-08:002006-03-07T06:01:50.190-08:00

Yesterday I was standing outside talking to BJ, one of our Nepali interpreters, when an LN drove past on a scooter (LN = Local National = Iraqi). The LN had the scooter revved up, maxed out, and topping about 20 mph. What the LN failed to consider as he blazed down the road, was the poor conditions of asphalt and the recently installed speed bump in his track (when the Army installs speed bumps

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1141489803182745602006-03-04T08:09:00.000-08:002006-03-04T08:30:03.216-08:00

After waiting four days for the arrival of some officers to conduct a three hour meeting, you might understand my chagrin when we had to take a twenty minute pause for a LTC to look at a Stryker vehicle (he had never seen one). There is nothing like being reminded of your place.

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1141378968778404402006-03-03T01:11:00.000-08:002006-03-03T01:45:14.923-08:00

The Army will do it, kill your mind that is. Intellectual stimulation is in short supply around these parts, regardless of how complicated Majors like to make their job sound. Military operations simply aren't very complicated. They frequently require attention to detail, or intricate planning, but it is mostly the same thing over and over and over. My mind would waste away if I didn't have

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1141310227740409042006-03-02T06:14:00.000-08:002006-03-02T06:37:07.770-08:00

I'm not sure which is better, the United States strengthening ties with the only mentally sound nation on the Asian continent or the fact that there is an Indian version of Sesame Street.What did we learn today kids?Today in the Army we learned that it is not possible to outrun a braking C-130, but it sure looks funny when you try. We reaffirmed that people who have had one conversation with you

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1141284180865320572006-03-01T23:00:00.000-08:002006-03-01T23:23:00.893-08:00

The flight up to Mosul earlier this week provided a different picture of Iraq than I am normally used to seeing - that of a green and almost verdant countryside. It won't last more than six weeks or so, but it certainly was odd to be up in the air looking out at land that I had previously only seen brown and dead. Seasons in Iraq are brief...except for the summer. Right now we are wondering if

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1141141062594912352006-02-28T07:10:00.000-08:002006-02-28T07:37:42.700-08:00

Fat Tuesday in Iraq is not the party they advertise. The festivities were quite limited, and the women can't pull many beads when they are wearing burkas.I'm back in Mosul, where the excitement never ends. Flew up on the helicopter, which, unfortunately, is becoming a bit too commonplace. The appeal of flying has waned, mostly because my own personal Pavlov, the US Army, fast trained me to

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1140872057529689022006-02-25T04:35:00.000-08:002006-02-25T04:54:20.230-08:00

Tomorrow is the five month mark. Huzzah. I've already been contacted by the unit commander of our replacements. I was leaning in at about the five month out mark, so this was a bit earlier than I expected, but what the heck, it makes our exit seem that much closer.I wish I had more time to go into the good stories, like the PFC who used medicated chapstick as a salve for his burned nipples.

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1140591178876378762006-02-21T22:31:00.000-08:002006-02-21T22:52:58.910-08:00

Out of Kuwait. A respectable one day visit, but it was raining and time to leave. Now I am enjoying the sights and sounds of Mosul.Flying in a C-130 is an uncomfortable experience, for anyone. About half the seats have metal bars underneath, the "seats" are cloth netting, the plane is alternately too hot or two cold, you are usually packed way too tight. And that is just for regular PAX. I'm

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1140453653659266302006-02-20T08:20:00.000-08:002006-02-20T08:40:53.706-08:00

The Apple Pie upsell nearly brought tears to my eyes this afternoon as I stood before the familiar McDonalds menu I know and love. The McDonalds employee, imported from an underachieving nation somewhere far away, to provide support to the US military in Kuwait, was perfectly trained to the corporate standards one would expect from the Oakbrook based firm. Upsell on the french fry size, upsell

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1140247468689133352006-02-17T23:02:00.000-08:002006-02-17T23:24:28.723-08:00

I had been wondering about this for awhile.It has been good shopping on post for about the last three days. Not at the PX or the haji shops turkish shops, but among other units. In the Army there are three types of property:1. PBO2. IPBO3. StuffPBO is all your military type crap. IPBO is your office stuff. And stuff, well, that's everything else. It isn't written down on paper, and so to the

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1139926037320484992006-02-14T06:06:00.000-08:002006-02-14T06:07:17.320-08:00

I love you baby!

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1139925951959188522006-02-14T06:02:00.000-08:002006-02-14T06:05:51.986-08:00

It's not that I don't care, it is that I am busy. And frequently interrupted. By Very Important People. With Stars. Whole constellations. When stars come out the natives get restless and brainless. To complicate matters the constant rain around here it means everyone's kneepads are muddy.I'm waiting for the PX to get Ipods in stock so I can buy one for myself. I've decided I'm less likely

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1139663976730550862006-02-11T05:15:00.000-08:002006-02-11T05:19:36.773-08:00

From the fine folks at ABC News: Intense Training Prepares Journalists for War.When journalists from major media organizations head into a war zone, they typically go armed with specialized training that could save their lives if something goes wrong.Thank goodness for the mainstream media, that Bob Woodruff got hit by an IED, so they can make a media war even more about themselves. When the

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1139399308481413642006-02-08T03:31:00.000-08:002006-02-08T03:48:28.526-08:00

Dining facilities, or DFACs, as we in the green/tan/humorously bluish uniform wearing community call them, live and die by the supplies they receive from vendors. If you went to a restaurant in the United States and were told that a particular menu item was unavailable due to limited supply, one would scoff and suggest that the business needed to learn how to better manage resources.In the Army

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1139174487571333462006-02-05T13:10:00.000-08:002006-02-05T13:21:27.616-08:00

Meanwhile, Americans shrug indifferently, flip the channel to the Superbowl, and put away 27 billion calories in snack food. That doesn't even count drinks or regular meals during the game.No further proof necessary that the United States is on top of its game. The Romans had nothing on us.

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1139172960013834482006-02-05T12:31:00.000-08:002006-02-05T12:56:00.060-08:00

Got the Wizbang head-nod this week. Always makes me feel special. I have no idea what I mean by "always," since it is a first and I'm remarkably blog unsavy for sites beyond milblogs and the big name draws (Instapundit and the like). But it still makes me all warm and fuzzy inside, that over three hundred people momentarily linked to this site, summarily dismissed it, and purged their History

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1138946359584678632006-02-02T21:49:00.000-08:002006-02-02T21:59:19.610-08:00

My blog received a slight (see above) percentage increase in site visits yesterday when this humble establishment was linked as "Milblog of the Week" over at Wizbang. So welcome, and thank you. I'm honored.

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1138893000213002542006-02-02T06:42:00.000-08:002006-02-02T07:10:00.260-08:00

But the first two days have been pretty freakin' long.This morning there was a meeting for some CPTs, the Army's version of a time-share sales pitch. Look at all the exciting options for graduate education and the all you can eat shrimp buffet if you just stay in a bit longer. It wasn't the pressure sell though...I'm not sure if the Army is going away from that or if it is just a reflection of

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1138722729022200292006-01-31T07:42:00.000-08:002006-01-31T07:52:09.023-08:00

7. Don't drop your TOC badge on the ground and then not tell anyone for ten hours, at which point it has already been recovered and the unit commander knows you lost it and allowed you to sit there with him for three hours without bringing it up, even if you are relatively sure someone in the unit likely has it, which is a bad estimation in any case because even if it is an E-4 who has your TOC

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1138722079674883712006-01-31T07:12:00.000-08:002006-01-31T07:41:19.740-08:00

From the LA Times:Struggling to retain enough officers to lead its forces, the Army has begun to dramatically increase the number of soldiers it promotes, raising fears within the service that wartime strains are diluting the quality of the officer corps....The Army has long taken pride in the competitiveness of its promotions, and insists that only officers that meet rigorous standards are

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1138533561368650332006-01-29T01:55:00.000-08:002006-01-29T03:19:42.840-08:00

I've been in the Army for nearly four years, which means, due to my impeccable attendance record, I have reached the stage of my career at which I am supposed to provide guidance to new Lieutenants.Well, back that up. Other LTs also provide guidance to new LTs, but that is called peer pressure, not mentoring, and it frequently results in throwing up and blackouts.My 3.7 years of experience are

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1138430586928043612006-01-27T22:20:00.000-08:002006-01-27T22:43:06.976-08:00

Best Saturday morning ever.Due in part to various Army supply idiosyncrasies our unit has to send soldiers individually to Kuwait for an equipment issue. A real pain, but it gives the soldiers a break and they do need/want the equipment, so it is a necessary evil.The major side benefit of the trip to Kuwait is that there is a recently established McDonald's on site. Which means, when you have

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1138372073932211142006-01-27T06:14:00.000-08:002006-01-27T06:27:54.006-08:00

Don't laugh when an Airman, covered in mud, comes into the headquarters at night with a broken nose, bloody face, and chipped tooth. Is wasn't their fault they were running in the dark without a flashlight, in full battle rattle, carrying a weapon, and were blinded by an oncoming vehicle's headlights, causing him to veer off course and go face first into a piece of concrete.Advice on

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1138371163675916162006-01-27T05:42:00.000-08:002006-01-27T06:12:43.710-08:00

Why is everyone pretending that the Hamas victory is a surprise? Palestine was a one party state, Fatah was corrupt, and Palestinians in general seem to be in support of killing Israelis and throwing rocks. Hamas, as the party of killing Israelis and throwing rocks, is the perfect representative for a people committed to destroying Israel.We act surprised because we think it would be an

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1137839583495762582006-01-21T02:07:00.000-08:002006-01-21T02:33:03.526-08:00

Spent a couple days at a conference, digesting maybe a thousand PowerPoint slides over 2 days. Good times.Also had the opportunity to file paperwork for my stolen Gator. In the evening after reviewing the paperwork with the property book office I returned to the transient housing area to find that someone had dumped out my bag of all personal items and had stolen the backpack/Camelbak

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1137473168214567162006-01-16T20:43:00.000-08:002006-01-16T20:46:08.240-08:00

Someone stole our Gator. Paperwork has ensued. I didn't have anything nice to say about the Army for the past week, so why say anything at all?Will be traveling for the next couple of days. Please, talk amongst yourselves.

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1136987516920584912006-01-11T05:36:00.000-08:002006-01-11T05:51:56.953-08:00

Truly I don't.But I'm making a comprehensive list of things to say in 2007. And it keeps getting longer.

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1136905454038674312006-01-10T06:50:00.000-08:002006-01-10T07:04:14.070-08:00

Well, maybe not underpaid, considering I just got another 3.1% raise.Ehhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh............Yeah, underpaid. But technically not overworked either. Perhaps better defined as worked at a level generally higher than I would prefer.Iraq tip of the day - if you have computers set up on a typical folding table, a twin bed sized fitted sheet can be used as a dust cover to increase

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1136721897099607532006-01-08T01:45:00.000-08:002006-01-08T04:05:00.680-08:00

Last evening the sky looked like the Midwestern United States in hue, the same pea green/off yellow tone that develops before the tornado warnings go off. No tornados here, but Sunday has been under the weather. Which has freed up some time for movies in the office.On days when normal operations are slow the default is to do paperwork. But no one likes paperwork, and so the solution is to fine

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1136709118888434032006-01-07T23:35:00.000-08:002006-01-08T00:31:58.923-08:00

We are lucky enough to be on a FOB with latrine trailers. Eight flushing toilets (I think, never actually counted) to a trailer, with sinks, urinals, mirrors, and a daily cleaning regimen from our Turkish/Pakistani/Philippino brothers in arms. It is like heaven on earth.The game then, is when you enter a trailer, to choose the stall that is not occupied. Maybe one stall, if any, will ever have

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1136555570666576172006-01-06T05:31:00.000-08:002006-01-06T05:52:50.693-08:00

Because it amuses me, the last 15 keyword search engine entries bringing strangers to this random blog:1. bunnies and narnia (Google)2. "jesse hagopian" (Google)3. fob turkish kbr q west 2004 (Google)4. "Killing the baby seals" cadence (MSN)5. BATTALION QTB BRIEFING SLIDES (Yahoo)6. BUNNIES (AltaVista)7. jesse hagopian, D.C. (Google)8. astounding clap (Google)9. "sergeants time" .50 cal .ppt (

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1136546437942517462006-01-06T03:09:00.000-08:002006-01-06T06:20:47.583-08:00

A comprehensive (by my standards) list of publications produced by military units in Iraq.Lifeliner West is the "unofficial" paper for our local environs.The above link will be added to the sidebar so that you all can monitor our life in the Q.

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1136528939158418842006-01-05T22:15:00.000-08:002006-01-05T22:28:59.186-08:00

From the question below, how many people are in a platoon.A platoon is anywhere between 15-50 people, depending on the type, mission, and manning. Individuals, unless exceedingly weathly, should probably not take on the task of trying to support an entire platoon.From the Adopt a Platoon website, there are options for everyone:Individual Soldier Adoption:A soldier adoption requires that you

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1136455467200531732006-01-05T01:44:00.000-08:002006-01-05T02:04:27.226-08:00

If there was any doubt that military personnel aren't reasonably compensated for their time in Iraq, one of my NCOs bought Season 1 of Three's Company. Today's forecast now calls for six hours of 70's sex puns. Lucky me.

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1136364622453412902006-01-04T00:36:00.000-08:002006-01-04T00:50:22.483-08:00

Traveled yesterday to FOB Speicher, visiting D-Main.The building is subdivided into work areas and filled with plywood cubicles - the Army version of Office Space on steroids. Over the entrance to the combat/maneuver cells is a sign that says "Carnivores" and over the entrance to the support element cells is a sign that says "Herbivores." The signs are hand made, routed in wood and polished.

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1136215469406091142006-01-02T07:06:00.000-08:002006-01-02T07:24:29.446-08:00

In case it ever comes up as a trivia question, I can say with some certainty that a telescoping police baton can take a Contico Tuff Bin in a fight. Not going to say how I know, just trust me on this - the Tuff Bin cannot be used as a retracting surface for the baton.If I were ever to be promoted to Major, on the day I begin to wear my new rank I will be attentive in ensuring the rank is on

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1136091315657215192005-12-31T20:36:00.000-08:002006-01-01T03:35:40.216-08:00

There are no flying cars in 2006, at least not in Iraq.Happy 2006 to you, United States Army.

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1136021446240110252005-12-31T01:01:00.000-08:002005-12-31T01:30:46.280-08:00

Soldiers get a lot of attention during the holidays. Lots of tv footage, another Christmas in Iraq/Afghanistan/drug-vice-crime-fascist infested craphole, blah blah blah.Honestly? We appreciate it immensely. Problem is, deployments last for a year, not just between Thanksgiving and Christmas.As for families and friends of soldiers...some are great at supporting their loved ones year-round.

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1136019101417046792005-12-31T00:35:00.000-08:002005-12-31T00:51:41.453-08:00

It's his world, we are just living in it (From NRO):What explains this paradox of public disappointment over things that turn out better than anticipated? Why are we like children who damn their parents for not providing yet another new toy when the present one is neither paid for nor yet out of the wrapper?One cause is the demise of history. The past is either not taught enough, or presented

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1135777264941352482005-12-28T05:29:00.000-08:002005-12-28T05:41:04.970-08:00

I don't care who you are, this SNL clip is funny.Mr. Pibb and Red Vines...that's good stuff. Gooooooooooooood stuff.

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1135693721996302512005-12-27T05:05:00.000-08:002005-12-27T06:28:42.063-08:00

Iraq possesses an inordinate number of flies. Not normal flies either, but combat flies, battle tested and strong. They've endured Saddam's chemical weapons and Iran's chemical weapons and now they are bitter, mutant flies that recognize the United States military as the last force to be defeated before they rule Iraq. It must be something like that, because the damn things WILL NOT go away.

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1135595820105242922005-12-26T03:11:00.000-08:002005-12-26T03:17:00.106-08:00

Please, please please please DO NOT give your children gender ambiguous names. Because, if you do, someday they will join the Army, outrank me, and receive emails from me in which I inadvertently refer to them by Ma'am when they are Sir, and Sir when they are Ma'am.And then they will be bitter and angry, and I still won't care, because I WARNED YOU!

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1135595461688009642005-12-26T02:38:00.000-08:002005-12-26T03:11:01.720-08:00

Really, I do. I detest standing in lines of all sorts, from grocery stores lines to security checkpoints at the airport.The most painful manifestation of this ingrained hatred is theme parks, specifically Six Flags. I don't think there is a worse way to spend a day than waiting 45 minutes at a time in queues for a 30 second trip around a roller coaster. So I avoid lines. I'm impatient - the

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1135499451158381322005-12-24T23:37:00.000-08:002005-12-25T00:30:51.183-08:00

Today marks the third Christmas in a row I've been wearing a uniform and working instead of at home with my family. 2003 in Korea, 2004 on Staff Duty, 2005 in Iraq. When I get out of the Army and they ask the reason, being assigned Staff Duty last year on Christmas Day will be pretty high on the list of dissatisfying Army moments. You just don't do that to a person. Or maybe you do. It is

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1135350938507575292005-12-23T06:18:00.000-08:002005-12-23T07:15:38.633-08:00

In the rapid transition to a representative government, the NGOs here have neglected to instill the proper amount of respect for political correctness and cultural sensitivity in the local citizens. Worse yet, the United States government is allowing third country national contractors onto military bases in this theater without first ensuring they understand the anti-establishment clause.

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1135347397753358322005-12-23T05:36:00.000-08:002005-12-23T06:16:37.790-08:00

That was the note left on the Battle Notes white board in our office. Remind the Commander to get a hair cut. I've been telling everyone for the last week I needed a haircut, but it was always priority two to another number one: meetings, briefings, watching Dukes of Hazzard, playing Playstation, talking on the phone to my wife about how I needed a haircut. So it wasn't getting done. They

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1135263851387898152005-12-22T06:47:00.000-08:002005-12-22T07:04:11.490-08:00

Here are some holiday greetings from the higher ups:From the boss of the boss of my boss, General Halstead.From the CJCS.From the SecDef.

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10110125.post-1135261650998909802005-12-22T05:46:00.000-08:002005-12-22T06:27:31.026-08:00

One of the aggravations of a military/civilian mixed operation is that there are parallel chains of command. When there are personality conflicts, instead of resolving them at the low level, people tend to complain up their specific chain. Which transfers over to the top of the opposite chain, where the investigation of the problem goes back down. It is a really long process to get back to the

MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03988373558340445966noreply@blogger.com0