Out of the FOB...

8 days and nights of very busy day training, and hot conditions for sleep in tents at night. Basically, it really sucked...really bad. There was a day or two I wasn't sure I could survive the heat, all dressed up, and drinking over 200 ozs of water every day. We started out with 4 days of IED (improvised explosive device) training, then 4 days of convoy operations, and some weapon firing. I was surprised to find out the Army is performing mostly law enforcement duties, and trying to let the Iraqi's take over with more tactical stuff when they can. Army folks are doing more finger printing & processing of detainees. We started out with lots of videos of IED's, vehicle borne (VBIED'S), and suicide bombers. There are robots they use to investigate some of the roadside IED's. We covered the laws of war, ROE(rules of engagement), and sniper operations. We set up entry control points, EOF (escalation of force), use of stop strips. That led us into vehicle inspections, and searches, and personnel searches, and detaining or collecting EPW's (enemy prisoner of war). We also covered civil disturbances and crowd control. Did you know we don't use warning shots? If a vehicle is fast approaching a checkpoint, and ignores the visual and audible signals, they get one round (shot) into the engine block...if they continue, next one's on them...

We put all this stuff to use by driving all around different routes and practiced finding IEDs early on, avoiding land mines, and dealing with COBs (civilians on the battlefield)...actual Iraqi Americans who work here as actors and actresses, how to deal with their needs and even simulated Iraqi army checkpoints, and how to get our convoy through. We weren't allowed to take photos of the cobs because most of them have fam back in Iraq yet. We fired blanks the first 3 days, then used real live ammo on the last day. Pretty cool to shoot again...

About the last thing we did at the FOB (forward operating base...don't you love all the acronyms?) was we came under fire and had to defend it, and launch our QRF (quick reaction force). Yes, we were able to defend it ourselves, without Chuck Norris, or Steven Segall. One thing I didn't care for at the FOB was at least twice a day the OC's (operator controllers) played these Islamic chants over the PA system...similar to what we'll have to listen to overseas. There are a lot of Iraqi's and TCNs (third country nationals) working on the bases there, so I guess we try to be more tolerant of their habits...we are a "kinder gentler army" these days. (oh brother)

Human nature notes - boy, some things never change...picture this. We're all sitting on the ground at these outdoor classes at the FOB, and we get a 5-10 min break about every hour or so. Remember how the boys would tease the girls with bugs and snakes in grade school? Well, a few guys have continued the fun, yes even many years later, of scaring some of the females with these large beetles, or a spider. Once the screams start, it's hard to not want to participate. (I only threw a small beetle, the other guys did the big cockroaches)(really).

DNR notes - While on break between classes we have seen some cool stuff...the toad in the pic and quite a few tarantulas along the roads... I saw some quail and turkeys, too...even a 6ft green snake at the firing range.

The last 2 days after the FOB have been classes on combatives, how to defend ourselves and gain the upper hand in a one on one encounter with an insurgent. We also covered detainee operations (cuffs and stuff), chain of custody, and use of force. I found out (as a victim) there are a lot of pressure points available to get your captive individual to move or do what you need them to do, even when they are uncooperative. We all took turns to learn these. That wraps up a very busy 10 days or so. The week before the FOB, there were 2 of us selected to take a couple days training to become suicide prevention counselors. Not a very nice topic, but there have been cases in theater. We will hopefully be able to get the individual to see things differently. The national average is about 14%, and the mil is only slightly better at 12%. Kind of surprising stats to me.

With all this, the reality of war is about to become every day life. We will be in Kuwait in early Aug. Spend a few weeks training, flying, and adjusting, then we move to our base at Balad, Iraq. With the schedule as its been, we've had little real time off. Worked right thru Mem day, and Jul 4th. So, tonight for the first time, we were allowed to go as a company, and have a nice dinner in town (yahoo!), and wear civilian clothes! Those who desired could have 3 alcoholic drinks. It was great to see everyone's attitude perk up, and the food was great! I enjoyed sitting, and people watching as all my battle buddies were having fun. I was grateful for all of them, even though we don't all get along some times, but we will get the job done, no matter what it is. I then made sure my van load was home safe, as I was the designated driver...

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers, and comments...it's great to read them. I'll try one more blog before we go on block leave the 23rd. See ya.