Spring is gone and with it the spring showers and the cool breezes. The temperature has passed 100˚ F already. The little grass that grew here is now burnt and all the nasty desert critters are out and biting. The air conditioners are on high and the sun block made it out from the drawer to the top shelve. It is not even May yet!!!!
We spent 10 days in an American FOB because we were needed to turn in our HMMVs (High Mobility Military Vehicle) and draw the new and improved MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicles. We scheduled four days of training but still had other business to attend over there. I was happy that my buddy Sonia was back from leave when we arrived at the FOB. Although I like the guys, I was not looking forward to spending 10 days with them or wondering alone through the base. Lack of planning resulted on having the tents for our sleeping quarters.
Sonia and I went to the tents at around 11pm and said “hell no” so we arranged to take our stuff somewhere else and took care of our business. Do not ever underestimate what determination can accomplish… Anyway,…It was a grueling week, the temperatures were high and oppressing. The training was mediocre and we ended up driving around the same roads for 4 days, quite boring after the second time around.
On Friday, we took the test and graduated from the MRAP Training….WOO HOO!!!! The whole week was a poorly planned event but I will refrain from commenting too much on the subject. I currently have less than 22 days to arrive in the United States of America. I cannot wait!!! But I just found out that I gained 10 lbs and now have 22 days to try to get back to my normal weight, nicely done!!!
I tried to stay up to date with what has been going on back in the States, especially the primaries. I do not know if I am as excited about this election as I was in the beginning. I feel like the democrats are handing this election over to the other party. At this pace, the republicans will not even have to campaign. Why bother when you have two clowns ripping each other to shreds right now. I wish that soon, very soon…the candidate that is behind could think about what is good to the Country and concede. Come on people….this is not about you!!! This is about 140,000 Army troops in Iraq and all the Air Force, Marines and Navy that are here also doing things that are way out of their comfort zone.
While I was in Warrior, I noticed the obvious difference that it makes to work and live with the Iraqis every day. The people that live in American FOBs and do not have to deal with the Iraqis on a daily basis—MiTT teams included who do not actually live with the Iraqis all the time—have a total different perspective of what really goes on in the Iraqi Army. The difference is monumental, it is almost hard to explain, and the only way I can attempt to do so is by saying…it is like the difference that exists between how you behave in a corporate dinner and how you actually behave at home.
I know I am being vague but I promise there will be more to follow…PEACE!!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment