We are now wearing our Desert Combat Uniforms. Isn’t that great? I’ve grown a mustache because during our theater famialiarization training we learned that Iraqis respect mustaches. When in Rome…
Entries from October 2005 ↓
DCU
October 27th, 2005 — Passing Time
chow-hall-danger
October 27th, 2005 — Citizen Soldier, National Guard, Photos
Specialist David Claffey senses danger and reacts according to his training.
The training we’ve received at Camp Atterbury, Indiana should be instrumental in keeping us safe and prepared to react accordingly while in a war zone.
Out of Uniform
October 14th, 2005 — Passing Time
The forward operating base (FOB) was a special time for all of us. In this photo, Specialist Harold Lewis, Jr., enjoys a moment of peace and relaxation in the FOB’s house of worship.
OK, he’s actually in the latrine, and it’s dark outside, but flash photography solved that.
The FOB is not a fun place, nor is it supposed to be. Being intelligent and motivated soldiers, we found ways to make some non-officially supported humor happen. And in case anyone reads this that might feel a sense of concern, we also performed our training and duties professionally and efficiently.
Celebrate!
October 14th, 2005 — Citizen Soldier
Sergeant James Sherrill celebrates his freedom from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) by levitating.
Sherrill is the only soldier in the unit capable of this magical act. Everyone else just kind of sits around and sighs when he overwhelms us with his special talents.
On a serious note, Sgt. Sherrill aka James is one of the most laid back soldiers in the unit and is often the voice of reason when things get tough and everyone else is bitching and moaning.
“C’mon guys, just do it,” is one of his constant entreaties. It’s good to have him with us.
In The Bunker
October 13th, 2005 — Citizen Soldier
We ended a phase of training that was designed to prepare us for life in Iraq recently. Part of our training included daily simulated mortar attacks complete with bunkers where we spent time singing “Kumbaya” and sharing the moments of our lives.
I’m now operating on short time and a deadline for a project, so even though I have Internet access again, my posts will probably be limited for the next several weeks.
Walking the line
October 1st, 2005 — Passing Time
Camp Atterbury TSIRT training - four days of plastic pleasure palaces in an environment than can only be described as tranquil and filled with harmonious nature sounds like explosions and the screaming of uptight people in uniforms. At night, we were lulled to sleep by the crooning and deceptively calming audio created by Blackhawk helicopters firing their miniguns into nearby targets.
This blog is going to fall silent for the next two weeks or so as we enter a phase of training that will not afford me such luxuries as an Internet connection. In the meantime, thanks for stopping by.
sherrill-melancholy
October 1st, 2005 — Passing Time
Sergeant James Sherrill is one of the quietest members of the unit, and he is an Army forms expert, with a plethora of administrative experience. He sometimes lightens the mood in our unit with a quirky and unexpected comment.
The picture here was taken just after we finished looking for IEDs (improvised explosive devices).
the-strut
October 1st, 2005 — Passing Time
This shot was captured on the way back from a litter bearing exercise where we practiced running towards a helicopter with a “casualty.”
Our unit just finished four days of TSIRT training. We covered a number of important topics including rules of engagement. It’s clear to me from the training that the United States of America is serious about human rights and values life in comparision to the insurgents we are fighting.
From left to right, Captain Bill Roberts, Sargeant First Class John Kinnaman, me and Specialist Harold Lewis.
Photo Credit: Private First Class Michael Cost.
My coffee sucks
October 1st, 2005 — Passing Time
Specialist Rick Rzepka offers up a look that summarizes the joy of life in a military field training environment. The coffee gets cold before you finish the cup.
