Wednesday, March 31, 2004
Update on Upsetting War Footage
Here's a web page on it.
Here's the video.
Caution the video contains disturbing footage of the slaughter of a helpless human being.
Here's a web page on it.
Here's the video.
Caution the video contains disturbing footage of the slaughter of a helpless human being.
OIF I Soldiers Moving Out
Lots of things being sold and given away by Soldiers going back home. One of them gave me a fancy switchblade, since they can’t be taken back home. He said an Iraqi had been "beat down" to get it, so I should use it with pride. I asked, “Did he deserve the beating?” “Of course he did, they all do - don’t they?”
Lots of things being sold and given away by Soldiers going back home. One of them gave me a fancy switchblade, since they can’t be taken back home. He said an Iraqi had been "beat down" to get it, so I should use it with pride. I asked, “Did he deserve the beating?” “Of course he did, they all do - don’t they?”
Sunday, March 28, 2004
Scene from a Western
I was in the Humvee turret gunning on the lead vehicle on a night patrol. We were running up and down the main drag for a while when we pulled onto a neighborhood street. The cartway became narrow and I started eyeing every roof top. Little kids and shoppers were staring at us. Then we started rolling around barricades and I got nervous. We pulled up to a gate where a bunch of stoic looking individuals opened it to let us in. Everyone then got out and starting shaking hands. “This is a friendly neighborhood and a good police station,” one of the veterans said. The local barber then walked down to give us $2 haircuts and the kids got us some sodas. I realized I had just played the newbie straight arrow - it was a typecast role.
I was in the Humvee turret gunning on the lead vehicle on a night patrol. We were running up and down the main drag for a while when we pulled onto a neighborhood street. The cartway became narrow and I started eyeing every roof top. Little kids and shoppers were staring at us. Then we started rolling around barricades and I got nervous. We pulled up to a gate where a bunch of stoic looking individuals opened it to let us in. Everyone then got out and starting shaking hands. “This is a friendly neighborhood and a good police station,” one of the veterans said. The local barber then walked down to give us $2 haircuts and the kids got us some sodas. I realized I had just played the newbie straight arrow - it was a typecast role.
Friday, March 26, 2004
KBR is Here
Kellogg, Brown, and Root, aka Kinfolk, Brothers, and Relatives according to one of their employees, is here providing services which include, cleaning the latrines, and supplying, preparing, and serving food, and laundry. They built a dorm like building with about 80 rooms for $80,000. It’s not bad, except I don’t think they use water traps in plumbing.
Kellogg, Brown, and Root, aka Kinfolk, Brothers, and Relatives according to one of their employees, is here providing services which include, cleaning the latrines, and supplying, preparing, and serving food, and laundry. They built a dorm like building with about 80 rooms for $80,000. It’s not bad, except I don’t think they use water traps in plumbing.
Thursday, March 25, 2004
Our room.
Wednesday, March 24, 2004
Upsetting War Footage
There’s a video going around showing the engagement of the enemy through the infrared gun camera of an Apache helicopter. In it, the enemy is engaged at night, probably about a mile away with a 30mm machine gun. After blowing away several Iraqis and seeing the heat signature of their innards all over the desert, the pilot asks the gunner to pan right and investigate a person crawling away. The gunner says, “He’s wounded.” The pilot says, “Shoot him.” And then you see his guts go flying. The rules of engagement state that we are not to fire on enemy personnel who are out of battle due to sickness or wounds.
I don’t think I’d shoot the enemy crawling away twenty feet from me let alone someone a mile away. What was the threat? It’s surprising how many people watch the video and think it’s OK or even great: “What about the World Trade Center? That wasn’t right - what they did!”
Back in the Maryland Guard, I was a medic for a line company. I was shocked to hear the list of tasks to be performed once the objective had been taken: “Cross level ammo and water, look for intelligence, demo enemy equipment and weapons, kill EPWs…” What!?! This was never discussed above the team level. An E-6 ( Staff Sergeant), reviewing who was going to do what task, said to the Soldier who was in charge of EPWs, “You gotta do what you gotta do.”
I do not think most Soldiers fully understand what duty is. Duty isn’t about showing up and blowing people away, though that’s part of it. Duty is doing the right thing even if it’s hard. One of those duties is showing restraint when needed. Another duty is reporting war crimes when warranted and letting an investigation decide whether what happened was right, a mistake, or a crime. Crimes unpunished hurt other soldiers, just as bad cops give all cops a bad name. People say, “Well, you weren’t there!” I wasn’t there when the Towers came down, but I know it was wrong.
People have mixed feelings about this, feeling sorry for the officer while wanting justice. I the movie, “The Devil’s Own”, Rubén Blades’ character accidentally shoots an unarmed suspect and he and Harrison Ford collude to cover it up. The movies side step the quandary by having Blades’ character conveniently killed off so we don’t have to deal with it.
There’s a video going around showing the engagement of the enemy through the infrared gun camera of an Apache helicopter. In it, the enemy is engaged at night, probably about a mile away with a 30mm machine gun. After blowing away several Iraqis and seeing the heat signature of their innards all over the desert, the pilot asks the gunner to pan right and investigate a person crawling away. The gunner says, “He’s wounded.” The pilot says, “Shoot him.” And then you see his guts go flying. The rules of engagement state that we are not to fire on enemy personnel who are out of battle due to sickness or wounds.
I don’t think I’d shoot the enemy crawling away twenty feet from me let alone someone a mile away. What was the threat? It’s surprising how many people watch the video and think it’s OK or even great: “What about the World Trade Center? That wasn’t right - what they did!”
Back in the Maryland Guard, I was a medic for a line company. I was shocked to hear the list of tasks to be performed once the objective had been taken: “Cross level ammo and water, look for intelligence, demo enemy equipment and weapons, kill EPWs…” What!?! This was never discussed above the team level. An E-6 ( Staff Sergeant), reviewing who was going to do what task, said to the Soldier who was in charge of EPWs, “You gotta do what you gotta do.”
I do not think most Soldiers fully understand what duty is. Duty isn’t about showing up and blowing people away, though that’s part of it. Duty is doing the right thing even if it’s hard. One of those duties is showing restraint when needed. Another duty is reporting war crimes when warranted and letting an investigation decide whether what happened was right, a mistake, or a crime. Crimes unpunished hurt other soldiers, just as bad cops give all cops a bad name. People say, “Well, you weren’t there!” I wasn’t there when the Towers came down, but I know it was wrong.
People have mixed feelings about this, feeling sorry for the officer while wanting justice. I the movie, “The Devil’s Own”, Rubén Blades’ character accidentally shoots an unarmed suspect and he and Harrison Ford collude to cover it up. The movies side step the quandary by having Blades’ character conveniently killed off so we don’t have to deal with it.
My Address
Judge, W. Colin
HHD 231 MP/E Co
APO-AE-09342-1322
Judge, W. Colin
HHD 231 MP/E Co
APO-AE-09342-1322
Sunday, March 21, 2004
Visit to Camp Doha
Did I mention how good the food is? I feel I have to say something positive in this log...
This morning at 0530, I got in line to sign up for the shuttle which goes to Camp Doha. Sign up was at 0630, and then we had to be back at 0730 for check in that didn't occur until 0755 since everyone knows we'll be late. From reading and hearing about camp Doha, I though it would be a real adventure: great sites, a huge PX etc, but it was disappointing. I did get to see some other coalition soldiers and pick up some shaving cream that works well with my razor. Seeing the British Soldiers reminded me of a quote of Winston Churchill:
"If you will not fight for the right when you can easily win without bloodshed, if you will not fight when your victory will be sure and not too costly, you may come to the moment when you will have to fight with all the odds against you and only a small chance of survival. There may even be a worse case: you may have to fight when there is no hope of victory, because it is better to perish than to live as slaves."
We then stopped at what was termed a "Haji shop". There we could buy electronics, watches, handguns. Featured were DVD ripoffs including movies that are now in theatres such as "The Passion". Though I saw some titles liked, I resisted temptation to "stick it to the man".
I just missed a neighbor who has been in theatre for over a year. She was just leaving Doha for the airport facility when I arrived.
Did I mention how good the food is? I feel I have to say something positive in this log...
This morning at 0530, I got in line to sign up for the shuttle which goes to Camp Doha. Sign up was at 0630, and then we had to be back at 0730 for check in that didn't occur until 0755 since everyone knows we'll be late. From reading and hearing about camp Doha, I though it would be a real adventure: great sites, a huge PX etc, but it was disappointing. I did get to see some other coalition soldiers and pick up some shaving cream that works well with my razor. Seeing the British Soldiers reminded me of a quote of Winston Churchill:
"If you will not fight for the right when you can easily win without bloodshed, if you will not fight when your victory will be sure and not too costly, you may come to the moment when you will have to fight with all the odds against you and only a small chance of survival. There may even be a worse case: you may have to fight when there is no hope of victory, because it is better to perish than to live as slaves."
We then stopped at what was termed a "Haji shop". There we could buy electronics, watches, handguns. Featured were DVD ripoffs including movies that are now in theatres such as "The Passion". Though I saw some titles liked, I resisted temptation to "stick it to the man".
I just missed a neighbor who has been in theatre for over a year. She was just leaving Doha for the airport facility when I arrived.
Friday, March 19, 2004
Thursday, March 18, 2004
Have Some Down Time
Our acting platoon sergeant gave us the morning off since we will be leaving soon.
I found out that I haven't been a snob all these years using the term, table tennis, to describe what many people refer to as ping pong. Ping Pong is actually a Sears brand for their equipment. This falls in line with my use of the terms, adhesive bandage, facial tissue, etc.
Our acting platoon sergeant gave us the morning off since we will be leaving soon.
I found out that I haven't been a snob all these years using the term, table tennis, to describe what many people refer to as ping pong. Ping Pong is actually a Sears brand for their equipment. This falls in line with my use of the terms, adhesive bandage, facial tissue, etc.
Wednesday, March 17, 2004
Leaving Soon (Hopefully)
Looks like we are finally going to our assigned stations and will get to do our original mission- we thought for a while we might get stuck as gate guards.
This is just in time, for field sanitation is getting lax and we have rats running around the tent. Though food is not allowed in the tents, the rule is not enforced. It's a little odd listening to a soldier stuffing his face complain out the rodent problem - "Hmmm - My actions have consequences." I guess some people are still stuck on, "I think, therefore I am"...
Looks like we are finally going to our assigned stations and will get to do our original mission- we thought for a while we might get stuck as gate guards.
This is just in time, for field sanitation is getting lax and we have rats running around the tent. Though food is not allowed in the tents, the rule is not enforced. It's a little odd listening to a soldier stuffing his face complain out the rodent problem - "Hmmm - My actions have consequences." I guess some people are still stuck on, "I think, therefore I am"...
My Old Unit is in Japan
This is the second time my old unit has been deployed since 9/11. I tried to get back together with these guys after 9/11, but they got activated to be CONUS gate guards, before I could join up, which was fine with me, though I know the work was still important. The Army wouldn't take me as an Inactive Reserve volunteer for Operation Enduring Freedom, but did send a nice certificate of appreciation, and with no other place to go, I joined this company, which again was good, because the local, Chester County, units went to Kosovo. Again, a very necessary call, but not for me. I did not volunteer for this deployment, my unit was activated in January. But several Soldiers who are with us did volunteer. Kudos to them! Most of them are younger guys who didn't have anything going on and wanted the extra money.
B Company, 1-115, 29th Infantry Division (Light) had the best First Sergeant I've ever known, and in turn, it was the best company of which I've ever been a part.
This is the second time my old unit has been deployed since 9/11. I tried to get back together with these guys after 9/11, but they got activated to be CONUS gate guards, before I could join up, which was fine with me, though I know the work was still important. The Army wouldn't take me as an Inactive Reserve volunteer for Operation Enduring Freedom, but did send a nice certificate of appreciation, and with no other place to go, I joined this company, which again was good, because the local, Chester County, units went to Kosovo. Again, a very necessary call, but not for me. I did not volunteer for this deployment, my unit was activated in January. But several Soldiers who are with us did volunteer. Kudos to them! Most of them are younger guys who didn't have anything going on and wanted the extra money.
B Company, 1-115, 29th Infantry Division (Light) had the best First Sergeant I've ever known, and in turn, it was the best company of which I've ever been a part.
Sunday, March 14, 2004
Star Trek
Remember that episode in TOS in which CPT Kirk, Spock, Bones and a few guys in red shirts beam down to a planet where two civilizations battle each other with computers instead of bombs and if there are “casualties” on either side, said casualties report to the disintegration booth (or whatever it was called), so that the societies did not have to suffer through the miseries of war. Kirk, and the viewing audience, thought this insane. Perhaps Kirk and Gene Rodenberry have not been exposed to war.
Middle Management Initiative
Word comes down that the advance party needs to be ready at 0500, therefore wake up will be at 0300. Some platoons immediately adjust that to 0400. Some squad leaders in platoons that don’t adjust, make the decision themselves to set a time of 0300/0400 whatever is needed to be ready at 0500. That is leadership: taking care of your people. My squad awoke at 0300, and though I wasn’t part of the advance party, we had a bunch of tired soldiers who ended up waiting until 0600 for the busses to arrive.
Same thing on PT (physical; word came down that we were to do PT at 1330 in the midday sun and heat. Our platoon was the only one in the recreation area out of 10,000 soldiers, but at least we didn’t have to wait for a court. That mistake wasn’t repeated again.
Remember that episode in TOS in which CPT Kirk, Spock, Bones and a few guys in red shirts beam down to a planet where two civilizations battle each other with computers instead of bombs and if there are “casualties” on either side, said casualties report to the disintegration booth (or whatever it was called), so that the societies did not have to suffer through the miseries of war. Kirk, and the viewing audience, thought this insane. Perhaps Kirk and Gene Rodenberry have not been exposed to war.
Middle Management Initiative
Word comes down that the advance party needs to be ready at 0500, therefore wake up will be at 0300. Some platoons immediately adjust that to 0400. Some squad leaders in platoons that don’t adjust, make the decision themselves to set a time of 0300/0400 whatever is needed to be ready at 0500. That is leadership: taking care of your people. My squad awoke at 0300, and though I wasn’t part of the advance party, we had a bunch of tired soldiers who ended up waiting until 0600 for the busses to arrive.
Same thing on PT (physical; word came down that we were to do PT at 1330 in the midday sun and heat. Our platoon was the only one in the recreation area out of 10,000 soldiers, but at least we didn’t have to wait for a court. That mistake wasn’t repeated again.
Friday, March 12, 2004
Water
The Kuwaiti government, in appreciation for what we have done for them in the past, supplies all of our water free of charge. We've been told that when we leave for Iraq, we are not to take any bottled water with us, as the last things the Kuwaitis want is an Iraqi drinking their water.
The Kuwaiti government, in appreciation for what we have done for them in the past, supplies all of our water free of charge. We've been told that when we leave for Iraq, we are not to take any bottled water with us, as the last things the Kuwaitis want is an Iraqi drinking their water.
Japanese anime.
Playing softball in Kuwait.
Thursday, March 11, 2004
When we arrived here, in theatre, we were told that there were many females in the camp and that some were “for rent”, as it was put to us, and some were CID (Criminal Investigation Division) pretending they were “for rent”.
Field sanitation here is very impressive. Hand cleanser outside the chemical latrines and sinks with soap and paper towels at every entrance to the dining facility (DFAC) with posted instructions to wash ones hands. I was hit hard when I saw the Pepsi soda fountain, but bounced back when a noticed they had Coke too! The civilian workers seem to be indigenous and Filipino staffing not only the DFAC, but also the PX, Baskin Robbins, coffee shop, snack bar, and Subway.
The Company gets along well and AFAIK there have not been any incidents of stealing, but now that we are with thousands of other troops around, we need to be more careful.
Whatever the critics say, this is an international coalition. So far, I’ve seen Japanese, Thai, Hungarian, and, I think, Spanish soldiers.
The National Guard has taken its licks for not being active duty, but gone are the days of drill weekend injuries being caused by falling off of bar stools. In fact alcohol is not allowed in any Pennsylvania Army National Guard facility. Still, we get teased and even tease ourselves: When we found out we were being called to active duty, one guy remarked, “Yesterday I couldn’t even spell ‘soldier’ and today I am one!”
Field sanitation here is very impressive. Hand cleanser outside the chemical latrines and sinks with soap and paper towels at every entrance to the dining facility (DFAC) with posted instructions to wash ones hands. I was hit hard when I saw the Pepsi soda fountain, but bounced back when a noticed they had Coke too! The civilian workers seem to be indigenous and Filipino staffing not only the DFAC, but also the PX, Baskin Robbins, coffee shop, snack bar, and Subway.
The Company gets along well and AFAIK there have not been any incidents of stealing, but now that we are with thousands of other troops around, we need to be more careful.
Whatever the critics say, this is an international coalition. So far, I’ve seen Japanese, Thai, Hungarian, and, I think, Spanish soldiers.
The National Guard has taken its licks for not being active duty, but gone are the days of drill weekend injuries being caused by falling off of bar stools. In fact alcohol is not allowed in any Pennsylvania Army National Guard facility. Still, we get teased and even tease ourselves: When we found out we were being called to active duty, one guy remarked, “Yesterday I couldn’t even spell ‘soldier’ and today I am one!”
Details from Another Source
Two reporters from the Scranton Times are with us here, in theatre. Stories such as this one:
On Iraq's doorstep: National Guard prepares in heat of Kuwait desert
are posted on their site.
Two reporters from the Scranton Times are with us here, in theatre. Stories such as this one:
On Iraq's doorstep: National Guard prepares in heat of Kuwait desert
are posted on their site.
Monday, March 08, 2004
Invocation at Republican PAC Luncheon
I don't much agree with the political aspect, but my father is president of the PAC, so he can get away with it:
O Lord, please watch over the scores of young men and women who struggle to
keep Iraq safe. Particularly the truly brave who volunteered to serve their
country after the current war with Iraq began. One of those, a young M P named
Colin Judge arrives in Iraq this week carrying a high-impact weapon but
without armored plating for his humvee.
O Lord, give our national leaders the wisdom:
To train and equip our military forces properly before sending them into
battle
To fully understand the calculus of the aftermath of war
To always use an able Secretary of State to negotiate coalitions rather than
making hasty decisions our of frustration.
To spend our human capital on the battlefield with restraint.
Give us, please, people in the corridors of power who are heroes, who have
dynamic intellects, small egos, great patience, and make analytical decisions
rather than visceral ones. Those are the leaders who have made our country
strong. Their counterparts are the ones who weaken it.
Amen
I don't much agree with the political aspect, but my father is president of the PAC, so he can get away with it:
O Lord, please watch over the scores of young men and women who struggle to
keep Iraq safe. Particularly the truly brave who volunteered to serve their
country after the current war with Iraq began. One of those, a young M P named
Colin Judge arrives in Iraq this week carrying a high-impact weapon but
without armored plating for his humvee.
O Lord, give our national leaders the wisdom:
To train and equip our military forces properly before sending them into
battle
To fully understand the calculus of the aftermath of war
To always use an able Secretary of State to negotiate coalitions rather than
making hasty decisions our of frustration.
To spend our human capital on the battlefield with restraint.
Give us, please, people in the corridors of power who are heroes, who have
dynamic intellects, small egos, great patience, and make analytical decisions
rather than visceral ones. Those are the leaders who have made our country
strong. Their counterparts are the ones who weaken it.
Amen
Useful Military Warnings
Something My Father Sent to Me:
"Aim towards the Enemy." - Instruction printed on US Rocket Launcher
"When the pin is pulled, Mr. Grenade is not our friend." - U.S. Army
"Cluster bombing from B-52s is very, very accurate. The bombs are
guaranteed to always hit the ground." - U.S.A.F.Ammo Troop
"If the enemy is in range, so are you." - Infantry Journal
"A slipping gear could let your M203 grenade launcher fire when you
least expect it. That would make you quite unpopular in what's left of
your unit." - Army's magazine of preventive maintenance.
"It is generally inadvisable to eject directly over the area you just
bombed." - U.S. Air Force Manual
"Try to look unimportant; they may be low on ammo." - Infantry Journal
"Tracers work both ways." - US. Army Ordnance
Five-second fuses only last three seconds." - Infantry Journal
"Bravery is being the only one who knows you're afraid." - Col. David
Hackworth
"If your attack is going too well, you're probably walking into an
ambush." - Infantry Journal
"No combat-ready unit has ever passed inspection." - Joe Gay
"Any ship can be a minesweeper ... once." - Anon
"Never tell the Platoon Sergeant you have nothing to do." - Unknown Army
Recruit
"Don't draw fire; it irritates the people around you." - Your Buddies
(And lastly)
"If you see a bomb technician running, try to keep up with him." --
U.S.A. Ammo Troop
Something My Father Sent to Me:
"Aim towards the Enemy." - Instruction printed on US Rocket Launcher
"When the pin is pulled, Mr. Grenade is not our friend." - U.S. Army
"Cluster bombing from B-52s is very, very accurate. The bombs are
guaranteed to always hit the ground." - U.S.A.F.Ammo Troop
"If the enemy is in range, so are you." - Infantry Journal
"A slipping gear could let your M203 grenade launcher fire when you
least expect it. That would make you quite unpopular in what's left of
your unit." - Army's magazine of preventive maintenance.
"It is generally inadvisable to eject directly over the area you just
bombed." - U.S. Air Force Manual
"Try to look unimportant; they may be low on ammo." - Infantry Journal
"Tracers work both ways." - US. Army Ordnance
Five-second fuses only last three seconds." - Infantry Journal
"Bravery is being the only one who knows you're afraid." - Col. David
Hackworth
"If your attack is going too well, you're probably walking into an
ambush." - Infantry Journal
"No combat-ready unit has ever passed inspection." - Joe Gay
"Any ship can be a minesweeper ... once." - Anon
"Never tell the Platoon Sergeant you have nothing to do." - Unknown Army
Recruit
"Don't draw fire; it irritates the people around you." - Your Buddies
(And lastly)
"If you see a bomb technician running, try to keep up with him." --
U.S.A. Ammo Troop
Sunday, March 07, 2004
Leaving Today
The usual hurry up and wait today. We were told we had 15 minutes to say good bye to our families and were called back 5 minutes later so we could wait at the terminal for 4 hours just because the buses came a little early.
We have been specifically told to not celebrate our leaving the training post at wheels up; the company before us had some "inappropriate" words and the flight attendants were offended.
The usual hurry up and wait today. We were told we had 15 minutes to say good bye to our families and were called back 5 minutes later so we could wait at the terminal for 4 hours just because the buses came a little early.
We have been specifically told to not celebrate our leaving the training post at wheels up; the company before us had some "inappropriate" words and the flight attendants were offended.
Crossing into Iraqi airspace from Turkey.
Food and inflight movie on World Airways. I wondered what happened to the L-1011s.
Friday, March 05, 2004
About to Leave
We are booked on a mid day flight on Sunday on a chartered 747. This is good news, for the well known C-130 would need to stop about four times for fuel to get to the Iraqi theatre.
We are now on a 25 hour pass. In order to get the pass, a Command Sergeant Major had to come by and inspect our barracks. Cleanliness in the Army is somewhat of a farce, as it's more important for the brass to shine and the urinals to smell like pine oil than the latrine be disinfected. At my medic school, we had a major inspection and locked all the mops and brooms we used in a closet while displaying brand new, ceremonial, mops and brooms, for the inspection. This happens with other equipment; one set of tools you use on your M1A1 tank and the other set sits on a shelf for inventory.
I've tried to take initiative to improve sanitation, but haven't had much success, besides pestering Supply for paper towels when we run out. One time, when an outside inspector came by to look at the latrine at the scheduled time I suggested that he show up unannounced so that the latrine would be maintained in reasonable state at all times. The thought that an inspectee would ask for a surprise inspection was so foreign to him that I had to repeat it three times before he got it.
We are booked on a mid day flight on Sunday on a chartered 747. This is good news, for the well known C-130 would need to stop about four times for fuel to get to the Iraqi theatre.
We are now on a 25 hour pass. In order to get the pass, a Command Sergeant Major had to come by and inspect our barracks. Cleanliness in the Army is somewhat of a farce, as it's more important for the brass to shine and the urinals to smell like pine oil than the latrine be disinfected. At my medic school, we had a major inspection and locked all the mops and brooms we used in a closet while displaying brand new, ceremonial, mops and brooms, for the inspection. This happens with other equipment; one set of tools you use on your M1A1 tank and the other set sits on a shelf for inventory.
I've tried to take initiative to improve sanitation, but haven't had much success, besides pestering Supply for paper towels when we run out. One time, when an outside inspector came by to look at the latrine at the scheduled time I suggested that he show up unannounced so that the latrine would be maintained in reasonable state at all times. The thought that an inspectee would ask for a surprise inspection was so foreign to him that I had to repeat it three times before he got it.
