Wednesday, June 30, 2004
Iraqi males swimming.
Iraqi females swimming.
Tuesday, June 29, 2004
Another New Address
W. Colin Judge
A Co / 89th MP Brigade
APO AE 09348
Not much different than the previous address. As you may know, companies make up battalions, which, in turn, make up brigades. In a combat division, brigades would then make up divisions, which make up corps, which make up Armies. Regiments in the Army are more of a historical reference. Many non combat arms brigades such as the 89th MP Brigade are independent of any division. Why our address is not A Co. / 112 MP BN / 89th MP Brigade - I don’t know.
More on My Platoon
Our platoon’s average age is 33; with myself pulling up the mean up ever so slightly. Compare that to a regular Army platoon of probably about 25. My squad leader has stressed that because we are Guard we bring a lot of diverse experience to bear. He’s mentioned twice that “Judge works in the corporate world,” but hasn’t suggested how that helps me or my platoon out here. It actually caused some problems or at least some less than balanced impressions: basically, people thinking I was a snob. I think things changed a lot the day of the fire fight on top of the overpass. The few guys with whom I didn’t get along became much more open. Maybe some expected me to be laying in the floor of the truck in the fetal position, I don’t know.
One of my roommates said out of the blue, “Judge, you’re a good guy. I think people sometimes have a bad impression of you.”
“What’s that?
“You know.”
“That I’m judgmental”
“Yeah, and a …”
“Condescending”
“What’s that mean?”
“I look down on people.”
“Yeah, that’s it…”
The way I act, including the way I speak, of course, has something to do with impressions. I’ve made some adjustments, obviously I still use the term “gluteal fissure” as opposed to “butt crack” (its use is required quite often) and “articulating lorry” instead of – ahem – “trac-tor trail-er”.
W. Colin Judge
A Co / 89th MP Brigade
APO AE 09348
Not much different than the previous address. As you may know, companies make up battalions, which, in turn, make up brigades. In a combat division, brigades would then make up divisions, which make up corps, which make up Armies. Regiments in the Army are more of a historical reference. Many non combat arms brigades such as the 89th MP Brigade are independent of any division. Why our address is not A Co. / 112 MP BN / 89th MP Brigade - I don’t know.
More on My Platoon
Our platoon’s average age is 33; with myself pulling up the mean up ever so slightly. Compare that to a regular Army platoon of probably about 25. My squad leader has stressed that because we are Guard we bring a lot of diverse experience to bear. He’s mentioned twice that “Judge works in the corporate world,” but hasn’t suggested how that helps me or my platoon out here. It actually caused some problems or at least some less than balanced impressions: basically, people thinking I was a snob. I think things changed a lot the day of the fire fight on top of the overpass. The few guys with whom I didn’t get along became much more open. Maybe some expected me to be laying in the floor of the truck in the fetal position, I don’t know.
One of my roommates said out of the blue, “Judge, you’re a good guy. I think people sometimes have a bad impression of you.”
“What’s that?
“You know.”
“That I’m judgmental”
“Yeah, and a …”
“Condescending”
“What’s that mean?”
“I look down on people.”
“Yeah, that’s it…”
The way I act, including the way I speak, of course, has something to do with impressions. I’ve made some adjustments, obviously I still use the term “gluteal fissure” as opposed to “butt crack” (its use is required quite often) and “articulating lorry” instead of – ahem – “trac-tor trail-er”.
Sunday, June 27, 2004
Former Iraqi Military Installations
From what I’ve seen, most bombs fell on military targets and much of the looting which occured right after the demise of the former Iraqi army took place at government installations. And this, of course, is where we live: in and around bombed out buildings that have had many of their fixtures removed. Many installations are ornate with lakes and groves of trees. Directions on a compound could routinely include, “follow the esplanade around to the left and take a right at the palace…”
It’s a Beautiful Country, But
Unlike Kuwait, which is mostly desert, Iraq, except for the Western part, has many green places. It contains, after all, the Fertile Crescent. It still smells bad and the flies – the flies are such an irritant that they are included on a pamphlet Saddam’s uncle wrote on the three things that God should not have created. One Soldier, who had obviously been concerned with immigration back home, but now empathetic said, "I'll never bitch about people wanting to come [to America] again: 'Come on over.’ '"
From what I’ve seen, most bombs fell on military targets and much of the looting which occured right after the demise of the former Iraqi army took place at government installations. And this, of course, is where we live: in and around bombed out buildings that have had many of their fixtures removed. Many installations are ornate with lakes and groves of trees. Directions on a compound could routinely include, “follow the esplanade around to the left and take a right at the palace…”
It’s a Beautiful Country, But
Unlike Kuwait, which is mostly desert, Iraq, except for the Western part, has many green places. It contains, after all, the Fertile Crescent. It still smells bad and the flies – the flies are such an irritant that they are included on a pamphlet Saddam’s uncle wrote on the three things that God should not have created. One Soldier, who had obviously been concerned with immigration back home, but now empathetic said, "I'll never bitch about people wanting to come [to America] again: 'Come on over.’ '"
Saturday, June 26, 2004
I Take Leave in Late July
I’ve moved up to number ten on the list. Who said having people promoted past you is a bad thing? Actually, I told my platoon sergeant at last year’s annual training, that I did not have what it takes to lead others in combat and I wouldn’t be seeking promotion to SGT. The fact that the unit doesn’t have my college transcript or a record physical fitness test for me keeps me off of the promotion lists. That’s good because if I was in a position to publicly refuse a promotion, I’d create some hard feelings as I would lecture the platoon on what an NCO really was. The Army has gotten rid of SP5 – SP8 ranks – technical equivalents of sergeants. A rank that would fit me best, I think, would be that of warrant officer, but there are no warrant officer slots in combat arms, save Special Forces.
Though many want to wait until at least the halfway point to take leave, I wanted to take mine ASAP keeping in mind:
1. there may not be another chance - all leaves may be cancelled later
2. we may not be here a year - Iraq could kick us out starting July 1 or if Kerry wins the election (something I do NOT want to see happen), he could order us back.
3. I could talk to the boys about why I'm over their and we could make something together to remind them of me
4. I could be killed at any time
I’ve moved up to number ten on the list. Who said having people promoted past you is a bad thing? Actually, I told my platoon sergeant at last year’s annual training, that I did not have what it takes to lead others in combat and I wouldn’t be seeking promotion to SGT. The fact that the unit doesn’t have my college transcript or a record physical fitness test for me keeps me off of the promotion lists. That’s good because if I was in a position to publicly refuse a promotion, I’d create some hard feelings as I would lecture the platoon on what an NCO really was. The Army has gotten rid of SP5 – SP8 ranks – technical equivalents of sergeants. A rank that would fit me best, I think, would be that of warrant officer, but there are no warrant officer slots in combat arms, save Special Forces.
Though many want to wait until at least the halfway point to take leave, I wanted to take mine ASAP keeping in mind:
1. there may not be another chance - all leaves may be cancelled later
2. we may not be here a year - Iraq could kick us out starting July 1 or if Kerry wins the election (something I do NOT want to see happen), he could order us back.
3. I could talk to the boys about why I'm over their and we could make something together to remind them of me
4. I could be killed at any time
Soldier’s OccupationsI’ve think describing someone by their occupation is less than adequate, yet it is what they do more than anything else – besides sleeping. Here is a sampling from my original company:
active guard – 3 each
between jobs – 6 each
civil servant – 1 each
foundry worker – 1 each
handyman - 1 each
IT worker - 2 each
police officer – 3 each
prison guard - 3 each
project estimator - 1 each
security guard - 2 each
student – 8 each
truck driver – 2 each
mechanic – 4 each
video store owner - 1 each
UPS – 2 each
facilities manager of a minor league baseball club – 1 each
teacher – 1 each
active guard – 3 each
between jobs – 6 each
civil servant – 1 each
foundry worker – 1 each
handyman - 1 each
IT worker - 2 each
police officer – 3 each
prison guard - 3 each
project estimator - 1 each
security guard - 2 each
student – 8 each
truck driver – 2 each
mechanic – 4 each
video store owner - 1 each
UPS – 2 each
facilities manager of a minor league baseball club – 1 each
teacher – 1 each
Thursday, June 24, 2004
My LT Gave Me This Quote
I am only one, but I am one. I can't do everything, but I can do something. And what I can do, I ought to do. And what I ought to do, by the Grace of God, I shall do. --- Edward E. Hale
I am only one, but I am one. I can't do everything, but I can do something. And what I can do, I ought to do. And what I ought to do, by the Grace of God, I shall do. --- Edward E. Hale
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
My truck with Baath party HQ and the Crossed Swords in the background.
Today is the Summer Solstice
And though it will get hotter, it does mark a turning point. The forecast is pretty much the same, but the forecasters like to mix it up:
Very hot with plenty of sunshine.
Very hot with a full day of sunshine.
Very hot with a good deal of sun.
Sunny and very hot.
A thermometer read 128 degrees Fahrenheit the other day. Some guys were reveling in it like martyrs. Problem is the thermometer was in the sun. I’ve tried to tell them that reported temperatures are measured in the shade - and it will get up to 120 F in the shade. And when it’s 120 F in the shade, surface temperatures in the sun will approach 150 F.
The highest temperature on Earth (measured in the shade of course) was 136 F recorded in El Azizia, Libya on Sept. 13, 1922.
And though it will get hotter, it does mark a turning point. The forecast is pretty much the same, but the forecasters like to mix it up:
Very hot with plenty of sunshine.
Very hot with a full day of sunshine.
Very hot with a good deal of sun.
Sunny and very hot.
A thermometer read 128 degrees Fahrenheit the other day. Some guys were reveling in it like martyrs. Problem is the thermometer was in the sun. I’ve tried to tell them that reported temperatures are measured in the shade - and it will get up to 120 F in the shade. And when it’s 120 F in the shade, surface temperatures in the sun will approach 150 F.
The highest temperature on Earth (measured in the shade of course) was 136 F recorded in El Azizia, Libya on Sept. 13, 1922.
Opening luncheon meat has not gotten easier.
I have a New Address
W. Colin Judge
A Co. / 112th MP BN
APO AE 09348
W. Colin Judge
A Co. / 112th MP BN
APO AE 09348
Sunday, June 20, 2004
My Platoon's Medic is on Leave
So, I'm stepping in. I practiced an IV stick, which I haven't done in years; it went pretty well. The medic asked me if I needed morphine, vicadin, Z packs, etc, but I told him I'd pass on the doc stuff and stick to combat lifesaver type duties - I'm a little too rusty to be prescribing opiates and other drugs.
So, I'm stepping in. I practiced an IV stick, which I haven't done in years; it went pretty well. The medic asked me if I needed morphine, vicadin, Z packs, etc, but I told him I'd pass on the doc stuff and stick to combat lifesaver type duties - I'm a little too rusty to be prescribing opiates and other drugs.
Friday, June 18, 2004
The ceiling in a room of the former Iraqi Defense Ministry. The mural depicts Iraqi troops defeating US troops in battle during the Gulf War.
Thursday, June 17, 2004
For the Greater Good?
You may have read in the Times Leader what we are doing. On one mission, we were driving hard and some little kids in the back of a pick up truck looked at me and my machine gun and moved to hide behind some cargo. They looked at me as if I was going to hurt them. I tried to give them a quick wave, as I have to continually scan the area, but I did not comfort them.
You may have read in the Times Leader what we are doing. On one mission, we were driving hard and some little kids in the back of a pick up truck looked at me and my machine gun and moved to hide behind some cargo. They looked at me as if I was going to hurt them. I tried to give them a quick wave, as I have to continually scan the area, but I did not comfort them.
Monday, June 14, 2004
When I heard the explosion this morning, I knew it was big. It was far away and yet shook our windows.
Baath party headquarters.
Thursday, June 10, 2004
Taking it easy before a mission.
Guys after a mission. The shiny stuff is glint tape which helps to ensure we don't get shot by friendly aircraft.
Wednesday, June 09, 2004
Tuesday, June 08, 2004
A kid selling DVDs.
Another kid, this one with an attitude, selling DVDs.
Three Months Down
Nine more to go. Though it hasn't gone by quickly, it seem like we are still new here. Maybe it’s our transient state. This is our third home in as many months, so everything seems temporal. Being an attached unit, that moves around, we don’t get the best quarters. Many Soldiers are now sick. The vector is unknown: the local cuisine, the poor sanitation, the food that sits out waiting for us to come back from a mission; for some it’s the heat.
If you have sent me an email and I have not gotten back to you, please send it to me again.
Nine more to go. Though it hasn't gone by quickly, it seem like we are still new here. Maybe it’s our transient state. This is our third home in as many months, so everything seems temporal. Being an attached unit, that moves around, we don’t get the best quarters. Many Soldiers are now sick. The vector is unknown: the local cuisine, the poor sanitation, the food that sits out waiting for us to come back from a mission; for some it’s the heat.
If you have sent me an email and I have not gotten back to you, please send it to me again.
That's me. Look closely.
Sunday, June 06, 2004
A Story on Where we Are
Leave Has Started
I’m number 13 in our platoon on the priority list for leave which means I’ll probably go in August or September. In some units, I’m told, the lowest ranking gets to block out their leave on the calendar, and then they pass the calendar on to the next guy, etc. Here, they like to keep it simple, the lowest ranking guy goes on leave first and if he doesn’t want to go at the assigned time, his name is placed at the end of the list; and with all the people that need to go on leave, either one uses it when it comes or probably won't go at all.
Updates to Blog
I’m generally a purist. And I’ve wanted to leave entries untouched after making them, but some additional facts or corrections come to light and it is, I think, more important to have an accurate accounting, then a record of “what I knew and felt right then right there”. So, instead of adding new entries like “On March 25, 2004, I reported that the weapon used to kill the wounded Iraqi insurgent was a 25 mm cannon, when it was, in fact, a 30 mm cannon, I regret the error,” I’ll just go back and update it.
Leave Has Started
I’m number 13 in our platoon on the priority list for leave which means I’ll probably go in August or September. In some units, I’m told, the lowest ranking gets to block out their leave on the calendar, and then they pass the calendar on to the next guy, etc. Here, they like to keep it simple, the lowest ranking guy goes on leave first and if he doesn’t want to go at the assigned time, his name is placed at the end of the list; and with all the people that need to go on leave, either one uses it when it comes or probably won't go at all.
Updates to Blog
I’m generally a purist. And I’ve wanted to leave entries untouched after making them, but some additional facts or corrections come to light and it is, I think, more important to have an accurate accounting, then a record of “what I knew and felt right then right there”. So, instead of adding new entries like “On March 25, 2004, I reported that the weapon used to kill the wounded Iraqi insurgent was a 25 mm cannon, when it was, in fact, a 30 mm cannon, I regret the error,” I’ll just go back and update it.
