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ORDERS TO IRAQ

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by fluxit

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Guys and Gals, I am taking orders to Iraq for 6 months to a year. I'll be providing combat repair and recovery of Marine Corps Aircraft. I'll be leaving early in 2005.

It is exciting as I can hear the Raiders March from Indiana Jones. I wonder what kind of adventures await me?

24 replies

by jardinier

and hopefully we will finally get some accurate, unbiased on-the-scene accounts of what the situation there really is.

I've never had the privilege of being a War Correspondent, and now I'm too old.

So it's over to you, MrMiami, to give us reports from the war front -- in between repairing aircraft computers of course.

by house

Good luck... break a leg! Joke.

I certainly hope that you keep in touch on your downtime.

by bfilmfan

Keep your head down man, stay safe, come home with interesting stories and gifts from strange lands for friends and family.

Absolutely the best wishes on your safe return, from an old Amry grunt.

by bfilmfan

Keep your head down man, stay safe, come home with interesting stories and gifts from strange lands for friends and family.

Absolutely the best wishes on your safe return, from an old Amry grunt.

by trockii

I was in Qatar from Nov 03- March 04. We lived in a tent city. 12-14 people per tent. We had sheets for walls, so there wasn't any privacy. We took 3 min showers, due to the lack of water in the desert. Sand gets in EVERYTHING. During the winter it got down to 50s. The day I arrived(nov 7) was 95. People think it doesn't rain there but I saw a storm. It only lasted about an hour, but flooded alot. Prepare to walk/march alot. Vehicles are limited and only brass get them. Food is bland because it has to be cooked with bottled water. Get used to wearing about 30-70 lbs of equipment (flak helmet and vest) everyday depending on your job. That's just what I had to endure in the AIR FORCE. Army and Marines have it much worse. I'm not trying to scare you just being real. Good luck and return home safely. And watch out for those camel spiders. lol

by tomsal

A friend of mine will be returning to Iraq come the new year as well -- he works with the US Navy Seals and his assignment is for 9 months.

Congratulations on new experiences and the adventure that you seek, but please...stay safe man.

God Bless.

And yes your fellow TR junkies will be expecting a full account of your "adventures" when you are able to report. :)

by fluxit

I am excited about this. This opportunity opens up advancement to higher ranks for me. There is still alot to be completed; got to get a ton of shots, qual'd on weapons, force protection training, etc...

I have stepped up my physical training regiment. I am now running in combat boots and carrying a 11 lb pipe to simulate a rifle. I have been doing 80 push ups and 100 situps everyday. It may be a good idea to begin running with a weight vest. I am also brushing up on my technical specialty.

This is not my first time in the region. During Version 1, I was embarked on a aircraft carrier where flight deck temperatures hit 130 degrees during the day.

I am going to be the best prepared I can.

by fluxit

a Naval reservist serving with Naval Air Systems Program in a aerospace engineering duty capacity. I have nearly 18 years of service of which 10 were on active duty. Several years ago I gained training on the combat assessment team which lends very well to this opportunity.

I have trained with the Marines in the past and had a Marine Corps Gunney as my boot camp drill instructor. Currently, several marines are squaring me away before leaving.

Some Background:

The Program http://www.navair.navy.mil/

My Unit http://www.nadjx.navy.mil/

I work as a defense contractor with this command:
http://www.southcom.mil/home/

But will be under this command while deployed: http://www.centcom.mil/

None of these is my deployed unit which is based out of Europe.

by mrafrohead

I just wanted to know, because I wanted to make sure that what I was about to say was appropriate before doing it...

So, now that I know.

Thank you!!! From myself and my family.

I don't qualify for the military so I have been unable to help out. For you and the others in the military, thank you for keeping me and my family safe. I can't do it myself, so it's nice to know that there are others out there that are so selfless to put themselves on the line to keep the rest of us safe. Not to mention sacrificing extremely valuable time with your own family.

I just want you to know that it is VERY much appreciated!!!

Thanks again,

Rob

by fluxit

If possible I may put up a web blog about the adventures. Although unclassified machines will be difficult to come by to make updates.

by trockii

There are many things you can do from where you are right now to support the military. Sit down and write a letter. There's nothing that cheers up a soldier/airman/grunt/seaman than a letter from home. I was in the desert for 128 days and when I got a letter I was excited for 3 days after. It takes you out of the war mentality and helps you remember why you are there. Prayer is always good too. If you want some addresses to send mail/packages to I can get them for you. I still have friends over there.

by fluxit

Thank you for your accolades. However, it is not about me or the things I do. It is about the principles of Democracy, our forefathers, and freedom. We in the United States feel so strongly about the right to exist in freedom and to have a say in government that we want everyone to have what we have.

by mrafrohead

It actually is about the things that you are doing, as you are actually doing something. Where most people sit at home all nice, warm and comfy while you and those like you are out doing the dirty work...

Sooooo....

:)

Thanks again,

Mrafrohead

by trockii

I would rather go back there right now than having to deal with this -11 degree weather. I was soaking up the 70 degree weather in tank tops and sandals. :)

by jessie

I know you've said you're withdrawing from the site for a while, but I just had to get my two cents in. :)

Thank you, from the depths of my red, white, and blue heart, for all you and your compatriots are doing to bring a better governing body to a torn country. Truly, you have my gratitude and my prayers for your safe return.

by jamesrl

As many of you know, I wasn't a big fan of the invasion itself. But that question is far behind us now. The only way forward is to find the way to bring a lasting democracy to Iraq. I have no doubts this will not be an easy task, but at the same time I wish you and all the others there all success. I hope nothing happens to you, or frankly any US military, US civilians, or Iraqi non-combattents.

Have fun. My uncle was an airframe mechanic, primarily on Hercs, in the Canadian Armed Forces.

James

by salamander

The Irish have the best travelers' blessings:

"May you have warm words on a cold evening,
A full moon on a dark night,
And the road downhill all the way to your door."

Thank you for what you are doing, and good luck!

by mrafrohead

Was in Iraq/Afghanistan, just got out a few months ago. He was from Detroit too.. How long ago did you go to boot camp? Maybe you went with him at the same time? He enlisted a few days after the towers fell...

Mrafrohead

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