Random Thoughts

I had the chance to travel to a very safe, secure area of Iraq the last few days. The city of Dahok (pronounced Da hoke) is located north of Mosul by about 60 miles in the northern part of Iraq. All of northern Iraq is recognized as an autonomous region called Kurdistan, with their own military, the Peshmerga - well trained, and well equipped, and the reason for the secure environment. The Kurdish people are the second largest ethnic population with no country to call their own, next to the Romany (Gypsies) in southern Europe. Kurdistan encompases southern Turkey, NW Iran, and NE Syria, as well as Northern Iraq. It was very cool to see Kurdistan first hand - and very hard to believe that we were still in Iraq. It seemed like a very normal Turkish/Eastern European city. To compare it to the US - think El Paso as far as terrain and climate, but more mountains. We had some time to relax, eat good food, have some fun, and buy some needed supplies that we can't just order thru our supply system. We stayed one night in a motel near the marketplace in the city center of Dahok. We walked around town in our uniform, but without helmets, body armor, or rifles. We only took our pistols with us, which is much more comfortable.

Right after we settled into the hotel, we went to get our shopping done. The market was crazy with all the people, shops, and food. They sold everything within a square city block. I purchased a satellite dish, receiver, 20" flatscreen TV, and accessories for only $260. It was a pretty good deal, I think. I bought some great stuff for Dama, that I can't mention because it has to be a surprise. For the girls, I think I want to get them some traditional Kurdish dresses. They will be hand-made in Dahok, so that will be special for them to have those as keepsakes. We arranged to have a supplies delivered the next morning. Last night, we got together and went out to a five star restaurant. We ate on the lawn in front of a massive restaurant called the Malta Restaurant. I had the Syrian Kabob, served with salad, bread, and an incredible baklava-like desert. I wanted to get hummus somewhere, but never managed that one. I tried at breakfast the next morning. I wanted to make Dama jealous! But the baklava comment probably did it.



So, Dahok is a very modern, safe city. There are mosques and churched on the same street. There is a large Chaldean Catholic population there. I've heard there are Orthodox Christians as well, but never saw an Orthodox Church. There is a kinds of new construction on the west side of town. I think they are getting most of their money from the Americans coming to Dahok for supplies. There was even a large store that reminded me alot of Target, called Mazi Mart. Right behind Mazi Mart is an amusement park called Dream City. We went last night after dinner and played on the bumper cars, we went to the bowling alley, and we watched the Dahokans on the Disco Wheel (like the tilt a whirl, I guess). We got back about midnight and got up this morning and had breakfast at a cafe down the street form the hotel. We took care of some more shopping, then met up at Mazi Mart to receive our supply deliveries. I had a Shawrma Chicken Sandwich for lunch (like a chicken gyro) at the cafe right there in Mazi Mart. Then we took off for our base, in the searing heat of the Iraqi desert. Our vehicles were close to overheating, but we made it just fine. Next time we go, we have decided that 2.5 days will make the trip more relaxing.

I thoroughly enjoyed the slideshow that Dama, my mom and the girls made. It was awesome, and I watch it every day, and will continue to watch it every day, cuz I love it! They look so happy and healthy. I have asked for the pictures, so I can see all of them in better quality. Things are plugging along here, nothing too crazy to report. We had a big cook out for our Iraqi counterparts and all the Americans on the compound for Memorial Day. It was great fun watching Iraqis try to eat crab legs and steak. They were most excited about our pre-packaged junk food, like pop-tarts, Otis Spunkmeyer muffins, etc. They piled up with some of that stuff on a to-go plate. It was a good time, but it took alot of preparation. Apparently we will do it again for the 4th of July. Oh yeah. I wonder if we can find some fireworks? It might not be a good idea with all the ammunition and weapons around here. We'll see. OK, so I know I need to update more often. I'm getting my schedule set and we'll see if it sticks. There are always missions coming up that throw things off, so flexibility is the watchword around here. My counterpart has been on leave for the last 5 days, so I haven't done alot of advising, but hopefully, Insha'Allah, when he returns, I will get back into it.

My anniversary is coming up, too. I need to think of something creative to do for Dama...something that will work long distance. ??

Over the years, the United States has sent many of its fine young men and women into great peril to fight for freedom beyond our borders. The only amount of land we have ever
asked for in return is enough to bury those that did not return.

- Colin Powell

Well, I really miss my girls today. I guess days off aren't that good for homesickness. I watched the video they made me for Valentine's Day before I left and I cried, alot. That is the first time I've cried during this deployment. It all just hit me today. I am missing so much, and my girls are growing and learning so fast. I won't be able to make up for this lost time. I just hope they know that Daddy is serving our country in a very important role right now. My middle daughter asked me today why, if I knew that I would be deployed, did I join the Army. That was a hard question to answer because the answer is - I want to be part of something bigger than me. That is difficult for her to understand, I'm sure - hard for all of them to understand (even me at times). I have a ways to go before I go home on mid-tour leave...it seems like forever. Although, the first month and a half have gone by quickly. And it will only get busier as time goes by.

So, we get Fridays off. I think I may have explained this before, but here goes again. Friday is the Muslims' day of worship, so Thursday night is kinda like our Friday night. They work 6 days a week. We had a feast last night at my Iraqi counterpart's compound on the base. It was quite the event. There were at least 30 Iraqi officers there, and me and another US officer. We took along 2 interpreters who knew the Iraqi officers well. We feasted on sheep, rice, and flatbread mainly. There were the usual veggie and soup sides. They also have a vinegar sauce that tastes really good. It's almost like a sweet teriyaki sauce. Earlier, before the meal, we waited for about an hour and a half for the meal to be ready. We sat and talked with the Iraqis and watched them play with their cell phones. You have to realize that Iraqis were not allowed to have cell phones before we got here in 2003. Saddam was paranoid that this technology would have led to his assassination (rightfully so). So they love to trade phone numbers, read emails, send texts, etc. It's like they are teenagers with these things. I wish I had my camera last night - I could have snapped a photo of 4 of them lined up lounging on the couch, all flipping thru phone numbers on their cell phones. Anyway, after the meal, we drank chai. I think I had at least 4 cups - they are small though.

So this is part of my job as an advisor - hang out with them, get to know them, understand them, befriend them, teach them, coach them, mentor them. Make them better officers and leaders. Make a better Army, one that will eventually focus on external threats, like Iran, Syria, Saudi Arabia and get out of the police business. As I've said before, these insurgents are simply criminals. I personally think we are wasting alot of precious resources chasing individuals in and out of villages, when we should be focusing on providing basic services to the people of Iraq. And right now, the Iraqi Army and Police forces are the key to success. Let the US focus on the big Al Qaeda fish. So, in my neck of the woods, I'm trying to ensure we focus on the important stuff, not some guy trying to make a buck smuggling weapons across the Syrian border. Who friggin cares! Stimulate the economy and the guys who smuggles weapons says, "Screw this, I'm gonna work at the burger joint and not risk my life crossing the border." Hello?

Ok, well, those are my thoughts tonight, as I sit here in my room after a good day of rest and relaxation. I'm all about fixing things, but this might be the most challenging fix-it project I've faced. I just hope that I make a difference, so when my girls ask why I'm gone, I can say I actually improved things here. And hopefully prevent others from having to come here.

I miss my girls...

So, I know it's been a while since I updated. Shame on me. There has been plenty happening to write about, but I've been trying to keep my head above water - getting my hands around what the hell I'm supposed to be doing. I finally got a breather this evening to relax for the first time in about 2 weeks. I just took the night off. Watched Bourne Identity, no I haven't seen any of the series, so I have to watch the next two also. It was good. Also received 3 care packages and an envelope from my nephew's class full of card for me. Very cool! I received care packages from my brother, mom, and a cousin. I like getting care packages because you never know exactly what's in them. It's like Christmas. I now have a whole slew of KU apparel, a KU magnet, and a Kansas flag. We also get anonymous care packages sent to our chaplain and others that just have a bunch of random stuff in it. So we set those out for everyone to take what they want/need. Some of the bathroom items are hot sellers, like flushable wipes, toothpaste, deodorant, etc. Because, as I stated before, I think, we are on an Iraqi base, not an American base, so we don't get to go shopping when we need stuff - we just make due - unlike the rest of the the friggin military. So, getting to the point of this entry, from one of those packages comes a pack of Starbucks coffee that my roommate snatched up. It has a nice note written on it from Rocky and Vanessa (not sure who they are, but I like 'em!).



So, we will try to oblige. Any time we can kick terrorist ass, is a good time. Thanks for your support!

We had a "fun run" today with the Iraqis. I ran in it with no hope of winning, but more for moral support for our other guys running. There were about 100 of us, Americans and Iraqis running together. The race was about 1.3 miles, so not far. Two Americans finished in the top ten, 7th and 8th place. I was in the 60s somewhere, I think. The base we are on is large enough to run long distances. It is open and the scenery isn't bad since we can see mountains and grass plains from here. I enjoyed the run, even though I am coughing up a storm now. I think events like that build esprit de corps between the Iraqis and us.

I also got my first haircut since arriving here. It was hard to communicate what I wanted at first, but I think he got it. It turned out good, except he dry shaved me on my neck and then put aftershave on. That will make your toes curl.

Funny story about the truck I am currently driving (because mine is in the shop) - It stalls out if it idles too long, it only has one headlight that works, it has no doors (it's a Russian jeep), and to turn it off, you have to pull a string that runs from the rear view mirror underneath the steering column. Not sure what it does to the engine, but it makes the engine stop. It works more like a lawn mower than a vehicle.

I just witnessed a truly inspiring event. A few of the outgoing team members met with their Iraqi counterparts today and bestowed them with gifts. They, in turn, received gifts. It is traditional, everywhere, but especially here, to give gifts before departing on long journeys or leaving your home for extended periods of time. So this is done between the American and Iraqi soldiers. The inspiring part is that over the last year, these professional soldiers have grown close to each other. The Americans respect the Iraqis as people. The military is so humanized now, so unlike the military from the past. These Americans have given the past year of their lives to make small, painstaking improvements for a foreign military. I respect the team that is leaving immensely. They are a dedicated group of men who overcame an incredible amount of diversity to achieve what they have achieved with this Iraqi Army unit. I just hope that I can continue the work that they have started.

The first gifts were given to the Iraqis from the Americans. Certificates, pictures, and some very cool steel tomahawks. The next round of gifts were given to the Americans. The officer received a wood-carved elephant that probably cost at least $100. The Iraqi officer stated "When you look at this, you will remember our time together. And kiss your son on the eye, it will be as it was from me." The second gift was for the NCO who worked very hard taking care of the soldiers in the Iraqi company. It was a handcarved, painted wood picture of a garden. The commanding officer liked to garden, so this had significance. It also showed that, as the commanding officer took care of his garden, the NCO took care of the soldiers. It is not just about business here...it is about friendship, trust, and a common goal.

So here we go. I am permanently settled for my next year of fun. Actually, I am glad to be here and ready to get going. We are transitioning with other team here, learning from them, trying to understand their battle-rhythm. So fruit...we received a logistics package (LOGPAC) today with mail, fresh fruit, some steaks, meat, etc. The fruit tasted incredible, actually, especially the grapes. We don't normally get fresh fruit with our normal meals. They can't keep it fresh for long. We even got avocados and crab legs! Crazy.

I worked on my vehicle I use on the base for some of the morning and a little just before dinner. I couldn't get it started, so I had the mechanic check it out. These things are Russian-built pieces of crap, UAZ jeeps. They barely run and are totally unsafe. So I drive mine very carefully and slowly. No power steering, so that's fun. Anyway, it will be taken tomorrow to the shop to get fixed. I hope it doesn't take long, so I don't have to bum rides.

I also met with one of my Iraqi counterparts today. I have two, the main guy and the deputy. They are both good guys who are working hard to get the Iraqi Army straight. I actually admire them. They are patriots. Anyway, we had lunch today after about an hour of talking "business." The Iraqis (and Arabs) in general chat about light subjects before getting into any real business. Unlike Americans, who are so wrapped around the axle on timeliness. In Iraq, it is all about Insha'Allah - if God wills or God willing. A meeting that is supposed to start at 10 o'clock usually gets going around 10:30. Time is a very different concept here. Back on subject - We talked about 10% business and 90% getting to know each other. We talked religion, politics, food, ethnicity, geography, you name it. And by the way, they tell you not to talk religion or politics because they are inflammatory subjects - that's a bunch of crap. Those people have obviously never sat down in a room with Iraqis and talked even one word. These people live and breath religion and politics...of course you talk about it. OK, off the soap box. So we went into the dining room and had a great meal - chicken and rice, cucumbers, radish, onions, bean/tomato soup, and flat bread. The bread is great. I went back for seconds after the meal. Yummy! We also were served a milky/yogurty/tart drink that makes your stomach turn inside out. I remembered it from the last time I was here...it hasn't changed at all. Two sips was all I could stand. Of course, at the end of the meal we had chai (hot tea). We also had chai yesterday, and it was the best chai I have had thus far in my Middle East tour. It had a great blend of spices and leaves. Of course the bottom of the small (almost shot-glass sized) glass was laden with sugar. I could go for a little less sugar, actually, so I can taste the tea.

After lunch, I went to work on my computer for a while, updating files, sending emails, the usual. While I was there, I acquired a wooden desk. Now don't get excited, this desk is made of 2x4 and plywood, but it is gold here. It's sturdy and better than the plastic picnic table I have now. So I'll be doing some HGTV fix that room stuff. When I got back to our barracks, the outgoing team was cooking crab legs, ribs, steak, and all the sides. So I dug into that and had some ribs. Very good. We don't get that here because we don't have a functioning kitchen. We get pre-packaged meals that are heated up. Not too gourmet. So that is why the fruit and stuff is so great. Well, enough on this update. I'll try to cram more in later. Stay focused out there...we've got this one.

So they have both kinds of bathroom accessories here - eastern and western. Western is what you all are used to. Eastern style commodes/toilets (or latrines as we say in the military) are simply oblong-shaped holes in the floor with the tank mounted on the wall. You have to squat to do no. 2 business, or if you are a female. They are common from North Africa to Asia. You flush it the same, but you can't put toilet paper in them (at least the ones here). You have to discard the paper in a trash can. That is not the preferred method here, though. They usually have what looks like a kitchen sink sprayer mounted on the wall as well to act as a user-operated bede. And without any of those conveniences, it is said that they use their left hand to "clean up," then wash it off afterward. It is very strange for us yanks. Anyway, check out the pic.

I am writing this as a separate entry because I think it is way too important to be buried anywhere else. Several generals have briefed us on the situation here, and one of them said he heard one of the most insightful comments from a British officer. This anonymous British officer said,

"The world is watching how the U.S. leaves Iraq."

He is exactly right. The world will not remember our inability to stabilize the country immediately after major combat operations. The world will remember if we cut and run...the world will remember if we are weak and let the violence scare us into our protected operating bases...the world will remember if we do not help the Iraqis. But wouldn't it be great if the world remembered that the U.S. stuck it out and helped when no one else would. And I know this is just one country of many that needs help. We can't help them all, and we are here, so let's help here, now.

It is our responsibility and our duty to get this right - not just for Iraq, but for the region. And do you know who wants us to succeed the most - the Iraqis. They want a stable country...and it is getting close. We are sooo close right now. Sure, things can flare up like in Basra, but overall, the violence is down and going down. This year will see some dramatic changes in the Iraqi Army's ability to operate on its own. It has already started with the operation in Basra. Sure, there are issues, but it took the U.S. more than a few years to ourselves straight after the Revolutionary War.

How do you want the U.S. to leave Iraq?

So we are now on our 6th and final day of classes, or "death by powerpoint," as they say in the military. We have seen hundreds of slides, and most of the slides, we have seen before at our training at Fort Riley. Aside from being redundant, the training for most MiTTs is relatively easy. They (the various cadres) try to teach us a basic level of skills for a wide variety of things, but they seem to forget we are all senior NCOs and officers who have done this stuff before. We are generally a quick read.

Thank goodness we get to leave soon. After we are established at our permanent base, we get to be the trainers. And I guarantee we won't be using alot of PowerPoint. It will be hands on, showing the Iraqis how to do it right. Running them thru drills and practical exercises. It's hard to believe we are building an Army from the ground up - one that we have defeated, twice on the battlefield. The world is a crazy place. But what better testament to the strength and values of America.

Well, we are essentially military advisors to the Iraqi Army. We are at all levels of their command structure, and we consist of small teams - 10 to 15 soldier teams. There are also teams assigned to the border units (BTTs), national police (NPTTs), and governmental teams. Advisors have been used in some capacity since the US began expeditionary operations a century ago. For Iraq, specifically, we are trying to empower and enable the army and police to conduct their own operations so our troops can come home. This is probably the single most important mission for our military right now. There are also advisors in Afghanistan and throughout the world in other regions as well. This is traditionally a special operations force mission, to train foreign militaries, but the current conflicts are a little too big for them to handle.

Each team member has a basic skill set in a variety of specialties outside of their own specialty (or job). For instance, our medic is also trained on all the communications systems. Our intel NCO (non-commissioned officer or sergeant) is trained in crew-served weapons and foreign weapons. We all have this baseline of training. We received most of this at Fort Riley, but we received more of it in Kuwait and at the Phoenix Academy in Taji, Iraq. We can all speak a basic level of Arabic and we are comfortable in any position within a vehicle - driver, gunner, vehicle commander, etc.

Each of us have about three jobs to do while assigned to the MiTT. We have our primary advisor role. Each of us has an Iraqi counterpart in the unit we are assigned, and they are usually a higher rank. So, a CPT (captain) would be advising a MAJ (major) or a LTC (lieutenant colonel). It can be intimidating, but our level of proficiency is usually far above our counterparts'. Our next job is to function as a staff officer or NCO within the team. By this, I mean the operations and maneuver advisor is also the operations officer for our team, planning any team missions as well. Someone on the team acts as the personnel officer, the intel officer, the logistics officer, etc. The remaining roles are called additional duties. One person could take on as many as 3 or 4 of these, depending on his staff position. Someone handles the money, someone else handles the classified material, others will be assigned specific jobs within the compound, like mayor, to handle life support issues. Below is a list of typical jobs within a team:

Team Leader, Maneuver Advisor, Intel Advisor and NCO, Fires and Effects Advisor and NCO, Logistics Advisor and NCO, Medic, Team NCOIC (NCO-in-charge), Signal Advisor and NCO, and other advisors as needed depending on the unit - like engineer advisor, detainee operations advisor, and others.

Our major focus, again, is to get the Iraqi Army unit to conduct ops on their own. We will assist in the planning process, but rarely in the execution. We simply don't have the numbers to help much, even though they think we do. Alot of this job is about building rapport and relationships with our counterparts, gaining their trust and confidence. We already wield a good amount of power simply by being in uniform, but you have to go the extra mile to gain their personal trust. All MiTTs fall under a combat brigade in theater, so that is where we receive our guidance, but most MiTTs have a good amount of autonomy to advise the way they see fit. It's a great mission...if we do it right, the combat troops come home soon. Advisors, however, will be here for a long time.

This is the MILBLOG (Military Web Log) of an officer assigned to a MiTT (Military Transition Team) stationed in Iraq. Our 15-man team has just begun its journey, completing 2 months of training at Fort Riley, Kansas, and one week of training in Kuwait. Most of the posts contained in this log will be generic, focusing on the anecdotes and happenings during and around our missions. Code names will be used to reference the Soldiers on the team, and locations will be generic, or completely up to your imagination. There will be no mission-related discussions. So, if you are some foreign intel service, al Qaeda, or just some idiot on here trying to get info - you're out of luck. But feel free to read how successful our overall mission here is. You can't stop the U.S. and its allies from accomplishing what we set out to do. Sorry. When you are as good as us, it's not hard to succeed. The only thing that may keep us from our goal is our own people, not you. And if that's the case, then it is the American will that we fail. But as a Soldier, I answer to my government and the President...it's their job to answer to the people. That said, this MILBLOG will hopefully educate and inform. If you are interested, pass the word to others. The more we understand the current geopolitical state, the better. This corner of the world is as important as the UK or China is to the US. So stay tuned for updates as we settle in. Take care all.