Current Situation

Two and a half months since the last update and nary an excuse to show for it. We had a reasonable (if exceptionally crowded) flight from NY to Kuwait via Shannon, Ireland (have to make it back there sometime). Describing Ft. Drum in my opening post as the frozen wasteland at the base of Dante’s Hell was certainly an apt comparison and still stands, but Kuwait in all it’s barren glory certainly matches the typical western archetype of the infernal regions. Blazing sun morning to night, no shade anywhere outside of a building, and aside from a few small grasses I saw at the firing range, not a plant to be seen around the post.

We didn’t do too much there other than get acclimatized. Unfortunately, acclimatization seemed to include going to the firing ranges an awful lot. Wearing all that gear (shown earlier) and trudging through ankle deep sand at 120+ doesn’t do the body good – that’s all I’m going to say.

Soon enough however, we were crammed sardine style on another flight to Baghdad (possible photos to follow). The arrival was not too bad however, and it was a relief to find that Iraq has an actual climate – even the occasional cloudy day. I hear tell that they actually get a couple of rain showers in December. I’ll keep you posted on this development.

We took over from the previous unit without any real issues, sending an LA guard unit back to the remains of Katrina. My hopes and prayers go with those guys – out of the frying pan and into the fire.

Two months of routine is working pretty well right now. 12 hours a day, 1900-0700 – the night shift. You start developing habits, good and bad. After most of a month slacking, trying to get adjusted, I have my off-shift schedule down pretty well, including workouts after I finish my shift on most days. That and a movie or hour ½ of xbox normally ties up most of my non-sleeping time. Only a couple of actual days off since I arrived and none since Sept, but at least I’ve been given a few extra hours here and there. My MSG keeps me squared away.

Not too much reading done lately, but as my schedule has developed, I think I’ll be able to work in considerably more in the near future. Nothing big since I finished Quicksilver by Neal “Cryptonomicon” Stephenson in Kuwait. I’m really looking forward to digging out my Charles Williams novels pretty soon and starting them again.

The distraction keeping me from real reading right now is largely from studying for the board. On the first I go up for promotion to SGT. Looking forward to it, although it’s my first one. I was supposed to have gone before the board this summer for “soldier of the month” but never had the chance so it’s still a new experience, although I have gotten a little practice from some folks thankfully. Kinda weird how it’s not just what you know – appearance and bearing counts for as much or even more in some circumstances. Professionalism sure doesn’t hurt in any business.

Updates to follow.