I boarded and departed on the flight from Dulles Airport to Kuwait on 22 Feb at 21:40. Flying time was around 11 hours so I had plenty of time to read my basic Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) reference materials, which were critical since my knowledge level of the subject matter was sparse at best.
Once in Kuwait, it was obvious that I had been transported to a very distinctive culture and very different geographical site. Once off the plane, obvious differences were the abundance of: Arabic language, flowing clothing, sandals, warm breezes, very helpful people (who really expect money for their help) but most of all I noticed the abundance of magnetometers, jersey barriers and concrete walls. They were everywhere but definitely around most buildings of significant size with U.S. connections or names.
The next day, I caught a plane from Kuwait International Airport to Baghdad. Getting to the gate was interesting. I had purchased a ticket on a “Air America” style airline. No ticket agents, no marked gates nor tagged bags with the airline’s name on them. I found an airport employee and asked him where the airline’s ticketing agent is and he walked behind the counter and checked me in. Unbelievable. I went to the gate and no notice of pending departure. Twenty minutes after we were to board, a man hollers out, “all those going to Baghdad, time to board.” We all go through a third magnetometer and get on the plane.
Anyway, the flight ended in a very dramatic fashion. They turned all the lights (i.e. interior and exterior) out on the plane 30 minutes outside of Baghdad. We got over the military base and the plane spiraled in, descending while over the base. Once on the ground we had a long taxi to the drop-off point.
After getting off the plane, there were about 10 Blackhawk helos getting ready to takeoff for night missions. About 10 soldiers per helo, fully outfitted with night vision, full body armor, backpacks and weapons. Those guys are unbelievably brave. Not sure where they were going but I’m sure it wasn’t going to be a pleasure ride on a helo.
David Thompson from NAVEODTECHDIV was at the airport to pick me up. I had about a quarter-mile walk with my gear, which David helped greatly, to transfer to a pick up. I would have been fine but the last eighth of a mile was through six inches of gravel. The gravel was important because of the rain. When it rains here, if there is no gravel, then the dirt turns to a peanut butter consistency compound. It is more sticky and just as dense as PB.
David, who was been an unbelievable advisor and help, gave me a ride to my hooch, i.e. where I will sleep for the next four months. It is way above the accommodations of most (the other support types and soldiers) here, mainly a trailer, without water, that has been compartmentalized into three sections. My section measures about 12 feet by 12. It has a window but I can’t open the blinds because of light escaping at night. I’m not there during the day. The sheets, blanket and sleeping bag are perfect. I sleep on a single bed and the mattress is fine. The electricity has been a problem. I can not power anything to date because the voltage is too high for our widgets, i.e. iPod, Blackberry, computer, etc. I still have to go get a transformer from the PX to charge these types.
The days are long, work hours are 9 a.m. to 12 midnight (seven days a week). We do eat a galley lunch and dinner and have worked out at the gym the last two days. The soldiers, especially including my office mates, the J8 of Task Force Troy, are unbelievable. Friendly and funny. I’m very fortunate to work with these great people. And ironically enough, it feels good supporting the men/women who go in harm’s way–just like the ones I saw when I arrived on Sunday.
The damage caused by the U.S. bombing at the beginning of the war in 2003 is remarkable. Some buildings of strategic importance show significant damage while others close by were untouched. The streets are in pretty bad shape but passable. The food is really great. Lots of variety and quality is excellent. So no complaints there.
I think the coalition aspect of this effort is incredible. The Americans, Aussies and Brits are leading the way and truly act as a cohesive team. They are providing a great leadership foundation for the other countries that are participating, I’ve even seen representatives from El Salvador.
I believe the biggest relaxation of this experience for me is the bravery and fortitude of the soldiers. Women and men, many in their early 20s, that day in, day out, cross the wire (the name for the perimeter fence boundary of the Camp) to keep roads cleared and areas safe for all to travel, whether we are considering local Iraq traffic or coalition forces. The Blackhawks are constantly flying overhead, we (i.e. at the staff level back at Camp) are listening for the sounds of the “incoming” siren, that indicates imminent rocket or RPG fire from the insurgents and the large vehicles (MRAPs or other types of armored personnel carriers) are constantly passing the office.
One can easily see how the employment of unmanned systems is and will continue to save lives and limbs. The acquisition and technology development communities need to remain diligent in moving capabilities and suitability forward so we can extend the reach of the operator while conducting their mission. Maximizing the margin of safety to our armed forces personnel is a very high priority.
That’s about it for now. I’ll be in touch since my e-mail is up now.
Take care,
Rob
