It’s Friday here in Baghdad, and as they say only 2 working days left until Monday. Believe it or not, the pace has kinda picked up here my second week vice the first. I guess since I’ve learned my way around a little and now that I’m somewhat up-to-speed, my responsibilities in the office are increasing. Anyway, the group (i.e. 3 at the time of my arrival), here like many at the Camp, is dedicated to the cause, so they were doing the work of about 6 when I got here. Now with my arrival it’s down to about 5.25 (ha ha). I mentioned the role Video Teleconferencing (VTC) plays here and I think the longer I am here, the more I appreciate the power of VTC with the right equipment and technicians. I just left a VTC where we had about 30 people in the conference room in the Al Faw Palace and there were no fewer than 15 other federal agencies and commands engaged back in the United States. With the time difference the earliest meetings with the US components start around 1730.
I gained a new understanding of field testing this week as well. Through necessity, tests are executed very rapidly, reported on even faster with a next generation of test typically running a day or two after the last. Results are rapidly communicated up to leadership. As we all have read in the newspaper, the threat over here is evolving and the personnel that are deployed “forward” are certainly ready for the call. I work with three dedicated individuals, one who has a PhD in Computer Science (US Army Major), an Electrical Engineer from NAVEODTECHDIV and the J8 of Task Force Troy is MAJ Stamm. All bring a unique aspect to the fight, but the goal of all is to try to rapidly apply emerging Science and Technology to the ever changing IED threat. The best tone and/or dynamic I see that plays a significant part in making advances are personalities and cooperation. Getting along, i.e. being a team player is THE hallmark of efficiency and effectiveness here. The leadership within the Task Force practices it and promotes synergy between support codes here within the Multi-National Force-Iraq. We all are supporting the forward US Army Battalions, US Marine Corp Expeditionary Force (s) and supporting EOD Mobile Units, i.e. getting better equipment forward, faster. In this submission, I have included a couple of pictures which should give all a feel for the landscape around the J8. J8 is a designator for Science and Technology component of the Task Force.
In the first picture, above, is a snapshot of me by the TF Troy (Alamo Complex) sign. The TF Headquarters is just down the road but the Alamo Complex is where the J8 trailer is located.
The next picture (above) is that of the trailer itself, in all its glory. It is as well equipped on the inside as it is on the outside. Honestly, it is adequate, the A/C keeps it cool, relatively, since it really hasn’t heated up here yet and there are six desks and a conference table. The size of the group varies, anywhere from 2 to 4 has been the maximum assigned to the J8. The reason for the variation is basically due to personnel assignment rotations and schedules. Below are a couple additional pictures of the Camp Victory Base area.
Mosque Tower
J8 Bunker
Before I sign-off I would be remiss if I didn’t devote time and narrative to the memory and honor one of those fallen hero’s of Operation Iraq Freedom. I intend to include a brief description of a soldier that paid the ultimate price for the freedom and power our country enjoys. These individuals remind us that these attributes of freedom and power do not come free but at a price and sacrifice by them and their loved ones.
Take care,
Rob
SPC Christopher J. West
Hometown: Arlington, TX
1st Squadron
73rd Cavalry Regiment
2nd Brigade Combat Team
82nd Airborne Division
Fort Bragg, NC
KIA: 4 February 2008
Christopher, or CJ, as he was known to his family, was only 4 years old when he first said that he wanted to be like his dad and join the Army. When he enlisted a few years ago he became the fourth generation of his family to serve in the Army. He received a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Texas A&M University, graduating with honors in 2004. After graduation, CJ still wasn’t sure about what he wanted to do with his life. He tried a variety of things and considered going to law school, but something kept pulling him toward the Army. His big sister, Lauren West said, “he felt like he had to do it”. His family remembers CJ as something of a history buff that loved his family and the country he served. One of his fellow soldiers said, that he, “brought an upbeat attitude to the platoon that spread to everyone he met.” His sister went on to say that CJ was smart and funny. She called him “the life of the party. He loved hard, he played hard, he fought hard. He loved his country. He was so proud to be an American.” “He died doing what he loved. It was the only thing in his life that he felt was challenging for him, and he loved it. He felt like he had found his life’s calling.”
