We made it back from our extended operations along the 1st BN, 6th BDE, 2nd Region Iraqi Border Patrol sector. We stayed out a few nights. We saw a bunch of border forts and some of the smaller annexes. These guys really try to do their best with very limited supplies and training. No night vision devices, small amounts of ammunition, few if any binoculars, and very poor communication. The Iraqi Border Patrol has been around since mid-2003. They are really still in their infancy. Most of their officers however are all prior service Iraqi Army. Atleast they do have some experience. All in all it was a good trip. We now have an idea, atleast in 1st BN's area, what the shortcomings are and have some ideas on how we will advise and mentor the Brigade to fix things. In the coming weeks we will hit the other three BN's in the Bridage's area of operations. We roll in MRAP's...they are pretty good. They have a high center of gravity, but they are designed to withstand IED's and mines. So what if you can't take turns sharply.... atleast if we get hit, we all will walk away with only our bells rung. We will take tomorrow off and relax for Thanksgiving. The DFAC here is putting on a big spread...as per the norm at the holidays. Take a moment this year and give thanks for all that you have....I know I will.
All is well here in Ninawa Province for the team. We are trying to get all the equipment and such organized from the old team. You know the drill, sorting through connexes, getting the vehicles up according to our load plans, fixing the communications gear, and getting our HQ's bunker squared away. Last night we had rain...first time since we got here. Heavy downpours, lightning, thunder, and the whole works. This place is now a huge mud puddle. Too much fun!!! Anyway, we are going to start our assessments of the border forts in the upcoming weeks. That should be a good time. Our region covers 375km of border between Syria and Iraq. There are border forts and annexes on each side...we will only be stopping at the Iraqi ones though..lol!!!I've been taking picures and once we get our team internet installed I'll upload them. The Department of Defense put out an order the other day that no external hardrives or other devices will be inserted into government computers. So I'll get them uploaded when I can. Take it easy all and Go Stillers!!!
10:12 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment -
Well after hitting all of the "hot tour spots" here in Iraq, we are finally at FOB Sykes in northwest Iraq. The last leg of the trip was fun...two hours via Chinook with the "replacement crew." We were bouncing all over the place. Good times!!! We hit Kirkuk, Key West, and Mosul before arriving here. Anyway, we have linked up with the team we are replacing and are getting to know the area and such. This place is pretty nice...relatively speaking and compared to all of the other great places I've stayed over here. I wish all of you the best, stay safe, and Go Stillers!!!
Just wanted to let everyone know that we are still alive and well. We are currently in Camp Taji, north of Baghdad. We are on the Iraqi side which is so exciting...not!!! We are living in some old British 1920 style barracks. We are attending the Phoenix Academy. It is mandatory counter-insurgency training prior to our movement out to our areas of responsibility. It was a nice trip up here. We went from Camp Buehring to Ali Al Salim Air Base to BIAP (Baghdad International Airport) to Camp Striker to here. Our trip up north should have just as many stops. Life aint too bad here. The MWR facility they have is nice. I get to chat online or call Kellee almost everyday and they keep the Stars 'n Stripes paper pretty current. Hell, I even got to watch some of the Steeler-Redskin game!!! Go Stillers!!! Hope everyone is doing well and remember...those stupid, annoying campaign commercials, emails, bulletins, etc are almost over!!!