Blog Posts

MANY articles on a wide array of topics. You’ll find a lot of my newer content is going to my YouTube channel first, but I do still blog occasionally.

First Offbase Contact with Iraqis

First Offbase Contact with Iraqis

Well, I got my first experience with the locals today when we did a drive through a village area today. I was in the back of an APC in a small convoy; basically we were just patrolling and trying to find out what was in …

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First Day Of Real Work

First Day Of Real Work

Today was my first mission outside the base camp. I’m serving as a platoon leader for a combat engineer line platoon. There’s actually a PL already here whom I’m shadowing until he leaves in a few weeks …

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A few more useful items

A few more useful items

1. FRS Radio and/or GPS. The Rino 120 works as both but chews through batteries. The radios can be useful for non-tactical usage on bases. 2. Name tapes - you’ll want some extra ones of these for your bags, IBV …

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Made it to my Unit

Made it to my Unit

Finally managed to fly from Balad to my unit at Camp Caldwell. Checked in with my unit this morning. More to come later, but all’s well here, and I may have the chance to unpack in another day or so (naturally they …

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HRC Update on IRR Callup

HRC Update on IRR Callup

Human Resources Command published this update on the IRR callup yesterday. Apparently thus far only 450 or so soldiers have been called up out of the 5600. The 5600 will be called over a period of time to allow the …

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In the IRR? Email ABC News

In the IRR? Email ABC News

ABC News wants to hear from IRR soldiers to find out how they feel about possibly being sent to Iraq or Afghanistan. Contact them here. Also, the Norwich Bulleting wrote an opinion piece stating the obvious about the …

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Commentary and Pics from Iraq

Commentary and Pics from Iraq

I found Robert Alt’s blog and these pictures he took while in Iraq. His accounts seem to provide a more accurate depiction of life here than the CNN doom-and-gloom snippets we see every day. I’ll try to take …

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What to Bring

What to Bring

Practical advice on what to pack for deployment to Iraq, including gear issued at CRC and tips on wicking shirts vs cotton in extreme heat.

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