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Iraq

Notes From the Sandbox part 2 -- Broadhead6, reporting

2005-09-30

Exclusive to Rantburg--the next in a continuing series of reports from a Marine on the front line in Iraq. Semper Fi, Broadhead6!

All my Marines are safe. We're pushing a lot of supplies out on convoys right now in anticipation of the constitutional referendum.

September was hot over here, about 105 average temp.

October should be cooler. When I get back I'll attach pix for your perusal of the base and where I lived at.

We had bad and good news this week. Bad: we lost an Army guy on a convoy. I can't go into it too much, but it was a sad deal. The terrorists had access to Iraqi Police uniforms and made it a bad day.

Good News: We broke up an IED making facility in a nearby town. Arrested some assholes and shot up a car full of islamonuts. Again, I'm trying to be careful about giving away too much info, so I will tend to generalize. I'm not sure what the enemy figured out after we zapped some of their goons and took their goodies.
I also have limited access to the MSM - not really a bad thing but I can't tell what their picking up on or not. Most of us older guys hate reporters anyways. We are very apprehensive of talking to them because they invariably say what they want anyways.

The bottom line is that the MP Marines are doing phenomenal work out. They lead convoys and screen for IEDs. They are also augmented w/supply & maintenance-type Marines who are also doing great things. It's amazing the maturity level my young lads are displaying out in injun country. I'm very proud. Sometimes I'm jealous because I want to get outside the wire and help out - but there's no mission imperative for an over-30 officer running amok on convoys. It would kind of look like Larry Bird trying to coach and play forward. The mother of my child is happy about that so right now I just do whatever I'm told & keep my trap shut. I promised her that since we have the kid now - no more volunteering for 'adrenaline fixes.'

Another quick story, one of my buddies was coming back from another base north of here on a CH-46. It was early in the a.m. - he started receiving small arms fire from a small village. Apparently the pilot wasn't too concerned and just gained altitude and kept going. My buddy was praying on his rosary hard because he could see the muzzle flashes - he was a little shook up for about a day. I empathized w/him, heck, if you've ever had the pleasure (sarcasm) of riding in a phrog in the first place - that's bad enough. Add to that having some douche bag taking pot shots at you and that's what I call having your wheaties pissed in. I asked him if they lit up those fuckers. He said no, apparently there was a door gunner on board but he didn't fire back. I am not sure on the ROE for pilots out there - so maybe they decided not to engage because it was against the ROE for them. (Too many huts close by w/non-combatants maybe). Or, could be they were low on fuel and couldn't waste the time on a fire team of dune jockey assholes. I'm sure they called it in for the direct action lads to handle. I heard nothing more on that though. Take care guys and I'll be in touch.

Posted by:Seafarious

#8 Superior Grafik.

Posted by: Helem 2005-09-30 16:50

#7 Well said, Mrs. D. We who are far away take the possibility of danger to our loved ones and friends much more personally, often enough, than do the participants involved.

Glad to hear from you, Broadhead! It sounds like you've got your Marines very well trained, indeed -- no less than we expected, of course, but always good to know. Give my love to Mrs. Broadhead; I hope the little guy is moving smartly through the Terrible Twos, and will soon be easier for her. It really is easier once they understand enough for explanations and choices ("Do you want A or B?") to work. And all our pride to the men and women of your unit -- we appreciate the good work they are doing, even if we can't know exactly what and where it is. ;-)

Posted by: trailing wife 2005-09-30 14:32

#6 Thank you, Mrs. D. Never thought of it exactly that way, but it is a perfect encapsulation of waiting at home. My dad told me when I left for SE Asia that it is much easier to go than it is to stay at home and wait. Never really understood what he meant until my son went to Iraq. Again, thanks.

Posted by: RWV 2005-09-30 14:22

#5 It's a consequence issue, not probability.

Well said, Mrs D. Also explains the fear of flying vs. driving.

BH6: your reports are invaluable. Give yourself and all your people my deepest gratitude. I wish you all Godspeed.

Posted by: Xbalanke 2005-09-30 13:55

#4 the danger here is greatly overblown.

It's a consequence issue, not probability. The negative consequences are so great that no one really cares what the probability is. Sort of like living within a mile of a nuclear reactor. Irrational, perhaps, but human. One of those things we have to accept in others as is.

Posted by: Mrs. Davis 2005-09-30 11:56

#3 Hey, welcome to the sandbox. If you think it's hot now, wait till next july! 130F during the day, typicly. Be safe. I'm at [DELETED], and I am glad it is relatively quiet now. (Watches with horrified fascination as the MWR laptop bounces in time to the outgoing 155's) Anyway- be safe and you can tell Mrs. BH6 that the danger here is greatly overblown.

Posted by: N guard 2005-09-30 11:43

#2 Good luck, good hunting, get home safe, and write lots in the meantime!

Posted by: Mike 2005-09-30 11:41

#1 Here's hoping you get a good OPSEC editor soon so you don't have to censor yourself. Remember that your words are worth their weight in gold back in the home front. When I used to write, I'd always throw in big blocks of stuff just for my editor to cut. Keeps 'em entertained.

We can't see what you're seeing, so draw us a picture in words of what it's like over there. And there's lots of room for "color", too. I know you're in a very serious situation; but ironically, sometimes that's the best place to see the funny side of things.

What kind of rations they giving you? What're the biggest comfort items you guys want? Give us some top ten lists, they're always good icebreakers. Tell us about the natives, as characters, not just as "the crowd". What do Marines do off-duty?

Personally, I want to know if "camel spiders" are for real.

I know a lot of this sounds frivolous, but it really helps those-of-us-who-aren't-there figure out the big picture. And remember that pictures and artwork are always good.

Posted by: Anonymoose 2005-09-30 10:34

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