How's this for "Lots of free time in the Army"?

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Originally posted by wit_

Damn that Humvee is busted
I hope you guys have the armored humvees and not the un-armored or "armor-kit'ed" familycars!!

for me, this topic is more than welcome in my forum, it's nice to have first-hand information and experienses to liven up the chit-chat here.

And as a note to all readers of this topic;

KEEP THE POLITICS AWAY FROM THIS THREAD!!
I will not tolerate one single political message, any pissing, nagging or other shit.
All of those will be removed, and the one who made the will receive a warning.

Thank you.

wit_

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Originally posted by Morgadeth

I bet no one gets to see one of these fly over their heads EVERY DAY...

Of course, they're moving so fast and so low, half the time we don't see them either...

Apache Attack Helicopter

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Originally posted by longview

[reply=wit_]

bla bla bla...

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Forum Moderator
The Lounge wit_ , Latino , FeFeHumHum

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Originally posted by Morgadeth

I can't speak for everyone, but of those I have spoken with seem to have differing opinions. Certain things seem constant, though.

Iraq needed our help. The road ahead will still be difficult for them, but at least they will be given the chance to choose that road. All the locals I've spoken with feel we needed to be here, but most are afraid that once we leave, things will go back to the way they were.

Iraq is policing their own country now, slowly. Every day, more area is being patrolled by Iraqi Police, and the areas the US cover get smaller. Again, though, the local I spoke to last night felt the the Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police are still in the learning curve when it comes to conducting certain operations, like searches and investigations. The only major plus is that they aren't bound by the rules we are, so they can get rough when they need to. The locals know that, and tend to answer questions a little more easily. It may be the wrong way to do things, but that helps when someone shoots at us and 'no one saw anything'. When the IA's start asking questions, locals 'remember'.

It's time to start pulling out. It's all over the papers and the news now. A lot of units are downsizing their numbers heading over here. I hope things thin out quickly, so we don't have to come back...

A lot hinges on the elections in a few days. If all goes smoothly, it's another big step for Iraq. There are a lot of measures being taken to ensure minimal interference with the whole process.

Basically, everyone seems to understand what we are were for, but no one really wants to be here. I'd much rather be home with my family. We have a job to do, though, and everyone who enlists in the Army knows the risks. Regardless of all the red tape and controversy behind the 'why' we came, I think we (media, mostly) should focus on the positives that are coming from this. I don't give a fuck about who lied or was misled in order to get the US involved. I care about the children I see living in shitty mud huts, and the fact no one can go outside without a fear they might get blown up by their neighbor. I care about the fact that Iraq is realistically one of the richest countries in the world, and they have nothing to show for it except centuries of fighting and a suicidal religious conflict.

Under the rubble on the streets, I can see that this was once a beautiful country, with a rich culture and incredible art and architecture.

I have to look hard, though.

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Originally posted by Jeff613

As one who appreciates your showing us what goes on there, and who doesn't trust the news, I thank you for sharing and welcome you to post as much as you can. Some stateside may not support our involvement in Iraq, but we ALL support the soldiers who have to be there!

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Originally posted by Duderino

I was deployed in kosovo with the german army. The people were friendly most of the time. We were ordered not to wear a helmet, but the red beret. I didnt feel very good with it, because it makes you feel like a big target. But i think the people appreciated it, we didnt look so hostile without helmets and kept waving and smiling all the time.

Once, when i was riding in a truck, we got hit by a sniper bullet. It just passed chest high between the driver and me. funny thing is we even saw the muzzle flash from the 8th floor of a ten-storied building. you dont think much, just like:"huh! What?" then the bullet hit. next thing i know, we were in the trench beside the road and returning fire. My mates on the back of the truck jumped down too and simply fired where we aimed. its not like in the movies. its loud yes, but there are no explosions. just tiny little dust clouds and some debris falling from the wall. i dont know if we got the sniper, if he was quick he might have gone away, but i alone went through a whole clip (20 rounds) on single fire and so did the most of us. we didnt check the building out afterwards.

i was in kosovo for 6 moths and thats the only "action" that happened to me luckily. interesting difference between the american and german army is, we dont have a lot of decorations like a combat action ribbon and stuff. I got my airborne wings, which I earned in jump school, thats all. there is nothing to you can get, not even a purple heart.

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Originally posted by uglywayne

Great idea keeping everyone here posted on your efforts. I'm not even american but the patriotism of your country is amazing. God Bless every soldier fighting for a better world.

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Originally posted by CitizenPain

All politics aside, I think we should all be supporting the troops who are fighting anywhere in the name of freedom.

Thank you all who risk your lives daily for our rights and freedoms. There is no greater sacrafice.