News from Baghdad

[LoPro67]

I don't know why I didn't think of this earlier but.....

I know know everyone is sick as bawls about hearing about Iraq on the news. I got it. But.......

It has been going on for so long now (modern times), that practically everyone knows someone or knows someone that knows someone that has served and/or fought over here.

Here is a snap shot of my credientials/ experience here.

I personally have spent almost 4 years here:

Operation Desert Storm (90-91) 7 months
Operation Intrinsic Action (95) 9 months
Operation Iraqi Freedom I, II, III, IV (03-06) 2 1/2 years combined

The country is basically divided into 5 regions. North (Kurdistan), South (Basra), East (Iranian border), West (Anbar province) and Central (Baghdad). I have had the pleasure of working in all but the Eastern region.

I spent a year here with the Army in 03 on the initial assault with the 3rd ID. We caputured the Baghdad International Airport (BIAP) and proceeded into town to set up presence patrols and armored checkpoints. It was war, you saw it on TV. I lost quite a few buddies in the process.

In 04, after retiring from the Army, I was hired on with Blackwater Security, assigned to the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) in the "green zone". I spent most of my year "outside the wire" or runnin' and gunnin' as we called it. We basically escorted personnel and equipment around the area from Sadr City to Fallujah and everywhere in between. Allot of trigger time doing things the military couldn't or wouldn't do. Can you say Improvised Explosive Devices (IED)? Remember on the news the four guys burned to death and hung from the power lines in Falljah? Those were Blackwater guys. Bad stuff happened that year. I again lost allot of good friends and had several close, close calls.

In 05, I an even more dangerous assignment (if you can believe that), and was the Program Manager for the Department of Justice (DOJ) assigned to a remote village in Southern Iraq. The task: Mass Grave exhumation. The purpose: To gather evidence against Saddam Huessin and his regime for the purpose of prosecution of war crimes. Now if you don't think that every Saddam loyalist doesn't want this stuff dug up and will do anything to provent the prosecution of their leader, your mistaken. We did it. Think CSI except combat style in the middle of the desert with snipers, mortars, raids, you name it.

In 06, I needed a break so I accepted a cheesy (relatively speaking) assignment working for the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) in Baghdad. In the last 5 months that I have been here, I haven't had to engage any targets, I sleep in a real bed, have A/C, an office with computer, phone and internet (obviously) and my poor wife, daughter and mother can breathe a little easier too.

So, now that I have opened up a little bit, are there any questions, concerns, issues or other that anyone would like addressed. I just returned from home on a weeks leave and had the brief pleasure of watching the news. What a joke that was. The daily show with Jon Stewart is more accurate.

Thanks for your time and fire away........

[Shayc5]

Good job Jason, I appreciate you and your friends over there. You got any Pics? I'm also building a 67 Nova. Shay

[69rs]

Thanks for serving your country! Do what you have to do. Get home safe. :usa:

[RobM]

:usa: I just want to say thank you for serving our country. you have an impressive resume... my question is how do you feel about all of this? would you like to see things any differently or is every thing under control? alot of us have opinions on the war, but few of us can really back them up like you can.

[LoPro67]

How's this?

1. Me in front of the Iraqi flag painted on a wall. Baghdad 2004.
2. Me (far right) and the guys in Southern Iraq during Mass Graves project. Al Salmon, Iraq 2005
3. Me in front of Saddam busts taken from one of his palaces. Now the place where the trial is being held. Baghdad 2004
4. Me at Martyr's mounument (Iraq/Iran war memorial). Baghdad 2004
5. Me and my guys in Southern Iraq during Mass Graves project. Al Salmon, Iraq 2005
6. On the roof of Jeruselem Gate in Baghdad 2004
7. My room in Baghdad with some of my "tools". Map of Baghdad on one wall, pictures of my daughter on the other. Baghdad 2004
8. Me (2nd from right) with some of the guys. Southern Iraq 2005
9. Me (far right) in Iraq. 2005

[trapin]

Jason...thank you for your service to our country. I guess I would repeat what RobM asked in regards to any questions you might want to answer. How is it going over there? We get so many conflicting reports. A friend I work with at GM is Iraqi and his family just brought a cousin of his over to America. His cousin says that Iraq is a mess and getting worse by the day.

I don't know...I think we've spilled enough blood for that country. It's time for you boys to come home.

[LoPro67]

The question is how is it going over there?

I will give two answers without going to deep into the woods on either.

My opinion and my own perception only.

First, on the large scale,
Trying to create a democracy in a Muslim country is obsurd. Middle Eastern political beliefs are at the religious level. In my opinion, the country needs to be divided into several smaller countries, each governed by their own folks. Shiite land, Sunni land, Kurd land, etc. I believe democracy is the White House's endstate for our occupation. If that is the case, we will never leave.

Second, on a much smaller scale,
We are trying to build up the Iraqi Army so that they can defend and protect themselves and in turn, relieve the responsibility of the Americans and Coalition Forces. The Iraqi Army is a farce. Most are so unqualified and merely participating because their military paycheck puts food in their table (barely) that they could never hope to operate at the same level as the American forces. Look at how weathly our military is in personnel, equipment and experience. Then look at all the trouble and problems we have had. The hodge podge Iraqi Army going to fill in for us, so we can come home?! Who's pipe dream is this?

Finally,
I would like to say that the troops are all motivated (still). The Americans definately lead the way as far as motivation, morale and all around positive influence is concerned. It is just too bad that they are not set up for success from a political standpoint. We can be very proud of our fighting force here and elsewhere. There are alot of brave folks doing crazy and heroic things on a daily basis here. Lets also not forget that is it now routinely over 115 degrees here everyday. Put 50lbs of gear on to include a helmet and ballistic vest and it will make the mighty seem weak. Find a sauna and park it for a while fully dressed and you'll get somewhat of an idea.

Thanks for the kind words and please keep the questions coming.

[MrQuick]

Hi Jason,
Thanks for all the hard work and service you do for our country. Also welcome to the site.

Nice set of Kalishnikovs you have there.I was wondering what the first weapon was. Can't really tell. Did you guys use them in the field while still in service?

[LoPro67]

The first one is a Beretta-12 sub-pistol 9mm. Nice weapon, primative but reliable and easy to operate, especially out of a vehicle.

Those are all my "throw guns". We use those on "dirty" missions. :evil:

My service stuff is all Sig and H&K.

You have a good eye there mister. You have some skeletons in your closet?

[trapin]

Thanks for the reply Jason, but that unfortunately confirms my initial fears. I cringe every time I hear of a trooper being killed. This has just gone far enough. You guys need to come home...you've done enough and certainly sacrificed enough.

Now they're talking about going over to Iran.......it just makes me sick.

[EFI69Cam]

First, on the large scale,
Trying to create a democracy in a Muslim country is obsurd. Middle Eastern political beliefs are at the religious level. In my opinion, the country needs to be divided into several smaller countries, each governed by their own folks. Shiite land, Sunni land, Kurd land, etc. I believe democracy is the White House's endstate for our occupation. If that is the case, we will never leave.


I agree. Islam is basically incompatible with our definition of democracy. Modern western civilizations are built on the premise of non religious governments. A Muslim is not practicing his religion to it's proper extent until he is living under a theocracy. The Iranians pick between clergy approved candidates for example. The Saudi royal family rules with the blessing of clergy. There is no true Muslim democracy.

[Craigon69]

Thanks for your sacrifice and service! Looks like you have a kid from some pics above. If true, it must be brutal being away from her. I have 3 daughters. I’ve never served. My brother was in 1ID through Iraq#1. He left the service in ’92..or was it ‘93. My neighbor is in the Army reserves and got back in Nov (doh..I forget the unit off hand). Had some long chats with him on our poker nights about his experiences.

Regarding: "Mass Grave exhumation. The purpose: To gather evidence against Saddam Huessin and his regime for the purpose of prosecution of war crimes.".

What did y’all find? If found, were you all able to tell how most of them were killed? Any women and children? Was the only place he gassed people in that well publicized Kurd incident up north?


Trapin brought up Iran. What are your thoughts about that maniac? Think it’s just something they need to worry about on that continent? Especially Israel. I think it’s just a matter of time before Israel launches air strikes. Hopefully they’ll take care of that situation. It’s matter of survival for them, and I would not blame them for having to do that. They guy wants them wiped of the map and can do it with nukes. But if they do, we’ll have to back them up like it or not. That’s a tough situation. We can’t let another Hitler type loose on the world. But then, it’s not us who live next door to him, so should we get involved too much...but then... he could arm terrorists...arrrg! Tough call. I would not want to be the one making these calls. A large number of people are going to hate your guts no matter what decision you make!

[LoPro67]

This religion/political/ethnical struggle is very similar to what I experienced in Kosovo. I was interrogating (gently) an Albanian military aged male as to why there is so much hatred towards the Serbians. His reply was classic. "I don't know, my parents and grandparents always taught us to hate them, hurt them, harm them and kill them becuase they are not like us". The funny thing is, I have been in a room full of Albanians and Serbians. You can't tell them apart and neither can they. It's like picking the difference between a North Carolinian and South Carolinian.

My point is, in Iraq they are mostly all Muslims (few Christians and others, but very few). Sunni Muslims, Shiite Muslims, Kurdish Muslims, etc., etc. They are taught to hate each other from generation to generation. They don't know why, they just do. The mind boggling part about this whole thing is that there are packs and tribes within the Sunni's for example, that also have hatred toward other Sunni's, etc.

They (Iraqi's) do have a few things in common, they hate the western civilization, love our money, hate our occupation, love our presence (safety, security) and I think they want us to go home as much as we do.

As far as Iran goes, if you look on a map you can see why we are still in Iraq AND Afghanistan.....look who is in the middle?! Coincidence? Sure.....

We still have 5+ years of a HEAVY presence in the Middle East.

Tell me something different.

[LoPro67]

Yes, I do have an almost 4 year old daughter. Yes it is agonizing, frustrating and down right sad sometimes, but I call often, email alot and webcam too, so it makes it tolerable. She is a daddy's girl and when I am home, my poor wife becomes second fiddle. I tell her I am helping people and she "lets me stay and help".

Regarding the mass graves, yes we found body's. Mostly women and small children.....were not gassed. I can't go into great detail as it is still classified, but I can say that it was a very satisfing experience and the evidence gathered was damning for the prosecution (against the bad guys). It is neat to think that I can tell stories of this to my grandkids. I was initimate with the trial and execution of one of the top 5 most evil men in human history.

[jy211]

Thank you for all your sacrifices. Also my brother in law is getting ready to be deployed. What "things'' should he bring with him?

[CraigMorrison]

Jason- Thanks for all you are doing, and thanks for hosting the Q&A. I've seen some of the Blackwater vids that are floating around and you guys are some bad mofo's. It looks like you get to play with some pretty cool equipment (one vid shows a shooter taking out baddies w/ an Armalite AR10 (300 WSM?)).

Hey- do you need any car mags? We get a bunch here at the shop-could definitely put a care pack together........

Stay safe

[LoPro67]

As far as what to bring for the newly deployed. The best advice I can give early is avoid the urge to go out and buy all the "GI Joe with the Kung-Fu grip" stuff. He will never use it, plus if it is something that he just has to have, the Post Exchange will carry it. The military will provide him with more equipment that he can carry (and never use). Once he gets settled in over here, he can go "outfit" himself with the latest in urban survival gear. The flight is long and tedious and PSP's or other gaming systems seem to be popular. But he can get just about anything once he gets here. If he is really interested in what NOT to bring, send me a personal message and I will get you my email address so he and I can correspond. Other than that, tell him to eat lots of pork, drink lots of beer and watch lots of porn, because that stuff is all illegal over here.

[LoPro67]

Craig,

I am VERY familiar with the video in which you speak. That is my boy Petey on the roof of the CPA building in Najaf (40 miles south of Baghdad) as the insurgents where in the process of overrunning the place in Mar/Apr 04. I am not exactly sure of the classification of that event, but I can tell you that there were some "Spec Ops" boys that were glad to see us that day.

Yes, we have state of the art equipment over here. This is R&D heaven for the skunkwerks weaponeers and companies will give us weapons, ammo and equipment to "battle test".

I would be a fool to turn down free car magazines. Could I ask that you PM me and I will give you my mailing address. The postage is only to New York (just incase you got second thoughts about sending stacks of mags half way around the world).

FYI, I am really trying to get my car in a magazine. Got anyone on the "inside" that would do a Patriotic car expose.

[rolltide]

Jason,

You have my full respect as a warrior and a hero fighting for our country. And I would say that even if you were not as big as a small truck.

Thank you. You, your wife, and your daughter are in our prayers.

Terry:usa:

[bingham72]

...I can't go into great detail as it is still classified, but I can say that it was a very satisfing experience and the evidence gathered was damning to the prosecution.
damning to the prosecution? meaning hurting the whole trial?


...
As far as Iran goes, if you look on a map you can see why we are still in Iraq AND Afghanistan.....look who is in the middle?! Coincidence? Sure......
From the beginning I've always thought there was another reason to take IRAQ. (not oil either) It looks like the Bush admin play chess. (as strange as that sounds) CHECK.

Jason all that aside, thanks for your service and your honest answers to honest questions here. Stay safe and come home soon.

[TonyL]

My spidey sense is tingling. This thread is dangerously political in nature.

Please keep the speculation on "why we are in Iraq" to a minimum. This just isnt the place for it.

[ssdeuce]

God bless you and thank you!

[MrQuick]

Sorry Tony,Thank you. I knew we were pushing into political waters (which we all know isn't advisable here) This is a car site right? but I noticed most were new here.

Without getting into it too far. heres my take:
Its hard to control a "Kennel" when there are so many different "breeds" of the same "animal". Whom don't get along due to different "kibble" being circulated.
It would probably be best to "separate" them than try to stick them in the same "cage". Im not saying they belon in a cage but well you know.

Look at all of that and then try to put a bunch of American "cats" in the mix. They need to close the boarders to Iran and Syria. DAMN and I was doing so good! LOL over

[bingham72]

My spidey sense is tingling. This thread is dangerously political in nature.

Please keep the speculation on "why we are in Iraq" to a minimum. This just isnt the place for it.

Sorry, so how's this. Since a lot of these guys come through Atlanta Airport for a layover or whatever, maybe we could have a little "pro-touring" gathering for you Atlanta or near Atlanta PT guys. So people like Jason can have a little metal eye candy before heading back overseas or whatever.:usa:

[barno68]

Jason,
I was with the JPOTF in Baghdad in 2004; my experience is not as extensive as yours, but the assessment is the same.

A note on equipment... not all PSDs are created equal. I remember talking to a couple of Blackwater types who were letting us cycle in with them on the range. I commented that the folks they were training were not of the caliper I had expected. Turns out that the folks with them were not Blackwater, but from Triple Canopy and other lesser known contractors. Just like the Army, they had been forced to soften up their hiring criteria to meet the demand.

Also, they had serious ammo supply issues and had to purchase their own weapons. Not that the last is a big issue, but some were carrying what I thought was the bare minimum. Just my observation.

I was pretty discouraged with both the Iraqis as well as the focus of my own USACAPOC element, so I tip my hat to you for continuing to fight.

Brent

[rob07002]

Let me start by thanking you for serving our great nation and doing so honorably!

Now, I have a request..... Can you PLEASE put a cap in Osama's a$$ for me...

[ANIMOSITY]

3ID ! Do you know the dog face solider song? Had to know it for the nco board. I was in the 3id in Ger. back in the early 90s. the only action I seen while there was Yugo land. Anyway scouts out!!

[zero g]

Jason, Thanks for your service. My son is currently over there 4ID 1/22 Infantry. He will be getting his 2 weeks leave on June 21:twothumbs

He has been talking about Blackwater and possibly going to work for them when he gets out of the Army in 2007. What are your thoughts on that? From what I gathered from your post you don't currently work for them.

I'm in Law Enforcement and know of a few of guys who took a leave of absence and went over there to train the Iraqi Police Force. One of them died when a helo he was in was shot down. Anyway, just picking your brain.Thanks
Gary

[Marty G Cars]

Jason, thank you from myself and my family. I couldn't enjoy what I have if it weren't for guys like you. A good friend of ours, Brooks Young, just returned from Iraq after spending just over a year there. He is in the Georgia reserves and was pumped up when he found out he was going to go, pumped while he was there and finally glad to be back home. We had sent him a couple of care packs while he was away and spoke to him a few times. This past Saturday we all had a big welcome home party for him at his house in Woodstock, GA.

[colt zantop]

thank you for serving our country, and god bless everyone over there fighting for this country...I dont agree with any of it and beleive you all need to come home. take care and your all in my prayers :)

[4MuscleMachines]

PM me with your shipping addy for more muscle car mags for you and your buddys, again, thanks for serving our country and keeping our future safe.
:usa:
Frank

[LoPro67]

Sorry Tony. The purpose of this thread was not to be political but to give a birds eye view of the day to day stuff going on here (comparing it to the current media reports). I will continue to keep speculation to a minimum and report only first hand knowledge and experience; that is if anyone cares about that.

I did see a 1957 Chevy 4 door in Baghdad one day, and several early Chevy II's (63-65). Nothing nice mind you, but old metal none the less. 40 years of sandstorms, a few wars and extreme heat have done nothing nice to the paint.

Yes, I know the Dog Faced Soldier Song. We sang it before PT every morning. I too was in the 3ID (Kitzingen) 88-91 and again in Ft. Stewart 95-96 and 00-03.

Blackwater had definatly lowered thie standards since about the fall of 2004. It is still a challenge to get through the vetting portion, but just about anyone can pay to go to the class. If you make it, you get in, if you don't, you got to do some runnin' and gunnin' in the safety of coastal North Carolina.

I don't currently work for BW and I don't think I would again. If someone wanted to work over here, there are plenty of good companies hiring. Not that BW is not a good company, just not for me anymore. I have moved on to bigger and better things.

[TonyL]

Sorry Tony. The purpose of this thread was not to be political but to give a birds eye view of the day to day stuff going on here

No need to apologize. Just doin my thing keeping the discussion on track. News from Iraq from a member is cool. Its any speculation of motives for being in Iraq im worried about is all. As long as we keep off that subject, your thread is safe and open.

[LoPro67]

Outstanding!:usa:

[TonyHuntimer]

I'm enjoying the topic. :)

Are there any weapons you are not allowed to carry? Anyone have 50 cal equipment?

Do they allow care packages? Or is it better to keep your mind off of reading material from home and keep your head clear for work?

Thanks for your service,
Tony Huntimer
RaceHome.com

[LoPro67]

Care packages are always welcome. PM me for my address.

In regards to weapons used. Common caliber's used by American Forces are 9mm pistol and 5.56mm (.223 cal), 7.62mm (.308 cal.) and .50 cal. rifle

The common use for the M2 .50 cal. is on a vehicle mounted platform like a HMMWV (Hummer) or Armored vehicles. As far as "not being able to use", the military is really limited to those few weapons systems, especially in the street/urban fighting that exists today.

We do have sniper rifles in the .308 cal and .50 cal varieties but the .308 is the much more common system. The .50 is pretty common in Afghanistan as the targets are much farther away (mountian crest to mountain crest) as we in Baghdad have limited line of sight by buildings, etc. A .308 cal will knock the wind out of someone plenty good. A .50 cal snipe is just ridiculous....guts and butts:headbang: . Hope this answers your question.

[Aceshigh]

Wow man, I just read all of this and I have to say I truly wish I could decide if I want to go there or not. I am interested in doing it, but I'm unsure how or where to apply.
I have 3 good friends who are mid ranking enlisted guys (Army, Marines) who just got back, and another just left for his 2nd volunteer dose of the action to Afghan.
I feel like a bump on a log sittin here while this is all transpiring.

I was a crypto collection type in the Navy for 5 years active. Got out did 5 as a reservist Seabee. Any idea's where I could begin to throw my qualifications or lack thereof ?? For some strange reason I just feel compelled to go there and get myself involved somehow. I'm in telecommunications now, hell ANY insight would be greatly appreciated. I am in my last year of college to get my B.A. in telecoms mgmt too.
I'm only asking because I see your experience is quite diverse. So I'd like your input. I'm 32 , I'm in great shape, next to no body fat. 5'11".....not sure if that stuff matters or not.
Obviously I wasn't a marine so I wasn't trained in the runnin and gunnin type of combat. I'm a crypto/intel/telecom type. What do you think ??

[Ledhed]

Jason, are those clear magazines on those AKs?

:evil:

[LoPro67]

Those are not clear magazines. The majority of the time the magazines are inverted and taped together to get more capacity.

[fladoans]

Jason,

Thanks for serving and supporting the US. And thanks a lot for this true birds eye view of the war. It's very hard to tell just watching TV whats really going on. STAY SAFE!

[LoPro67]

Thanks for all the kind words. They do make a difference.

[LoPro67]

Try www.recruitmilitary.com (http://www.recruitmilitary.com) for starters. I can tell you that an active Top Secret or Secret clearance will go along way for your marketability.

Also try some of the big defense contracting corporations websites like: Dyncorp, General Dynamics, KBR, Lockheed Martin, Titan/L3, etc.

Let me give you some soapbox advice: Don't do it for the money. Money isn't going to bring you back. $500-1,000/day isn't that much money if your only alive a few days. You don't continue getting paid when your dead.
This is also not the place to ahh....err...."embelish" your resume. There are those that do and those that DEAD!
OK I am off my soapbox now. Good luck in your decision.

I hope this helps.

If you have some other employment questions gimme a holler on the PM side.

[Aceshigh]

This is also not the place to ahh....err...."embelish" your resume. There are those that do and those that DEAD!
OK I am off my soapbox now. Good luck in your decision.


Thanks and no , I wouldn't embellish for the sake of doing so.
That's why I was completely honest here with no combat training. Had a TS - SCI - TK clearance....but it's expired now of course.

[Ledhed]

Those are not clear magazines. The majority of the time the magazines are inverted and taped together to get more capacity.

I know about them being taped together to keep from having to reach for another magazine. It just appeared to me that in a couple pictures I thought I saw 3-4 rounds clearly.

[barno68]

Aceshigh,

I'll chime in here- I was a Navy nuke and later a Seabee, in 2001 I switched over to the Army. Currently I am an Intelligence Officer with DIA and run a intel center in AZ. Prior to that I was an Army civilian, a contractor at DIA and, like you, worked telco until the dotcom crash of 2000/01. Jason hit the nail on the head in reference to contract positions; you need an active TS clearance. That clearance is your ticket in and outweighs actual experience in the intel world.

Contractors and agencies are leery of bringing on non-cleared folks, regardless of their experience, as the clearance process can take upto two years. The military is the quicker way in, but requires that pesky commitment. The other issue with the military is that rarely do you get to pick your assignment.

If you were a CTR or CTI in the Navy your experience is directly transferable to Army 96B; CTA and CTM less so. I can tell you this as I have a cryptie unit here, they don't do much and rarely deploy. Army intel is taxed fairly heavily, although not particularly used efficiently, but nowhere near as heavily as psyop and civil affairs.

I hope that helps. There is a lot of stuff out there, but make sure it is what you want to do. I turned down several Mid East contracts because they were not what I wanted to do. The money is tempting, but in the end you must be happy with what you are doing and feel that you are contributing to the cause. Most of the contract positions are fairly boring and safe (other then the occasional errant rocket), the high-speed PSD spots only make up a very small percent of the contract work within theater.

Brent

[Texas Bob]

Jason, I remember a briefing on initial arrival into Kuwait where we were told look out for debris and trash on the sides of the road as they may be IEDs. Then when we pushed in from the Kuwait/Iraq boarder out west to FOB Korean Village out by Arupa you notice there is trash EVERY WHERE and I think that is when I realized I wasn't in Kansas anymore Toto.

Before fighting in Falluja I had the opprotunity to train some of Iraq's finest and to add to Jason's comments their abilities and desires are a far cry from any western army. They went on leave often and they weren't allowed to take any of their gear as most never returned.

I went through from Aug 04 - April 05 OIF II-1 (I'm a has been) and it seems all the places we were in have gotten a bit worse, for example: Ramadi, Hit, and Haditha. Last year there was that big offensive in the west out by the Syrian and Jordanian borders and while I was in those parts there was little action and we were looking mostly for gun runners and foriegn fighters. So will it every be any better? I doubt it. The country almost needs a little blood shed and a dominant party so the rest will follow and stay in line. Sounds harsh, but different cultures from our way of life and unless you've seen it it may be a mind boggling how that would work.

All in all I'm gratefull for being able to attend the party over there and glad to see your (Jason's) paychecks have increased from service pay.

One question I have for you is what is your back up look like when the s#$t hits the fan? I understand not now in your current billet but back when you were "running and gunning" who'd you call other security guys or were you plugged into our freqs?

Stay safe.

Bob Martin
SGT/USMC
3rd Light Armored Recon Bn

[LoPro67]

There are several answers to this question because it is situation dependant. Security contractors are not allowed to conduct offensive missions (meaning to go out and actually look for reactions to contact, active search and destroy, etc.). I am not saying it doesn't happen that way. The lines are very hazy. But anyways, when we would be out an get ambushed or have a reaction to contact, or IED contact which are typically followed by small arms fire or RPG, we had two courses of action. As a security detachment, we could either stay and fight, or push through the assault and lick our wounds on the otherside. We did not have military backup. The standing order for the military was that if they see contractors getting assaulted, then they could help us, but not to the extend as to take on their own casualities or slow up their (military) task at hand.

Because of my assignment, I operated in the exact same environment as the Black SOC's (Spec Ops) boys and we had a different understanding. If our perimeter ever got breeched, then we could count on each other for egress support. In other words we knew where they were and they knew were we were. Kind of a brotherhood in the suck.

[2Slow4U]

LoPro67,
Do think that discussing "classified missions" along with your current or prior team/companies TTP's is the smartest thing on a unsecured connection? Maybe a little comsec on your part is due.

Regardless of whether your statements are true or not, "good guys" aren't the only ones to peruse these sites.


BTW-your car is badarse.

[Texas Bob]

LoPro67,
Do think that discussing "classified missions" along with your current or prior team/companies TTP's is the smartest thing on a unsecured connection? Maybe a little comsec on your part is due.

Regardless of whether your statements are true or not, "good guys" aren't the only ones to peruse these sites.


BTW-your car is badarse.

Did I miss something? What "classified missions" have been discussed? Egressing, staying and fighting, or driving on through an ambush isn't TTPs, that's just genenral know how. I'm sure of any of us Jason knows where to draw the line on passing info.:usa:

[2Slow4U]

I'm not trying to argue, call anyone out, or bust anyone's chops. I'm offering a suggestion.

As far as "classified" that I referred to, it was in his post.

The reasoning behind my post is because some companies have a zero tolerance policy on highlighting ones self in any form of media on anything remotely related to the company, its clients, and or dealings. Sometimes the clients are more concerned than the company. I’ve seen more than a few guys from his former employer get canned and or prosecuted because they did something similar to this. Again, this was merely a suggestion.

Do what you will.

[MrQuick]

I have a question about IED's. Couldn't one shoot at a questionble package or debris on the side of the road from a distance say with a 249 or a couple shots from the Humvee mounted .50"?

I always see these guys walking up to them and inspecting for wires.

I haven't seen any conversation that would be detrimental to a future or present mission/operation.

[[email protected]]

theres a guy that i used to live by that was a marine and last i heard he went to blackwater.....peter tocci was his name and unfortunately last i heard he died in a roadside bomb...you blackwater guys are bad ass though something i deffinatly would have done if i had the prior experiance...but i joined the AF as a satcom guy and i've never been deployed (very uncommon for my field)

[LoPro67]

Leave 2slow alone. He is only looking out for me. I appreciate your concerns and know exactly where you are coming from. I will do a better scrub of my replies as sometimes I lose sight of the big picture when I am identifying the little ones. I have read back through all of the postings and feel comfortable to this point regarding all details supplied. Thanks again 2slow for covering my 6.

[LoPro67]

Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTP's) are constantly changing and evolving in regards to IED's. There are so many devices used for finding and disarming them that it is hard to keep up.

I would equate IED's to the flu. There are so many different types that by the time one vaccine gets out there, it is obsolite and a new strain of flu has evolved.

Short answer: Can you engage with .50 or SAW? Maybe. It depends on the composition of the materials used on the IED and how the device is armed and or detonanted.

[Aceshigh]

Aceshigh,

I'll chime in here- I was a Navy nuke and later a Seabee, in 2001 I switched over to the Army. Currently I am an Intelligence Officer with DIA and run a intel center in AZ. you need an active TS clearance. That clearance is your ticket in and outweighs actual experience in the intel world.

If you were a CTR or CTI in the Navy your experience is directly transferable to Army 96B

I was a Navy CTR. 5 Years active. Almost took orders to Bahrain in 1997, but got out instead to take care of my siblings. I am working towards a degree right now because my initial intent was to go Air Force or Navy Officer in the Intel or Crypto fields. That is still an option but has gone way down on my totem pole of career selections. I'm not familiar with Army's 96B job rating. I have less then a year to finish my BS in Telecom Mgmt and I'm currently employed as a "headend" engineer for Comcast.

If you are a DIA Officer, maybe I can seek more info from you since this is the area I was considering moving to. Can PM me a private email you check often so I can hit you up with a few ?'s

My clearance "expired" after......5 years IIRC. But my background hasn't changed. No arrests, no foreign nations visited (except while active) and .....damn, I mean DIS should be able to reapprove me asap if need be. I just am looking for insider info to make the most educated decision I can here. I am going to PM you and email ya in case you don't see this post.

Sorry, don't mean to hijack this thread but I just wanted to respond.

[Craigon69]

On a side note, congratulations to you warriors in general on the good news out of Iraq today! Rock on!

[2Slow4U]

That's another step in the right direction.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13195017/?GT1=8211

[Texas Bob]

I can count on my hand how many times UAV's thought they saw him and we went chasing ghost vehicles through the night with no luck. This will boost moral!

[2Slow4U]

That was the case with OBL. To bad we can't put his picture on the same list.

[LoPro67]

I have waited on my comments until there was confirmation (not media). From what I gather, it is true. I am sorry to be so pessimistic, it is the nature of my business.

We shall now wait and see how the up coming weeks pan out. I will continue to let you know from my perspective what the general attitude and feelings are and if there are any positive changes in light of this new turn of events.

TODAY IS A GREAT DAY TO BE A SOLDIER!

[Bilster]

First off...Jason. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your dedication and service. That goes for your military brothers and sisters, as well.

My frustration as an American comes from the fact that we borrow 1.5 billion everyday from mostly Japan and China to finance this war. How is paying a communist country like China billions of dollars in intrest considered smart business in this "Democracy on the March" campaign. Our military is doing their part with their sweat and blood. Why can't we Americans at least pay the bills? Just doesn't make sense to me....

[derekf]

A friendly reminder to please keep politics out of this thread.

[shmoov69]

Jason, and ALL you military guys, THANK YOU for all that you and your families do. Nice to hear what is really going on since you cannot believe the media. Thank you for the Q & A also. I have a buddy that is there and I get to hear the real deal some, but there are ALOT of people that dont'.
Thanks again!

[LoPro67]

I am still open for Q&A.

The pictures got deleted on this thread due to be putting my Nova update pictures on as well. Sorry for that.

I know it is hard not to talk politics and Iraq/Afghanistan but please due your best.

Here, I have a topic.

Have you ever seen a spider so BIG that when it moves it kicks up its' own dust trail? The Iraqi Camel Spider. It looks like a cross between a spider and a crab.....except with fangs! When it runs, it runs with its' fangs up and out. Talk about things that go bump in the night! The last one I saw was about the size of a paper plate with legs about as thick as a #2 screw driver.

That is just one of many creatures here that we have to deal with especially at night when the tempurature is much cooler. We aren't the only one's that hunt at night. Yuck!

Again, thanks for all the support.

Be proud, we are doing well. Do good, the world is watching.

Jason

[MrQuick]

Alright you gotta get video of that man. Maybe hit it with an m203 while your at it. LOL

[LoPro67]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

These are pictures off the internet. I tried to look around for pictures from the guys, but they are usually spotted too quickly to react or crushed into oblivion before anyone can capture it on film.

[harshman]

Those can be found in Vegas of all places. I found one by my garage one time so I harassed it with a drinking straw. The thing grabbed the straw bit it in half and threw it down. I freaked and picked up the straw and cut off his abdomen. That just pissed him off and he started going after my shoes.

[Texas Bob]

One night on patrol we had about 300 meters of dispersion between us and the next vehicle and I was popped down in my hatch watching my driver's Digital Video Editing system which registers heat instead of Night Vision which uses moon or star light and no kidding we watched on the size of a cat run across the road!

Bob

[cjrolke]

One night on patrol we had about 300 meters of dispersion between us and the next vehicle and I was popped down in my hatch watching my driver's Digital Video Editing system which registers heat instead of Night Vision which uses moon or star light and no kidding we watched on the size of a cat run across the road!

Bob


i would totally freak out seeing something like that

wow

[shmoov69]

My buddy sent me a really good pic of one, too bad it is on my old computer. The one he sent was about the size of a softball. I HATE spiders! That thing creeped me out soooo bad! Do they bite people? Venom? Or just creepy and annoying?

[LoPro67]

Do they have venom?

This is where it gets really conflicting because if you loo on the internet under camel spiders, you will find that they are non-venomous, grow to 6 inches in length max., etc. etc.

But, I have seen with MY OWN EYES camel spiders 12 inches and more in diameter, and a buddy of mine got bit on the leg (he saw it on his leg) then the wound site got all big, swollen and infected.
The internet says they are not even a spider, but some other species like a scorpion. Hell, it looks like a spider to me (that got busy with an Alaskan King Crab)

They are VERY aggressive and will fight you over space. I have also been told that you cannot feel them as they are biting (by other folks, not just the one guy I knew that got bit).

Next we can talk about Scorpions?! They are everywhere. Ever seen a Scorpion eat a bird? I mean hunt, kill and eat a sparrow sized bird. This place is hell on earth.:hand:

Until next time.

[MrQuick]

hummmmm alaskan king crab.....I wonder if they taste the same? Stepped on a 4" banana spider in Hawaii...barefooted. Now that was an eye opener.

Hey Jason, you got any picturs of Rangers in current battle dress? please email to [email protected] thanks.

[LoPro67]

No, I don't. Not here.

I was in the 1/75th back in the early-mid 90's and have several dozen pictures but they are all old school photos.

What exactly are you looking for. Maybe I can still help.

When I was stationed in Hawaii, we use to get the occasional banana (or cane) spider in the house. Nothing like a trantula sized spider running free in the house to make those walks to the bathroom in the middle of the night more challenging and eventful. That was the great thing about Oahu; no snakes. Just had to deal with spiders and centipedes. Ever been bit by one of them. We called that "getting struck by lightning". You haven't had your "cherry popped" in the field until you had a centipede in your sleeping bag. Memories.