Gray Hair

I know why military retirees have gray hair. This place and similar situations cause it.

While performing my job, there is a "crisis" everyday. Everything else must stop, so that we (myself and maintainers) can fix the "problem" and the aircraft can fly for whatever mission that is commencing or about to commence in next few hours.

And to think, I just re-enlisted for another 4 years of this crap. (I think I am just looking at the possibility of ending a military career before I hit 40.)

I also put in for warrant officer again, which would string out my time a few more years and my hair would definitely be gray at the end of it.

The good part is most of it is coming in at the sides just above my ears. I can have that trimmed off when I get my haircut.

Night Crew

I am currently working nights, which in turn would mean I am working a shift similar to one in the States that would be a day shift.

I go to work when it is daylight and I leave work when it is daylight, but during work it is dark outside unless the moon is out.

To me it seems I get less accomplished on night crew, but the stress is lower. Our power goes out regularly, which in turn means not a lot of maintenance gets done in the dark. Unfortunately, the timing is not regular.

I do get to reflect on my day more, but time to stand in line for the phone seems futile since we need power, and the only time I have that is free is when we don't have power.

Gotta love it.

Really the best part of the day for everyone is "mail call." Everyone loves it when they get a letter. Not everyone does, so I share. (Goes back to that "Any Marine" program.)

I have sent out several replies in the last few days, I hope it doesn't take too long.

The WO package, nicotine, & stuff a church group could send.

For the sixth year now, I have put in for warrant officer. The process is pretty much the same year after year, the only real change this year is I am in a combat zone. So my picture was done in the desert MARPAT uniform and not all of my medical precommissioning checklist can be completed here. For the most part the rest is the same, still have a fairly large document of stuff about me in terms that most military people can only read, have an interview with officers that were once enlisted(mostly objective questions), and there is always extra red tape and a few hoops you need to jump through. In a way, it seems the officers try to make the process as hard as possible so you can not be one of them, you know, crossing into the "dark side". I received a good recommendation and today it has been forwarded to "group" where they will endorse it, send it to wing they endorse it and then it arrives at Headquarters Marine Corps. The board convenes in June the results are posted in late July. Yea! I figure the worst thing "they" could do is appoint me.

I stopped taking or you could say I stopped putting the patch on my arm. I have been still taking Zyban, but sleeping hasn't been that great. One the most common side effects is lack of sleep (another is lack in sexual desire). All in all, I think I am doing pretty good with that.

Q-tips, snack food such as breakfast bars, popcorn, beef jerky, magazines, blankets, paper filter masks (paint face masks), just about anything you could think about you might need in a desert that is high use or disposable are items myself and others need or want. The basic stuff like razors and soap, along with anti-bacterial wipes, cleaner, hand soap are used everyday and is needed. If you have ever been to Yuma, Arizona, think about what you needed there and then subtract about 10 degrees for the winter (30-40s) and add about 30 degrees for summer (130-150s) , that may help in figuring out what we need or want. There is no Wal-mart, no Fleet Farm, and no Applebee's. At the base I am am at, there is a Pizza Hut and a Burger King, but I am not eating in a place that has no food inspector and the closest cattle is in India where they are sacred.

I am listed in http://anysoldier.com/WhereToSend/ you can look up by last name, country, or many other unique ways. I am supporting about 20 Marines.

Navy Showers

We are supposed to take "navy showers".

Here's the definition:
Wet body,
Lather body with soap,
Rinse body,
and you're done!

The idea is to have plenty of hot water for everyone and to conserve on water.

Well, the water (for showers and sinks) is "made" and is disinfected water and in turn is not potable.

All I want is five minutes of hot water, I don't think this is too much to ask for. Is it? If you give five minutes, of straight, hot water, then I will take those navy showers my superiors tell us to take.

The typical shower I get at 0400 (morning) is excruciating hot water for one minute, then sub zero cold water for 30 seconds, then warm water for 5 seconds. This cycle will then repeat and the times for each temperature are not the same, it varies.

The rumor is the best time to take a shower is mid-day. When some of the offenders of not taking the five minute showers are taking longer, in theory. But who cares, its day time and it is warm outside. I am not afforded the opportunity to take showers during the day, for I have a job. Hell, I seldom eat lunch, much less, even thinking of taking my clothes off to get clean. I mean really, why would I want to bathe.

Quit Smoking: Day 9

I had duty on Saturday, and that was the true test. 24 plus hours of mostly boredom. I made it through. Yesterday, I pretty much slept all day.

The nicotine patch I am wearing is a 7 mg, and I can't tell the difference. I only have 4 more patches, so day 14 will be the last test per se'.

My boss said if he sees anyone giving me a smoke or if I am smoking, the culprit will owe the division a night out in town.( I don't know if he has noticed but we're in Iraq.)

Quit Smoking: Day 5

The urge to pick up a cigarette has pretty much gone away, but ( there always seems to be one) the nicotine urge hasn't. I had forgotten my patch yesterday and by 0800 I was hurting. By 0930, I had a new one on. On Sunday, I am stepping down to a lower patch and then the week after its bye-bye nicotine. Mid-February I should be completely nicotine free.

Just think, 18 years of smoking and all I got out of it....hold on...I got a bunch of shit because I was a smoker. I networked like it was going out of style. I received a bunch of stuff from good ol' Phillip. Phil even gave me birthday presents, hell, he remembered better than my friends.

Okay, I know what you are thinking, smoking is bad. Then again, so is getting your head chopped off by a rotating rotor of a 53 because you didn't listen to the crew chief for she was a couple of ranks lower than you and what could she know and you didn't wear your hearing protection 'cause you think that is for sissies so now you can't hear when she said don't go that way 'cause you'll get your head chopped off, is also.

I don't know maybe you should make the call.

Quit Smoking: Day 3

I am sitting on about 62 and half hours now, and I am only having problems when I drink coffee or I walk past a smoke pit. Unfortunately, there are many smoke pits. (Hard to avoid.)

Been having a little hard time sleeping. I think, when it gets warmer I may use my sleeping bag as my snuggle buddy.

My Corporal wants me to start smoking again. I have been keeping him busy since I have been keeping busy. Not that my job is hard to keep busy with, I have just added a few extra jobs that don't hurt to get done. ( My Sergeant thinks I am developing OCD.)

Next week, I will be lowering my patch to 7 mg. We shall see, what may come.

Quit Smoking: Day 2

So it's been about 33 hours since my last cigarette and all I think about is smoking a cigarette. In fact last night, I had a dream about smoking.

I admit I have been looking for a reason to have just a drag off someone else's cigarette, but since I warned everyone early they haven't indulged. I better off, right?

Quit Smoking: Day 1

Since I am in Iraq, and I can't drink alcohol, plus I hate spending the money on it, I figured it may be time to quit smoking. The whole last week I was taking a Zyban, a drug originally for anti-depression, to build up in my system. Today I am on the patch with the drug. The theory is since I have tried to quit using the pill and failed, and I have tried using the patch and failed. I should be able to quit with both of them.

Its the two negatives make a positive theory.

I am only about an hour into it, so I can't say whether I feel any discomfort by not smoking yet. Just so you all know, I am considered a 2 pack a day smoker. That's 40 cigarettes a day or about two thousand one hundred and ninety dollars a year for my smoking habit. Would make a nice house payment or a great gift for my girlfriend.

First Impressions

So I have been in Iraq for a about a week or so and it reminds me of the movie "Groundhog's Day" with Bill Murray.

I have read stories of many other military personnel with regards to their experiences in Iraq or Afghanistan and it seems they are all grunts, if you pardon the phrase. I am not. A grunt that is. I guess you would call me a "pogue", I like to think of me as a winger.

I work in an environment that is a cross between a very large CAX, part Futenma, and something about "Behind Enemy the Lines." I will explain:

CAX:
A quarterly exercise that happens in a desert. So if you looked at the map of the US it would be the center of the "O" in Mojave Desert. The airwing does the same job day in day out for 12 to 15 hours a day.

Futenma:
An airbase in Japan where there really no real entertainment and you need a vehicle to get to anywhere because of the vast stretches between one place to the other.

"Behind Enemy the Lines":
I picked this movie for the "hero" is wearing a flight suit, carrying a pistol, and is being shot at through the whole thing.

So I think that sums it up quite nicely.
I work 12 to 15 hours a day = long day(in fact I have no concept of what day it really is)
I have no vehicle = walk everywhere
On the base there is a gym = I don't need the gym because I have no vehicle
I wear something like a flight suit = a winger
I carry a pistol = Flak, plates, pistol, ammo, more ammo
Being shot = (I personally have not) Medivacs constantly, which in turn = give blood

Seeing Your Military Passengers

The TSA has put out a security directive pertaining to Military Passengers. According to Security Directive 1544-01-10w Access to Sterile concourse for non-traveling individuals.

"Military Passenger" Family Members may be given a pass
1. To escort the military passenger to the gate
2. To meet a military passenger's inbound arrival at the gate.

After talking to TSA for clarification the family member can go to the airline that the military member is flying on and receive a pass to go to the gate. You will be required to have a pass and a photo ID to get pass the security checkpoint.

This is especially a wonderful change for the military personnel who are on leave from Afghanistan or Iraq. It will be a better Welcome Home for you to get off the airplane and see your family at the gate and being able to stay with the family longer before having to leave.

Always check for a USO at the airport for a comfortable place to wait for your flight.

To Fly or Not to Fly

I volunteered to be "late" party to Iraq. No brainer there, huh? What seemed like a extra week in the states has turned into 2 weeks. Yea! I have come to realize is that there only so much prep one can do before leaving and the rest of the time is spent fucking off. Unfortunately, today I have spent most of it fucking off on the toilet, which plain sucks. The good thing is my bowels will be clean by the time I arrive.

I will try to enjoy my weekend fore I will be leaving via "birds" early next week. I will keep you all posted on my enema next time.

There is such truth in Nature.

Start with a cage containing five monkeys.
Inside the cage, hang a banana on a string and place a
set of stairs under it. Before long, a monkey will go
to the stairs and start to climb towards the banana.
As soon as he touches the stairs, spray all of the
monkeys with cold water.

After a while, another monkey makes an attempt with
the same result - all the monkeys are sprayed with
cold water. Pretty soon, when another monkey tries to
climb the stairs, the other monkeys will try to
prevent it.

Now, turn off the cold water. Remove one monkey from
the cage and replace it with a new one. The new monkey
sees the banana and wants to climb the stairs. To his
surprise and horror, all of the other monkeys attack
him. After another attempt and attack, he knows that
if he tries to climb the stairs, he will be assaulted.

Next, remove another of the original five monkeys and
replace it with a new one. The newcomer goes to the
stairs and is attacked. The previous newcomer takes
part in the punishment with enthusiasm.

Again, replace a third original monkey with a new one.
The new one takes to the stairs and is attacked as
well. Two of the four monkeys that beat him have no
idea why they were not permitted to climb the stairs,
or why they are participating in the beating of the
newest monkey.

After replacing the fourth and fifth original monkeys,
all the monkeys that have been sprayed with cold water
have been replaced. Nevertheless, no monkey ever again
approaches the stairs. Why not? Because as far as they
know that's the way it's always been around here.

And that's how Marine Corps policy begins...

Mystery Package

I have been dumbfounded the last week or two. I received a mystery package in the mail and do not know where or who it came from.

No, it wasn't a bomb or anything terrible.

It was wrapped in brown paper, with my name and rank, to my Post Office box, and had Merry Christmas written in the reply. Underneath was a gold wrapping paper with a Christmas "To/From" placard with only my first name. The postage was from Jacksonville, but this hasn't helped in looking to see who sent it. The item has come in great use and is unbelievably appreciated, but I would like to thank this person personally if possible.

I figure it must be someone I know, but unfortunately I know a lot of people. I also figure it is a girl, because of the writing. Plus, no man would send a gift like this.

Just want to say 'Thank You' and it is going with me to Iraq.

THE BILL OF RIGHTS

I have included our rights since "Americans" continue to abuse these rights and do not appreciate the ones who ensure that we, Americans, continue to have them.
~
THE BILL OF RIGHTS
The Conventions of a number of the States having, at the time of adopting the Constitution, expressed a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added, and as extending the ground of public confidence in the Government will best insure the beneficent ends of its institution;

Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, two-thirds of both Houses concurring, that the following articles be proposed to the Legislatures of the several States, as amendments to the Constitution of the United States; all or any of which articles, when ratified by three-fourths of the said Legislatures, to be valid to all intents and purposes as part of the said Constitution, namely:

Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Amendment II

A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.

Amendment III

No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

Amendment IV

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Amendment V

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

Amendment VI

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.

Amendment VII

In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

Amendment VIII

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

Amendment IX

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

Amendment X

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.

Proper Honors to Colors

For years our method of rendering honors to colors while in civilian attire has not be in accordance with the U.S. Code, Title 36, the U.S. Navy Regulations, or our Marine Corps Flag Manual. These all called for placing the right hand over the heart, vice just standing at attention. Our new Drill and Ceremonies Order P5060.1 is now in compliance. MCRD Parris Island has already modified their lesson plans on this and San Diego is following suit. DI School will also make the appropriate change.


MCO P5060.1 Marine Corps Drill and Ceremonies Manual

Para 7003.2 - discussing rendering a salute to colors, "Persons not in uniform will stand at attention, face the flag and place the right hand over the heart. Gentlemen, if covered, remove their headdress with the right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, so that the right hand is over the heart."

MCO P10520.3b Marine Corps Flag Manual

In annex A - TITLE 36. PATRIOTIC SOCIETIES AND OBSERVANCES
During rendition of the national anthem when the flag is displayed, all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. Men not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart.

U.S. Navy Regulations 1990


para 1205.1 - discussing salute to the National Ensign, "Persons in civilian clothes shall comply with the roles and customs established for civilians."

para 1207.2 - discussing boarding a Naval vessel, "A member not in uniform shall render appropriate honors to the national ensign by facing the flag and standing at attention with the right hand over the heart. If covered, men shall remove their headdress with the right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart.

In the City

Good video, Check it out.

Merry Christmas! (The non PC version.)

As we enter into the holiday season, let us all reflect on the blessings all have given. I think about the single Marines, partially because I am one of them. When I think about past holiday seasons, I remember somberly of the days and nights of a many Christmas' that I have endured in the barracks or on duty. While many have families or did get the opportunity go "home," many will be spending their time in a 14 foot by 18 foot room with a roommate in the same predicament.

There will be some SNCOs and Officers attempting to spread the holiday cheer, but most think of this as an intrusion. The problem is most of those who do show up, only do so from suggestions from their "bosses." Don't get me wrong, the thought is what counts and there are a few that appreciated it.

Some will be invited to someone's home and the individual will feel awkward and out of place. Some will find themselves in whatever bar may be open for the day. Some will only find their holiday meal at the chow hall. Some will only find comfort in whatever gaming system they own or are paying on.

The most important thing to do is at least tell your Marines that you appreciate what they do, without patronizing them. And invite them to some part of your holiday, even an hour of time make the biggest difference in the world.

Merry Christmas Marines, Sailors, airmen, soldiers, and guardsmen!

Ball 2006

I have some ball pictures up on the site. Some is still "under construction" though. Hopefully, in the next week or so, I will have up all the pictures.

I also, changed my guestbook again. I had some gliches that needed fixing and I took care that. And I am working on a newer version of XML for my images throughout the site. This just means that viewing will be easier for the J.Q. User out there.

I am trying to transfer this blog to the site in a way that really would be transparent to you all but will ensure its stability in the world wide web world that is in much chaos.

U.S. Troops Using Silly String to Detect Trip-Wired Bombs in Iraq

This was an article in Fox News yesterday, I thought I would share.

STRATFORD, N.J. — In an age of multimillion-dollar high-tech weapons systems, sometimes it's the simplest ideas that can save lives. Which is why a New Jersey mother is organizing a drive to send cans of Silly String to Iraq.

American troops use the stuff to detect trip wires around bombs, as Marcelle Shriver learned from her son, a soldier in Iraq.

Before entering a building, troops squirt the plastic goo, which can shoot strands about 10 to 12 feet, across the room. If it falls to the ground, no trip wires. If it hangs in the air, they know they have a problem. The wires are otherwise nearly invisible.

Now, 1,000 cans of the neon-colored plastic goop are packed into Shriver's one-car garage in this town outside Philadelphia, ready to be shipped to the Middle East thanks to two churches and a pilot who heard about the drive.

"If I turn on the TV and see a soldier with a can of this on his vest, that would make this all worth it," said Shriver, 57, an office manager.

The maker of the Silly String brand, Just for Kicks Inc. of Watertown, N.Y., has contacted the Shrivers about donating some. Other manufacturers make the stuff, too, and call their products "party string" or "crazy string."

"Everyone in the entire corporation is very pleased that we can be involved in something like this," said Rob Oram, Just for Kicks product marketing manager. He called the troops' use of Silly String innovative.

The military is reluctant to talk about the use of Silly String, saying that discussing specific tactics will tip off insurgents.

But Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, a U.S. military spokesman in Baghdad, said Army soldiers and Marines are not forbidden to come up with new ways to do their jobs, especially in Iraq's ever-evolving battlefield. And he said commanders are given money to buy nonstandard supplies as needed.

In other cases of battlefield improvisation in Iraq, U.S. soldiers have bolted scrap metal to Humvees in what has come to be known as "Hillybilly Armor." Medics use tampons to plug bullet holes in the wounded until they can be patched up.

Also, soldiers put condoms and rubber bands around their rifle muzzles to keep out sand. And troops have welded old bulletproof windshields to the tops of Humvees to give gunners extra protection. They have dubbed it "Pope's glass" — a reference to the barriers that protect the pontiff.

In an October call to his mother, Army Spc. Todd Shriver explained how his unit in the insurgent hotbed of Ramadi learned from Marines to use Silly String on patrol to detect boobytraps.

After sending some cans to her 28-year-old son, Shriver enlisted the help of two priests and posted notices in her church and its newsletter. From there, the effort took off, with money and Silly String flowing in. Parishioners have been dropping cans into donation baskets.
"There's so much that they can't do, and they're frustrated, but this is something they can do," said the Rev. Joseph Capella of St. Luke's Church in Stratford.

The Shrivers said they would not mind seeing the string as standard-issue equipment, but they don't blame the military for not supplying it.

"I don't think that they can think of everything," said Ronald Shriver, 59, a retired salesman. "They're taught to improvise, and this is something that they've thought of."

Marcelle Shriver said that since the string comes in an aerosol can, it is considered a hazardous material, meaning the Postal Service will not ship it by air. But a private pilot who heard about her campaign has agreed to fly the cans to Kuwait — most likely in January — where they will then be taken to Iraq.

Shriver said she will continue her campaign as long as her son is overseas and she has Silly String to send.

"I know that he's going come through this. I hope they all do," she said.