Today after I took care of my personal hygiene, I was on my way to breakfast and was told to cancel it and report to the hospital for guarding an Iraq POW. When I arrived, I was told that the local Iraqi military had brought him in the night before, and he had a bullet wound to the stomach. I also was told that he was a prime suspect in numerous insurgent acts and that the IA was rather pleased to have him in custody. Maybe he's the guy that fire bombed our little girl.
As I looked at him, I could see that his ankles were bound and his eyes covered. He also had badly soiled himself and was promptly cleaned by medical staff. I'm glad they didn't ask for my help on that one. He sure didn't seem like the three-headed monster I expected, but they never are. He was about 30-something and very frail looking, almost anorexic. There also was a second prisoner there, but another unit was watching him. He had bomb fragments throughout his body.
At one point, the prisoner became restless and, since I knew a little Arabic, I intervened and asked what he wanted, told him to calm down and let him know when I did or didn't understand. The medical staff and other guards seemed impressed that a fellow American could speak Arabic. Again this just illustrates our lack of communication skills and reinforces our negative image of arrogance.
On the other hand, we had a great deal of patients from the local community being treated at our hospital. I had a brief encounter with two Iraqi ladies and two children. The ladies were dressed in the typical black dresses and the children were, children. A brother and sister, I believe, about 4 and 5 years of age. The brother the elder. As I stated before, I had cookies and treats stashed in my fanny-pack and shared with the kids and again was able to ask simple questions. I really enjoyed our meeting, and the ladies with them seemed very pleased that all of us treated the kids like royalty. the kids were definitely enjoying themselves.
I also received some disheartening news about my unit's shooting at an Iraqi truck driver on Thursday. I will just say at this point that I do not agree with what happened and, in my opinion, the shooting was not justified. However, again the person pulling the trigger has that power at all times and rightly so, I just don't believe I would have pulled the trigger. It was only a vehicle that got hit, but may have created a few more insurgents.
I also learned that another shooting took place last week, and there weren't any people hurt only one bullet in a car. The problem was it was the wrong car, and our overzealous Sergeant fired 30 bullets. Now, the good thing is that he missed horribly, the bad thing is that he missed horribly. I again ask myself the question, did we receive any training worth a damn in six months? We shoot at the wrong people, can't hit what we're shooting at and can't communicate with the people we're trying to help.
I will do my best not to lose my sense of morality here and at the same time perform my duties, but it's not going to be easy, that is for sure.
And here's your phrase of the day - Shlownik, how are you?
I must say that I find your air of superiority obscene. I'm sincerely glad that you are taking time to learn arabic. However, since the average soldier is not trained as a translator or interrogater and interpreter should ALWAYS be used.
While a gunner on a vehicle does have power and authority, I promise you, most hesitate until it's too late to use the weapon. Better we let the vehicle pass by our convoy and find out it's a VBIED and takes out a vehicle or two? It's not about, it's about safety. No, don't use the weapon unless you absolutely must, but no, don't sacrifice your safety either.
I applaud your love of the people and for learning the language but you are in the Army. Be proud and be right but don't be self-righteous.