 Soldiers wanted to hold my hand. It was a little awkward. |
I want to cover the second day of training with the Iraqi army, but first will cover some recent comments and give more info on "Watkins." Watkins was 42 years of age and was from Carlsbad, Calif., he was killed near Bagdad from an IED, and had just completed his first year here with a unit from Washington. He was two months into his second year when he was killed.
I was asked if there was anything we can do for the living conditions of the average Iraqi and her soldiers, we're doing it. I will simply say that the "Serenity prayer" is the best guidance for the average concerned person, and as a result, I and others seek out small victories. A bag of chips, a bottle of water, some food, giving the asking price for an item and our trips to the dump to bring back what we can. It is important to note that we are citizen soldiers and soldiering is first. We don't for a second loose sight of the danger here and simply do what we can. If the question is "what can I as an individual do?" I would say "live well and support the effort." I have asked my friends and family to send small care packages to me for the families and will soon, when proper to do so, distribute them to local families.
Another comment found me to have an "air of superiority" and I believe this was from someone over here. I am relating "my" situation and experience and do not speak for others here. What I've seen and the comments I've made are facts. If someone disagrees, then they disagree. I do not believe shooting and old man instead of a cow is warranted, (this did not happen, but was suggested) nor do I believe when we shoot at our own vehicles, which happened the first day we were here, is a sign of a disciplined gunner. The fact that one of our sergeants shot 30 rounds at the wrong person and completely missed the vehicle is a sign of something very wrong. In the absence of an interpretor, someone should make the effort to speak, or do we just kill them? The notion that interpreters are available 24/7 is absurd. Now, if I sound "superior" for finding fault with someone that jokes about running over 4-year-old little girls, then I suppose I am, enough said.
On the second day of training the Iraqi soldiers were being evaluated for how well they could set up a ECP (Entry Control Point) and then engage local insurgents in a small village.
Myself and Staff Sgt. Tilo walked with them to their staging area, and when their instructors from FOB O'Ryan gave the command, they quickly sprang into action. The soldiers set up the ECP properly and then moved down the road to find the hostiles. The Iraqi Army still seems to be very agressive when they move, and don't seem to be overly concerned with running into an ambush. When I asked one of the soldiers about this, they just said "If you shoot at us, we go to you and kill you." OK, I guess we'll have to work on some technique.
They had to move through some really bad swamp land, and did so. When they came up on something dangerous, an explosive device, the first group did as they were supposed to do. The second group needs a lot of help. When they encountered the "insurgents," they went into overdrive and did OK. One problem was when one of the bad guys came out with his hands up, the IA shot him. When the trainers asked for an explanation they were told "Well they're bad people, they hurt Americans so we killed them." That's another technique we will have to work on.
During the exercise it was decided I would be a bad American and taken into custody. I was treated well and with respect and found their search and custody technique satisfactory. An interesting thing to note is that as I was being searched, every time they found one of my pens or small flashlights they would point it at my face about three inches away and open it. I suppose the theory is if it's an explosive I would flinch our pull away, good technique.
After the exercise, we talked about home and family (without an interpreter being present!) and took a few pictures. I promise pictures of all will come soon. One of the Iraqi soldiers wanted to hold my hand for the picture, being secure in my manhood and just a bit homophobic, I had no problem with it. These people LOVE IT when we take pictures with them and are, or seem to be, proud of their American friends. It was a good two days, and I look forward to our next meeting. Later that night, I was assigned my Platoon. I will be with A company, 1st Platoon of the Iraqi 210th Infantry.
I will leave you with my favorite Arab phrase - Salam Alekum
Elias,
Just caught up with your recent posts. When I read that "Watkins" age 42 had been killed in Iraq, I immediately thought of Jim Watkins too, but I thought of him with the nickname we had for him--all in great fun of course. Remember Lance (Romance)? I caught up with him recently; he is living in Hong Kong--says he loves it.
One of my co-workers has been reading your articles and is really impressed (as am I). I told her that you reflect what is right and good about the military and America; but, unfortunately, most media outlets focus on the negative.
Keep on making a difference my friend--you are touching more folks than you will ever know.
Roger Coventry
Dear Elias,
Just a short note of encouragement. Thank you for your postings and photos. I love the one of you and the IA soldiers holding hands. It speaks volumes about your heart and theirs. Your concern and care for them is obvious. You are a superb ambassador-on-the-ground communicating through your actions that America cares.
But I must say that I am concerned for your safety. I know you are careful by your writings, and while it is obvious that you have well developed common sense, I would encourage you to not hesitate to defend yourself. In the meantime, I have put you on my prayer list and pray that God places a hedge of protection around you at all times. We want you back in one piece!
God bless you, Elias,
Mark Steffy