Oerdin's Iraq thread.

[Dinner]

Well, I've found out that my team will be transfered down to Najaf for 30-90 days. The Forward Operating Bases (F.O.B.s) were just established last month during all of the fighting there so there isn't telephone or internet access. That means after tomorrow I might not be able to post for a good long while. I just want you folks to know so you don't freak out.

On top of that my detachment is moving off of the CMOC and is moving to the nearby Air Force base in Kirkuk. The move is only about two miles but the Captain feels the CMOC is to small and poorly defended so it might get over run if the hajjis ever tried to make a go at it. He is right in a way. There is only one perimiter wall and there are no fall back positions (other then the buildings) plus there is the added uncertainty of most of our guards being locals. I honestly feel the sufis are very trust worthy but when it comes down to it why should we take any chances if we don't have to?

The net effect is that we're all packing everything we own. I'm sorting my things into two groups. One are the things I will need while I'm deployed down in Najaf and the second is everything I won't need in Najaf but which I need to have moved to the Air Base. I have a few subjects I've been meaning to post about so after I finish up a bit I'll try to make a couple more posts tonight.

[SpencerH]

Originally posted by Oerdin


MREs.

Mmmmmm, sounds good

C-rations are tastier, but a lot more weight to hump through the bush.

[Dinner]

Originally posted by HongHu
I'm sending some instant noodles to Shang. But the package shipment time is around 45 day I heard.

I could send some to you too Oerdin if you like.

I'm always up for some free food.

Everyone else: I've been meaning to tell you about Ghazi. Ghazi runs a small laundry matt here at the CMOC where he and his brother are paid $1200 per month in order to do all of the laundry for the soldiers and Sufis who are based here. That means something like 60-70 people turn in all of there laundry and he and his brother make $600 per month each.

How did Ghazi get into this line of work? Immediately after the invasion Ghazi helped the Coalition by reporting the location of several high ranking local Ba'athists, unfortunately, when the Ba'athists were arrested their friends came and shot Ghazi's dad and then burned down their house/store. That meant that the family's primary bread winner was dead and their family business was now up in smoke. Ghazi came to the CMOC and told the Major that he was sorry his family had suffered so much but that if he had to do it over again he'd still make the same choice. That's how stongly the Kurds feel about the crimes the Ba'athists commited.

Out of sympathy the Major let Ghazi open a laundry matt on the CMOC free of charge and since Ghazi didn't have any money to pay for equipment the Civil Affairs Company gave it to him as part of a small business grant. Everything was bought second hand so I doubt it cost more the $4000-$5000 dollars. It's a small way of saying thank you but I think we need to help people like Ghazi as much as we can because much of the success or failure of Iraq will depend upon earning the trust of the Ghazis of this country.

[chequita guevara]

You're in my thoughts an awful lot these days, Oerdin.

I don't know what good that does you, but I thought I should mention it.

[Auntie H]

Please keep a low profile and don't take ANY unnecessary chances in Najaf, it sounds very dicey there. Keep the kevlar on at ALL times. We love you.

[oerdin's sis]

[QUOTE] Originally posted by Oerdin



Everyone else: I've been meaning to tell you about Ghazi. Ghazi runs a small laundry matt here at the CMOC where he and his brother are paid $1200 per month in order to do all of the laundry for the soldiers and Sufis who are based here. That means something like 60-70 people turn in all of there laundry and he and his brother make $600 per month each. [QUOTE]

Is that good?? What I hear of the world, $600 USD sounds like a lot of money... much hard work- I barely keep up with laundry for 5 people- but well paid. Or am I wrong?? What does an 'average' Iraqi make per month??

[Bloody Monk]

Originally posted by Barinthus
mmmm I wonder if the first amendment applies to those in military? Surely he can voice his opinions as long it's at an appriorate time (not under fire or whatever) and as long he's still following orders.

Actually, no. Military personnel have their constitutional rights superceded by the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). That's why they came to be called GI's...Government Issued. He would be at risk of punishment for ANY comment at any time that makes anyone in the chain of command above them look bad--even if true. Truth is no defense.

But, and thankfully, as Oerdin said, this is selectively enforced. So, let's not give anyone reason to come down on our friend.

Monk

[Winston]

Good luck with your stay in Najaf, Oerdin.

Take care of yourself and know that you're daily in the thoughts of a lot of people from across the world.

[lord of the mark]

good luck, and stay safe.

[Chemical Ollie]

90 days in a shi'ithole like that, and no access to communications? Man, I feel your pain. Things look somewhat challenging there. Don't forget your suntan lotion.

In other news, dozens of guerillas have been killed in fierce fighting the Najaf area today. A C-130 gunship has been used in the battle. Artillery and tanks have been used in Falluja. How can these heavy weapons distinguish between friend and foe when used in such densely populated areas?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/3662169.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/3664991.stm

[Bloody Monk]

Originally posted by Chemical Ollie
A C-130 gunship has been used in the battle. Artillery and tanks have been used in Falluja. How can these heavy weapons distinguish between friend and foe when used in such densely populated areas?

Any "friend" had ample opportunity to leave in the preceeding weeks. Remember that Fallajah is the place where the savages revelled in their attrocities against "our guys" a short time ago. Retribution was promised against the perps who did that and their supporters. With GPS, a C-130 gunship lays down a rain of fire that is accurate to within a meter. That is not so appalling when considered beside the indescriminate murder caused in a crowded market by suicide terrorists.

A better question might be just how is it that a building is considered by the "world" to be a sacred mosque when it is being used by bloodthirsty, weapons brandishing terrorists as a place from which to launch attacks.

It is time for muslim leaders worldwide to take a stand against this misuse of their religion and issue fatwahs demanding these rabble leave the holy shires and mosques. Their complicity of silence makes their claims that Islam is a religion of peace a sham. They cannot continue to have it both ways.

Monk

[oerdin's sis]

Amen!!!

[chequita guevara]

Originally posted by Bloody Monk
With GPS, a C-130 gunship lays down a rain of fire that is accurate to within a meter.

There are some marines who were in Nassirya who would beg to differ.

[Ted Striker]

Re: Re: Re: Latest news.

EDITED

removed more nude pictures of AH

[Dinner]

They bumped up my departure time last night so I'm now leaving in 30 minutes instead of tomorrow. See you all later.