Detainee Ops. Seems that we are getting a lot of training for that.
The fact is when I hear the term Detainee ops I think: Prison Guard. I think Cool Hand Luke meets Laurence of Arabia. With all the training I am getting I am now not so sure what all that will entail. I don't know if we will be getting the prisoners or what. The most honest answer is an airman's salute (Shrug shoulders with lost expression).
It has been asked Why a "prison guard" needs to know how to shoot a M-16 or a 50 cal, Command a convoy or clear a building? First, It is better to be over trained and never use the knowledge, than to find oneself in a hostel situation and not know how to maximize the resources. Second Its a lot of fun! I like the gun ranges because it is like playing "Whack a Mole" with a gun.
The last time I was in country It was with a Squadron and I went on a very Specific mission. I was quickly Qualed on my pistol and given a few briefs, and was in country in less than two weeks, this time is different. We are receiving more broad training. To be honest, It takes a little of my Warm fuzzy away, when we are getting training on the more personnel war fighting. On the other hand I am more prepared than I was last time, and better Prepared than any in all history. It is really funny to see a bunch of salty Sailors trying to do what come so naturally to a new solder fresh out of boot.
Siemper Gumby (Always Flexible) The fact is that things can, and do change in Military in a heart beat. Just ask my wife it is one of her "Favorite" aspects of my job.
11/30/07
11/18/07
More Training
M-16
Cold, Wet, cold, Full Armor, Cold, and cold. Yesterday was about the roughest I have had it in a while. I will spare the rest of the Whining details, you can get a full report of that from my wife (who being my wife and mother will add phrases like "I cant believe they... and Why would they.... ). Anyway, We went to qual yesterday I have never fired this weapon and was not sure how well it would go. After I fired it a few time I was hooked. I like this thing. Even in the pouring (cold) rain I was among the few who qualed First time out. It fires Accurate, and does not kick. Even covered in mud, water and rocks it still fires, the one jam I had was cleared in seconds and I was able to finish the course of fire. I know some of you are gun people boo the m-16, but I don't know any better and I have never felt so good about a gun.
I had some training for tank commander (not tanks). Mostly computers lots of fun (more in my element). We have taken crash courses in every weapon I can think of from 50. cal, to grenades, machine guns, and Claymores. Finally We are starting to get training tailored for prison detail. Unfortunately that means what I am dreading the most. Mace. I hate mace. We train in case we have to operate after hit with it. Blah.
The unit is strange a mix of all the navy has to offer, from Nuke engineers to Undesignated seaman (janitors). It is funny because the navy is so big and we don't all speak the same language all the time. For instance a Sub Sailor has a much different view of thing, habit's and mannerisms than a Surface guy does. Then I am neither sub nor surface but air. We don't even share the same lingo, and now we are learning Army life. So It like when some of you read my post a few months back.
Until later.
Steve
FyI : I fixed the Can't post without having an account. I don't meant to myspace this thing.
Cold, Wet, cold, Full Armor, Cold, and cold. Yesterday was about the roughest I have had it in a while. I will spare the rest of the Whining details, you can get a full report of that from my wife (who being my wife and mother will add phrases like "I cant believe they... and Why would they.... ). Anyway, We went to qual yesterday I have never fired this weapon and was not sure how well it would go. After I fired it a few time I was hooked. I like this thing. Even in the pouring (cold) rain I was among the few who qualed First time out. It fires Accurate, and does not kick. Even covered in mud, water and rocks it still fires, the one jam I had was cleared in seconds and I was able to finish the course of fire. I know some of you are gun people boo the m-16, but I don't know any better and I have never felt so good about a gun.
I had some training for tank commander (not tanks). Mostly computers lots of fun (more in my element). We have taken crash courses in every weapon I can think of from 50. cal, to grenades, machine guns, and Claymores. Finally We are starting to get training tailored for prison detail. Unfortunately that means what I am dreading the most. Mace. I hate mace. We train in case we have to operate after hit with it. Blah.
The unit is strange a mix of all the navy has to offer, from Nuke engineers to Undesignated seaman (janitors). It is funny because the navy is so big and we don't all speak the same language all the time. For instance a Sub Sailor has a much different view of thing, habit's and mannerisms than a Surface guy does. Then I am neither sub nor surface but air. We don't even share the same lingo, and now we are learning Army life. So It like when some of you read my post a few months back.
Until later.
Steve
FyI : I fixed the Can't post without having an account. I don't meant to myspace this thing.
11/11/07
Army Training
Training is still slow, it is scheduled to pick up heavily on Tuesday. We have been told what convoy position we will training for. Each Humvee has a squad of 4-5 personnel. Each squad leader has a gunner, driver, field Medic, and I don't remember the fifth at the moment.
While specific teams have not been sorted yet everyone has a basic Idea what position they are getting. I will be a Squad leader, Keeping contact with HQ, Navigating, calling in air support, etc. There is doubtless more but we have not begun training yet.
A bit of reality has set in and some are a bit jaded. It is not everyday that sailors get Convoy training. The fact is we may or may not ever use this training, We don't know if we will ever need to go outside the wire. However it is better to have the training and never use it than to need it and be lost. The army seems to train cookie cutter style where one size fits all.
The M-16 simulator went well, I hope I can fire as well or better with the real weapon. It seems I am far better with a Rifle than with a pistol.
My family is doing well, They miss me like I miss them. They had a yard sale and my Little Hope refused to let Christina sell my favorite plastic cup, because Quote "My Daddy drinks out of it all the time".
My kids are awesome.
While specific teams have not been sorted yet everyone has a basic Idea what position they are getting. I will be a Squad leader, Keeping contact with HQ, Navigating, calling in air support, etc. There is doubtless more but we have not begun training yet.
A bit of reality has set in and some are a bit jaded. It is not everyday that sailors get Convoy training. The fact is we may or may not ever use this training, We don't know if we will ever need to go outside the wire. However it is better to have the training and never use it than to need it and be lost. The army seems to train cookie cutter style where one size fits all.
The M-16 simulator went well, I hope I can fire as well or better with the real weapon. It seems I am far better with a Rifle than with a pistol.
My family is doing well, They miss me like I miss them. They had a yard sale and my Little Hope refused to let Christina sell my favorite plastic cup, because Quote "My Daddy drinks out of it all the time".
My kids are awesome.
11/7/07
WWII Museum
We live on the north side of the base. this base has expanded to the south, and has never torn down much of the old base. However they have done an incredible job of upkeep of the old base. Much of the old buildings are out of repair and abandoned Such as the chapel and old post office, while the DFAC and some barracks are still usable, thought not the most plush accommodations. These accommodations have taken the people in the unit a while to get used to. I am trying to appreciate it as a living museum. Open bay two floors for 40 people each floor in open bay, there are smaller rooms that the more Senior ranks use (I share one of these with another), one bathroom. The heat is iffy. I now thank my Coleman sleeping bag for my good night sleep. But the water is hot and it is dry.
One person from the gym said it was haunted, sure whatever. It is in many ways a ghost base, but aside from being vacant it is very well kept.
Note the Coal burning heater on the left, the tank (if you can see it) is from an upgrade to oil. I am pretty sure it is electric now but that's how old this thing is.
11/5/07
real Quick
In Washington
It is cold, We are staying in old WWII barracks that look like sumer camp lodges from Friday the 13th.
I am really glad Im in the Navy vice the Army, no offence to my noble solder friends but when you are used to blue, green is hard to assimilate.
Luckily I am in the upper rank structure so I have some binifits such as: onley one room mate, vice 39.
I miss my family more than can be expressed.
Steve
It is cold, We are staying in old WWII barracks that look like sumer camp lodges from Friday the 13th.
I am really glad Im in the Navy vice the Army, no offence to my noble solder friends but when you are used to blue, green is hard to assimilate.
Luckily I am in the upper rank structure so I have some binifits such as: onley one room mate, vice 39.
I miss my family more than can be expressed.
Steve
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