Article

2005-09-30 Iraq

Notes From the Sandbox part 2 -- Broadhead6, reporting

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Posted by Seafarious 2005-09-30 09:51|| || Front Page|| [11126 views since 2007-05-07] Top

#1 Here's hoping you get a good OPSEC editor soon so you don't have to censor yourself. Remember that your words are worth their weight in gold back in the home front. When I used to write, I'd always throw in big blocks of stuff just for my editor to cut. Keeps 'em entertained.

We can't see what you're seeing, so draw us a picture in words of what it's like over there. And there's lots of room for "color", too. I know you're in a very serious situation; but ironically, sometimes that's the best place to see the funny side of things.

What kind of rations they giving you? What're the biggest comfort items you guys want? Give us some top ten lists, they're always good icebreakers. Tell us about the natives, as characters, not just as "the crowd". What do Marines do off-duty?

Personally, I want to know if "camel spiders" are for real.

I know a lot of this sounds frivolous, but it really helps those-of-us-who-aren't-there figure out the big picture. And remember that pictures and artwork are always good.

Posted by Anonymoose 2005-09-30 10:34|| 2005-09-30 10:34|| Front Page Top

#2 Good luck, good hunting, get home safe, and write lots in the meantime!

Posted by Mike 2005-09-30 11:41|| 2005-09-30 11:41|| Front Page Top

#3 Hey, welcome to the sandbox. If you think it's hot now, wait till next july! 130F during the day, typicly. Be safe. I'm at [DELETED], and I am glad it is relatively quiet now. (Watches with horrified fascination as the MWR laptop bounces in time to the outgoing 155's) Anyway- be safe and you can tell Mrs. BH6 that the danger here is greatly overblown.

Posted by N guard 2005-09-30 11:43|| 2005-09-30 11:43|| Front Page Top

#4 the danger here is greatly overblown.

It's a consequence issue, not probability. The negative consequences are so great that no one really cares what the probability is. Sort of like living within a mile of a nuclear reactor. Irrational, perhaps, but human. One of those things we have to accept in others as is.

Posted by Mrs. Davis 2005-09-30 11:56|| 2005-09-30 11:56|| Front Page Top

#5 It's a consequence issue, not probability.

Well said, Mrs D. Also explains the fear of flying vs. driving.

BH6: your reports are invaluable. Give yourself and all your people my deepest gratitude. I wish you all Godspeed.

Posted by Xbalanke 2005-09-30 13:55|| 2005-09-30 13:55|| Front Page Top

#6 Thank you, Mrs. D. Never thought of it exactly that way, but it is a perfect encapsulation of waiting at home. My dad told me when I left for SE Asia that it is much easier to go than it is to stay at home and wait. Never really understood what he meant until my son went to Iraq. Again, thanks.

Posted by RWV 2005-09-30 14:22|| 2005-09-30 14:22|| Front Page Top

#7 Well said, Mrs. D. We who are far away take the possibility of danger to our loved ones and friends much more personally, often enough, than do the participants involved.

Glad to hear from you, Broadhead! It sounds like you've got your Marines very well trained, indeed -- no less than we expected, of course, but always good to know. Give my love to Mrs. Broadhead; I hope the little guy is moving smartly through the Terrible Twos, and will soon be easier for her. It really is easier once they understand enough for explanations and choices ("Do you want A or B?") to work. And all our pride to the men and women of your unit -- we appreciate the good work they are doing, even if we can't know exactly what and where it is. ;-)

Posted by trailing wife 2005-09-30 14:32|| 2005-09-30 14:32|| Front Page Top

#8 Superior Grafik.

Posted by Helem 2005-09-30 16:50|| 2005-09-30 16:50|| Front Page Top

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