Deployment

[Strongwolf]

Look at the bright side, that flight won't need an air marshal.

[fantomfreq]

We head out in a few hours. Don't know when I'll be able to get access to the internet next, so I bid you all temporary adieu.

[Daniel ~]

In Gods hands...

Blessings...

[Samuknow]

Be safe friend.

My prayers go with you....

And thank you

[danrok]

Good luck!

[Redroar]

May you be safe, and as comfortable as possible.

[Strongwolf]

Later, alligator!

[cloasters]

Originally Posted by fantomfreq

Indeed, there still are numbers for jobs. Recently, the Military Intelligence field has been consolidated into the 35 series. My job is 35T. The UAV school added what's known as a modifier to my job, making me a 35TU2.

35L20 was avionics communications radios, nowhere near "Wegotcha." 67N2F was crew Chief on Hueys.

Also, you may be interested to know that we're not taking military aircraft overseas. No, the government charters civilian airlines to fly the troops overseas. I'm not sure if this is cheaper (maybe it makes it easier logistically.) The normal FAA rules do not really apply though, as last time I checked it would be frowned upon if you brought a M4 onto a 747 with you.

Hang on to your hat, you may meet the oldest and ugliest stewardesses real soon. It's good that you're going as a unit, it was one by one in days of olde. God keep you safe and bring you home in good shape. Drop us a line if you find the time.

[Gizmo]

Good luck, FantomFreq!

[fantomfreq]

Well, I'm in Kuwait now. Not sure when we'll leave for Iraq, but it'll be in the next couple days. So far, we've done about 10 minutes of training and three days of waiting. Essentially, it's about par for the Army. The 10 minutes was a weapons function check too, which I suppose is pretty important.

The accomidations aren't bad though. The food is pretty decent, the tents stay nice and cool, there are power outlets to plug your crap into. Hell, they've even got Burger King, KFC, Taco Bell and Starbucks over here. The sand is more like talcum powder than any kind of sand I've been in before.

[danrok]

Just be sure not to eye up the local ladies, and you'll be fine.

[cloasters]

Originally Posted by danrok

Just be sure not to eye up the local ladies, and you'll be fine.

And that's a true story, I hope cultural differences are covered in training, it's their country after all. Eyes open and brain on. Thank you for letting us know that you're OK!

[Gizmo]

Originally Posted by fantomfreq

The sand is more like talcum powder than any kind of sand I've been in before.

Oy! I had forgotten about that. That crap is insidious, too. Keeping a weapon clean is a full-time occupation in and of itself, 'cause that sand will get into literally EVERYTHING.

[Samuknow]

Thanks for taking the time to pop in and update us. All the comforts of home huh?

[Daniel ~]

Sorry not to have said sooner! ( Box down, just found out were on for a another house move (local); glad of course of your safe arrival! Good of you to let us know.

So open your eyes, look around, tell us what your seeing! ":O}

[cloasters]

He may be at his duty station by now, best wishes FF!

[Daniel ~]

I'm assuming it isn't the naked dancing ladies that keeps him from us.":O}

[fantomfreq]

Originally Posted by Daniel ~

I'm assuming it isn't the naked dancing ladies that keeps him from us.":O}

It's the limited access to the very slow internet that's got me away lately. Indeed I have arrived at my destination. I believe I've been here just over a week now, but the days seem to kind of flow together here. I'm on a 0630 to 1430 schedule maintaining the UAVs here, which really isn't the bad. The cultural differences aren't too large here on the FOB, especially with the local nationals that want to sell you something. Seems like bootleg movies are one of the best sellers around here. Doesn't surprise me, considering the fact that there really isn't any place to buy or watch legitimate movies (besides the internet.)

Currently, my Sony eBook reader and PSP are my saving grace here. There isn't that much to do after work besides go to the dining facility and work out, so portable electronics are king here. It's interesting to see all these items you might consider uniquely American here. Cans of soda have the same markings on the outside, but the text is in Arabic. They're still easy to recognize as a Pepsi or Mountain Dew, though you can't read them.

All things considered, it doesn't look as though this deployment will be too bad. My schedule is doable, we keep busy at work to make the time go by faster, and indirect fire attacks are infrequent. Oh, and they pay us a whole lot more to be over here too. That's always a plus.

[Daniel ~]

Very happy your settling in to a daily grind. Somewhat away from the ever present dangers.
I have a favor to ask...if you need anything from the states, asks us! Let us make a contrabution to your contrabution, Please, just ask.":O}