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poop beetle: hey Pat
1.2004
Hey Pat,
First of all, stay safe, stay safe, stay safe.
Secondly (while none of this may apply to what you're doing or where you'll be- here're a few things I've learned from my National Guard sister.
1. There are a lot of stray dogs, generations of them- they are friendly. They've been tolerated for years by the locals, but since you may be bunking with lots of people from all walks of American life- you should know- some may be more tolerant of dogs than others. Some may be thrilled - see them as a wonderful distraction (there's a lot of "hurry up and wait"/ I understand the boredom is the worst- next to the being shot at), understand, though some American born citizens think dogs are dirty- they could be offended if you fed one scraps and became friends with it and it tried to come into your shared tent. Some military don't like cats either. My sister got in trouble for trying to rescue a kitten- serious trouble, threat of dishonorable discharge and all- she's nutty about animals that way, and couldn't understand that others (fellow guard folk) were not.
Also- I've heard, Iraqi's think dogs are dirty- filthy actually. Dogs (as you might know) are currently used to search for bombs, especially at traffic check points- this has meant Iraqi families exit their cars, so military dogs can jump in and sniff around- this has caused some deep riffs- some deep resentments. From what I understand- acknowledging their offense goes a long way (no disrespect ma'am, sir). Obviously you won't know the language- but if you've ever traveled in the Southern U.S. or know people who have- remember and use the facial expressions and body language of "sorry to disturb you folks" (even as you're saying "Out, Out, Everybody Out- Get Out of the Car Right Now!)-
they'll want to recognize you as somehow someone they can relate to (not an "infidel"- a human, like them)- and you'll be understood.
2. Don't let them send you out at night without night vision goggles. It's against regulations. If they do- remember it, so if your commanding officer gets bored, or on the "hot seat" - for whatever reason wants to start throwing his weight around and looks to bust you on silly stuff- when he calls you into his office, mention that night run to Tikrit- or wherever . . . the run HE was responsible for- without the required, regulation equipment. And perhaps HIS commanding officer would like to know? . . . since we all need to be responsible for following regulations and all? (I'm not kidding about this. Just out of basic training it probably sounds unthinkable- but remember this. It could come in handy).
3. There's an economy in Iraq. I want to call it "black market"- but that sounds disparaging and desperate and is possibly not accurate- but let's say your friendly roadside DVD vendor has only "Bruce Willlis" and "Ghostbusters" type fare? . . . . and you have a sudden inexplicable desire to watch "The Simpsons"? Ask him- tell him what you're looking for. He might say "No. No. This I do not have. You like Angelina Jolie?"
And you'll say "uh, thanks anyway, guy".
But come back round- say 24-36 hours later. . and it will be there (The Best of Bart 2003), even if you never said word one about returning.
"Here, my friend I have something for you."
The actual term my sister used was "rapidly evolving economy".
4. Don't use the prayer rugs for actual rugs. I understand they are widely available, inexpensive and attractive and military personnel have used them to brighten up their quarters and keep down the dust- but, being seen stepping on them- wiping your feet on them- understand, the locals will be horrified (even if they're not that religious- it's like that scene in "Exorcist", when whats-her-name does that freaky thing with the cross?)
It's not that you shouldn't wipe your feet on the rugs, they're your rugs, after all- just be discrete.
5. My sister has spoken to many many many people who have told her "Sadam killed my brother, my father, my cousin". There's no advice here- I just wanted to let you know.
6. More non-advice. I understand the view of the desert sky at night, when lying on top of the roof of a truck (perhaps filled with pallets, perhaps filled with ammunition) is breathtaking.
Stay safe, stay safe- I've got plans for NY two years for now. . . . it would be nice if you were there- take care, Pat.
