25 March 2008
HOME
I have left Iraq, made it through Kuwait, and am in the United States. I am not quite settled, but at least I am in the states. Thanks for all the support over deployment.
20 March 2008
REVIEW BOARD
My final week in Iraq was doing something I never would have dreamed of before deployment or even a couple months ago for that matter. I was selected to sit on Multi-National Force Review Council (MNFRC) Boards for a week. These are Geneva Convention (rules for war) mandated and require each detainee’s package to be reviewed every six months to ensure they are still a security threat. The boards were hosted at one of the Theater Internment Facilities in southern Iraq. My original mission was done and I headed south with my unit only to turn right around and immediately head back north. While the arrival was difficult like I described in my last post, once the boards started, it made it all worthwhile.
The boards consisted of three members which reviewed each individual’s package the day prior to the board. The board itself started with ensuring we had the correct individual and then describing the allegations to the members and the individual. The individual was able to give their side of the story as well as provide any evidence or counter arguments to refute the charges. We discussed the individual themselves, the families, the area, the tribes, and everything in between. We focused on the future much more than the past as we were attempting to determine future threat vice arguing over if they did the acts. We had a host of information to include behavior at the internment facility, detainment specifics, and sensitive intelligence. In my opinion it was an exceptionally fair process to ensure the correct individuals are held while the lower threat individuals are slowly re-entered into Iraq. The concern of course is tipping the balance in an incorrect way, but the time is now as Iraq is gaining unstoppable momentum in its pursuit for peace, security, stability, and self reliance. All my cases were from the area I just served and I fully understand the situation in each populated area which assisted with my votes. It was incredible to have the opportunity to discuss an individual case face to face with the specific Iraqi and humbling to be able to vote on their future. My opinion after reviewing the package often did not match my vote after a board. It was one more opportunity I have been provided and will never be forgotten. While I am anxious and ready to get back to the United States, this extra week was one of the most rewarding of this deployment.
Now for the crabby part. I am stranded and my flight out of Iraq was cancelled. There may be one this weekend, but there is no guarantee. I am completely done here and ready to go, but instead it is sitting around looking at the walls of a tent while laying on a really bad matress. Lucky more me I packed light and the laundry has a three day turn around so it is the same clothes until I get to Kuwait. At least I have some PT gear so I can go to the gym each day to balance the dessert I am having at each meal. I need a helicopter!!!!
The boards consisted of three members which reviewed each individual’s package the day prior to the board. The board itself started with ensuring we had the correct individual and then describing the allegations to the members and the individual. The individual was able to give their side of the story as well as provide any evidence or counter arguments to refute the charges. We discussed the individual themselves, the families, the area, the tribes, and everything in between. We focused on the future much more than the past as we were attempting to determine future threat vice arguing over if they did the acts. We had a host of information to include behavior at the internment facility, detainment specifics, and sensitive intelligence. In my opinion it was an exceptionally fair process to ensure the correct individuals are held while the lower threat individuals are slowly re-entered into Iraq. The concern of course is tipping the balance in an incorrect way, but the time is now as Iraq is gaining unstoppable momentum in its pursuit for peace, security, stability, and self reliance. All my cases were from the area I just served and I fully understand the situation in each populated area which assisted with my votes. It was incredible to have the opportunity to discuss an individual case face to face with the specific Iraqi and humbling to be able to vote on their future. My opinion after reviewing the package often did not match my vote after a board. It was one more opportunity I have been provided and will never be forgotten. While I am anxious and ready to get back to the United States, this extra week was one of the most rewarding of this deployment.
Now for the crabby part. I am stranded and my flight out of Iraq was cancelled. There may be one this weekend, but there is no guarantee. I am completely done here and ready to go, but instead it is sitting around looking at the walls of a tent while laying on a really bad matress. Lucky more me I packed light and the laundry has a three day turn around so it is the same clothes until I get to Kuwait. At least I have some PT gear so I can go to the gym each day to balance the dessert I am having at each meal. I need a helicopter!!!!
13 March 2008
MISSION SUCCESS
Another step closer to coming home. We have completed turnover with the new unit and had our Transfer of Authority ceremony on Tuesday. Similar to a ceremony marking when one Commanding Officer hands over command to the next Commanding Officer, this ceremony formally marked the handing off of the Multi-National Force-West (MNF-W) Naval Construction Regiment (NCR) mission from my Command to the new NCR. My counterpart in the new command is an old friend of mine named Jeff Kilian and we have crossed paths many times over our career. He is on my career path of lots of Seabee time and not so much Public Works or Contracts time. He is well suited for the position and will do great. I am able to walk away from the mission proud of my unit’s accomplishments, but also confident it is in hands that will make it even better in the future.
So where does that leave me. I have left Fallujah, but I am not out of Iraq yet. I am now at a camp in Southern Iraq for a week sitting on a board. I can’t pass on any of the details at this time, but it is something I have never done and will probably be one of the most memorable things I have done over here. Now getting here was another story. I flew with my group to Kuwait and the next day started my journey back to where I am. I was taken up to another Camp in northern Kuwait (one of the camps where I had a group of Seabees last year) to catch a rotary wing (helicopter) flight back into Iraq. The guys that took my up to that Camp did not really know where they were going so we drove around the camp looking for a place to check in for my flight. The flight was at 6:00 am the next morning so I did not want any snags and wanted to know exactly what time I needed to be there. We went to the base command building and they called around until we got ahold of someone that was flying where I needed to go. He said to be there the next morning 30 minutes before the flight. They did not have any berthing so we went to the Seabee Camp and they gave me a room to sleep in. It turns out the Officer in Charge of the Detail was a guy I had run into a couple years ago so that helped. We had some dinner and locked in a ride to the airfield the next morning. Now the fun begins.
I show up at this mysterious pedestrian gate to the airfield and it has a sign that says it will be open 30 minutes before the flight. There is no sign of anyone so I wait for a while and then a couple guys show up and head inside the gate. I follow them in and roam around until I find a place that looks like it should be for flight check-ins. Turns out that I was no where close to where I needed to be (I still don’t know where the right spot was), but they did have a flight heading north a couple hours later. It was by no means direct, but they said they would put me on it. I went and found a cup of coffee and hung out to wait for the flight. The unit that flew me was British Royal Air Force and the helo was one I had not flown on before so I was a little excited. The time for the flight came and we loaded up on the bird. It was a helo similar to the CH-53 which is a large single rotor helo that the Marines use. This one was configured differently, but it was similar. Well, I ended up getting the bonus tour of southern Iraq. We went all over the place before we FINALLY made it to my camp. It was nice because I had heard of all the places we went, but had no idea exactly what they were like. The Brits are in charge of this area so they were Brit bases for the most part. When I got of the helo, it was like any camp in the middle of no where. There was a tent and a port-a-pot and lots of tents in the distance. Luckily one other guy got off at this camp and he had a ride so I hopped in with him. They took me to the tent for the Board members and here I sit. Tomorrow is training and the board begins.
It is very non-organized so far. There are a bunch of us hanging around waiting for the board and so far no one has told us where to be or what time to be there. I guess we will figure it out. It is nice in a way since I can get some much needed sleep and PT so it is not all bad.
That is all for now, the next entry should be about me hitting the states (unless there is some excitement I don’t expect). I can’t wait to get home!!!
So where does that leave me. I have left Fallujah, but I am not out of Iraq yet. I am now at a camp in Southern Iraq for a week sitting on a board. I can’t pass on any of the details at this time, but it is something I have never done and will probably be one of the most memorable things I have done over here. Now getting here was another story. I flew with my group to Kuwait and the next day started my journey back to where I am. I was taken up to another Camp in northern Kuwait (one of the camps where I had a group of Seabees last year) to catch a rotary wing (helicopter) flight back into Iraq. The guys that took my up to that Camp did not really know where they were going so we drove around the camp looking for a place to check in for my flight. The flight was at 6:00 am the next morning so I did not want any snags and wanted to know exactly what time I needed to be there. We went to the base command building and they called around until we got ahold of someone that was flying where I needed to go. He said to be there the next morning 30 minutes before the flight. They did not have any berthing so we went to the Seabee Camp and they gave me a room to sleep in. It turns out the Officer in Charge of the Detail was a guy I had run into a couple years ago so that helped. We had some dinner and locked in a ride to the airfield the next morning. Now the fun begins.
I show up at this mysterious pedestrian gate to the airfield and it has a sign that says it will be open 30 minutes before the flight. There is no sign of anyone so I wait for a while and then a couple guys show up and head inside the gate. I follow them in and roam around until I find a place that looks like it should be for flight check-ins. Turns out that I was no where close to where I needed to be (I still don’t know where the right spot was), but they did have a flight heading north a couple hours later. It was by no means direct, but they said they would put me on it. I went and found a cup of coffee and hung out to wait for the flight. The unit that flew me was British Royal Air Force and the helo was one I had not flown on before so I was a little excited. The time for the flight came and we loaded up on the bird. It was a helo similar to the CH-53 which is a large single rotor helo that the Marines use. This one was configured differently, but it was similar. Well, I ended up getting the bonus tour of southern Iraq. We went all over the place before we FINALLY made it to my camp. It was nice because I had heard of all the places we went, but had no idea exactly what they were like. The Brits are in charge of this area so they were Brit bases for the most part. When I got of the helo, it was like any camp in the middle of no where. There was a tent and a port-a-pot and lots of tents in the distance. Luckily one other guy got off at this camp and he had a ride so I hopped in with him. They took me to the tent for the Board members and here I sit. Tomorrow is training and the board begins.
It is very non-organized so far. There are a bunch of us hanging around waiting for the board and so far no one has told us where to be or what time to be there. I guess we will figure it out. It is nice in a way since I can get some much needed sleep and PT so it is not all bad.
That is all for now, the next entry should be about me hitting the states (unless there is some excitement I don’t expect). I can’t wait to get home!!!
07 March 2008
GETTING CLOSER
Things have been crazy here, but now that the underwater cable has been repaired our internet connection is back to its normal crawling speed. Not fast, but at least it will get somewhere on the net. Sorry it has been so long since I have posted. My relief is here and we have spent the last week transitioning things from him to me. I am not quite out of here yet, but it is starting to build. Transitions are always very difficult though. There are twice the people and not enough computer assets. Things I was able to do in thirty minutes take two hours since I am teaching while doing. The new team is enthusiastic and full of energy (which is a great thing), but it is just always hard to manage the days requirements, meetings, transition, packing and everything in between.
One interesting item was coming across a Chief who used to work for me when he was a junior enlisted troop in Key West. He keeps threatening to tell stories from down there, but I have told everyone that no matter what he says it is made up. J We spent the other afternoon catching up on where people were that we worked with. It was a nice stroll down memory lane.
On another important note, I just received my next assignment orders. I will be heading back to DC for a couple more years of beltway fun. The assignment is for the Commander, Naval Installations Command (CNI for short) which is the command which “owns” all the bases around the world. I think I will be in the Military Construction (MILCON) Department, but it is not for sure yet. It will all be based on timing. When I get home, I am the “Special Projects” guy for a couple months which really just means I get tagged with things they need to get done, but have not focused on yet. I will most likely be bouncing back and forth between DC and Norfolk for one of the projects. I should be in DC by late July or early August.
Thanks for all the support while I have been out here and I will let everyone know when I make it stateside.
One interesting item was coming across a Chief who used to work for me when he was a junior enlisted troop in Key West. He keeps threatening to tell stories from down there, but I have told everyone that no matter what he says it is made up. J We spent the other afternoon catching up on where people were that we worked with. It was a nice stroll down memory lane.
On another important note, I just received my next assignment orders. I will be heading back to DC for a couple more years of beltway fun. The assignment is for the Commander, Naval Installations Command (CNI for short) which is the command which “owns” all the bases around the world. I think I will be in the Military Construction (MILCON) Department, but it is not for sure yet. It will all be based on timing. When I get home, I am the “Special Projects” guy for a couple months which really just means I get tagged with things they need to get done, but have not focused on yet. I will most likely be bouncing back and forth between DC and Norfolk for one of the projects. I should be in DC by late July or early August.
Thanks for all the support while I have been out here and I will let everyone know when I make it stateside.
GETTING CLOSER
Things have been crazy here, but now that the underwater cable has been repaired our internet connection is back to its normal crawling speed. Not fast, but at least it will get somewhere on the net. Sorry it has been so long since I have posted. My relief is here and we have spent the last week transitioning things from him to me. I am not quite out of here yet, but it is starting to build. Transitions are always very difficult though. There are twice the people and not enough computer assets. Things I was able to do in thirty minutes take two hours since I am teaching while doing. The new team is enthusiastic and full of energy (which is a great thing), but it is just always hard to manage the days requirements, meetings, transition, packing and everything in between.
One interesting item was coming across a Chief who used to work for me when he was a junior enlisted troop in Key West. He keeps threatening to tell stories from down there, but I have told everyone that no matter what he says it is made up. J We spent the other afternoon catching up on where people were that we worked with. It was a nice stroll down memory lane.
On another important note, I just received my next assignment orders. I will be heading back to DC for a couple more years of beltway fun. The assignment is for the Commander, Naval Installations Command (CNI for short) which is the command which “owns” all the bases around the world. I think I will be in the Military Construction (MILCON) Department, but it is not for sure yet. It will all be based on timing. When I get home, I am the “Special Projects” guy for a couple months which really just means I get tagged with things they need to get done, but have not focused on yet. I will most likely be bouncing back and forth between DC and Norfolk for one of the projects. I should be in DC by late July or early August.
Thanks for all the support while I have been out here and I will let everyone know when I make it stateside.
One interesting item was coming across a Chief who used to work for me when he was a junior enlisted troop in Key West. He keeps threatening to tell stories from down there, but I have told everyone that no matter what he says it is made up. J We spent the other afternoon catching up on where people were that we worked with. It was a nice stroll down memory lane.
On another important note, I just received my next assignment orders. I will be heading back to DC for a couple more years of beltway fun. The assignment is for the Commander, Naval Installations Command (CNI for short) which is the command which “owns” all the bases around the world. I think I will be in the Military Construction (MILCON) Department, but it is not for sure yet. It will all be based on timing. When I get home, I am the “Special Projects” guy for a couple months which really just means I get tagged with things they need to get done, but have not focused on yet. I will most likely be bouncing back and forth between DC and Norfolk for one of the projects. I should be in DC by late July or early August.
Thanks for all the support while I have been out here and I will let everyone know when I make it stateside.
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