…outside the wire. It was just on some patrols around Baghdad and it was a great experience. Finally got to see what the city looks like. The biggest thing is that there is a lot of trash out there. One area we went through had some rubble from a building. The inside of the building was hollowed out and basically converted into a makeshift trash container. The other soldiers who have been going on this same patrol route say it looks better though. So work is being done to alleviate the problem, by military and civil authorities. They also have trash containers along the road to drop off garbage as you go… I guess… but some of those are hanging off loosely and trash was tossed in the general area. Stray dogs would be eating the trash and some were lying in it looking half dead. Cats would run around outside keeping out of the way. But the people were healthy and dressed well. The large households here probably house a lot of family members together. That’s in keeping with the strong tribal bonds they share.
The children were happy to see us as we drove through. I saw one sullen face and a vulgar hand gesture. For your education (and George W. who insulted Australians with this), don’t give the bowfinger, aka two-finger salute. It’s basically a peace sign, but with the palm inward instead of out to viewer. Confused? Look up V sign on wikipedia and you’ll see it there. But the kid I saw in Iraq gave us the finger. I just wanted to share the two-finger salute story.
We did wonder if the parents sent the children out to act like a shield, but then some of the kids were just so happy it was clear it wasn’t false on their part. Now if they just stay that way, it’ll all be good. At one part of the patrol we had an Iraqi police vehicle join us. That’s good to show the coordination and teamwork between our forces.
So the first platoon I went out with focused on driving around and showing our presence to as many as possible. The other platoon, which is out at the same time to provide immediate aid in case of an attack, did some foot patrols. We’d go around to houses and talk to the inhabitants. We generally asked the same questions. They all gave the same positive answers though we doubt their honesty. I do like the walls we’re putting up though. It allows a lot more control for the Iraqi government (since they have Iraqi Army units stationed at each access point). It’s not about separating people, but keeping the dangerous people (foreigners, wanted criminals or suspiciously armed individuals) out from otherwise peaceful neighborhoods. We do the same thing in America with gated communities. We just put stronger walls in place.
The outpost I stayed at for a couple days was closer to downtown Baghdad but still secure. It was substantially smaller than the post I’m at now though. Amenities were more limited as well, though they still had hot food and TVs along with other entertainment. Water supply was sporadic though, as was hot water. The toilets were the type of pit in floor that you squat over. But again, sporadic water supply meant they had port-a-johns outside. The part I won’t get into is how they dealt before getting those two amenities (running water and port-a-johns). You’re welcome.
That’s my take on what I’ve observed over here, which is an admittedly small portion in a short time-frame. On a sidebar, I really do like the interior of their houses… very well decorated with thick rugs and collections of china.
2LT Adam Ochylski
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