I just arrived last night from FOB MacKenzie. Ill be here the rest of my deployment.(Sep 06') Just wondering if there are any AR15.com soldiers/contractors here on this LSA?

I am here till the end of this month

Not there now, but I was one of the first units there.  There was nothing, no perimeter security or anything, it sucked.  You had to go to the latrine with a loaded weapon.  

It got a lot better right after we left.

Just got back from there

Hey Stinger,
I was there at Mortaritaville Jul, Aug, Sept, 2004. How many reds you guys getting a day? It was at least 3 to 4 when I was there. Almost bit the big one when DFAC 4 was almost hit.  I hear they have a Pizza Hut and Burger king there now. Be safe!

Quoted: Hey Stinger, I was there at Mortaritaville Jul, Aug, Sept, 2004. How many reds you guys getting a day? It was at least 3 to 4 when I was there. Almost bit the big one when DFAC 4 was almost hit.  I hear they have a Pizza Hut and Burger king there now. Be safe!

We have Pizza hut, BK, Subway, Baskin robbins, and Popeys. Its not all bad here. Bette than being in FOB MacKenzie, I was there for the last month.

Quoted: Hey Stinger, I was there at Mortaritaville Jul, Aug, Sept, 2004. How many reds you guys getting a day? It was at least 3 to 4 when I was there. Almost bit the big one when DFAC 4 was almost hit.  I hear they have a Pizza Hut and Burger king there now. Be safe!

We had never heard it called 'Mortaritaville' until we read that article in the paper. The whole 'red alert' thing was a bloody nuisance. The whole base would shut down for half an hour, even when there were no rounds coming. Usually the alarm goes off after the rounds detonate. Only once, in my recollection, was there advance warning, that was because they had seen rockets on a timer aimed at the base. So what would invariably happen is the siren goes off at 12:00, we have a mission at 13:00, and the 'green' doesn't sound until after we can't hang aroud to eat. We missed far too many meals because of that. The DFAC-door-closing policy was easily the most stupid of all the policies in place at the LSA.

That little period of time where we had to walk everywhere in full armour in the summer (About 3 weeks) was bloody annoying. Didn't bug us -too- much, we were outside the LSA doing 8-10 hour patrols wearing the stuff anyway, but still.

There was a period of time that we had some successes though. Somewhere around Aug/Sept was a period of time of up to two weeks without a single inbound round. One of the most annoying blokes was the guy who lobbed the rounds at whatever DFAC is in the SE corner. He was good at what he did, fired RAP 120mms from across the river repeatedly without being spotted. Took forever before they nailed him.

We did find another 120mm tube about a half-mile to the NorthWest come November, and if only I could tell you what the SF guys nabbed in a raid all of a quarter-mile from the base.

NTM

Hey manic,
The closest call I was refering to which came close to DFAC4 (the south east one) was on Aug. 10, 2004. I remember it because it was on my b-day. I hear it was a 120mm rocket or mortar (although I don't think mortars come that big, correct me if I'm wrong). About 15 minutes after it hit we heard another explosion off base. Turns out one of our birds had just taken off before the round came in and dropped some ordnance.  The incoming round was traced out of a nearby cemetary during a mock funeral. It hit near the north west corner of the DFAC at the fence. What saved my ass were a bunch of ISO's at the end of the parking lot that took all the frag and kept me from getting fragged.  Prior to it being launched the Army was going to go in and observe a large group of people to gain intel but finally decided not to go in after a local informant told them it was a funeral. The details on that were pretty fuzzy. Our bird dropped a laser guided bomb on the cemetary right where the round came from. Wiped out the bastard and his crew. I still owe a brew to that pilot for getting the SOB that ruined my day.  Hey Stinger, how's the Popey's at Baladhug.gif?

Quoted:  Hey Stinger, how's the Popey's at Balad?

Nothing is as good as being home, but it beats the DFAC food hands down.

I hear it was a 120mm rocket or mortar (although I don't think mortars come that big, correct me if I'm wrong)

I refer you to my previous post where I mentioned that the chap who liked bombing that corner of the LSA used a 120mm from across the river.

Quoted: Our bird dropped a laser guided bomb on the cemetary right where the round came from. Wiped out the bastard and his crew. I still owe a brew to that pilot for getting the SOB that ruined my day.  Hey Stinger, how's the Popey's at Balad?

Keep the beer for now, until I check it out. I am unaware of any successful airstrikes, and as one of the six line officers out and about patrolling that area, I'm sure I would have found out. However, since Aug10th was the day before I got back from R&R, it's possible it happened but nobody told me. Unlikely though, I would have thought my return briefing might have mentioned it.

I was around for one airstrike though, here's the extract from my diary for July 6th while I try to find out more info on the Aug 10th thing. The launch/bombing point in question was quite near the cemetary.
_______________________________
Here are your tax dollars at work.

A few days ago, the opposition (current terminology 'Anti-Iraqi-Forces') lobbed a 60mm mortar from a spot about 800m from our fenceline. The Powers-That-Are decided to strike back a blow for freedom. The theory is that the opposition like to use the same launching points again on occasion so that they can use the same aiming marks and whatnot. (Though frankly, from that range, the 5kmx3km LSA is kindof hard to miss even if you're 45 degree off-kilter).

So, let's deny them the use of that particular spot of land by blowing it up. Seems to me that all they're doing is taking a really small hole (mortar baseplate sized) and turning it into a really big hole, but anyway, I'm not the expert.

As a result, the plan is to drop two 500lb LGBs on the spot of ground, so out we go with an Air Force team and our FSNCO to check out the place a few hours before the strike. Our additional duties to escorting them are to warn the locals to stay clear, and hold up traffic on a nearby road when the bombs drop.

When we get there, they discover an abandoned mud hut some 50m from designated impact site. Nobody lives there, but there is a 'no collateral damage' rule in place, so in order for the mission to go ahead, they have to shift point of impact by about 200m.

So if I understand this correctly, we spend the dollars for two (presumably $20-$30K) laser guided bombs, plus flight costs, plus tank costs, in order to make a moderately large hole in the ground which is 200m from a small hole in the ground the the opposition once used four days prior.

The explosions themselves were even a bit of an anti-climax...

Hey Manic,
thanks for the info. I'm POSITIVE it happened on Aug. 10, 2004. The round hit right near the fence in the empty field where a small tent city used to be to the DFAC. I actually saw the impact from the parking lot in front of the chow hall. A few days later we got to watch the video from the bird's eye as the bomb hit a group of people in the cemetary or near it. Well the story I posted is how I remember it being told to us from our Ops guys from our unit and from the video we watched. So there are 120mm mortars? Scared the hell out of me. That was the closest one.
IYAAYAS!!!!!!!!

You got to watch the video? I don't suppose it's too much to ask if you have a copy, or put me in touch with someone who does?

NTM

I have a few Predator hellfire shots, that took place around Iraq
JUst shoot me an IM with your email addy and I'll send them to you.

Manic, unfortunately I don't. We were considered lucky to get to watch it so soon at the Ops HAS. I want to get a copy but I'd have to hunt down one of the Ops guys and inquire back here at home. I'll se what I can do. I do know there was a copy of "Balad Greatest Hits" video circulating that a SrA Mary (last name I cant remember) made of a bunch of predator kills. It even had some of our bomb drops (JDAMS and Laser Guided). I have a copy of that one. It's a music video done pretty cool with System of a Down and Disturbed. I can get you a copy of that one. MQ I'm sure you know which one I'm talking about. Manic, fill me in on that Aug 10 attack when you get the info. I'd like to know the info you have.

MODS delete this thread. This has been referred to our SSO here in Anaconda.  I have contacted the members about putting out too much OPSEC related info to no avail.

Quoted: I have contacted the members about putting out too much OPSEC related info to no avail.

?

I have received nothing. I also don't see anything on here which isn't (a) out of date, or (b) isn't known to the opposition anwyay.

NTM

Hey Manic, someone's been in the sandbox a lil' too long heh?  A little to anal but oh well. E mail me with your addy and we'll continue. True, none of what you put is not known to the haji's. Renn just needs to lighten up a bit.

You guys should be ashamed of yourself, thanks to you guys the Iraqis have finally figured out where LSA Anaconda is.  Just wait, the mortars and rockets will start flying around any day now, oh wait, they already do that.

All of you guys are newbies!  I first arrived there back in August of '03!  

I'd be more worried about the Haji's using google earth then getting info from here. Anyway I edited what might be conceived as OPSEC info.

The Google Earth photo was taken May 2004.

Given the amount of locals on the base every day, I'm sure they have more up to date maps of the place.

NTM

Quoted: All of you guys are newbies!  I first arrived there back in August of '03!

Shit son, I was there in May 2003.  My unit was one of the first units on the base.  

hahaha Jarhead, Guardian's got you there~

Quoted: The Google Earth photo was taken May 2004. Given the amount of locals on the base every day, I'm sure they have more up to date maps of the place. NTM

True but it still gives you exact coordinates.

It's not like it isn't one of the largest bases in Irak, and isn't in tons of new releases.

Not trying to be anal here but OPSEC is important. You don't have to post exact sensitive info, just bits and pieces here and there and the ragheads can still piece together usable intel. They have guys analyzing intel just like we do. Any info about a tactic you use, have used, or plan to use is sensitive and does not need to be discussed on an open forum. They are adapting to our tactics continuously.

As soon as you say, the mortar landed south of X location and missed X building by X meters, they can read that and change their launch site in the future by X meters and get a direct hit.

I should be there around July August time frame. We will have to hook up and you can share all the ins and outs of Anaconda and Iraq. I will be as green as it gets and you will be an old vet by then....

I'll contact you closer to then. I leave home station in late March for FT Hood. They will not tell us exactly how long we will be there before we go over

Quoted: They will not tell us exactly how long we will be there before we go over

Thats typical. I didnt know when i was leaving till the night b4 i left. I called most of my family from a airport where we had a layover.

Quoted: Quoted: They will not tell us exactly how long we will be there before we go over Thats typical. I didnt know when i was leaving till the night b4 i left. I called most of my family from a airport where we had a layover.

I don't know why they won't tell us? Either they just don't want us to know, or they don't know themselves. I have a feeling that we will be there for quite some time though 3-4 months, they are talking NTC rotation, SERE, and NCOES schools for all that want them. Along with all the regular CQB and convoy training most units getting.

I am looking forward to all the training,and the deployment itself too, but I am looking even farther forward to comming home when this is all over. It is hard for me to explain to my family that I don't know for sure exactly how long that will be.

No biggie though, just happy to have this opportunity to do my part.....

See yall over there.

Airforce owns the planes and they fly when they get around to it. My experience anyway.

Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: They will not tell us exactly how long we will be there before we go over Thats typical. I didnt know when i was leaving till the night b4 i left. I called most of my family from a airport where we had a layover. I don't know why they won't tell us? Either they just don't want us to know, or they don't know themselves. See yall over there.

Im sure they know. If you read the previous posts; its all about OPSEC! 'If they told you they would have to kill you'

I've been to Anaconda... It's not bad at all... I do like Taji better. This is one of the nice things about doing a transportation job right now. (I'm actually a 13 series, but they made most of us do cross training for this mission)

God Speed to all of you over here in theatre,
PFC Song.

I've been there a few times.
Mostly, it's just a chance to go to finance and spend too much money.

Just finishing up my second deployment here on LSAA.  Spent Jun04-Dec04 there and now Jun05-Feb06 here.  Had it good for last year ran training on Smith range everyday and this year was the Range Master on our own range here along as being the S-2 NCOIC.  

TC you should see our new range.  Without specifics have a flat range and a long range alley.  Was giving foreign weapons training once aweek to our guys and some lucky troops on post.  Did alot of mounted trips at the end of the year.

CD

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Quoted: Airforce owns the planes and they fly when they get around to it. My experience anyway. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- You ever get caught up in "crew rest" ? I got stuck in Arifjan,Kuwait for like 2 days because of weather combined with this (weather cleared up and then the crew's time was up repeat cycle several times)

I did get caught up in "Some AF General had to fly to another base and took our C-141". Whole plan for one guy and we waited another 3 days for another plane.

TC you should see our new range. Without specifics have a flat range and a long range alley. Was giving foreign weapons training once aweek to our guys and some lucky troops on post. Did alot of mounted trips at the end of the year.

You suck! I'm riding a chair here in ROTC and ranges are few, far between, and extremely small around here. The range personnel are seriously infected with "Redneckitis".

I spent a week in that dust bowl shit hole mortor magnet in 03

Anyone over here escorting the KBR convoys.  If so, I give a big thanks.  A lot of times we (the drivers) don't get a chance to thank the escort drivers and gunners.  So here goes..THANKS

Quoted: Anyone over here escorting the KBR convoys.  If so, I give a big thanks.  A lot of times we (the drivers) don't get a chance to thank the escort drivers and gunners.  So here goes..THANKS

When I was there we had to do quite a few KBR convoys.  

Hehe cherry.  I was Feb 03

I'm here

I'm here at Annaconda. We escort KBR recovery. Hey everybody dont forget your pt belts and whistles. I hate this place its a joke

ADTECHARMS and venom11b

Im on R&R right now, ill IM you when i get back.

Anaconda, Phhfffttt!! Someone called a war and garrison broke out. Must be hard to fight with BK, subway and a pool.

Quoted: Anaconda, Phhfffttt!! Someone called a war and garrison broke out. Must be hard to fight with BK, subway and a pool.hock.gif

Hey don't forget about Pizza Hut. This place irratates my everlating nerve. I'm 11b and got sent with this pogue ass arty unit that got sent here to do basically nothing but have formations twice a week. I HATE THIS PLACE.

I was at the LSA March 04 to Feb 05.  Was on the East side by the out door theater screen.  We tracked the incoming rounds and some out going ones.  Everyone was still in tent city but the trailer were coming in during that time.  Hope that the incoming rounds have settled down some.  One of the good things was that lots of the rounds landed in the open area of the air field.  KBR land seemed to be another popular spot for them to land in.  There is a POO EYEs there now?  Too many of these make for poor troops.  The FOB's may not have everything LSA has but they were some what safer.  Not so many in-coming rounds.
EVERYONE there be safe