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Posted: 9/4/2005 3:27:14 PM EDT
| Sorry for the OT, but what posting I do is on the Dark Side for the most part. I go for trainup in early October and then I do one year boots on the ground with a Guard unit from another state. |
Will do! I serve with a bunch of guys who have already been over. Just wish I was going with more people I know. I will have a few of my guys and that is it. Using the money to buy a house when I get back. |
Everyone of those guys will be your brother in arms, as well as the ones that are already there. The money you make is not important, neither is the house. Stay focused on the task at hand and tell yourself every morning what your job is and what your fellow soldier's job is....do that and you will be home before you know it. KF OIF 2003 |
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As stated above: don't pick up anything. Even a small item you think cannot possibly be connected to an explosive device CAN be. I learned that in Cambodia and countless other places since, to include Kosovo just a little while ago. Also, what was said about eye protection is vital -- don't even think about going outside without it. Get polycarbonate lenses -- no cheapoid discounto crap they sell in the PX lobbies. Go to clothing sales and get the real thing. Buy two: one set of shades and one light yellow. Gargoyles have worked great for me. You may think you own the night. That's more or less true until -- you pull the trigger, unless you are lucky enough to be issued a can or have a very advanced flash suppressor (i.e. Vortex). As time goes on, more and more bad guys have NV devices -- don't be complacent. Always carry Handiwipes -- always. Same with sunscreen; the highest SPF you can get and greaseless. And of course: listen, take good mental notes and don't be put off when you try to make friends and the guys that have been there a while seem stand offish. It's part of being the new guy. Most of this you should already know. Talk to as many folks that have actually been there and carry your MOS. You know the deal. Never lose faith in your mission or your leaders. For that matter the National Guard is getting a huge and I mean really huge boost in $$$ for needed supplies with deployed troops. There has been a major shake up in that regard at DLA, the DSCs and budgetary priorities in genreral. Believe me, you will see and feel that on the ground. God bless you and see you soon. |
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