NationStates Jolt Archive

Most of you already know tha my unit has recieved an alert and will most likey be mobilized by September.

My question to yall is, how will I do in Iraq?

I think I will do fine. When I told my parents about it, they didn't seem concerned at all. This is in contrast to when my cousin was mobilized, and they were very concerned, and still worry about him.

In my short military career, I have recieved two arawds, I will post what is said in those awards of medals.

Award 1. Army Achievement Medal

Achievement #1.
While attached to the 66th AVN BDE, SPC Wallace prepared all briefs to the I COPR Commander from the S-2 Shop. These briefings recieved numerios compliments from the chain of command for completeness and accuracy.

Achievement #2.
SPC Wallace volunteered to work numerous extended extened shifts, making his work day extend well over 16 hours.

Achievement #3.
SPC Wallace has set a positive example for his fellow soldiers, by representing the Mississippi National Guard wil extreme diligence and enthusiasm.

Achievement #4.
SPC Wallace is one of the most proficient Intel Analyst in the company. He is very technichally and tacticly sound and well read in FM 101-5-1.

For distinguising yourself by meritorious service during the period of 24 JAN to 07 FEB 04 while attached to the 66th AVN Japan. You demonstrated on all occasions a thorough knowledge of your work, exceptional dependability and resouleness of purpose. Your high professional standards and devotion reflect great credit upon yourself, your unit, your battalion, and the Mississippi National Guard.

Award 2. Army Comendation Medal.

Achievement #1.
Sergeant Wallace was very effective in his leadership abilities when placed in the posistion of TOC NCOIC in the absence of the Senior Intelligence Sergeant.

Achievement #2.
Sergeant Wallace served as radio operator due to the absence of personnel in the tactical operations center (TOC). He also served as squad leader.

Achievement #3.
Sergeant Wallace maintained a very positive attitude and kept morale high within the tactical operations center (TOC).

Achievement #4.
Sergeant Wallace provided well more than was expected of any individual in setting up the tactical operations center and ensuring the tactical operations center was operational in a timely manner.

For meritorious achievements while serving as intelligence analyst for Headquarters Company, 155th Spererate Armored Brigade (Heavy). Your dedication to duty coupled with your infectious enthusiasm have won you the respect of all Headquarters Company personnel. Your actions are in keeping with the traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon yourself, your unit, and the Mississippi National Guard.

My question to all of you is, how will I do in Iraq?

i think you will do OK just don't despise iraqis.

Most of you already know tha my unit has recieved an alert and will most likey be mobilized by September.

My question to yall is, how will I do in Iraq?

I think I will do fine.

Well in July, the US presence is to be reduced from 138,000 troops to 115,000 and shall continue to be reduced as time goes by. So you may not be sent after all.

However, if you are deployed, may God and the people of America be with you.

After all, it is people like you who uphold western civilisation. For the glory of the American Empire!

I think you understand the dangers enough to know how well you will do. Bad luck can make all the difference. Just make sure that you represent your country and what it stands for properly.

I think you understand the dangers enough to know how well you will do. Bad luck can make all the difference. Just make sure that you represent your country and what it stands for properly.
monkeypimp, we disagree on almost everything, but me and you both know I will uphold the USA's beliefs.

I just hope bad luck doesn't strike me...

Most of you already know tha my unit has recieved an alert and will most likey be mobilized by September.

My question to yall is, how will I do in Iraq?

I think I will do fine.

Well in July, the US presence is to be reduced from 138,000 troops to 115,000 and shall continue to be reduced as time goes by. So you may not be sent after all.

However, if you are deployed, may God and the people of America be with you.

After all, it is people like you who uphold western civilisation. For the glory of the American Empire!
I would love to stay here and keep on living the drunken fraternity boy life, but I feel I will be spending a long time in the big sandbox.

by the way, I would like to get some input from my NationStates "enemies."

I think you understand the dangers enough to know how well you will do. Bad luck can make all the difference. Just make sure that you represent your country and what it stands for properly.
monkeypimp, we disagree on almost everything, but me and you both know I will uphold the USA's beliefs.

I just hope bad luck doesn't strike me...

Good Luck. If you end up in Basra (I think) say Hi to the New Zealanders there for me (theres about 60-odd engineers)

We agreed in the Coke/Pepsi thread. If you get the chance, try some of that Zam Zam cola stuff although it might only be available in Iran and Saudi. It's supposed to be really sickly compared to coke and pepsi though :?

Can I have your nation? :P

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Thank you for your service. How will you do? Depends on where your unit is stationed. If in the Kurdish regions pretty good. Sunni triangle, moderately dangerous. Not bad in the Shiite regions. Watch your back learn the language and you will do fine.

You are going to Iraq?!

Well, I suggest that you don't espouse some of the views that you hold and that you respect the Iraqi people.

I think you understand the dangers enough to know how well you will do. Bad luck can make all the difference. Just make sure that you represent your country and what it stands for properly.
monkeypimp, we disagree on almost everything, but me and you both know I will uphold the USA's beliefs.

I just hope bad luck doesn't strike me...

Good Luck. If you end up in Basra (I think) say Hi to the New Zealanders there for me (theres about 60-odd engineers)

We agreed in the Coke/Pepsi thread. If you get the chance, try some of that Zam Zam cola stuff although it might only be available in Iran and Saudi. It's supposed to be really sickly compared to coke and pepsi though :?
LOL! My cousin was in Basara for a month, now he is in Najaf. It is being said we will replace the Marine Brigade that is in Fallujia (sp?) though. If I had my choice I would be in Basara though.

You are going to Iraq?!

Well, I suggest that you don't espouse some of the views that you hold and that you respect the Iraqi people.
CE,
I love you to death and I will follow your adivce. I know the Iraqis will not be too pleased if i voiced my "Nuke um all" opinions.

I will respect all Iraqi people because we all have the same goal.

I will respect all Iraqi people because we all have the same goal.

Well, not quite.... :?

NA: Where in MS are you from? I'm from Cleveland, and go up to Camp McCain sometimes.
Oxford, but my unit is in Tupelo. The Brigade i am in constitutes 2/3 of all the National Guardsmen in Mississippi.

By the way, why in the hell would you want to go to Camp McCain?

one of my fraternity brothers is my Greenville. how close are you to Greenville? I try to stay out of the Delta as much as possible

I will respect all Iraqi people because we all have the same goal.

Well, not quite.... :?
well thats a differnace of opinion, and it has nothing to do what this tread is about.

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this may sound corny as hell, but I think taking some girl to the Buffalo Park would be an awesome date. The got camels, emus, and everything there, not just buffalo.

Good luck.
I hope you return safe, sound, and soon.

Why ask that question??? You and I and all of us know that you'll do an exceptional job in Iraq! :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

May God Himself bless you and your family in all your ways. :)

I cant say for sure but good luck and god's speed :P

yall don't know how much i need a little pat on the back right now.

thanks dragon bay and all of you.

Make sure you put your affairs in order before you leave. Having read some of your ignorant posts, you may be quick to make enemies among the locals and possibly among other coalition soldiers. I'd watch my back if I were you.

NA....It's been a long time since I had to wetnurse a cherry...but here goes..yes..some of your posts are rhetoric....some I agree with, some I don't...but that is neither here nor there...as you are S-2 intel specialist from what I saw of your MOS description...it's unlikely you'll be going out on patrols with the grunts..you'll probably be at your unit's S-2 office inside the Green Zone...but if you do find yourself outside your office and tagging along with some grunts in order to get your CIB or some other piece of ribbon to wear....

Then I'll give you the same advice I gave my sons....watch your buddies backs...you stick with them...and they'll take care of you..keep your weapon free of sand, never point it at something less you intend to fire...if you intend to fire..then you shoot...if you shoot, kill your enemy, and move on...stay mobile...never let their heavy weapons bracket you...if you get caught in an ambush, then you damn well assault thru it, never stop to fire at them...because they have the upper hand...the enemy always does.

As you are in S-2..remember...information you obtain is necessary to protect some grunt out there in the field. It is vital that intel be accurate and get to whom it needs to get too in a timely fashion. Lives are at stake...and Gods help you if you are wrong.

That's it..all I got...not much..but I hope I pressed the important stuff into your brain housing storage group.

Oh..and one last thing....it is ok to be afraid..never met a grunt who didn't shit 10lbs the first time bullets went past him....you'll be no different. What is important is to use that fear..fear gives you an edge, keeps you on your toes..makes you observe the little things around you.

Take care...keep safe...

You're a terrible jingoist and a closeminded conservative...

but,

I will pray for you and wish you nothing but a speedy and safe stay over there. Keep your head down, don't be a hero and come back in one piece.

If you don't, I won't be able to argue with you until you change your opinions. :D

Stay safe and Godspeed.

Words of advice for being in Iraq:

1. Sunscreen...get it, send for it, use it liberally. A friend of mine returned recently and was saying the hottest he ever saw it was 150 degrees. I don't recall it ever being that hot when I was there but I do remember 120 degree days. It sucks because I hate hot weather.

2. Find an engineer that you get along with. My experience was that engineers ALWAYS had the best homemade stills. Dried fruit in boxes from home make excellent gifts because you can use those to produce alcohol.

Aside from that, be safe and be well. Its different today than it was when I was there a dozen years ago but I held the belief that if you were good to the people around you they would be good to you as well.

keep your head down and your body armor on, and when you take fire chew the muthafukkers up.

I said before, luck to you.

Words of advice for being in Iraq:

1. Sunscreen...get it, send for it, use it liberally. A friend of mine returned recently and was saying the hottest he ever saw it was 150 degrees. I don't recall it ever being that hot when I was there but I do remember 120 degree days. It sucks because I hate hot weather.

2. Find an engineer that you get along with. My experience was that engineers ALWAYS had the best homemade stills. Dried fruit in boxes from home make excellent gifts because you can use those to produce alcohol.

Aside from that, be safe and be well. Its different today than it was when I was there a dozen years ago but I held the belief that if you were good to the people around you they would be good to you as well.
I already have the sunscreen and baby wipes covered. I have some time in a desert atmosphere (Ft. Huachuca) and I remember most of the little things that make life easier.

I had no idea about the homemade stills, but I do now. I was already planning on having people from back home send wiskey and vodka in shampoo bottles for my fix.

Good luck. That's all I can say.

[SNIP}
Oh..and one last thing....it is ok to be afraid..never met a grunt who didn't shit 10lbs the first time bullets went past him....you'll be no different. What is important is to use that fear..fear gives you an edge, keeps you on your toes..makes you observe the little things around you.

Take care...keep safe...

To add on what he said. I remember reading about 4th armored in Patton's army. There was one guy(can't think of his name) who was basically considered the best soldier in the outfit. The author told one story about a particularly nasty firefight. He saw the guy in the turrent firing the 50s. There was a flash and he saw the guy was very scared. The author wrote "From that point on, I knew he would survive the war" He did.

Good luck NA. I have a cousin and a buddy over there now.....

Good luck! My dad, a few of my cousins, and my best friend are in Iraq.

It would take the whole Arab world to attempt to make up for the loss of one American

With this mentality, not so great....

Straighten up. Now it's serious, look at the damage a small handfull can do. You are supposed to represent a better way.

Sorry I can't be more positive, but too much is at stake with that flag on your shirt.

I have only lurked in the forums before, but this has prompted me to speak out.

Thank you for your service, and I wish you the best of luck. From what I read in the posts I know you believe in the basic goodness of America and Americans, but unlike us in this debate society, you have a chance to prove it. Don't be a hero, to take on the duty of defending the safety of your fellow soldiers and citizens voluntarily is already noble enough.

So, you joined the Imperial Forces and your off to invade another oil-field
-- Enjoy the DU (karma is a bitch!)

Two Bits
Four Bits
Six Bits
A dollar,

If you're for Auburn, Stand up and holler....


Waaaaaaaaaaaaar Eagle, Hey!

I think you'll come back with a whole new outlook on life...especially about Bush.

Make sure you put your affairs in order before you leave. Having read some of your ignorant posts, you may be quick to make enemies among the locals and possibly among other coalition soldiers. I'd watch my back if I were you.

Wow man that is so nasty.

Shame on you.

you'll do well

go with God

God bless you. Hopefully you won't posted in a hotspot ... like Baghdad.

Well..the consensus is NA that you take care, come back safely, Take Thunder's advice on the suntan lotion..which I see you replied too, as far as the still goes..not worth the Article 15 if you get caught...but then again, you're a Guard unit..and your people might not be as uptight as my Marine infantry unit was...I remember a young Marine getting a six-pack of beer sent while he was in Saudi..he got caught...the Battalion Commander assembled the entire battalion..and he had to pour the beer into the sand...all the while the Colonel was reaffirming policy regarding alchoholic beverages in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and our Status of Forces Agreement with them.

Don't be a hero..you're an S-2 analyst..not a field operative or infantryman..let men like my sons do the S&D missions and the patrolling...stay in your compound in the Green Zone, get thru your tour of duty and go home.

Remember what you have been taught in regards to the Geneva Conventions....

If you are ordered to break the law shout out.

loose the gung ho attitude - hopefully when you see your first corpse shredded to bits you might realise that this is not a game.

You will have 0 chance of meeting up with ordinary Iraqi's so you will not learn anything about them....but one suggestion....bone up on some basic phrases....

Hope you have a positive impact but I doubt it. Not from what you post here.

I hope you realise that not all the combatants are AQ or their ilk...they are doing what you would do if you had been invaded.

On the practicle side....get gun lubricant that works in dry arid conditions coz the crap the Army gives you is worse than pants (unless they have changed it?) and always keep yer lid on yer head and wear that body armour....

With all sincerity - good luck.

God bless you and keep you safe.

If you keep your spirits up, I believe you'll do just fine.

Good luck over there!

Listen to your gut and veterans and practice what you are bad in. Practice your marksmanship in off hours if bored and have nothing to do.

well thats a differnace of opinion, and it has nothing to do what this tread is about.

Well, I didn't say anything to the contrary.

You're gonna be fine dude. :) For success in Iraq all you need to do is remenber one thing...no matter what any liberal tells you...geneva conventions don't apply to terrorists! :twisted:

Two Bits
Four Bits
Six Bits
A dollar,

If you're for Auburn, Stand up and holler....


Waaaaaaaaaaaaar Eagle, Hey!

Pfft... Georgia's gonna rekick your asses this year... :wink:

Best of luck in Iraq. I had a brother in Iraq, and he came out pretty liberal. Of course, I'm not sure what he was coming in, but your tour of duty might change your opinion for the better. :lol:

You're gonna be fine dude. :) For success in Iraq all you need to do is remenber one thing...no matter what any liberal tells you...geneva conventions don't apply to terrorists! :twisted:

First off I am not a Liberal you total muppet.

Secondly there is no point in even discussing this issue with you as you most likely are an ance suffering 14 year old with illusions of intelligence.

There is as much point in discussion with you as there is for a brick to try and swim the Atlantic Ocean.

Moron.

Well, how many US soldiers have been rotated through Iraq now? 200,000? A quarter of a million? And only 700 fatalities, maybe 7 or 8 times than number wounded. I suppose those aren't bad odds.

Good luck man. And thank you.

I had a brother in Iraq, and he came out pretty liberal.

Really... :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Well, how many US soldiers have been rotated through Iraq now? 200,000? A quarter of a million? And only 700 fatalities, maybe 7 or 8 times than number wounded. I suppose those aren't bad odds.

Yes, it could have been worse. All the same, their sacrifices were not in vain. The preservation of western civilisation - and indeed the American Empire - is of the highest priority.

Break a leg.

But with a D in typing.

Good luck though, don't get yourself killed.

Well, how many US soldiers have been rotated through Iraq now? 200,000? A quarter of a million? And only 700 fatalities, maybe 7 or 8 times than number wounded. I suppose those aren't bad odds.
818 KIA last i checked.

Well, how many US soldiers have been rotated through Iraq now? 200,000? A quarter of a million? And only 700 fatalities, maybe 7 or 8 times than number wounded. I suppose those aren't bad odds.
818 KIA last i checked.

how many more have been killed just around the place in accidents?

Two Bits
Four Bits
Six Bits
A dollar,

If you're for Auburn, Stand up and holler....


Waaaaaaaaaaaaar Eagle, Hey!

Pfft... Georgia's gonna rekick your asses this year... :wink:
I go to Ole Miss, so UGA isn't going to be kicking our ass this year.

I was born and raised a huge AU fan, and i still am.

Good luck and God bless you. I pray for you and all the other guys over there.
Keep your mouth shut, and your eyes and ears wide open. Never volunteer to go on patrol or anything, and stay hydrated at all costs. I know a marine who just earned his purple heart and a new set or scars on his ass (literally) over there, so the dangers are all to real. but stay cool and out of combat, and you'll be back with a nice tan and some neat stories. Take care.

Well, how many US soldiers have been rotated through Iraq now? 200,000? A quarter of a million? And only 700 fatalities, maybe 7 or 8 times than number wounded. I suppose those aren't bad odds.
818 KIA last i checked.

how many more have been killed just around the place in accidents?
Accidents happen everywhere, weather at Ft. Benning, GA or in Najaf.

The DoD doesn't keep official numbers on the number of casualties in non-combat accidents

You're gonna be fine dude. :) For success in Iraq all you need to do is remenber one thing...no matter what any liberal tells you...geneva conventions don't apply to terrorists! :twisted:

throw that and your ROE away once the lead starts flying...soon as someone shoots at you kill any and everything that isnt wearing a US flag on their shoulder :wink:

You're gonna be fine dude. :) For success in Iraq all you need to do is remenber one thing...no matter what any liberal tells you...geneva conventions don't apply to terrorists! :twisted:

throw that and your ROE away once the lead starts flying...soon as someone shoots at you kill any and everything that isnt wearing a US flag on their shoulder :wink:

Even women and children?

I think, even as a soldier, I would have a problem with that.

You're gonna be fine dude. :) For success in Iraq all you need to do is remenber one thing...no matter what any liberal tells you...geneva conventions don't apply to terrorists! :twisted:

throw that and your ROE away once the lead starts flying...soon as someone shoots at you kill any and everything that isnt wearing a US flag on their shoulder :wink:
The only ROE that matters is that I am authorized to use deadly force if myself, my soldiers, or any US property "seems" threatened.

I hope I don't have to use that, but if it comes down to it, I will use that to my advantage.

You're gonna be fine dude. :) For success in Iraq all you need to do is remenber one thing...no matter what any liberal tells you...geneva conventions don't apply to terrorists! :twisted:

throw that and your ROE away once the lead starts flying...soon as someone shoots at you kill any and everything that isnt wearing a US flag on their shoulder :wink:

Even women and children?

I think, even as a soldier, I would have a problem with that.

Most people say they'd have a problem with it, but when they get into combat and they watch a 12 year old shoot one of their fellow soldiers there's no hesitation before they shoot back.

You're gonna be fine dude. :) For success in Iraq all you need to do is remenber one thing...no matter what any liberal tells you...geneva conventions don't apply to terrorists! :twisted:

throw that and your ROE away once the lead starts flying...soon as someone shoots at you kill any and everything that isnt wearing a US flag on their shoulder :wink:

Great...thats nearly as intelligent as Luciferius...

You do realise that there is a coalition of forces...not only yanks

Is it me or is the number of idiots on this site higher than normal?

You'll probally do as well as the anti-war protest I am sponsoring.

Well..the consensus is NA that you take care, come back safely, Take Thunder's advice on the suntan lotion..which I see you replied too, as far as the still goes..not worth the Article 15 if you get caught...but then again, you're a Guard unit..and your people might not be as uptight as my Marine infantry unit was...I remember a young Marine getting a six-pack of beer sent while he was in Saudi..he got caught...the Battalion Commander assembled the entire battalion..and he had to pour the beer into the sand...all the while the Colonel was reaffirming policy regarding alchoholic beverages in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and our Status of Forces Agreement with them.

Don't be a hero..you're an S-2 analyst..not a field operative or infantryman..let men like my sons do the S&D missions and the patrolling...stay in your compound in the Green Zone, get thru your tour of duty and go home.

My experience was that the engineers had a lot more freedom when it came down to this. We pretty much figured that since they did some of the more dangerous stuff (without guns most of the time, you don't want engineers with guns) they had more leeway. Like I said, things may have changed since then, but I'm willing to bet that the engineers are still the best resource for alcohol.

by the way, I would like to get some input from my NationStates "enemies."Just don't die out there, yeah?

Well, how many US soldiers have been rotated through Iraq now? 200,000? A quarter of a million? And only 700 fatalities, maybe 7 or 8 times than number wounded. I suppose those aren't bad odds.Still though, you've got better chances if you stay home and play NS.

I would love to sit here and do nothing, but those damn personal attributes called duty and honor won't let me do that

I would love to sit here and do nothing, but those damn personal attributes called duty and honor won't let me do thatHa. Thats what you get for having a social conscience.

Have a safe trip and back.

You're gonna be fine dude. :) For success in Iraq all you need to do is remenber one thing...no matter what any liberal tells you...geneva conventions don't apply to terrorists! :twisted:

throw that and your ROE away once the lead starts flying...soon as someone shoots at you kill any and everything that isnt wearing a US flag on their shoulder :wink:

Great...thats nearly as intelligent as Luciferius...

You do realise that there is a coalition of forces...not only yanks

Is it me or is the number of idiots on this site higher than normal?


I think you are right - keeping to RoE is the sign of a professional well trained fighting force - not a bunch of trigger happy cretins who send millions of rounds of lead down range to take out one person - that could be dealt with with one well aimed shot.

It is good to work as a coalition in things such as this but people with this attitude of kill everything that isn't US just give your country a bad name amongst the rest of us (I have served alongside US psyops troops in Bosnia and Kosovo and have respect for them) but unfortunately there are a lot of cretins as well. Rant over! :lol:

I forgot to say Good Luck, be professional and you will do OK!

If you've got all these medals you'll obviously do fine. Stop fishing for compliments. That's like me doing this.

Do you guys think I'm a good investor? Here's what a few people have said about me.


CFO guy (names will remain anonymous)- He has an amazing talent for picking stocks and getting out of them in time.

Secretary- he's charming and intelligent, and he'll make anyone smile.

......... Don't brag.

I can't think of anything involved in military activity in Iraq that would not suit you perfectly.

http://www.geog.ucsb.edu/~jeff/earthgifs/world.gif

I expect your arrogance and overbearing personal pride will either see you through or get you killed. Although I don't like you, I hope get the former.

If you've got all these medals you'll obviously do fine. Stop fishing for compliments. That's like me doing this.

Do you guys think I'm a good investor? Here's what a few people have said about me.

CFO guy (names will remain anonymous)- He has an amazing talent for picking stocks and getting out of them in time.

Secretary- he's charming and intelligent, and he'll make anyone smile.

......... Don't brag.
:lol: I must say, that is far less believable. :lol:

Well, how many US soldiers have been rotated through Iraq now? 200,000? A quarter of a million? And only 700 fatalities, maybe 7 or 8 times than number wounded. I suppose those aren't bad odds.Still though, you've got better chances if you stay home and play NS.I dunno, NS can ge pretty violent... :P

You should be fine in Iraq. In fact, if I were you, I'd be happy to go to Iraq. It's far safer for US troops than Afghanistan. Besides, as you've pointed out, you're a tough guy. If anything comes your way, they'll feel the wrath of the US.
However, remain civil and dutiful to the Iraqis and their government. Good luck, and may God protect you.

Most of you already know tha my unit has recieved an alert and will most likey be mobilized by September.

My question to yall is, how will I do in Iraq?

I hope you will be decapitated and your body dragged through the streets of Basra