Differences

There are many differences between this deployment and the last one. For starters things seem much better organized than our last one. Whether this will be a good thing or not only time will tell. The first sign was that we were alerted almost a year in advance we were deploying instead of the 3-4 days that we had last time, although that ended up being a mixed blessing for most of us. It did however give us better quality training this time around, although I am sure that many would agree with me that we could have used more time behind the wheel.

Another difference is that when we arrived we went straight to our assigned base in Kuwait, rather than being gypsies like we did for a while last time. There also seems to be more structure to how the convoys roll, although I admit last time around we did bend the rules greatly on some things that were introduced later in the deployment. From what I have been hearing, our unit's legacy lives on a bit in the attitudes of the current 915 drivers here in theatre. Between that tid-bit and the motor pool I went by the other day it was hard not to get a bit misty-eyed for a few moments. The HETs are cool, solid trucks that can do a lot, but I will always be a 915 driver at heart.

The size of our company is different this time also. I'm really not sure how to comment on that, other than I will go out on a limb and say it feels good to be signing things as a member of the 1133rd TC again instead of the 3368. I guess some habits gained over the years just die hard.

We also have different equipment this time. Not only are we starting with better designed body armour, but we have the complete set. I'm not sure if its a good or not, but one has to wonder what type of indicator it is when you can put on a 40-60 pound armoured vest and you don't notice the weight and its almost as comfortable as a hoody sweatshirt. It’s also nice to have up-armored vehicles from the get-go, as well as taking over for a unit that has been here for almost a year. The advice, stories, and training they are giving us are easily worth their weight in gold.

Another big thing that is different is my view of things this deployment. Last deployment I was very nervous, suspicious, and in the beginning felt like we were all a bit lost. Not so now days. As much as I am not sure I should admit it, this place feels like home. Perhaps it’s because being here isn't really anything new, perhaps the set-up in Texas achieved its effect, perhaps it’s some other unknown factor, but I simply don't feel like being here is as big of a deal as last time. Like I said, it feels like home, in a familiarity-type way.

I think one of the things that may help with not feeling so far away and isolated from Life is the ease of communication back home. We have wireless internet in our barracks, and most of us have a microphone/headset in order to call or video message home from our computers. The costs are only a few pennies a minute we can still use our prepaid calling cards. I have to admit it helps keep things feelings connected and not so far away, but the time difference doesn’t help out much. I also think it’s nicer than having to walk outside or sit like a pretzel in order to get cell phone reception…although I miss being able to text message my bartender whenever I feel like it.

Our “barracks”/living quarters are much better this time than last too. We lived in tents for the first six months of that first deployment. This time we have warehouse-like buildings with bunk beds, wall lockers, cable TV, and wireless internet which is definitely many steps up from last time. Currently we have an Arabic-design rug covering the cement floor in our little cubical area. I jokingly commented to Pops this morning we should get framed art/pictures for on the walls and I think he is giving the idea some consideration. The carpet by itself helps give a home-like feel to our area. I may go ahead and purchase an antique style chest/trunk from one of the gift shops for use as a foot locker to store my civilian clothes and media gear. I do not entirely know why, but many of the gifts/souvenirs from various cultures around here appeal to me. One thing is for sure my den and living room at home will have a much more varied décor when I get home.

I think the biggest difference though is the nine hour time zone gap between here and home. My morning routine has now become my evening routine. People I would converse with online I have had to resort to playing message tag with, and it feels as if the news headlines never truly update. Many of us are currently brushing up on our basic math skills to ensure we call home at a time when the call recipient is awake. However, it is still better than not being able to contact home at all.

I am sure as time goes by and I am able to see Iraq once again I will find more things that have changed since my last visit. Until then though, everyone be safe.

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(Photo of an oil painting I was given by the artist while in Al Fallujah)