Here we go…day one of this endeavor is over and it ended on a good note…I cleared Medical. Even though I had already cleared at Ft. Snelling last month, I still had to get through these Active Duty Doctors here at Ft. Benning. I was a little concerned that they may take a more vigorous look at me than the Reservists in Minnesota. However, since I had already cleared, I breezed right through Medical today…once I actually got there. I spent the entire day clearing Medical. I did probably a half hour work all day today and spent 10 hours doing it. Only in the Army can you wait an hour for a bus to take you somewhere 20 minutes away, only to be made to wait on the bus for another hour for chairs to open up, enabling you to waste another two hours waiting on the doctors to spend 2 minutes with you. Nowhere else in life have I found a place that you have to wait to wait.

Despite my boredom today, I'm glad I'm here…there's always been something about Ft. Benning I love. This is the home of the Infantry. Benning is loaded with so much history, challenge, and tradition one can't help but be motivated by it. I'm at a part of the post called Harmony Church; this is the very same ground as I slogged through in Basic Training 17 years ago. When I came back as a Drill Sergeant in 02, I was at the new Sand Hill and never made it over there. I don't think they've used it much for anything but Sniper & Special Forces training over the past decade; they just opened it back up since the war started. This is the deepest, darkest pine forests as you'll find anywhere in Dixie…I love it here. Benning truly is the epitome of the Army.

That said, there's a lot more than just Army with me here now. This place I'm at is called CRC, which stands for Connus Replacement Center, which means Continental United States Replacement Center. I'm going through a program they call IMA which is short for Individual Movement Augmentation. Most soldiers that go to war or to any deployment around the world do so as a Unit. The entire Unit will go to the nearest Army base and spend 3-10 weeks going through the Soldier Readiness Program or SRP,(using yet another beloved Army acronym). Then when the Unit is validated and gets orders, they all fly. This CRC thing I'm in is the same thing except for individuals and very much expedited…down to two weeks. Anyone that is simply a replacement, or is catching up with their Unit, as in my case, comes through this program either here or Ft. Bliss, Texas…the only two in the country. Although ran by the Army, it's not just Army. Anyone going to overseas without a Unit comes through here, including Navy, Air Force, Marines, civilian contractors, (Halliburton), AAFEES & MWR employees, and even Iraqi Nationals going back as interpreters or spies. We have several dozen Iraqis right here with us. We had one with us today in the bus and he had quite a story to tell. When I'm on Active Duty, I always enjoy those big Army breakfasts so I usually skip lunch. Today while we were waiting on the bus for seats to open up in Medical, they came and ordered us off to draw MREs for lunch. Well the civilians don't get them because they get paid so much and they have rental cars and go out to eat…well for some reason, this guy didn't. I saw him sitting on the bus and I knew he had to be uncomfortable and I noticed he didn't eat so I asked him if he wanted my MRE. He did and was very gracious and polite so of course we started a dialogue. Come to find out, he was a former soldier in Saddam Hussien's vaunted Republican Guard. He fought proudly in the Iraq/Iran war and was a career soldier but always had misgivings about Saddam. In 1990 when Iraq invaded Kuwait, he and his brother decided they could no longer serve him and defected to Saudi Arabia where they turned themselves into the UN troops, who imprisoned them for three years. For their act of betrayal, Saddam executed their father. He is now going back as a spy to infiltrate the insurgent groups opposing democracy in Iraq.

I had another strange run in this morning as well. I was sitting in the chow hall, eating that big Army breakfast, when in walks this soldier that about made me choke on my hash. He was dressed in the Army's DCUs, or Desert Combat Uniform, the one you see them wearing on the news, the tan camouflage for the desert. Anyway, he was perfectly uniformed, but had hair half-way down to his ass and in a pony tail as well as a huge mountain man beard! I couldn't believe it…I thought: 'What in the world is the Army coming to?'. So of course, after finishing up I went to get a better look at him and his uniform was just like any other except for one thing…instead of saying US Army over the heart, it said: DEA. Come to find out, this guy was a Fed going over to Afghanistan to work over those Opium producers. I soon started noticing that all the services and the Feds all are issued Army uniforms, just without the Army patch. I would guess that we are probably 50 percent Army here with a large Navy contingent, even smaller Air Force and Marines, and probably ten percent civilians, Feds, or Iraqi Nationals.

Speaking of Air Force, I sit across from an Air Force fighter pilot today and he was bitching up a storm about how we were being treated, the living accommodations, and mostly…the food. He said after just one night and day that he was done with us and he was going to rent a car and get a hotel room. All I could do was laugh…I think its real decent here. He is going to the horn of Africa for some reason. I would guess about half of us are going to Iraq, with many going to Kosovo or Afghanistan and a few going to other weird countries that used to be part of the Soviet Union or Africa.

The shots were all different depending on where you were going. I had to get six. Most of mine were still good from five years ago but they just made everyone get them anyway unless you'd had them in the last year. Thus far, they're not bothering me. I don't think they do much to you when you've already had them. They sure made me sick when I had them in Germany getting ready for Kosovo.

So…that was my day. I'm sure glad Medical was first on the list so I don't have to worry any longer. I suspect they do that to get rid of anyone that's not going to deploy so they don't waste the time & money on them.

Day Two

Wheww! I'm beat…what a long day. We started this morning at 0500 at CIF or Central Issue Facility. We filed off the busses and formed a long line and they handed us three Army duffle bags. Over the next five hours, we went from station to station getting all our gear. You can't believe the desert equipment I have. From body armor to chemical suits to mosquito nets. Three bags worth…I don't know how they expect us to get all this stuff around. The best part was the new desert uniforms or DCUs, (Desert Combat Uniform) as the Army calls them. What's so great about them is the end of polishing boots in the Army. A daily tradition for us for decades.

After five hours of standing in line on concrete, they offered us MREs, (Meals Ready to Eat) for lunch…however we had to walk about five blocks to get them so of course most of us passed. During our lunch time, I met up with my new Iraqi friend again and he introduced me to a few others. I spent about a half an hour visiting with them and asking them questions. They seemed pretty cool, one of them I really find interesting. I guess they are in terrible danger working for the Department of Defense in Iraq as the insurgents see them as the worst kind of ilk and as traitors.

From there we went to SRP, (Soldier Readiness Program) and completed our processing. Most of today's stuff was financial, legal, family stuff, and insurance. I sure didn't think much of the civilian worker that did my insurance, she said: "Who do you want to receive your death benefits?" I said: "Nobody hopefully!" She apologized.

We didn't get done with that until 7:pm. About a half an hour to get back to Harmony Church here, ran to the chow hall starving, showered, hit the internet café, and now I'm ready for bed.

Day Three

I'm going to be short tonight as its 2230 already and I'm just getting to bed. Also…my two roommates have already gone to bed and I'm sure they don't appreciate my typing. Well…the Navy guy anyway…the Army guy is out like a light.

I can sum today up well with three words…'Death by PowerPoint'! God today was grueling…twelve hours of classes. Everything from Muslim culture, to Rules of Engagement, to how to properly pull guard duty. The only good thing about it was that we were in the famous Infantry Hall today. This is a century old building at Ft. Benning where the art of war has been taught to the greatest warriors mankind has ever known…the US Army's Infantry. Today during lunch I walked through the halls of the shrine and contemplated those who had walked before me. Many of my heroes…General George C. Marshal, General George S. Patton, General Dwight D. Eisenhower, and General Omar Bradley. Generals Ridgeway, Clark, Westmoreland, Schwarzkopf, and Powell…just to name a few. Not to mention the tens of thousand brave guys who would go on to earn their CIB, (Combat Infantry Badge). Unfortunately, many would never pin it on as it was awarded posthumously.

It was funny to watch the different people today as we process through this great hall. The civilians, Feds, Iraqis, Navy and Air Force personnel didn't seem to notice…but all of us Army guys were very subdued, it was much like we were in church or something. Maybe it was just me and the Army seemed subdued because we've all been through this boring crap so many times…but I think it was the overwhelming historical ambience of the place that kept us humbled.

Speaking of the other people here, I wanted to comment on another humorous observation I've made on our third day together regarding formations. Whenever we have a formation at a given time, the Iraqis and Afghans are always there about ten minutes early. The Army five minutes prior, the Navy & Air Force right on time, and the civilians drag in over the next ten minutes. It's funny to watch.

Even more fun is to listen to the Navy and Air Force bitch about us. Today our classes ran an hour late, and into chow. Then when we got done, we had to clean the room. Then when we were finally cleared by the Cadre, the busses were late to take us back to Harmony Church. They were all just livid but us Army guys never thought a thing about it…that's about normal for us. LOL

Day Four

Going to be another short one, I'm tired and don't have much to say about today. Our entire day was First Aid. Pretty boring stuff, but I did learn something new, how to call in a Medivac for wounded. I've done it before here at Benning for privates who went down with heat stroke, but they want it done a little different over there. Today was a little better than yesterday though because, for one, this training is of some value, and also we were in a training area outside, only about a quarter mile from the Company Area, so we were outside and moving around a little more than just sitting in the classroom.

I met another Iraqi today. He claims to be a former MIG fighter pilot for Saddam's Air Force in the 80s. I've started to make two friends, both Captains, about my age, and both from the Midwest so we have much in common. I also visited with an agent from the State Department in DC today that is going to Afghanistan…he was very interesting.

I guess I'll end today's entry with a personal thought. On Tuesday, as you've read, we were issued our gear and DCUs, (Desert Combat Uniforms). We brought them all home but had to turn in the tops that afternoon to get our nametags and US Army or whatever the case may be sewn on. We got them back this afternoon and are expected to show up in the morning with them as our new uniform. The Army has brought into service a new uniform, and digital pattern, which is being issued to all new troops starting in April. Therefore, when I come back, if I do decide to stay in, I will get the new uniform. I've been in and out of the Army for 17 years now…always in the same woodland camo uniform. This evening when I came home I took it off for the last time. I know it may seem frivolous to non-military, but if you can imagine the challenges, hardships, pain, pleasure, new sights and experiences, and goals reached all wearing the same set of clothes…you may understand.

Day Five

I'm going to be short again tonight as I'm exhausted. We had classes from 6:am until 10:pm today. All morning was how to search and deal with Iraqi prisoners and search vehicles. All afternoon was NBC training, that's Army for Nuclear, Biological, or Chemical…i.e. gas attacks. Then all evening was Basic marksmanship and the M-16 rifle and M-9 pistol.

Day Six

We went to the range today and I fired Sharpshooter first try. It's a big relief knowing I have a decent shooting weapon to take with me. I've been issued rifles before that I simply couldn't get to hit well. It was a nice day but we were out on that range all day and I'm sun burnt. Then after I was done and thought I was going back for the day…I got put on range detail. That sure sucked! All & all it was a good day though, now the stress of qualifying is over and there's nothing left to this process that I'm required to pass or test on, just four more days of training, two days off, and then the airplane ride.

Day Seven

Had the day off and needed it…I'm worn to a nub. I didn't get much rest though; this CRC thing runs two Companies at any given time, one week a part. Everyone comes in on Sundays and leaves on Sundays…so this morning that other company left for Iraq or Afghanistan or Kosovo or wherever they were going. Therefore…the party was on last night and then they had to get up early this morning get all their gear and step. So…I was up with them of course. I was able to go back to sleep after they left at 0800. I slept off & on most of the morning and watched some "Stargate" on my laptop, then went to the main PX this afternoon.

I lost both of my roommates this morning so was able to clean and reorganize the room to my liking. I figured I'd be getting a new roommate this afternoon when the new troops came in but I certainly wasn't expecting what I received. In the Army, when it comes to new roommates, a guy like me is always concerned with getting some 20 year old crazy, gangster rapper. When I came back from the PX I not only had a new roommate, but three! I was happy to see they were all old, fat guys like me…I figured them for Navy at first glance but it didn't take long to realize they were dogfaces. Upon visiting with them a little bit I found, much to my surprise, that they're all Green Berets! They're going to Afghanistan and they specialize in tracking and eliminating bad guys. I asked them their mission, (not expecting them to tell me) and they simply responded with: "We're just goin' on a little huntin' trip." They've already done a tour over there, been back six months, and are returning.

I've never really talked more than a few words to Special Forces guys in my past so I'm looking forward to this…maybe I can talk them into taking me with them. I'm still not sure what to think of their appearance though. The few SF guys I have been around in the past have been high speed, low drag. Two of these guys are older than me and one of them is only a year younger. They're all out of shape and worn out. They came in with a ton of crates and boxes. I told them we're only allowed four bags and a carry on but they said that rule doesn't apply to them. They even have big beer cooler on wheels they drag with them along with a portable bar with several bottles of liquor…which they broke out the moment they got here.
They all seem to be very intelligent and cognizant of current events, but they sure aren't what I would have expected. I'm wondering if there odd appearance isn't intentional for some reason.

This next week living with these guys is going to be very interesting.

Day Eight

Pretty easy day today…the entire day consisted of Land Navigation training. Map reading classes all morning and then PLGR, (pronounced Plugger) class all afternoon. The Plugger is the individual hand-held GPS, (Global Positioning Satellite) unit. It reads from satellites and tells you exactly where in the world you're standing. We truck drivers could really use these but of course they're too expensive for us all to get one, I think they're issuing them on a Unit bases over in theater. I have my own person GPS though so I'm OK. These things suck anyway. They were great in Desert Storm but now the civilian models have far surpassed them. A significant part of them is made in Cedar Rapids and I'm sure they're charging the Army thousands for each one. My personal model is much, much faster to track the satellites, and greatly improved on the functionality…not to mention much smaller. The only benefit to the military version is that they are accurate to within 16 meters where the civilian models can only come down to 25 meters. Government enforced regulations still linger from the Cold War. However, 9 meters is not any big deal in the overall perspective of warfighting.

I had lunch with a couple of my Green Beret roommates and learned more about them.

Today is my last day of relative comfort for a long time. Starting tomorrow, the duty uniform changes to include our rifle and body armor, (bullet proof vest) and will remain that way until I de-mobilize back here at Benning next Fall. Of course we don't have to wear it in our trailers/tents…but everywhere else we do including in the trucks and on the entire flight over. That's going to suck!

Things went much smoother and easier today since we got rid of all the civilians and Feds yesterday. They're all on a seven day program so now we're down to just Army, Navy and Air Force. Speaking of the Navy, as you know I've been enjoying the company of my cross-service friends here and really getting a kick out of their bitching. Today we were a couple clicks out on the Land Nav Course when it started pouring and then lightening. Of course being run by the Army, we didn't even flinch and kept right on training. On the road march back, in the rain, I heard a Navy officer behind me say: "I'll never say anything bad about the Navy again!"

Day Nine

We're in the good stuff now…combat training. Most of this stuff so far has been refreshers for me, which sucked but I'm glad I had them considering what I'm about to embark on. However, today was all new stuff for me. The entire morning was spent on the M2 .50 Caliber Browning machine gun and it is some weapon! This thing was developed in the 20s and has been in continuous service by the Army ever since with very few changes. The steal and construction of this thing is incredible.

Then…all afternoon was the MK 19, (Mark 19). I had heard this weapon was getting a lot of use in this war but didn't know much about it, in fact, I thought it was a .30 caliber machine gun. Come to find out, it's a grenade machine gun. You all know what a hand grenade is…imagine a great big monster of a machine gun that can fire 350 grenades a minute. That thing would be an absolute nightmare to have being fired at you…even cover from buildings or timber wouldn't be enough.

Then when we got back we got our flight orders in line for Sunday. We had to fill out next of kin cards and a bunch of paperwork. We don't have a time yet but everything's in order.

Today was the first of many in Body Armor, man I hate that stuff. I was sweating my ass off an hour before sunrise in February. I can't imagine what it's going to be like in July in that desert.

Day Ten

Much, much more of that high-speed combat training today. For this training, they've brought in some Drill Sergeants from the 29th Infantry to push us through it All morning was Urban Combat Training, including entering a building and recognizing non-combatants. I'm going to be sore tomorrow…I spent most of the day on my hands and knees or in the squatting position. We did a lot of work on weak-side firing today, which means learning how to shoot with your non-dominant hand. That sure feels awkward.

My future really hit home today with target acquisition training. The Army has always taught us to aim for the center mass of the body, but I guess over there the creeps are stealing our body armor and/or are high on methamphetamines. Therefore, they taught us today that if firing at the body does not bring the subject down, to fire towards the pelvic reign to break up the body's weight support. Then, being the Army, we even had instruction on how to make a proper head or kill shot. I had to laugh at that one.

We had a class on the Iraqi and former Soviet Block weapons that are going to be used against us.

We also had four hours of training on the M249 Machine Gun, otherwise known as the SAW. This is a very popular weapon for American troops, and has just about replaced the M60.

Well...one more day of training and I'll be 'Validated'…the Army's term for being ready for combat.

Day Eleven.

Validated!!! Wheww…I earned it today too. I haven't trained this hard in a long time; they have really kicked our asses the last two days. Everything from crawling over walls and under barbed wire to throwing grenades and convoy movements. We had classes on getting in and out of a vehicle under fire, fighting from a vehicle, recognizing IEDs and booby traps, and how to move under fire. They were throwing smoke and concussion grenades at us all day and I have a terrible headache from it. I'll bet I 'hit the dust' 25 or 30 times today reacting to incoming fire or artillery. They don't let us drop to our knees either; they make us use the butt of the rifle to take the impact, then our non-firing shoulder. That's quite a fall for someone as tall as me. I'm REALLY going to be sore tomorrow….this Infantry stuff is defiantly a young man's sport.

However…I'm done. Two days off and then that long plane ride.

Day Twelve

My main objective today was to rest up. I am exhausted from training the past two weeks; I'm glad that's over. Today I did rest up, went to the Post Office and sent home all my green uniforms and some other things they gave me that I'm certain I won't need. I then went to the PX and stocked up on the personal supplies I'll need and bought a few movies to watch on my laptop. Then I did my laundry, which was an ordeal. I had to wash it first, because they were filthy from all the crawling around in the mud the past two days. Then I washed them again with just water to get the soap smell out. Then I washed them again, adding Permethrin to the water, a chemical the Army gives us. It's a bug killer that is supposed to help keep the sand fleas away. Then I had to wash them one last time in just water to get that stink off of them. I went ahead and treated my blanket and the mosquito net they gave me as well.

Then I rented some movies and relaxed for the evening.

Today was of special significance to me; it was 17 years ago today that I arrived at this very spot to start my Basic Training. I was thinking about it and it would have been amazing to have known then, as a scared Private, that I'd be back here almost two decades later getting ready to go to war in Iraq.

Day Thirteen

I spent most of the day organizing and packing. I did have some paperwork to wrap up this morning, then finished up my laundry, and did some website work I've been putting off. I went to the Class Six store and got a bottle of whiskey because they don't allow it anywhere in Islam. Therefore…I'm ready. This will be my last journal entry from America.

Photos from
Ft. Benning