The Good, The Bad And The Ugly
We had a little get together the other night. That phrase, in and of itself is not weird...if you ignore the fact that we are in Baghdad, Iraq...the most deadly city in the world...or something like that. But we did...and we did our best to relax and forget about the war for a minute or two.
The occasion was the departure of several people from the Theater of Operations, and the welcoming of the new ones taking their places. The military calls these, "Hail and Farewell." Under normal circumstances, I dislike them greatly. Here, in Baghdad...I have reached new levels of loathing for them.
Whilst trying to ignore the forced friendliness that was happening all around between military personnel...that I know for a fact have issues with each other...I turned my attention to the civilians that work with us. Now, I have some very strong opinions about the fact that civilians are out here performing similar duties as the military. And they do it right next to us.
We were all under "the tree" (this thing is enormous...I believe it is a Bana tree...and it's branches create a canopy of shade larger than the first floor of my home.) I politely refused the offer of an alcoholic beverage (which should have never been offered anyway...since it is illegal for us to drink over here...) and put that on my list of reasons to resent most of the civilians out here. It was at that point that a bird pooped on my head.
The biggest problem I have with this (the civilians...not the birds...) is that they are not the military. A lot of them are former military of some sort..but have gotten out for one reason or another. They walk around here in their khaki cargo pants and Under Armor t-shirts, with loaded pistols on their sides...or even worse, fully loaded assault rifles. Why should this bother me? I walk around with a weapon on my leg all day...right. Well...my badge allows me to carry the weapon...yes. It does not allow me to carry a LOADED weapon. Apparently the DOD hasn't paid me enough...my contract (AS A SOLDIER) is less than that of some contractor who put together a group of has been's and wannabe's.
Why such animosity? Let me explain. They have turned this thing into a commercial event. This thing that should be a noble liberation of an oppressed people and re-establishment of a sovereign government, has turned into a conglomeration of corporations and contractors turning a profit from another country's turmoil. I volunteered to come here for multiple reasons...and the fact that even here, the military is looked down on by the civilians it protects turns my stomach.
Let me explain those points...
If you wanted to keep doing military type operations...STAY IN THE MILITARY!! If you have retired, that means you are old...get out of Iraq. If you got out after just a few years or didn't finish your whole twenty and still want to play Soldier games, then you can still come back in...and you should have re-enlisted. If you are out here in one of these civilian positions, and running military type operations because some contractor can pay you better than the job you had in the states...step back and check your priorities...and read my previous posts. This thing cannot be about any amount of money...or it will never be worth the sacrifices we are making.
Now...I ask...why are they allowed to be here? They fill positions that any Soldier could easily fill. The Military complains about being streached too thin, and not having the money to buy the proper equipment...or give the Military the pay raise they wish they could. But the average Civilian contractor out here is making 2 to 3 times what I make. (And I've been in ten years and have several promotions under my belt. Imagine how much more they make than the average private...doing the same job.) So the government can afford to pay the Contractor enough to keep him over here, but wonders how it will supply the US Security forces with the proper armor to counter a roadside bomb. Sounds simple...clear, right? Funny how things get blurred when bureaucrats and money are involved.
But...honestly, I am not just bent around the money thing. It burns me up, yes...but that is not the only thing that bugs me.
There are other reasons...one of which being their view of what our role (the military) is out here..and life in general. These civilians and others within the areas I work have described the Military presence here as uncivilized, and rude. We have been compared to animals, and cavemen. All of this, just prior to a group of civilian men getting drunk at the pool and one of them dropping his shorts at a female soldier walking by...now who's the caveman?
One night, as I enjoyed a midnight meal of cheese omelet and chicken nuggets (don't ask...when you get a craving, you get a craving...) a group of about six civilian guys were sitting at the table behind me. A young female soldier came in wearing her PT uniform (Shorts and T-shirt...) and instantly garnered the attention of these men. She did her best to ignore them and their obnoxious banter, but I could tell that she was not comfortable with it. She sat and began to eat. They kept talking about her and even making a comment or two to her.
I have a tendency to want to be the hero and step in and save the situation. This part of my personality was about to take over when one of the men stood up and walked to her table. He started talking to her quietly, and I couldn't really hear what he was saying. Then she spoke...and everyone heard what she said. "Look," she began. "It sucks being a woman over here. I have a hard enough time, and I shouldn't have to worry about being harassed while I eat. There are plenty of people outside the fence that want to make my life hard, asshole...so just go sit back down and leave me alone."
My heart soared. I was proud of her, and felt for her all at once. It is hard here, but to add stress in one of the few places we should feel safe...and stress inflicted by the very same civilians who rely on us to keep them safe...absolutely unacceptable.
It was only two nights later that I sat and was beginning to eat with one of my co-workers (in the Navy) when a civilian sits down next to us. He began to try to impress us by calling us by our ranks...demonstrating his vast knowledge of the military. He asked what our MOS's (that's military talk for "JOB") were, and then WOWed us by knowing what the codes for those are...(for example...I'm a Signals Analyst, the code for the job being 98C).
It was all good, and we humored him, until he began telling us about how he had just spent the evening having drinks at the "Member's Only" Bar, and how he had such a long day (8 hours...and I was just starting a twelve hour shift.) but it was alright, because he had the next day off. (Most military out here only get maybe half a day off...just 6 hours each week...maybe.) He looked at me a little funny as I stood and walked away, wishing him a good evening..before I was finished with my meal.
One of the biggest things that bugs me, is that we...as a Military...are expected to do certain things and act certain ways...and what do they hold themselves to? We are held to a high standard but thought of in lowly terms. People want us around to keep them safe, but not to get in the way while doing so. We are expected to defend the freedom of speech, but do it silently...while we are called demons and devils. And through it all, the civilians are quick to point out the moment one of us slips even a fraction of an inch.
Another issue I have is the lack of standards. I am very proud to wear this uniform. I have spent time in the Presidental Honor Guard, and hold myself and all the soldiers that serve with me to a high standard. The civilians over here, that are filling the roles that we cannot, due to cutbacks or troop reductions, or whatever other reason the "administration" deems appropriate, are not held to those standards. They walk around with their weapons, and their high tech gear, wearing military style clothing...but they don't have the same standards to answer to. No one holds them to a standard of appearance or conduct anywhere near to that which I hold myself and my soldiers.
I have seen these "teams" walk around unshaven, with beer guts...slightly over the hill soldiers of fortune out there in the eyes of the Iraqi people. Or, the guy who just graduated from college and couldn't tell you what the real world looked like, but was able to get on with one of these companies and is now out here...looking terrified, confused and lost everytime I see them. And these guys are out "representing" America. Not the best image I could think of to put into the world's mind as a representation of who we are.
Do I want thousands more soldiers over here? No. Do I think I know the way to fix all the problems over here? Not all of them. Do I think this thing would be easier if the only people we had to worry about were the US/Coalition Military and the bad Guys...without having to babysit a bunch of overpaid mercenaries? Yup.
I know there have to be some civilians out here. Diplomatic positions need to be filled that I know I have neither the patience, nor the gift of subltety to fill. There are certain things that civilians need to be here for. Most of the civilians out here don't need to be, however. The US military has trained people to do nearly every job out here...yet we are filling these spots with, to put it bluntly, people who will get in the way if everything goes south.
I guess, the point of this whole rant is to have you think about how you value certain things. WAR...is a job for the military. We serve with pride and do everything that is asked of us...the whole time knowing that someone else may be getting paid much more to do the same, or that when you look at us, you get uncomfortable because the military is for people who have nothing else. Still we stand tall and answer the call everyday. I guess the frustration comes from a lack of appreciation for what we are as a military and who we are as people...in a nut shell. I hate seeing us treated poorly...no matter where in the world we are.
The next time you see a Military Service member, notice the way they carry themselves. Notice that they most likely are polite to the people they talk to, and try not to draw attention to themselves. Then think about the sacrifices that he or she has made...because it is expected of them.
Then think about the fact that they are doing it for you.
Now, while I have complained a lot this post...(thank you, if you are still reading, by the way.)..there are some things that I can appreciate. My room mate and I were out under the tree after lunch the other day. He was smoking and I was just sitting there enjoying the shade. A young lady walked by...civilian that works somewhere in the palace...and smiled at us. She nodded as she passed and said "Thank you. You guys are doing a great job out here...stay safe." I commented on how nice it was to hear that...even out here. Then I commented on how I still think they should all get out of Iraq, but I guess everywhere you go...you get the Good, the Bad, and The Ugly.
It was at that moment that a bird pooped on my head.
SFC Newman
OUT
P.S. After some thought and a few reviews of this post...I have posted a comment. Please check it out.
The occasion was the departure of several people from the Theater of Operations, and the welcoming of the new ones taking their places. The military calls these, "Hail and Farewell." Under normal circumstances, I dislike them greatly. Here, in Baghdad...I have reached new levels of loathing for them.
Whilst trying to ignore the forced friendliness that was happening all around between military personnel...that I know for a fact have issues with each other...I turned my attention to the civilians that work with us. Now, I have some very strong opinions about the fact that civilians are out here performing similar duties as the military. And they do it right next to us.
We were all under "the tree" (this thing is enormous...I believe it is a Bana tree...and it's branches create a canopy of shade larger than the first floor of my home.) I politely refused the offer of an alcoholic beverage (which should have never been offered anyway...since it is illegal for us to drink over here...) and put that on my list of reasons to resent most of the civilians out here. It was at that point that a bird pooped on my head.
The biggest problem I have with this (the civilians...not the birds...) is that they are not the military. A lot of them are former military of some sort..but have gotten out for one reason or another. They walk around here in their khaki cargo pants and Under Armor t-shirts, with loaded pistols on their sides...or even worse, fully loaded assault rifles. Why should this bother me? I walk around with a weapon on my leg all day...right. Well...my badge allows me to carry the weapon...yes. It does not allow me to carry a LOADED weapon. Apparently the DOD hasn't paid me enough...my contract (AS A SOLDIER) is less than that of some contractor who put together a group of has been's and wannabe's.
Why such animosity? Let me explain. They have turned this thing into a commercial event. This thing that should be a noble liberation of an oppressed people and re-establishment of a sovereign government, has turned into a conglomeration of corporations and contractors turning a profit from another country's turmoil. I volunteered to come here for multiple reasons...and the fact that even here, the military is looked down on by the civilians it protects turns my stomach.
Let me explain those points...
If you wanted to keep doing military type operations...STAY IN THE MILITARY!! If you have retired, that means you are old...get out of Iraq. If you got out after just a few years or didn't finish your whole twenty and still want to play Soldier games, then you can still come back in...and you should have re-enlisted. If you are out here in one of these civilian positions, and running military type operations because some contractor can pay you better than the job you had in the states...step back and check your priorities...and read my previous posts. This thing cannot be about any amount of money...or it will never be worth the sacrifices we are making.
Now...I ask...why are they allowed to be here? They fill positions that any Soldier could easily fill. The Military complains about being streached too thin, and not having the money to buy the proper equipment...or give the Military the pay raise they wish they could. But the average Civilian contractor out here is making 2 to 3 times what I make. (And I've been in ten years and have several promotions under my belt. Imagine how much more they make than the average private...doing the same job.) So the government can afford to pay the Contractor enough to keep him over here, but wonders how it will supply the US Security forces with the proper armor to counter a roadside bomb. Sounds simple...clear, right? Funny how things get blurred when bureaucrats and money are involved.
But...honestly, I am not just bent around the money thing. It burns me up, yes...but that is not the only thing that bugs me.
There are other reasons...one of which being their view of what our role (the military) is out here..and life in general. These civilians and others within the areas I work have described the Military presence here as uncivilized, and rude. We have been compared to animals, and cavemen. All of this, just prior to a group of civilian men getting drunk at the pool and one of them dropping his shorts at a female soldier walking by...now who's the caveman?
One night, as I enjoyed a midnight meal of cheese omelet and chicken nuggets (don't ask...when you get a craving, you get a craving...) a group of about six civilian guys were sitting at the table behind me. A young female soldier came in wearing her PT uniform (Shorts and T-shirt...) and instantly garnered the attention of these men. She did her best to ignore them and their obnoxious banter, but I could tell that she was not comfortable with it. She sat and began to eat. They kept talking about her and even making a comment or two to her.
I have a tendency to want to be the hero and step in and save the situation. This part of my personality was about to take over when one of the men stood up and walked to her table. He started talking to her quietly, and I couldn't really hear what he was saying. Then she spoke...and everyone heard what she said. "Look," she began. "It sucks being a woman over here. I have a hard enough time, and I shouldn't have to worry about being harassed while I eat. There are plenty of people outside the fence that want to make my life hard, asshole...so just go sit back down and leave me alone."
My heart soared. I was proud of her, and felt for her all at once. It is hard here, but to add stress in one of the few places we should feel safe...and stress inflicted by the very same civilians who rely on us to keep them safe...absolutely unacceptable.
It was only two nights later that I sat and was beginning to eat with one of my co-workers (in the Navy) when a civilian sits down next to us. He began to try to impress us by calling us by our ranks...demonstrating his vast knowledge of the military. He asked what our MOS's (that's military talk for "JOB") were, and then WOWed us by knowing what the codes for those are...(for example...I'm a Signals Analyst, the code for the job being 98C).
It was all good, and we humored him, until he began telling us about how he had just spent the evening having drinks at the "Member's Only" Bar, and how he had such a long day (8 hours...and I was just starting a twelve hour shift.) but it was alright, because he had the next day off. (Most military out here only get maybe half a day off...just 6 hours each week...maybe.) He looked at me a little funny as I stood and walked away, wishing him a good evening..before I was finished with my meal.
One of the biggest things that bugs me, is that we...as a Military...are expected to do certain things and act certain ways...and what do they hold themselves to? We are held to a high standard but thought of in lowly terms. People want us around to keep them safe, but not to get in the way while doing so. We are expected to defend the freedom of speech, but do it silently...while we are called demons and devils. And through it all, the civilians are quick to point out the moment one of us slips even a fraction of an inch.
Another issue I have is the lack of standards. I am very proud to wear this uniform. I have spent time in the Presidental Honor Guard, and hold myself and all the soldiers that serve with me to a high standard. The civilians over here, that are filling the roles that we cannot, due to cutbacks or troop reductions, or whatever other reason the "administration" deems appropriate, are not held to those standards. They walk around with their weapons, and their high tech gear, wearing military style clothing...but they don't have the same standards to answer to. No one holds them to a standard of appearance or conduct anywhere near to that which I hold myself and my soldiers.
I have seen these "teams" walk around unshaven, with beer guts...slightly over the hill soldiers of fortune out there in the eyes of the Iraqi people. Or, the guy who just graduated from college and couldn't tell you what the real world looked like, but was able to get on with one of these companies and is now out here...looking terrified, confused and lost everytime I see them. And these guys are out "representing" America. Not the best image I could think of to put into the world's mind as a representation of who we are.
Do I want thousands more soldiers over here? No. Do I think I know the way to fix all the problems over here? Not all of them. Do I think this thing would be easier if the only people we had to worry about were the US/Coalition Military and the bad Guys...without having to babysit a bunch of overpaid mercenaries? Yup.
I know there have to be some civilians out here. Diplomatic positions need to be filled that I know I have neither the patience, nor the gift of subltety to fill. There are certain things that civilians need to be here for. Most of the civilians out here don't need to be, however. The US military has trained people to do nearly every job out here...yet we are filling these spots with, to put it bluntly, people who will get in the way if everything goes south.
I guess, the point of this whole rant is to have you think about how you value certain things. WAR...is a job for the military. We serve with pride and do everything that is asked of us...the whole time knowing that someone else may be getting paid much more to do the same, or that when you look at us, you get uncomfortable because the military is for people who have nothing else. Still we stand tall and answer the call everyday. I guess the frustration comes from a lack of appreciation for what we are as a military and who we are as people...in a nut shell. I hate seeing us treated poorly...no matter where in the world we are.
The next time you see a Military Service member, notice the way they carry themselves. Notice that they most likely are polite to the people they talk to, and try not to draw attention to themselves. Then think about the sacrifices that he or she has made...because it is expected of them.
Then think about the fact that they are doing it for you.
Now, while I have complained a lot this post...(thank you, if you are still reading, by the way.)..there are some things that I can appreciate. My room mate and I were out under the tree after lunch the other day. He was smoking and I was just sitting there enjoying the shade. A young lady walked by...civilian that works somewhere in the palace...and smiled at us. She nodded as she passed and said "Thank you. You guys are doing a great job out here...stay safe." I commented on how nice it was to hear that...even out here. Then I commented on how I still think they should all get out of Iraq, but I guess everywhere you go...you get the Good, the Bad, and The Ugly.
It was at that moment that a bird pooped on my head.
SFC Newman
OUT
P.S. After some thought and a few reviews of this post...I have posted a comment. Please check it out.
posted by Unknown at 5:32 AM
3 Comments:
SFC Newman,
You didn't mention that your Navy coworker got up and walked out with you. I do now want your readers to think I condone those who drink and carry a weapon.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
So that no one gets the wrong idea...Just a quick note to anyone who reads this and thinks that I may have a problem with civilians in general. I do not. I have worked with civilians before and will work with them again, and have always gotten along well with them and consider many of them good friends. There are quite a few of them out here I have no problem with...I like them...I just don't want them here. I just don't feel like this (IRAQ) is the place for them to be. Let's let the military fight the wars...that's all. I mean...why be out here, if you don't have to be.
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